Town Center at Cobb: A Local’s Guide to This North Atlanta Shopping & Entertainment Hub

If you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting the area, Town Center at Cobb in Kennesaw is one of the major shopping and entertainment destinations on the north side of the city. Just off I‑75 and I‑575, it draws families, teens, and shoppers from across Cobb County and beyond.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there from Atlanta, what to do besides shop, and how Town Center at Cobb fits into the broader “things to do” landscape around Atlanta.

Where Town Center at Cobb Fits in the Atlanta Area

Location:
Town Center at Cobb
400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, Town Center at Cobb is roughly 25–35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. It sits in the Town Center commercial district of Kennesaw, surrounded by big-box stores, restaurants, and hotels. If you’re staying or living in:

• Midtown / Downtown Atlanta – Head north on I‑75.
• Sandy Springs / Buckhead – You can reach it via I‑285 west to I‑75 north or take surface roads like Cobb Parkway (US‑41).
• Marietta / Smyrna – It’s a short drive up Cobb Parkway or I‑75.

For many Atlanta residents, Town Center at Cobb is the primary mall north of Cumberland and south of Woodstock, making it a convenient stop if you’re already headed up I‑75 toward Kennesaw Mountain, Lake Allatoona, or North Georgia.

Shopping at Town Center at Cobb

Town Center at Cobb is laid out as a traditional two-story enclosed mall with multiple anchor stores and a long list of national and regional retailers.

What kinds of stores you’ll find

You can expect:

• Department and anchor stores – Larger retailers for clothing, home goods, and general shopping.
• Specialty fashion – Stores focused on women’s, men’s, and teen fashion, shoes, and accessories.
• Children and family-oriented shops – Kids’ clothing, toy and game stores, and seasonal gift shops.
• Jewelry and accessories – From everyday jewelry to more formal options.
• Beauty and health retailers – Cosmetics, skincare, and personal care.
• Electronics and tech – Small electronics, accessories, and repair shops.
• Home décor and lifestyle – Housewares, seasonal décor, and gift items.
• Kiosks and carts – Phone accessories, small gifts, snacks, and specialty items throughout the corridors.

If you’re comparing it to other Atlanta shopping destinations, Town Center at Cobb is generally:

• More traditional and suburban than Atlantic Station or Ponce City Market
• Less upscale than Lenox Square or Perimeter Mall
• More family- and value-focused, appealing to everyday shoppers from Kennesaw, Marietta, and Acworth

Dining and Food Options

You’ll find the typical mall food court experience plus several sit-down options either in or around the mall.

Inside the mall

Expect:

• A food court with fast-casual options (burgers, pizza, Asian, sandwiches, etc.)
• Snack spots for pretzels, smoothies, cookies, and ice cream
• Coffee and quick-grab beverage stands

This makes Town Center at Cobb an easy place to grab a quick bite between stores or keep kids fueled during a shopping trip.

Surrounding restaurants

One of the biggest advantages of this location is how many chain and local restaurants sit right around the mall along Ernest W Barrett Parkway, Cobb Place Boulevard, and Barrett Lakes Boulevard. Within a short drive (or even a walk, depending on where you park), you’ll find:

• Casual sit-down chains
• Fast-food drive‑throughs
• A few regional and local eateries
• Coffee shops and dessert spots

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying at a nearby Kennesaw or Town Center hotel, this cluster of restaurants near the mall is convenient for dinner without driving into the city.

Entertainment & Things To Do Beyond Shopping

Town Center at Cobb is primarily a shopping destination, but it also functions as a local hangout and occasional event space.

Entertainment at or near the mall

Depending on current tenants and setups, you may find:

• Arcade or family fun centers – Often smaller-scale entertainment venues where kids and teens can play games.
• Pop-up attractions – Seasonal experiences like photos with Santa, Easter Bunny setups, or temporary kid-friendly activities.
• Mall walking – Many Atlanta-area residents use Town Center at Cobb as an indoor walking route in the mornings, especially in bad weather or high pollen season.

Just outside the mall, the broader Town Center area includes:

• Multiple movie theaters within a short drive
• Nearby parks and trails (like those connected to the Town Center CID trail system)
• Easy access to Kennesaw State University events and KSU athletics, just a few minutes away

Seasonal Events and Activities

Like many malls in metro Atlanta, Town Center at Cobb often hosts seasonal and community events, which might include:

• Holiday photo experiences (Santa, Easter Bunny, themed backdrops)
• Back-to-school or tax-free weekend promotions
• Local organization tabling and activities, such as blood drives or charity events
• Occasional kids’ craft days, performances, or character meet-and-greets

If you’re planning a visit around a specific holiday season, check current event details in advance, as schedules and offerings can change year by year.

Getting to Town Center at Cobb from Atlanta

By car

Town Center at Cobb is car‑friendly, with large surface parking lots and multiple entrances.

Driving directions from central Atlanta:

1. Take I‑75 North from Downtown or Midtown.
2. Continue past I‑285.
3. Take Exit 269 (Barrett Parkway).
4. Turn left onto Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW.
5. The mall entrance will be on your right after a short distance.

Parking is generally free, and there are multiple lots around each anchor store. On weekends and during peak holiday shopping periods, the lots closer to the central entrances may fill up faster; parking near the back or side entrances can sometimes be quicker.

By public transit

Cobb County is served by CobbLinc (formerly Cobb Community Transit), but transit access from inside the City of Atlanta can be limited and may require transfers.

Common patterns residents use include:

• MARTA to CobbLinc transfer:
  • Take a MARTA bus or rail line to a CobbLinc transfer point (often around Cumberland or Northwest Atlanta).
  • Transfer to a CobbLinc route that serves the Town Center area (routes and stops may change over time, so confirming current service is important).

Because services and schedules shift, especially on weekends and holidays, it’s wise to check the latest CobbLinc bus routes and timetables before relying on transit to reach the mall.

If you’re staying at a nearby hotel in the Town Center/Kennesaw area, some hotels occasionally offer local shuttles to the mall or nearby restaurants; availability depends on the specific property.

Town Center at Cobb vs. Other Atlanta Shopping Destinations

If you’re deciding where to spend your time in Atlanta, here’s how Town Center at Cobb compares to other local “things to do” spots:

For north metro residents, Town Center at Cobb is often the default mall—easy to reach, no parking fees, and surrounded by everything you’d expect in a major suburban shopping district.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

A few practical pointers if you’re planning a trip from elsewhere in metro Atlanta:

• Time your drive:

  • 🚗 Weekday evenings (4–7 p.m.) on I‑75 can be heavy, especially southbound back into Atlanta.
  • If possible, aim for late mornings or early afternoons for a smoother drive and easier parking.

• Pair your visit with nearby attractions:

  • Combine Town Center at Cobb with a hike at Kennesaw Mountain, a KSU event, or a movie and dinner in the Town Center area.
  • For families, it can be a practical “one-stop” day: shopping, lunch, and a nearby activity.

• Weather and comfort:

  • On hot, humid summer days or during pollen season, the indoor, climate-controlled environment is a plus compared with outdoor shopping districts.
  • It’s also a frequent choice for indoor walking and stroller-friendly outings.

• Security and services:

  • Like most major malls, you can expect mall security presence, family restrooms, and standard guest services.
  • Lost and found, accessibility assistance, and information desks are typically available near central areas or main entrances.

Nearby Lodging and Visitor Convenience

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying on the north side, there is a dense cluster of hotels near Town Center at Cobb, especially along:

• Barrett Parkway
• Chastain Road
• George Busbee Parkway
• I‑75 exits 269 and 271

This makes the mall a convenient:

• Rainy-day activity if you’re in town for a Kennesaw State University visit or a sports tournament
• Quick shopping stop for forgotten items, gifts, or clothing
• Dining hub if your hotel has limited on-site food options

When Town Center at Cobb Makes Sense on Your Atlanta Itinerary

Town Center at Cobb is most useful for:

• North Atlanta locals who need a familiar, all-purpose mall
• Families with kids or teens looking for an easy outing with food, shopping, and simple entertainment
• Visitors staying in Kennesaw / Town Center hotels who want nearby shopping and dining without driving into the city
• Anyone already heading north on I‑75 who wants to combine errands with a casual “things to do” stop

If your focus is on museums, nightlife, or cultural attractions, you’ll likely spend more time in Midtown, Downtown, and the BeltLine areas. But for a practical, suburban Atlanta shopping and entertainment experience, especially on the north side, Town Center at Cobb remains one of the area’s primary hubs.