The town a short drive from Atlanta is a vibrant economic hub
WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA-JANUARY 2026—Woodstock is only 30 minutes from the bustling city of Atlanta and yet feels as if it’s a world away offering small-town charm, award-winning dining, unique boutiques and shops and numerous ways to enjoy the North Georgia outdoors. But don’t let the size fool you. Woodstock’s a vibrant economic hub, calling home to some of the most innovative entrepreneurs today.
Longtime residents Stephanie and Chris Beck began their road to open Eden Smoothies in downtown Woodstock (470 Chambers Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-672-7273) with a Kickstarter campaign. They had the support of Woodstock from day one and now offer nutritional food and smoothies to the community, while expanding to other markets due to this success.
When Wendy Rincon immigrated to Woodstock from Venezuela the idea of opening her Gustock International Market & Bakery (9550 Main Street, Suite 160, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 470-626-4220) appeared daunting for a woman who spoke a different language. But Woodstock embraced her business that she now runs with her husband Kevin. Wendy found the town both welcoming and supportive in their new venture and now not only runs her market offering homemade Hispanic products such as arepas, cachitos and empanadas but serves customers at the Saturday Farm Fresh Market, an idyllic small town farmer’s market with big city amenities that runs April through December.
A true economic incubator is Made Mercantile (8636 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-444-9134), an inviting space in the heart of Woodstock that supports artists through access to workspaces, retail and educational opportunities. One of the artists who became a “Made Maker” is Bryttany Hyde, a photographer who sold original stationary in the Mercantile store. Through Made Mercantile, she learned about product development and ecommerce, later launching her full-time business, The Little Sober Bar (117 Mill Street, Woodstock, Georgia, 30188; 770-685-6819). This brick and mortar space will open in downtown Woodstock this year offering an inclusive social space.
Other innovative creators working through Made Mercantile include Ericka Axelsson, the creator of The Cloud Makers, a unique and whimsical way to water plants; and Eva Lester, who creates stylish but protective glasses for women as Gleam Eyewear. The visionary and manager of Made Mercantile is Madison Beaulieu, who sells her products as Beau Paper Co. in the gift shop along with her husband Dusty’s products with Blue Elixir Press. A true entrepreneur believing in the sharing of ideas and the power of community, Madison serves as the Creative Programs Manager for The Woodstock Office of Economic Development, as well as the city’s Public Art Coordinator.
View more of Woodstock’s entrepreneur stories here.
A town embracing entrepreneurship
Look around Woodstock and visitors will find a creative-friendly and encouraging space for entrepreneurs. Coming soon to the next dreamers who want to add their expertise to this vibrant city is the City Center, an exciting development in the heart of town that will include a new six-story, 130-room boutique hotel as well as multiple food and beverage venues, a spa, ground-floor retail outlets and 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Another exciting development expanding on the northern end of downtown Woodstock is Adair Park where two locally owned restaurants have been nabbing “best of” awards: Roberto’s Deluxe (8212 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-395-9592) and Paloma Tequila & Tacos (8184 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-800-8046).
Visiting Woodstock
Come for the entrepreneurial spirit and stay to experience so much more. Woodstock offers a variety of lodging options, spectacular dining experiences, shopping and entertainment. Don’t miss dinner at one of downtown Woodstock’s dining establishments like Fire & Stone Italian Pizza Kitchen (509 Chambers St., Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-744-2099) which opened in the Woodstock train depot after a significant renovation of the historic structure. Grab a local brew at Reformation Brewery (105 Elm Street) and browse Findlay Rowe Designs Gift Shop and Boutique (102 Fowler Street) for a one-of-a-kind find.
For information on annual events and year-round happenings such as walking tours, seasonal markets and more, visit VisitWoodstockGA.com/annual-events/ or stop by the Woodstock Visitors Center (8588 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-924-0406), located in the heart of downtown Woodstock.