Vinings is an unincorporated census-designated place of about 3.3 square miles, with its west-east boundaries roughly being I-285 and the Chattahoochee River, and its north-south boundaries being Cumberland Boulevard and Log Cabin Road. Proximity to attractions like the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the Silver Comet Trail and the Cumberland Shopping district gives residents more options for shopping and exploring. But here are five things you might not know about the Atlanta suburb.

A version of this story originally appeared in the March/April 2014 issue of Living Intown magazine.

1. It hasn’t always been called Vinings.

It has been known by a variety of names, including Paces, Crossroads and Vinings Station — the latter for William Vining, a civil engineer and surveyor for Western and Atlantic. The name Vinings became official in 1904.

2. It started as a railroad junction.

3. It used to be accessible by ferry.

4. It was once home to a ski resort (of sorts).

5. Overlook III has a history of its own.

The plot of land occupied by Overlook III is also one of Vinings' most important historical sites. Tenants of the building enjoy picturesque views of lush trees, rolling hills and the distant Atlanta skyline. Envision church spires instead of skyscrapers, and one can approximate the view General Sherman saw back in 1864. Then known as Mt. Wilkenson, or Vinings Mountain, the peak served as a signal point throughout the Battle of Atlanta.

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