8 Stunning Small Towns In Georgia
When you think of Georgia, you think of peaches, moss trees, and southern comfort food. But did you know Georgia is the birthplace of Coca-Cola? And the home of the 1996 Summer Olympics? Or lesser-known facts, like that it has a Waffle House Museum or a former working gold mine that you can tour? If you take a trip to Georgia, stray off the beaten path just slightly and see what these eight stunning small towns have to offer.
Tybee Island
Just outside of Savannah and across two bridges is the quaint beachside town of Tybee Island. An actual island, there are three miles of seashore for visitors to relax and enjoy the sunshine and sounds and smell of the Atlantic Ocean. Jet ski, book a cruise expedition or just enjoy a swim, but don’t miss out on a beach day while at Tybee Island. If you’re looking for more historical activities, visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. The lighthouse is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia! Take a tour up the 178 steps and take in the sights of the island from the top of the lighthouse. Access is only available via guided tour so don’t forget to book tickets in advance.
When heading off Tybee Island, don’t miss a stop at Fort Pulaski National Monument. This historical site is where, during the American Civil War, the Union Army forced the Confederate military base to surrender. Cross the drawbridge into the fort and walk around the grounds of this past moment in US history.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega is not only rich with history but also, at one time, with gold. This tiny town is the site of the First Major US Gold Rush, their rush being nearly 20 years before the California Gold Rush. Once gold became scarce, the mine was abandoned until it was purchased and turned into the adventure park it is today. Take a trip 200 feet underground and hear tales of what the miners endured to find gold. At the end of the tour, you’ll get your own chance to pan for gold!
After the tour, to continue learning about the town’s Gold Rush history, visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum inside the Lumpkin County Courthouse. The museum holds rare gold coins and nuggets, as well as a hydraulic cannon that was used to blast into the mines. Watch the informational video and see how the cannon was used by miners. Make your final stop in this charming town at Lake Zwerner. This man-made lake offers fishing and stunning mountain and lakeside views along the walking trails.
Greensboro
Visit Greensboro and experience one of its more exhilarating focal points, Reynolds Lake Oconee. On 12,000 acres of lakefront property, Reynolds Lake Oconee is one of the only Ritz-Carltons in the world lakeside. Enjoy one of their seven golf courses, 11 restaurants, and distinctive sporting grounds.
If you want something more casual, take a trip to the historic Old Gaol, A jailhouse from 1807 that is believed to be the oldest in the state. This beautiful stone building has remained unchanged for over 200 years, including the trap door above the entry. The structure is available for self-guided tours. Marvel at the sloping stone walls and castle-like qualities of the building. Another learning stop on your Greensboro tour should be the Historic Scull Shoals Mill Village. Explore the historic ruins of Georgia’s first paper mill, dating back to 1811. The ruins sit on the banks of the Oconee River, and between the flowing water and the timeless remaining structure, varying unique views are offered on these self-guided tours.
Toccoa
Start your trip in Toccoa at the Currahee Vineyard and Winery. Even if you don’t fancy wine, the vineyard's agriculture is truly remarkable. At the foot of the Currahee Mountain, the vineyard provides endless views and award-winning wines. The vineyard also provides live musical entertainment on weekends for its visitors.
To enjoy more of Toccoa’s nature, hit up Toccoa Falls on the Toccoa Falls College campus and marvel at the 186-foot waterfall. A short gravel path will take you to the falls, which is declared the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River. One more historic stop to make on your journey should be Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site. The old building is the last stagecoach inn in Georgia and offers a peek into 19th-century Georgia. Visitors are able to tour the house and see original artifacts from the homeowner.
Decatur
What started in 1977 as a small produce stand has grown into not only a farmer’s but a world market. The stand features spices from all over the world in their international products, as well as fresh seafood from as close as Alabama and as far as New Zealand. They also offer cheeses and dairy, beer and wine, meats, pastries, and produce. Enjoy all this market has to sell and pick up unique foods you might not find elsewhere. Along the lines of food, Decatur also has a very non-traditional tourist attraction that is worth a stop, The Waffle House Museum. The museum is housed in the very first Waffle House restaurant. The interior has been recreated to mirror the original look of the restaurant. Learn all about the history of this infamous chain restaurant at the very first location. One last stop in Decatur should be the Clyde Shepard Nature Preserve. The preserve provides seven different trails to roam the 28 acres of land. Keep an eye open for any of the 300 species of native plants and animals.
Milledgeville
Milledgeville is filled with beautiful outdoor attractions, so don’t miss them while you’re there. Start at the Lockerly Arboretum and stop and smell the roses. Literally, from the native plant garden to the conifer garden and, finally, the tropical greenhouse, the arboretum offers multiple varieties of flora. The grounds also have a gazebo, pond, and Rose Hill. A home listed on the National Register for Historic Places, renowned for its Greek Revival Style and Georgian house type.
For more outdoor activities, visit the Bartram Forest Wildlife Area. The forest areas are divided between recreational use and wildlife management areas. Hunting is allowed on the property, but hunters need to be mindful as the recreation area is still open to bikers, hikers, and day users during hunting season. For a more secluded recreational stop, visit the Oconee River Greenway. The park and riverwalk offer trails, path,s and boardwalks for users. Fishing, boating, and swimming are allowed and encouraged in the area.
Thomasville
One of the largest Southern Live Oak Trees east of the Mississippi River is in Thomasville and has attracted visitors for years; even President Eisenhower made a stop during his time in Thomasville. The Big Oak has a limb span of 165 feet, a trunk circumference of just over 26.5 feet, and reaches 68 feet high. You can have your picture taken by the Big Oak Cam and download your picture on their website.
After taking your picture with the Big Oak, visit the Pebble Hill Plantation for an enriching experience. The tour is filled with art, natural beauty, antiques, and an abundance of history. Enjoy the quiet of the grounds and the antiquities in The Main House. End the day at Cherokee Park and the Thomasville Rose Garden. A path around Cherokee Lake makes for a peaceful afternoon stroll and will lead you to the Thomasville Rose Garden, which blooms from early spring to late fall.
Brunswick
Another famous Georgia Oak has found its home in Brunswick. Lover’s Oak believed to date back to the 12th century, was a meeting place for Native American lovers. The tree is guessed to be 900 years old and was recognized by The National Arborist Association, as well as The International Society of Arboriculture, for its significant age and timeliness, as it has been around since the signing of the US Constitution. Visit the Oak where it currently resides, right in the middle of an intersection. After a stop at Lover’s Oak, make your way to Mary Ross Waterfront Park.
In historic downtown Brunswick, you can enjoy outdoor music, ship spotting, and farmer’s markets, and visit the Liberty Ship Memorial Plaza and view a scale model of a Liberty Ship. Enjoy stunning sunsets and just relax as ships large and small pass by. A final stop in Brunswick you won’t want to miss is the Blythe Island Regional Park. This public park on the water offers swimming, fishing, and boating. Over 1,100 acres are available for exploring and camping. If you need to step out of the great outdoors for a bit, there is also golfing, shopping, and restaurants surrounding the park.
Embracing Georgia's Small-Town Treasures
The state of Georgia offers a variety of sites and attractions for its visitors. An expanse of arts and culture scene, historic architecture, cobblestone streets, the Blueridge Mountains, and stunning beaches are just a few of the charming and exceptional features presented. These eight spectacular towns provide those views and so much more. Large Oaks, splaying flower beds and lighthouses are just some of the attractions you can stop at and relax during your trip down south.
