8 Undiscovered Small Towns In Georgia
Admitted to the Union back in 1788, the beautiful “Peach State” of Georgia is indeed a place of great cultural and historic importance. A central component of the Southern United States, Georgia is full of natural splendor that includes stunning mountain views, ocean vistas, and riverside tranquility, while its unique cultural and historic character cannot be missed. Although major cities like Savannah and Atlanta remain the most popular destinations, the “Peach State” is also home to a number of smaller, “undiscovered” communities that are every bit as alluring as their big city counterparts. Here, all the things that make Georgia such a special place can be appreciated in more intimate settings, where the feeling of genuine Americana is never far away. And so take to the road and come see the great State of Georgia through a voyage of these “hidden” gems!
Cordele
Come and visit Cordele, or the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” a most charming central Georgia community known for its hot summer and mild winter temperatures. The seat of Crisp County and home to a modest population of just over 10,000 inhabitants, Cordele is indeed a great place to enjoy the outdoors, some American history, and welcoming small-town vibes. Relax at the nearby Lake Blackshear and enjoy time spent on the water or simply soaking up the sun, while a stop at the Georgia Veterans State Park is a most fascinating destination for both the ardent and casual history follower. An immersive journey through the centuries of American warfare, guests can marvel at a fine collection of military vehicles, weapons, uniforms, and more that range from the American Revolution to the Second World War.
Finally as the world’s watermelon capital, visiting Cordele could never be complete without partaking in the annual summer Watermelon Festival. A most delicious and tasty celebration of the fruit will delight any age of visitor, and with an assortment of local vendors, activities for children, fireworks displays, and more this is one cultural event that will definitely create a most sweet set of memories.
Blue Ridge
Scenically located near the Alabama River and close to the border with the State of Tennessee, Blue Ridge is a picturesque and lovely town that no traveler to Georgia will want to miss. The seat of Fannin County. Blue Ridge (which shares its name with the mountain range) was formally established in the 1880s, and today just over 1,200 residents call it home. A great place to enjoy fun outdoor activities, guests can go swimming, biking, hiking, and rock climbing in the vicinity, where hot summers and mild winters are the norm.
Meanwhile Blue Ridge’s small town charm is hard to beat, and a number of welcoming local shops, restaurants, and other shops all add to this nice little slice of Americana. Enjoy some delicious seafood at The General Ledger or take in some of the best of Southern cooking at The Southern Charm Restaurant, there is indeed always a reason to smile when in this most pretty Georgia town.
Helen
Take a visit to a German Bavarian mountain town without having to leave the United States! Indeed, the town of Helen (also known as Georgia’s Alpine Village) has been designed to resemble a typical southern German village, complete with chalet buildings, cuckoo clocks, and loads of cultural wonder. Beautifully located along the shores of the Chattahoochee River, just over 500 permanent residents call this community home. Only some 90 miles from Atlanta, Helen is indeed a unique road trip destination where special memories are never far away. Indeed, in addition to its pleasant natural and cultural surroundings, guests can enjoy such events as the very popular Oktoberfest and a hot air balloon race in the summertime. Add in a charming array of cute shops and diners (many of which specialize in European cuisine), and visiting Helen is one excursion one will want to repeat. In addition, nature lovers will not want to miss the splendid Anna Ruby Falls and the Unicoi State Park in the vicinity.
Kennesaw
Kennesaw is just some 27 miles north of Atlanta, and it boasts a moderate population of just over 33,000 inhabitants. Established in the 1880s, this scenic community in Cobb County is known for its very hot summers and mild winters where spending time outdoors is always popular. Marvel at the Blue Ridge Mountains, drive up and explore Kennesaw Mountain, which stands at an elevation of 1,808 feet, or simply stroll through the downtown area where an eclectic range of shops, restaurants, and other businesses populate the landscape. Enjoy great Southern food at The Rotisserie Shop or go shopping at the Town Center at Cobb, there is always genuine slices of Americana to be found here. With its close vicinity to Atlanta, Kennesaw serves as a great stopover to and from the Georgia capital.
Additionally, for the history lover, Kennesaw is known for its varied museums dedicated to commemorating the Civil War. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History and the KSU Civil War Center are informative places that offer immersive and fascinating insights into this most consequential chapter of American history.
Americus
Formally incorporated in the 1850s, the town of Americus is a wonderfully charming and historically inviting place known for hot summers and warm winters. The seat of Sumter County, today just over 16,000 inhabitants call the town home and there is indeed never a shortage of genuine Americana to be found here. Visit the alluring campus of Georgia Southwestern State University (1906) that gives Americus a warm college town character, while such locally owned eateries like Pat’s Place and the Fish House offer the best in authentic Southern cooking.
Furthermore, history lovers can also appreciate Americus’ ambiance and visit such landmarks as the Andersonville National Historic Site (once a prisoner of war camp for the Confederacy) and the Grand Windsor Hotel. Or simply stroll through the Historic District where several edifices are also included on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, at the nearby town of Plains (just some 10 miles away) explore the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site and discover the place where the future president was born and grew up.
Bainbridge
With a foundational history dating to the 1820s, the town of Bainbridge is one of Georgia’s oldest non-indigenous settlements. The seat of Decatur County and home to just over 14,000 inhabitants, Bainbridge remains a most charming community to enjoy the natural splendor of the American South and learn more about local history. Scenically situated along the Flint River, guests can enjoy fun opportunities to go fishing, swimming, biking, and hiking in an often hot and muggy ambiance. Additionally, history lovers can appreciate Bainbridge for its historic district, where several 19th and early 20th-century edifices are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the County Courthouse (1902), the First African Missionary Baptist Church (1904), and the Curry Hill Plantation (1850), amongst others.
Finally, with such inviting cultural events like the Fall Festival and River Town Days, there is always something fun happening in Bainbridge. Add in an assortment of fine diners specializing in Southern cooking and plenty of friendly shops and residents, and visiting this town will surely leave one with a most positive set of memories.
Greensboro
A pretty town located along the banks of Lake Oconee, Greensboro was founded way back in the 1780s where today just under 4,000 people reside. Seat of Greene County, this serene and relaxing town, is indeed a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life in a beautiful outdoor setting. Go swimming, biking, and hiking, while picturesque golf games are always popular at the numerous courses in town and its vicinity. Meanwhile, even just a casual stroll through Main Street is a delight, offering a genuine snapshot of small-town USA. Stop by such local businesses as the Greensboro Antique Mall or the Oconee Brewing Company for a healthy dose of Southern charm in a hot setting typical of the American South.
Moultrie
The seat of Colquitt County, the historic town of Moultrie, can trace its modern roots to the 1870s, and today, it continues to offer a charming ambiance of the 19th century. Situated near the border with Florida, this community of just under 15,000 residents is indeed a most alluring place to visit. Stop by the Moultrie Commercial Historic District, where an assortment of 19th and 20th-century landmarks continue to stand. Amongst those listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the James Coleman House (1903), the County Jail (1915), and the County Courthouse (1902).
In addition, outdoor lovers can also appreciate Moultrie and its surrounding area for its splendid recreational options. Visit the nearby Reed Bingham State Park for fun opportunities to go boating, fishing, hiking, cycling, camping, and even wildlife watching. And with hot summers and warm winters, spending time here is a delightful experience throughout the calendar year.
A key feature of the Southern United States, the “Peach State” of Georgia is undoubtedly a place of great natural beauty and splendid cultural charm. Full of hot weather, gorgeous mountain vistas, alluring ocean views, and tons of fascinating history and cultural character, Georgia is a cannot miss destination for anyone looking to encounter Americana. While the major centers, like Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah, still attract much attention, the smaller communities in the State are also worthy of exploration. From the “Watermelon Capital” of Cordele to the historic ambiance of Bainbridge, these and other awesome small Georgia towns are indeed hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
