9 Coziest Small Towns in Georgia
Down in the south of the country, Georgia is squeezed between Florida and South Carolina. With over 10 million people, it is one of the most populated in the USA.
Georgia has that classic Southern hospitality but is also known for its historical contributions to the country. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most important American civil rights activists, was born in the state.
When you are in Georgia, you will find coastal plains, moss-covered trees in the Savannah, and the tree-covered hills of the Appalachians.
There is a real and vivid comfort you get experiencing that legendary Southern hospitality. These nine towns are some of the most comfortable and cozy towns in Georgia.
Dublin
Established in 1812, this town naturally took its name from Dublin in Ireland.
Dublin has an important story related to the Civil Rights Movement. The town was where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his first public speech during high school.
The site of the speech was the First African Baptist Church, built all the way back in 1867. His impact in town remains at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Monument Park, featuring a bold mural by Georgia artist Corey Barksdale.
In the downtown area, the Market on Madison has the finest products from nearby agricultural communities, hosting an event every Saturday from April to October.
And of course, since the town is called Dublin, there is a huge St. Patrick’s party. The town paints itself green for a month-long festival between February and March. So put on some green and head on over.
Americus
Americus boasts a spectrum of historic buildings, with Antebellum and Victorian homes, as well as classical revival-style structures.
The Windsor Hotel is a great example. First opened in 1892, the hotel still maintains the elegance and style of the late 19th century.
The town is a centre of education, with both the Georgia Southwestern University and South Georgia Technical College within its borders.
Americus has a strong connection to the 39th President, Jimmy Carter. He and his wife Rosalynn stayed at the historic Windsor Hotel after its reopening in 1991. He likely knew the area well since President Carter’s hometown of Plains is only a 15-minute drive away
Americus serves as the headquarters for Habitat for Humanity, an organization with which the Carters have devoted a significant amount of their time volunteering.
For an old-fashioned view of the countryside, the SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a fun travel outing. It features vintage train cars with destinations including Americus, Plains, or Archery.
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge rests amongst the Appalachian Mountains, with its rolling, forest-covered hills surrounding the small town. The town is known for its friendly community, and Blue Ridge welcomes visitors wanting a peaceful mountain escape.
Blue Ridge has a huge collection of festivals to enjoy. The Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival celebrates blues music and barbecue with live performances and delicious food. Another fun and unique festival is the Blue Ridge Marching Band Festival, where high school marching bands from the region come together for a showcase of musical and visual performances.
If exploring the outdoors is high on your list, the Chattahoochee National Forest is right at the town’s footsteps. Close by, you will find 106,000 acres of forest, 300 miles of hiking trails, and 100 miles of streams and rivers.
You can also visit a local orchard, like Mercier Orchards, to pick your own fruit, enjoy the fresh offerings, and experience all the charm of the mountain area.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega is home to two distinct claims to fame. First off, it is considered the heart of the wine industry in Georgia. Secondly, Dahlonega was the location of the first Gold Rush in the U.S., back in 1829.
Even today, the town embraces this old heritage and visitors can check into the remnants of the town’s gold mining past.
The Consolidated Gold Mine and Crisson Gold Mine has tours where you can learn about mining techniques and even pan for gold.
The location has a historic downtown square listed on the National Registry, with brick sidewalks and ample green space. You can stroll around the lively area on your own, or signup for a walking tour to learn from one of the knowledgeable locals.
And of course, since you are in wine country, it only makes sense to taste the merchandise. The county has 12 wine-tasting rooms and eight wineries, with each option offering its own unique flair and allure.
Helen
Helen is a great testament to a community's will to grow and survive. Originally a timber town, after World War II the industry began to die off in the region, and Helen reimagined itself.
Nowadays, in Georgia, only Atlanta and Savannah get more tourists a year than Helen. Walking into this slice of Germany, you start to understand why, too.
The town looks like a carbon copy of a Bavarian Alpine village, with cobblestone streets paving the way for guests.
Naturally, coming during the fall is a must to experience Oktoberfest. This major celebration has all the best of German music, food, and tradition.
If you want to hit the water, the Chattahoochee River cuts right through Helen. So, if you are in the mood for some tubing or trout fishing, it is only a short walk away.
For something unique, the double waterfall, Anna Ruby Falls, lies in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest, surrounded by lush scenery and is accessible by trail.
Blairsville
Located in Union County in the North Georgia mountains, the land around Blairsville was once occupied by the Cherokee. However, the allure of gold in the region attracted settlers who poured into the area.
The town exudes tranquility as old brick structures peacefully coexist amid the greenery of the Appalachian Mountains.
Built-in 1899, the historic Union County Courthouse stands as the most recognizable landmark in town. The two-story brick building, with its stark white tower, stands in the heart of town and continues to be an essential part of the local community.
Just outside of town, Vogel State Park is full of hiking trails to explore and also contains the 22-acre Lake Trahlyta to enjoy.
For something a bit more challenging, Brasstown Bald, the biggest mountain in Georgia, is only 15 minutes away. The grassy summit of the mountain provides stunning 360-degree views, and has a large viewing platform that gives some of Georgia's most breathtaking views.
Clayton
This town has a deep historical heritage, providing visitors a refreshing break from city life amidst Georgia's mountains.
It is crucial to back local businesses, especially those with nearly a century of history. Reeves Hardware has been a local stable for decades and covers three floors, stocking a variety of items, ranging from clothing to grilling essentials.
For something a bit different, visit the Goats on the Roof, where you can shop for some local treats or feed some of the goats residing on top of the building.
The Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center gives an opportunity to look into the past, with 20 log buildings making up the Appalachian Village outdoor museum.
The town also acts as the stepping stone to Black Rock Mountain State Park, the state's highest park, offering beautiful views of the area. Four distinct trails will take you through past forests, colorful wildflowers and waterfalls.
Lilburn
Lilburn was originally known as McDaniel and changed its name to honor Seaboard Air Line Railroad superintendent Lilburn Trigg Myers.
When you step into Lilburn, you might feel something a bit worldly about the town. Part of that could be the gigantic Hindu temple.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn is one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India. The bold structure is primarily made of white Turkish limestone and Italian Carrara marble. As a result, the predominant color of the temple is a light, creamy white that stands proudly against the blue sky.
In downtown Lilburn, Main Street has that classic Americana feel, with trees lining the sidewalks, arched lamp posts lighting the streets, and brown brick buildings housing an assortment of stores and restaurants.
Easily accessible from town is the Stone Mountain Park. It encompasses a massive granite monolith, which gives perfect views of the nearby landscape. The park includes things like hiking trails, a scenic railroad and even a cable car.
Tallulah Falls
Close to where the Tallulah River plunges dramatically into Tallulah Gorge, this little town has attracted visitors since 1885. Back at the turn of the 20th century, Tallulah Falls was such a popular resort town that it was considered on par with Niagara Falls.
The close-knit atmosphere and its residents often share a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment.
Since the town is so close to both to Tallulah Gorge and Tallulah Falls State Park, visitors can easily enjoy the scenic beauty of both locations.
The Gorge is a 1,000-foot drop created over countless years, with several waterfalls feeding into it. There are several distinct waterfalls, like L’Eau d’Or, Oceana and Hurricane. During autumn, with the surrounding leaves turning a multitude of yellows and reds, it is truly a site to behold.
If you feel brave, the Tallulah Gorge Suspension Bridge spans the gorge and lends a breathtaking view of the Tallulah River below. It is also a pretty popular spot for photography and is a thrilling experience for people who don't mind heights.
In Conclusion
Georgia, in the southeastern United States, has a plethora of towns worth taking the time to visit.
From historical significance to natural beauty, they have a charm and an important place in both Georgia and America as a whole.
Whether it is the Appalachian Mountains or the coastal plains, you can explore diverse landscapes while experiencing the unique culture and heritage of this Southern state.
So, grab your hat, strap on your boots and get ready to discover the charm of Georgia's towns and landscapes.
