10 Most Welcoming Towns In Georgia's Countryside

While your favorite Georgia memories might come from its big cities, 2025 is the perfect time to explore the state’s more unexpected corners. Towns filled with local vineyards, old gold mines, friendly farmers markets, and mountain lodges are scattered throughout the state, giving you the perfect excuse to venture into the countryside. If you are craving a friendly getaway this year, complete with smiling faces, welcoming places, and unforgettable festivals, these ten towns should be on your itinerary.

Ellijay

Ellijay has a tight-knit agricultural community that visitors can explore through its apple orchards and wineries. In September and October, travelers can spend an afternoon at R & A Orchards, where they can pick their own flowers and apples or enjoy a tractor ride around the farm. For some locally produced wine, stop by Engelheim Vineyards, an 18-acre estate that produces over 20 wines that visitors can enjoy in the tasting room, accompanied by live music on the weekends. In August, the town will host the annual Gilmer County Fair, which features fair food, merry-go-rounds, and other classic amusement rides.

Dahlonega

As one of the first Gold Rush towns in the US, Dahlonega is filled with gold mining history. Visitors can explore this history at the Dahloenga Gold Museum, which is set inside the historic 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse. To tour an authentic gold mine, register for a tour at the Consolidated Gold Mine, which offers 40-minute, underground tours with a knowledgeable guide and the chance to pan for gold. Similar to Ellijay, Dahloenga also has an important winery presence. Travelers wanting to try some of the area’s wines will love Accent Cellars, a local winery that provides tastings seven days a week.

St. Marys

As the gateway to Georgia’s coast and Cumberland Island, St. Marys has some of the region’s best seafood and laid-back beaches. Upon arriving in St. Marys, travelers can take a ferry out to Cumberland Island, the state’s largest barrier island, where they can venture through maritime forests and undeveloped beaches. For some fresh seafood, grab a bite at Locals Dockside, a waterfront restaurant with scallops, oysters, crabs, and more. If you will be in town on Saturday, make sure to check out the St. Mary's Community Market, where you will find homemade crafts, seasonal produce, baked goods, and other local products.

Washington

The town of Washington is filled with historic buildings that transport travelers back in time. To gain a better understanding of this history, start your tour of town at the Washington Historical Museum, which is set in an 1835 home and contains artifacts and memorabilia from the past two centuries. If you are looking for your own historic souvenir, drop by On the Square Antiques and Gifts, which sells antique furniture, china, home goods, and other collectibles. Each Saturday year-round, travelers can visit with local artisans and farmers at the Washington Farmers’ Market, selling farm-fresh eggs, handmade crafts, home-baked cakes, produce, and lots more.

Brunswick

Brunswick is another warm and friendly coastal town to have on your radar this year. The town hosts a variety of lively festivals throughout the year, with the Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration being a crowd favorite. During this event, locals and visitors alike can enjoy classic games, a pet parade, and a fireworks show. Travelers can explore the Golden Isles all summer long by booking an excursion with Southeast Adventure Outfitters, who offer kayaking and boat tours daily. After exploring Brunswick’s waters, pick one of its hospitable seafood restaurants for dinner, such as Fat & Fine Crab Shack, a locally owned and operated seafood restaurant.

Thomasville

With a robust calendar of festivals throughout the year, it is always a good time to visit Thomasville! One of the town’s most prominent festivals is the Annual Thomasville Rose Show, which has been taking place since 1922 and features flower shows, an antique car show, an artisan market, and a parade each year. Visitors who will be in town for the holidays will adore the Victorian Christmas festival in December, which offers horse-drawn carriage rides, activities with Santa, Christmas photo ops, and plenty more holiday-themed fun. Year-round, the town’s art centers and galleries serve as an outlet for its creative spirit. The Thomasville Center for the Arts is a great starting point, featuring rotating exhibits from emerging artists.

Rome

Situated in the Appalachian foothills, Rome takes its name, unsurprisingly, from the famous Italian city. However, the town’s culture is quite different! Travelers can experience some of Rome’s southern comfort and hospitality at the Harvest Moon Cafe, which serves specialty burgers and sandwiches in a cozy atmosphere. To learn about the town from an expert local, sign up for a tour on the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday, a 40-passenger boat that offers excursions from May through October. Rome’s outdoor attractions are equally inviting. If you brought your bike, you can pedal along the AdventHealth ECO Greenway, a paved path that winds along the river through downtown Rome.

Helen

Helen’s Bavarian-themed village often makes visitors feel as if they have stepped into one of Germany’s famed towns, like Lindau or Bamberg. One of the best times to experience this German culture is during the annual Oktoberfest, which will be taking place in September of this year, with a parade, keg tapping, and plenty of beer! There are several German restaurants in town to check out, such as Bodensee, which serves classics like grilled bratwurst and pork schnitzel. The Helen Arts & Heritage Center is another cultural cornerstone in town, home to an art gallery, pottery studio, art workshops, and a history museum.

Blairsville

Situated in the North Georgia mountains, Blairsville’s natural beauty makes its warm welcome even harder to resist. The Brasstown Bald is just a 15-minute drive away, offering travelers panoramic views from Georgia’s highest point at 4,784 feet. Vogel State Park is a great place to fully immerse yourself in nature, where you will find various hiking trails, campsites, and cottages. After a day outdoors, you can unwind for the evening at The Copperhead Lodge, which has cabins, an 11-room lodge, and a restaurant on-site that hosts live music on the weekends.

Dublin

If theater, craft beer, and picking berries sound like your kind of weekend, you are going to fall in love with Dublin. The historic Dublin Theatre, built in 1934 and still seating 600 guests, hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and orchestra events, keeping the town’s cultural scene lively. Travelers craving some fresh fruit can head over to Sonrise Farms, which offers periodic berry picking days, depending on the time of year. To conclude your day, grab a beer at Crooked Finger Brewing, which serves IPAs, stouts, amber ales, and pale ales, among other varieties.

The summer is right around the corner, and what better way to vacation this year than in the Georgia countryside? In the state’s more rural corners, you will find all kinds of unexpected gems, such as apple orchards, berry farms, and German-style villages, experiences that are hard to come by in the city! All that is left is to choose the town that speaks to you and book the hotel!