What comes to mind when you consider the words “quality of life?”
It is often used when referring to a community’s desirability as a place to live, work, raise a family, and do business. We also consider access to basic human necessities and leisure options as part of the equation. However, when assessing quality of life, we should also consider shopping, dining, and entertainment choices as a component of a broader need for recreation and relaxation.
Shopping, dining, and entertainment availability adds value to communities, from food necessities such as grocery stores, to clothing, home maintenance, technology and arts and culture. Generally, people are happier and healthier when these goods and services are quickly accessible. Thus, holistically speaking, retail, restaurants, and entertainment are also good for communities.
In Canton, we have good variety and accessibility to these quality of life factors. Riverstone Parkway has a choice blend of national, regional and local commercial establishments, specifically Publix, Belk, Ross, Michael’s, Famous Footwear, Beall’s Outlet, Payless, Carmike Cinemas, Provino’s, Starbucks, Outback Steakhouse, Zaxby’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, Panda Express, Red Lobster, O’Charley’s, Bird Watchers Supply, Honey Baked Ham, Wal-Mart, Chick-fil-A, Stevie B’s, and Home Depot.
Slightly north of Riverstone Parkway, located on Reinhardt College Parkway, we have Sidelines Grille, Canton Music Shoppe, Riverstone Corner Bistro, Jill’s Cakes and Bakes, Moe’s Southwest Grille, and Dairy Queen, to name a few.
Quite a list, huh? It only gets better.
The State Route 20/Canton Marketplace corridor is an area bustling with activity. There are stores and restaurants such as Kohl’s, Rue21, T.J. Maxx, The Children’s Place, Brooklyn Joe’s, Cheeseburger Bobby’s, Chick-fil-A, China Star, IHOP, La Parilla Mexican, Olive Garden, Subway, Taco Mac, Zaxby’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Books-a-Million, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Family Christian Stores, Five Below, GameStop, Lowe’s, Kirkland’s, Off Broadway Shoes, OfficeMax, PetSmart, Rack Room Shoes, Target, Ulta, and Willows Gift Shoppe. Additionally, Canton Marketplace added Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint, Chipotle, Great Clips, and the Mattress Firm, all between the last quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015.
Downtown Canton continues to see new businesses and strong existing business activity. Here are a few on the retail, restaurant, and entertainment side: Goin’ Coastal Seafood, R&M Hoagie Shop, B. Loved, The Canton Theatre, The Study, The Snug, Cup Up, Audio Intersection, Junk Drunk Jones, Rosie Posie Boutique, Key’s Jewelry, Southern Charm Boutique, Indigo & Oak, Stout’s Growlers, Yawn’s Books & More, and Downtown Kitchen. I also cannot forget Prominence Point and the new development happening on 140, towards Waleska.
My point here is simple: Canton has the types of establishments that support and augment our quality of life. We typically do not consider retail, food, and entertainment accessibility in our quality of life discussion, but think about how we’d describe our city if none of these establishments were here. Therefore, it’s not only great to have these businesses and so many others in Canton, but it is also important that we support them. They are key components contributing to the quality of life that makes Canton great.
to your business!