7 Most Memorable Small Towns in Georgia
Georgia is an important component of the Southern United States, whose rich historical and cultural heritage is only rivaled by its unique geographic beauty. Also known as the “Peach State”, the stunning riverside views, majestic mountain backdrops, intriguing history, and plenty of famed Southern charm all make Georgia a most special place to be. But while such major urban centers like Atlanta or Savannah may continue to attract the most attention, Georgia also has a number of smaller towns that are every bit as beautiful as the larger cities. So head on down to Georgia and discover its unique character through an exploration of some of these splendid and memorable small towns!
Helen
Visiting the town of Helen is like stepping into the German State of Bavaria, and it is affectionately known as “Georgia’s Alpine Village”. One of Georgia’s most unique places, Helen resembles a Bavarian mountain resort where a majority of the buildings reflect a southern German architectural style. Though it has a population of just 531 residents, Helen’s rich cultural attraction makes it a hot spot for tourists from across the country. Here loads of special photo and video opportunities await, while a wonderful assortment of cute shops and tasty cuisine options make a stop in this town a veritable treat. Enjoy such public events like the Hot Air Balloon Race in the summertime and of course the always popular Oktoberfest. In addition, the nearby Chattahoochee River and the pretty Anna Ruby Falls are a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Blairsville
The seat of Union County, the town of Blairsville is a most scenic place where a humble population of just over 600 people reside. Next to the beautiful Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, stunning mountain views are never in shortage, including the famed Brasstown Bald which at an elevation of nearly 5,000 feet is Georgia’s highest peak. And with a series of charming waterfalls and local rivers filling out the landscape, wonderful photo opportunities should never be hard to come by in Blairsville. Do not forget to visit Vogel State Park or a portion of the Appalachian Trail, where even more exquisite natural vistas can be enjoyed by all ages. In addition Blairsville hosts a number of inviting year festivals which include the autumn Sorghum Festival and the Green Bean Festival in springtime, where loads of small town hospitality is always on hand.
Dahlonega
Just some 35 miles south of Blairsville lies the historic town of Dahlonega, which traces its history back to the first modern American Gold Rush in the 1820s. Today the home of some 7,500 residents, this seat of Lumpkin County remains a most fascinating place to learn about American history all while enjoying some splendid natural surroundings. Explore such historic landmarks like the Dahlonega Square Hotel from the 1880s, the Lumpkin County Courthouse (1836), and of course the Dahlonega Gold Museum for a fun and interactive afternoon that delves into the Gold Rush days! Try one’s hand at panning for gold or even bring home a real golden nugget from the souvenir shop, this is one museum that will surely leave one with a smile. And with inviting wineries in the region and beautiful mountain landscapes as a backdrop, Dahlonega really is a relaxing and memorable small town that captures some of Georgia’s very best.
Cordele
Affectionately known as the “Watermelon Capital of the World”, Cordele is a charming town where a population of just over 10,000 residents call home. Seat of Crisp County, hot summers and mild winters characterize Cordele’s climate, and the town is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and fascinating American history. Spend time at the welcoming Lake Balckshear and then visit the Georgia Veterans State Park, for an immersive look at the evolution of American warfare through the centuries. Including a range of artifacts that include military vehicles, weapons, and other items from the Revolutionary War to World War Two, this is truly a cannot miss stop for any history lover! And of course visiting Cordele in the summertime would never be complete without taking in the sights and tastes of the annual Watermelon Festival! Here a celebration of this delicious and tasty fruit is the order of the day, where guests of all ages will get a renewed appreciation for watermelon, its various products, and the industry that grows them.
Cusseta
Cusseta is beautifully located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River and can trace its modern history to the 1850s. Today the home of a humble population of just under 9,500 inhabitants, this seat of Chattahoochee County continues to welcome guests as a lovely and charming Southern historic town. Spend time along the River where activities like swimming and sailing are always popular, while even just a simple stroll by the water’s edge may be enough to create the perfect, relaxing afternoon. Meanwhile Cusseta’s historic district offers visitors a unique snapshot into life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore such landmarks like the First Baptist Church (1839) and the Cusseta Jail House (1902), for a genuine feeling of yesterday. Finally, like any charming and welcoming small town, a fine assortment of locally run eateries, novelty stores, and other galleries can be all around Cusseta, where a most memorable sojourn is sure to be had by all.
Greensboro
The seat of Greene County, the town of Greensboro was established in the 1780s and today a population of nearly 4,000 people call it home. Beautifully located next to Lake Oconee (which covers an area of some 19,000 acres), this serene and calming community is a great place to enjoy a scenic and quieter pace of life. Enjoy such outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, jogging, and swimming, while the golf afficionado has six wonderful courses to choose from that feature some truly special panoramas. In addition, Greensboro’s welcoming Main Street is always a delight. Here such places like the Oconee Brewing Company and Greensboro Antique Mall offer a nice little dose of Southern charm in a most endearing rural setting.
Blue Ridge
Near the southern border of Tennessee and close to the Alabama River, the picturesque town of Blue Ridge is indeed a most charming and welcoming place. Sharing its name with the mountain range, visitors to this community of just over 1,200 residents can find loads of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Here, hiking, cycling, swimming, and mountain gazing are always popular, and with mild winters and hot summertime temperatures, being out in the open in Blue Ridge is a great experience. Meanwhile, genuine small town allure can be felt in the town center, where great local eateries, novelty shops, and other unique galleries can be found. Together with the natural ambiance and the welcoming smiles of its hosts, Blue Ridge reflects some of the very best of small town Georgia.
Known as the “Peach State,” Georgia has rightfully established itself as one of the Southern United States’ most beautiful and culturally important centers. Through a visit to its charming, picture-perfect small towns, another side of Georgia can be appreciated outside of its major cities. From the Bavarian style streets of Helen to the “Watermelon Capital” of Cordele, these and other beautiful small Georgia towns continue to show why the “Peach State” is such a cherished part of the country. Do not wait then, and come see small-town Georgia, where a scenic and culturally rich experience awaits all who visit!
