7 Towns in Georgia With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Georgia is a deep southern state that is absolutely full of fun stuff to see and do this 2024. From its pristine parks to its historic downtown districts, and over to its range of tasty restaurants and eateries, you simply can't go wrong when planning a trip here.

We will be focusing on some of the best small towns that make this state so iconic. Yes, bigger cities like Atlanta and Augusta are great, but much of the Peach State's southern charm can be found in its more rural areas. Join us as we cover 7 of the best, less-traveled downtown areas in Georgia in 2024.

Dahlonega

The town of Dahlonega serves as a hub for travelers in Northern Georgia looking for well-preserved 19th-century architecture, an excellent food scene, and some of the state's best wineries.

Central to Dahlonega is the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which reflects the town's gold rush starting in 1828. Restaurants in Dahlonega cater to diverse tastes, with options ranging from Southern cuisine to international fare. Spirits Tavern, for example, is a highly rated and incredibly popular spot for American food and locally produced drinks.

Dahlonega’s downtown is also a gateway to the nearby North Georgia mountains, where outdoor activities abound. Hiking, boating on Lake Zwerner, and even vineyard tours (from the likes of Cavender Creek Vineyards and many others) are easy to find on the outskirts of town.

Madison

Madison's downtown area exemplifies southern charm through its modern amenities and historical destinations. Key features include a variety of shops, local dining establishments, and antique stores housed in many of the antebellum-era buildings that can be found here.

The town’s central square, dominated by the Morgan County Courthouse, provides a picturesque focal point for the area, while walking through the rest of downtown, you may encounter more preserved 19th-century homes, many of which now serve as bed-and-breakfast inns or small museums. The Brady Inn is one of such inns, conveniently located a short walk from dowtown.

Madison Town Park not only regularly hosts live shows on its ornate stage but also makes for a nice place to take a morning or evening walk during your stay here. For a more wild adventure in town, pay the renowned Georgia Safari Conservation Park a visit.

Senoia

Senoia is a visually striking small town just south of Atlanta, with its collection of Victorian-style buildings, many of which now host local restaurants, stores, and other businesses.

Downtown Senoia includes the Senoia Area Historical Society Museum, which provides context on the town’s past, including its role in the Civil War and early 20th-century developments. Be sure to walk along Main Street during your visit, where you can see up close many of the historic buildings here, along with most of the best restaurants and other amenities in town.

Riverwood Studios also calls Senoia home, and because of this, many TV and film productions have been shot here. The list of credits includes The Walking Dead, Driving Miss Daisy, Fried Green Tomatoes, and several other famous titles. You can even take a tour of The Walking Dead's shooting location with Water Tower Tours: The Walking Dead Tours, their office being located right in the heart of dowtown off of Main Street.

Thomasville

Sitting on the far southern edge of Georgia, near the border of Florida, Thomasville is a town that is a prominent example of Southern heritage with a modern touch. Among its key landmarks is the Thomasville History Center, offering in-depth information through various displays and exhibits on local history. Also found here is the distinctive Big Oak, a symbol of the town’s historic roots that is, as you probably guessed, a massive oak tree. Even more amazing about this tree is that it is estimated to have started growing in the year 1680!

This area thrives with annual events such as the Thomasville Rose Show, celebrating the town’s association with the fragrant plant, and other various cultural draws, like The Ritz Amphitheater, where live shows are regularly held for the public.

Fayetteville

You will find this pleasant small town on the outskirts of the bustling Atlanta metro area. Fayetteville, like many southern towns like it, is centered around a historic courthouse, which anchors its main square and serves as a place that several local businesses call home.

This town also has an established historic district, which features repurposed buildings housing unique shops and restaurants like Olde Courthouse Tavern, a great place for food and a cold drink on a hot summer day. Notable historic sites include the Fayetteville Train Depot, now a museum that is all about this area's rail heritage, and the Old Fayette County Jail, which offers historical tours. This fun mix of historic sights with a modern touch makes Fayetteville’s downtown a distinctive and engaging area for exploring both past and present.

Woodstock

Located on the northern side of Atlanta, Woodstock’s downtown area is recognized for its revitalized historic district and abundance of activities to partake in nearby

Key spots to see here include the historic Olde Rope Mill Park, providing recreational outings with its hiking and biking trails, with scenic views of the Little River.

If you are more keen on staying within the confines of dowtown, definitely take a stroll up and down Main Street, where haunts like the Salt Factory Pub are sure to provide you with a tasty meal and beverage to wash it all down. Catch a show at the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, which hosts theater productions and art exhibitions. Visit The Park at the City Center for some urban green space, accented by a wonderful fountain and gazebo.

Toccoa

Toccoa’s is a popular escape into the wildlands of northeastern Georgia for residents of nearby Atlanta. Toccoa Falls is a pristine sight just north of town while the Cool Springs Recreation Area is a bit further away and remote, but provides visitors with a more secluded getaway. If you don't feel like driving, Henderson Falls Park is conveniently located just minutes from the downtown core of Toccoa on foot.

Historic locales in town include the Stephens County Courthouse and the Currahee Military Museum, which contains detailed exhibits on the town's role in World War II, from veterans who came from the area to the local production of gear for the war effort. Downtown Toccoa is also home to the Toccoa Train Depot, a historic landmark that now serves as a museum and event space.

See Georgia's Historic Dowtowns this 2024

From the natural seclusion, you can find in Toccoa to the plethora of preserved historic sites you can find in towns like Madison, it does not have to be difficult to find a stop on your next road trip in Georgia. Whether you are a resident looking for an escape from Atlanta or a visit to the Peach State trying to immerse yourself in some southern culture, you can use this list as a starting point for your getaway in 2024!