7 Unforgettable Small Towns To Visit In Georgia
In many ways, Georgia remains a classic southern state, with timeless small towns full of history and charm. At the same time, though, Georgia is one of the most populous and fastest-growing states in the U.S., and this growth injects its communities with increased vibrancy and diversity. Whether you want to step back into the past or experience something new, Georgia deserves a spot near the top of your travel list. You are sure to create unforgettable memories in the “Peach State,” so check out these seven great small towns to add to your itinerary.
Washington
The seat of Wilkes County in northeast Georgia and one of the oldest towns in the state, Washington has nearly 250 years of history to explore. An important Revolutionary War battle was fought nearby in 1779. The town was very briefly Georgia’s first state capital, and Jefferson Davis dissolved the Confederate government in Washington at the end of the Civil War in 1865. Along with historic sites connected to these events, Washington houses architectural highlights like the 1898 Fitzpatrick Hotel and the 1904 Wilkes County Courthouse. Also, if you are an amateur treasure hunter, there is a lingering rumor that millions of dollars in Confederate gold are buried somewhere in town!
Thomasville
If you love roses, make it a point to visit Thomasville, the “City of Roses,” during its annual Rose Festival each April. The festival highlights the beauty and vitality of downtown Thomasville, which is the seat of Thomas County in southwest Georgia. Thomasville’s historic homes and buildings are lovely even when the roses are not in bloom, and you can pair your walking tour of downtown with a stroll through Cherokee Lake Park. Then, head to the corner of Monroe and Crawford Streets to see Washington’s famous Big Oak, a stately tree that has stood since 1680. Complete your day by exploring the Jack Hadley Black History Museum and the Pebble Hill Plantation.
Tallulah Falls
The tiny community of Tallulah Falls, with a population under 200, has been a popular wilderness resort retreat since its founding in 1885. The town is home to several beautiful examples of Victorian architecture, making a stroll through downtown feel like a walk into the past. That said, Tallulah Falls’ true star attraction is the surrounding northeast Georgia landscape. Nearby Tallulah Gorge State Park, named for the stunning 2-mile-long, 1,000-foot deep gorge, has 20 miles of trails, rock climbing, kayaking, an 80-foot high suspension bridge, and five photogenic waterfalls. Tallulah Falls is also ideally situated for day trips into the numerous parks in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
Helen
Set along the Chattahoochee River in northern Georgia, the small town of Helen faced a dilemma as its timber industry went into a steep decline in the mid-twentieth century. Instead of fading away, Helen’s solution was to reinvent itself as a town seemingly transported from the Bavarian Alps. Every building in town has an Alpine look and feel, and locals have gone all-in on the Germanic flair. Bavarian-style shops and restaurants abound, and the town hosts a fantastic Oktoberfest every fall. While you may feel like you are in Germany, a short drive out of town leads you into the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers over 750,000 acres of natural wonders.
Darien
Set along the Georgia coast between Savannah and Brunswick, Darien once competed with its bigger neighbors as a shipping port. Those days passed more than 200 years ago, and the town was burned to the ground in 1863 during the Civil War, but Darien managed to survive and now thrives as a seacoast travel destination. The waterfront area now bustles with shops and restaurants like the Sugar Marsh Cottage and Canopy Restaurant, and the walking paths along the Altamaha River offer stunning water views. While it is easy to drive 20 miles south to Brunswick or 50 miles north to Savannah, there are plenty of reasons to just stay and chill out in Darien!
Dahlonega
America’s first gold rush happened not in California but in northern Georgia and led to the founding of the town of Dahlonega in 1829. Sadly, the discovery of gold also contributed to the forced removal of the native Cherokee population in the tragic Trail of Tears. The former Lumpkin County Courthouse, built in 1836, houses a museum that recounts the town’s complicated gold rush past. Today’s Dahlonega is wine country instead of gold country, with grape vines covering the surrounding hills and multiple wineries waiting for your visit. After learning some local history and sampling some local wine, get out into nature at the nearby Amicalola Falls State Park or Chattahoochee National Forest.
Blue Ridge
Despite being only about 90 miles away from Atlanta in northern Georgia, the town of Blue Ridge, population 1,200, offers visitors a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Downtown Blue Ridge has a timeless appearance, with its quaint shops and boutiques set back only a short distance from the railroad tracks that pass right through town. Hop on a train at the stylish downtown depot to take those tracks along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which provides 26 miles of spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, check out the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association, which offers exhibitions and educational content throughout the year.
From the mountain villages in its northwest to the seacoast communities in its southeast and across the many miles in between, Georgia is home to hundreds of uniquely charming small towns. Narrowing down your travel list may be a challenge, so give yourself some time to do some exploring throughout the Peach State. No matter where the road leads you, the odds are good that you will come across a few fantastic little Georgia towns!
