11 Adorable Small Towns In Georgia
Georgia is one of the Southern United States’ most culturally rich and naturally splendid places, where people of all ages can find something to enjoy. Also known as the “Peach State”, Georgia is full of stunning mountain vistas, alluring riverside panoramas, fascinating history, and naturally loads of famed Southern charm. While major cities like Atlanta and Savannah may still receive the most attention, Georgia’s small towns are also very worthy of first hand discovery. Here some of the very best the State has to offer can be found, so delay no more and come see why these adorable Georgia towns should be on anyone’s travel list.
Cordele
The seat of Crisp County, the lovely town of Cordele is also known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World”. Indeed with its hot summers this most beautiful Georgia destination is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and visitors and residents alike can take in the beautiful sights of such places like Lake Balckshear. And with the annual June Watermelon Festival, tourists of all ages can celebrate this sweet and delicious fruit in a fun atmosphere.
In addition Cordele offers the history lover plenty to appreciate, and an assortment of historic landmarks and intriguing museums populate the landscape. These include the Georgia Veterans State Park where a snapshot of the evolution of American warfare can be observed. With weapons, vehicles and other materials ranging from the Revolutionary War to the Second World War, this informative locale is surely one of the most unique military museums of its kind.
Americus
Americus was first incorporated during the 1850s, and today remains a most fascinating and charming historic town where hot summers and warm winters are the norm. Home to a population of just over 16,000, visitors can explore such landmarks like the Grand Windsor Hotel (1892), the Andersonville National Historic Site (a Confederate prisoner of war camp) and the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in the adjacent town of Plains. Meanwhile as the home of the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus also serves a pleasant college town where affordable housing and a low crime rate make it ideal to visit, or perhaps even decide to live in.
Bainbridge
Seat of Decatur County, the historic town of Bainbridge was established in the 1820s! Today the home to a modest population of just under 14,500 residents, this splendid Georgia town like many others in the State enjoys warm weather for much of the year. Situated along the Flint River, plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, cycling, and jogging can be enjoyed here in a relaxing and charming Southern atmosphere.
Meanwhile with an intriguing historic district that includes such landmarks like the First African Missionary Baptist Church (1904) and the County Courthouse (1902), a slice of Georgia’s past can be experienced firsthand. And of course with an active arts and several annual festivals like the River Town Days and the Fall Festival, Bainbridge is never a dull place for any visitor who is looking for a dose of genuine Southern fun.
Forest Park
A mid sized town with all the comfortable amenities of modern life, Forest Park is conveniently located just some nine miles from the city of Atlanta. Home to a population of nearly 20,000 inhabitants, the town boasts an affordable housing market (especially considering its vicinity to Atlanta) and a low crime rate which has made it an attractive place to live for some years. Meanwhile visitors of all ages can enjoy such attractions like the Delta Flight Museum, the Reynolds Nature Preserve, and the Starlight Drive-In Theatre all within a very short distance from Forest Park’s town centre. And with its abundance of warm weather, spending any time outside in or around this town is always a delight worthy of remembrance.
Cusseta
Situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River and seat of the same named county, the town of Cusseta is a lovely historic town with plenty of Southern charm. Home to a population of nearly 9,500 residents, the town was founded back in the 1850s and remains a quiet and alluring spot for those looking for some relaxation away from the big city buzz. Enjoy time along the water’s edge with activities like jogging, swimming, and sailing, while in the historic district buildings like the First Baptist Church (1839) and the Cusseta Jail House (1902) bring visitors truly back in time. And with a wide assortment of local restaurants and cute boutique stores, there is always a genuine slice of small town life to be enjoyed here.
Moultrie
Near the border with the State of Florida, Moultrie is another warm and welcoming place to discover where natural beauty and historic intrigue can both be found. The seat of Colquitt County, the town was founded in the 1870s and visitors can still get a sense of 19th century life by visiting the Moultrie Commercial Historic District. Here a range of 19th and early 20th century edifices can still be found including the County Courthouse, completed in 1902. And when not travelling back in time, tourists can also enjoy some of Georgia’s best pristine nature while in Moultrie and area. Stop by the Reed Bingham State Park where awesome opportunities for fishing, sailing, camping, hiking, and even wildlife watching can all be savoured.
Jesup
Looking for hot summers and warm winters in a most relaxing Georgia setting? Then look no further than the pretty town of Jesup and its picturesque ambience. Home to a modes population of just under 10,000 inhabitants, this town near the Altamaha River is a great place to enjoy fun and relaxing times on the water while a genuine feeling of Southern charm fills the air. Seat of Wayne County, visitors can also enjoy such outings like an evening at the Historic Strand Dinner Cinema, an afternoon at McMillan Creek Greenway, and of course a lovely stroll through Downtown Jesup. Here charming shops, eateries, and local galleries infused with a historic allure all make a sojourn in this town a most delightful and pleasing excursion.
Greensboro
Greensboro is located next to the stunning Lake Oconee covering an area of nearly 19,000 acres. With a humble population of just under 4,000 residents, this seat of Greene County is without a doubt a most serene and beautiful lake side community. Founded back in the 1780s, the modern town is indeed a comfortable place of relaxation. The athletically minded visitor will surely not want to miss any of Greensboro’s six splendid golf courses, or perhaps even a rigorous walk along the river side. Meanwhile in Main Street explore such businesses like the Greensboro Antique Mall and the Oconee Brewing Company for a most endearing sampling of rural Georgia.
Dillard
With a population of just some 337 permanent residents (as of 2020), Dillard’s smallness should certainly not be equated with lacking in excitement. Indeed this picturesque town near the border with both North and South Carolina is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get a genuine sampling of small town charm. Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and located withing the Little Tennessee River Valley, visitors can partake in such activities like biking, hiking, and fishing.
Meanwhile at the famous “The Dillard House”, some of the very best in Southern cooking can be enjoyed where such famous people like Walt Disney and Jimmy Carter have dined. Add in cute shops and plenty of welcoming smiles, and Dillard truly is a small town with big time appeal.
Helen
Lovingly known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village”, the town of Helen is surely one of the State’s most unique destinations. Resembling a Bavarian Mountain resort, all of the buildings in this charming town have been designed in southern German style which of course makes for truly special photo and video opportunities. Home to a population of just some 531 inhabitants, Helen is indeed a unique tourist locale that attracts with its one of a kind cultural allure. Enjoy such popular annual events like Oktoberfest and the summer hot air balloon race. Meanwhile with Helen’s vicinity to the Chattahoochee River, tourists can also enjoy swimming while at the beautiful Anna Ruby Falls a most stunning outing is sure to be appreciated by all.
Dahlonega
Known as the place where the Gold Rush began in the United States, the town of Dahlonega was founded back in 1829. Now home to a population of just over 7,500 residents, this seat of Lumpkin County is certainly one of Georgia’s most fascinating places. Indeed for the history loving tourist Dahlonega is the place to be with its gold mining heritage and 19th century intrigue. Visit the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum, where one can even try panning for gold and buy their very own nugget! In addition at the Dahlonega Square Hotel (1880), guests can get an authentic idea of what the service industry resembled in the 19th century. And with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains just off in the distance, Dahlonega never disappoints with its most special character and natural splendor.
The State of Georgia is undoubtedly a gem of the Southern United States, and an exploration of its adorable small towns will surely leave no doubt as to why. Full of intriguing American history, splendid natural features, and loads of special charm, these Georgia towns are indeed places where all ages can find something to appreciate. From the unique Bavarian flavor of Helen to the “Watermelon Capital” of Cordele, time spent in these, and other “Peach State” towns is sure to be an experience that will be remembered, cherished, and talked about long after one has departed.
