7 Most Eccentric Towns in Georgia

While Georgia is widely known for its southern hospitality, Civil Rights history, and fruit orchards, the state also has a lesser-known, quirkier side. Onion festivals, Bavarian villages, and Hollywood filming tours are just a few of the unique experiences that await visitors in some of the state’s smallest towns. Whether you are a lifelong Georgia resident or a traveler planning a weekend visit, these seven eccentric towns are sure to offer surprises for everyone.

Vidalia

Vidalia is renowned worldwide for its sweet onions, a crop that was first planted by accident in 1931 by a farmer who mistakenly believed he was planting hot onions. Visitors can learn more about this unique piece of Vidalia’s culture at the Vidalia Onion Museum, a 1,300-square-foot space that exhibits the sweet onion’s cultural, economic, and culinary significance. Each year, the town also hosts the Vidalia Onion Festival to celebrate the onion harvest in the spring. Events during the festival include an onion pageant, recipe cookoff, and fireworks show. After learning about the town’s onion history, visitors can enjoy a play or movie at the PAL Theatre, a historic theater in the downtown district that dates back to 1927.

Jekyll Island

A barrier island off of the Georgia coast, Jekyll Island contrasts many of the small towns in mainland Georgia, filled with salty sea air and sandy beaches. It is also famously home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the only turtle education and rehabilitation center in the state. Open to the public, visitors can spend a morning at the center, learning about the sea turtles through interactive exhibits and experiences. Those wanting to learn about Jekyll Island’s history can do so in fashion on a Millionaire Motorcar Tour. During this tour, visitors will cruise through the town’s historic district on a Model T replica from the 1930s. On warm and sunny days, visitors can enjoy a game of mini golf at Jekyll Island Mini Golf or lounge on one of the island’s many beaches, such as Oceanview Park or St. Andrews Beach Park.

Peachtree City

With over 100 miles of golf cart paths, visitors will find themselves ditching their cars in exchange for a golf cart to get around town. Those in need of a golf cart rental can do so with several rentals throughout town, including Bulldog Golf Carts, Golf Rider, and Big O's Golf Carts. For a bit of exercise, travelers can head over to Flat Creek Nature Area, a 513-acre wetland that has a 1,200-foot boardwalk, mulch trail, and two viewing platforms to appreciate the surrounding nature. Hollywood fans should join the Southern Hollywood Film Tour, which picks up visitors in Peachtree and takes them to see nearby filming locations, including sites from Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Walking Dead, Sweet Home Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Conjuring (2021), and Lawless.

Helen

Helen presents a unique mix of a Bavarian village and a basecamp for outdoor activities, making it a town that caters to travelers with diverse interests. There are four waterfalls nearby for travelers to visit, including Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, Horse Trough Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls. For a relaxed hike, travelers can spend the morning at Andrews Cove Campground, where a 2-mile trail winds through mountain streams and offers fishing spots along Andrews Creek. After a day of waterfall hunting and hiking, hungry travelers can grab dinner at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, a highly-rated German restaurant that overlooks the Chattahoochee River and offers live music on the weekends.

Madison

Rated as one of “The South’s Prettiest Towns” by Southern Living Magazine, Madison’s streets are lined with architectural masterpieces, ranging from Greek Revival to Victorian styles. To fully appreciate the variety of Madison’s architecture, visitors can embark on a self-guided walking tour, appreciating historic landmarks such as the Morgan County Courthouse, which features a Neo-classical Revival style with red bricks, the Rogers House and Rose Cottage, a Piedmont Plain-style home, and Broughton Hall, which showcases identical Italianate porches.

Driving just 15 minutes from downtown, visitors can reach Hard Labor Creek State Park, the second largest state park in Georgia, spreading nearly 6,000 acres. Throughout the park, travelers can golf, fish, swim, hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride. After a morning of hiking or fishing, visitors can head over to the Georgia Safari Conservation Park, where they can enjoy a safari through an open savannah, keeping their eyes out for giraffes, zebras, antelopes, rhinos, and more.

Dublin

Dublin is the perfect Georgia town to visit with your family, offering stables, berry farms, waterparks, and historic theaters. At Legacy Lane Stables, riders of all levels can enjoy an afternoon of horseback riding, or hang out with the animals in the adjacent petting zoo. Visitors can also pick their own fresh, seasonal blackberries at Sonrise Farms, with berries available typically between May and July. Those with kids can spend a day at the Southern Pines Water Park, featuring attractions such as a lazy river, 20-foot slides, and a 6-lane lap pool. Consider concluding the day by catching a play, concert, or movie at Theatre Dublin, a historic theatre that dates back to 934.

Brunswick

From the Brunswick harbor, visitors can spot shrimp boats gliding through the water, a testament to the town's thriving seafood industry. Travelers wanting to try some of this fresh seafood have plenty of options. For some grilled shrimp or crab, visitors can grab lunch at Mr. Shuck’s Seafood, a casual, highly rated seafood restaurant. Marshside Grill is another beloved seafood joint, offering fried, grilled, and blackened seafood along with tropical cocktails. For a breathtaking sunset, visitors should head over the the Brunswick Landing Marina in the evening. The Brunswick Old Town District is a must-visit, easily explored through a tour with Brunswick Old Town Tours, which guides visitors through the historic colonial settlement while highlighting the town's resilience in the face of hurricanes, epidemics, and economic challenges.

Final Thoughts

Even if you think you know Georgia well, some of these attractions may still surprise you. Whether you are interested in visiting a turtle rehabilitation center or embarking on an African-style safari, the Peach State offers countless unique and memorable experiences. So, don't hesitate to venture beyond the larger cities on your next trip and explore the smaller, lesser-known towns—you might just be amazed by what you find!