7 Darling Small Towns in Georgia
From southern comfort food to alpine views and dazzling lakes, there is a lot to love about Georgia. One of the best ways to experience the state's charm is by enjoying the darling towns. Many of them possess a natural beauty combined with a unique history and culture. On Jekyll Island, you can explore beautiful beaches. In Helen, you can enjoy the influence of German culture in the town's architecture and baked goods. These are only a couple of examples of the darling towns you will find in Georgia. Here, we will explore seven, including Georgia's own Rome.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is one of Georgia's smallest towns, with around 1,100 people. The small size is part of the town's charm. With quaint beaches and historic ruins, Jekyll Island is a beautiful place to explore. One of the most popular beaches in town is Driftwood Beach. The beach has an abundance of sun-bleached driftwood, making it the perfect photo shoot spot. Those looking for some adventurous water fun will have no problem finding a thrill at Summer Waves Water Park. When you first enter Jekyll Island, you might notice the sea turtle crossing signs. There is an abundance of sea turtles on the island, and Jekyll Island is dedicated to protecting them. Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn more about what is being done in the area for conservation. Visitors can see the sea turtles in their natural habitat and check out the marine-themed gift shop. Take a trip into the history of Jekyll Island by visiting the Wanderer Memory Trail.
Brunswick
Brunswick is one of the most darling towns in Georgia. Located in the Golden Isles section of the state, Brunswick is known for its history, inspired cuisine, and Southern hospitality. The Old Town Historic District is a beloved section of Brunswick. The town has 14 original squares in the Old Town Historic District. They were reclaimed by the non-profit, Signature Squares of Brunswick. Tour them today to see the unique story each square has to tell. Try to find the famous Lovers Oak, an oak tree estimated to be over 900 years old. While exploring the historic sites of Brunswick, check out the Historic Ritz Theater. Originally it was the Grand Opera Theater built in 1898.
Brunswick is also known for the Sidney Lanier Bridge. Located south to the foot of Newcastle Street, this is the tallest suspension bridge in Georgia. The bridge is 7,780 feet long and 486 feet tall. In February the town holds an annual 5k Bridge run, where participants take on the challenge of walking or running the bridge. The town also hosts the Blessing of the Fleet for the shrimp boat float parade.
Helen
In Helen, you can experience the darling charm of Germany without leaving the United States. The downtown is full of Bavarian-style buildings and quaint shops. Hofer's of Helen is a great spot to enjoy authentic Bavarian-style cooking and baked goods. In the warmer summer months, see the town's unique architecture from the view of the river. Tubing is a popular summer activity. Check out outfitters such as Helen Tubing and Waterpark. Helen is filled with waterfalls. One of the most beautiful is Anna Ruby Falls, a rare double waterfall. If mountain views are what you enjoy over waterfalls, check out the Georgia Mountain Coaster. This is the only alpine coaster in the state. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you whiz through Georgia's stunning mountains.
Americus
Americus is one of Georgia's most underrated towns. While the town isn't as rich in natural scenery like some of Georgia's other towns, it does have a thriving art and history scene. Start exploring the town's history by paying a visit to Andersonville National Historic Site. While there stop at the National Prisoner of War Museum. The museum tells the story of the men and women who died in confinement at the prison. The town is home to numerous art galleries and centers. One that is popular to visit is the Georgia Southwestern Fine Arts Building. Gallery The town also has some unique festivals, such as the Americus Hot Glass Beer Fest. The annual fest happens every year in April. It combines the town's rich history of glass blowing with the local's love for craft beer.
Rome
Rome is a romantic city in Georgia. Downtown stroll through the streets and enjoy the "Between the Rivers" strip. This is the largest Victorian-era district in Georgia. Walking amongst the boutiques and restaurants on the strip, stop at the Rome Area History Center. This is a great spot to learn more about the history of the area. Visit the Town Green downtown which has magnificent interactive fountains. The area is also a great spot to access trails along the river. There is a beautiful bridge that offers access to the town's trails and gives homage to the town's Cherokee roots. Learn more about the three rivers in Rome by taking a tour on a Rolling on The River public tour boat. The river tour gives guests more information on how the three rivers have shaped Rome's history.
Senoia
Senoia is a darling town with something for everyone. The historic downtown is perfect for enjoying a stroll through boutiques and bakeries in the afternoon. You can also enjoy seeing the architecture of dozens of historic homes downtown. Just a short walk from downtown, check out the Senoia Area Historical Society. Here you can see a historic home, the central hall and five rooms filled with artifacts from the town's past.
Senoia's claim to fame is as the location of the zombie-filled town of Woodbury in the television series The Walking Dead. Explore the sites as seen on television on the town's Undead Trail of Zombies and Vampires tours. The town also has an unusual attraction, known as Barbie Beach, featuring a changing arrangement of dolls.
Cartersville
The last darling town on this list is Cartersville. The town is a great place to frolic in the woods with friends or spend a day visiting cool historic sites. One of the best historical attractions to visit is Young Brother's Pharmacy. They have a gigantic Coca-Cola mural which is th world's first outdoor painted Coca-Cola advertisement. Other intriguing historical attractions include Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, and Bartow History Museum. Cartersville is near several parks with amazing trails to explore. One of the most popular to wander in is Red Top Mountain State Park.
These towns showcase Georgia's darling side. In Helen, you can go tubing along the river and enjoy the unique architectural style and German influence. Brunswick is a quaint town to enjoy historic downtown squares. Americus is an underrated town in Georgia, with a thriving art scene. Whether you are looking for an alpine train ride, like the one in Helen, or quirky attractions like Barbie Beach in Senoia, there is something everyone will find darling in these Georgia towns.
