9 Friendliest Little Towns In Georgia
Georgia is a historic state and one of the best places to visit for authentic Southern appeal. It is topographically diverse, with mountain regions and charming coastal towns along the Atlantic Coast. The local communities that call the Peach State home form the fabric of the state and add to the local charm. From historic sites to magnificent tree-lined streets, these towns are among the best to visit in the southeastern United States.
The northern part of the state is mountainous, and a visit to the Bavarian village of Helen is irresistible. Visiting towns like America feels like stepping back to a time when music played on actual records and soda shops were where the kids hung out. Check out the nine friendliest little towns in Georgia.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega is a classic Southern town in the heart of Georgia wine country and was the site of the first US Gold Rush. Much of this history is preserved in its architecture and structures. Historic Downtown highlights this history with the Price Memorial Hall adorned with a gold steeple, formerly the US Branch Mint, Mount Hope Cemetery, and Dahlonega Square.
The Dahlonega Gold Museum is on the Square near the 1884 Lumpkin County Jail and Museum. If gold mining is your thing, learn how to mine at the Crisson Gold Mine or visit at the end of April when the museum hosts its Bear on the Square Mountain Festival. After a day of exploring this colorful history, unwind by visiting one of the many wineries like Three Sisters Vineyard or Accent Cellars.
Helen
Helen is a Bavarian village in northern Georgia known for its architecture, charm, and friendly community. The alpine town is also noteworthy as a gateway to outdoor adventure, from ziplining above the treelines to floating down the Chattahoochee River. The downtown area is the star of the show, filled with its Bavarian-inspired architecture, chalet facades, and red roofs. Naturally, the town hosts its version of Oktoberfest, one of the best times of the year to visit.
The village offers numerous boutiques, including Glass Mountain Gallery, DJ Collectables, and the Nacoochee Antique Mall. Window shopping, among the delightful smells of the restaurants, will make you hungry. Stop at the Hofbrauhaus House for authentic German cuisine or the Troll Tavern for American fare.
Thomasville
Historic Thomasville is one of the most picturesque and welcoming towns in the Peach State. Known as Rose City, Thomasville Rose Garden boasts more than 1,500 roses and celebrates their blooms at the annual Rose Show and Festival. After visiting the garden, get your picture taken by the iconic Big Oak, a living oak tree from 1680, and one of the most photographed sites in town.
Historic Downtown has cobblestone streets, sophisticated restaurants, and tree-lined streets. Visitors can tour this quaint area on the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour. The tour is a three-hour progressive lunch that starts in the courtyard of The Gift Shop. Guides explore Thomasville's fascinating history, and guests savor Southern staples like shrimp and grits.
Americus
If one imagines a traditional Southern town, they may envision a quintessential American experience. The compact Downtown is lined with conventional brick structures, including a spire, with a water tower in the background to complete the picture. The town is also famously home to the prestigious Georgia Southwestern University and South Georgia Technical College, lending an academic air to the charming city. The community hosts events throughout the year, such as the Juneteenth Festival in the summer.
Downtown boasts eclectic dining options, including the five-star Rosemary & Thyme Restaurant, as well as boutiques and cultural venues such as the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum and the historic Rylander Theatre. Booking a room at the pre-Civil War Americus Garden Inn on Rees Park allows visitors to explore the history and culture in an elegant setting, a short distance from the main attractions in town.
Tallulah Falls
Beautiful Tallulah Falls is home to the ancient Tallulah Falls Gorge, a 1,000-foot gorge carved by the Tallulah River over millions of years. Tallulah Gorge State Park should not be missed. It offers one of the best ways to bask in the natural wonders of this town, which, at the turn of the 20th century, rivaled Niagara Falls as a premier resort destination. The friendly community is just as pleasant as the natural scenery, and travelers should make sure to stop here during a trip to Georgia.
One of the best times to visit is during one of the annual Aesthetic Water Release events, such as the one in May. Book a room on Saturday when the community comes together for the weekly Saturday Night Bluegrass Jam. Premier lodging options include the historic 16-room Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Restaurant. Tallulah Falls has a friendly community, beautiful scenery, and cultural attractions that make it one of the best small towns in Georgia.
St. Marys
St. Mary's is a quaint coastal town known for its Southern charm, rich history, and scenic beauty. The friendly community has a lot to offer visitors, from a charming, historic downtown to the stunning Cumberland Island National Seashore. St. Mary's is the gateway to the national seashore, the largest barrier island in Georgia, which includes over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness and a 30-mile guided tour.
Downtown and Midtown St. Mary's are best experienced while taking a leisurely stroll. After working up an appetite, stop in at one of the eclectic restaurants, which offer chef-inspired menus and elegant bakeries, adding an exclamatory mark on the coastal community. Offerings include Kraken Coffee Kitchen, Cedar Oak Cafe, Seagle's Restaurant, and Seagle's Saloon.
Rome
Rome has a classic Southern charm and a small-town feel that makes everyone feel welcome. It also features stunning scenery at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains and a unique history that can be explored at the Rome Area History Center. Much of the history centers around Native Americans who inhabited the area until Rome became an agricultural center in the early 19th century.
The small town is also famously home to Berry College, which lends an air of academia to Rome's charm. The campus is home to the 170-acre Oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum, situated in a Greek Revival residence. Be sure to book a stay during a performance by the Rome Symphony Orchestra, the first of its kind in the region, founded in 1921.
Madison
Madison is a stunning historical town with vintage structures and charming red-brick commercial buildings, making it an ideal destination for a self-guided tour. The community takes pride in its small-town atmosphere, greeting guests with clean streets, beds of seasonal flowers, and picturesque residences lining the historic downtown streets. Downtown is one of Georgia's largest historic districts, and many curated history experiences are available online for history buffs and art lovers.
The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, Steffan Thomas Museum of Art, and the Morgan County African-American Museum are among the many heritage and cultural sites. Historic residences include the 1811 Antebellum Heritage Hall and Rogers House. The former residence is a fine example of middle-class living on Jefferson Street in the heart of Downtown. Built in the early 19th century, it outdates the Morgan County Courthouse by 100 years.
Covington
Covington is known as the "Hollywood of the South" because many shows and films have been filmed in this charming small town. Notable examples include "In the Heat of the Night" and "Vampire Diaries," where fans will instantly recognize the fictional setting of Mystic Falls. The town offers many photo opportunities in places that are streamed into living rooms nightly. While walking the city, stop at the Mystic Grill, an elegant nod to its Hollywood roots and authentic Southern fare.
Embarking on the Mystic Falls Tours is an ideal way to soak in the areas that made it onto film, like the Lockwood Mansion and the home used as the Gilbert House. Touring the area on a Main Street Trolley will introduce you to fictional locations, including Mystic Falls, Virginia; Sparta, Mississippi; Hazzard County, Georgia; and Serenity, South Carolina. The community also offers self-guided tours to the many historic homes, an excellent way to immerse yourself in the charms that make Covington one of the most unique towns in the Peach State.
Georgia is a topographically diverse and beautiful state with coastal beaches and mountain ranges. The little towns throughout the state exude natural charm and friendly atmospheres. They are among the best places to visit due to their rich history, quaint downtown areas, and diverse venues and events that celebrate Georgia's unique heritage.
Although each town is distinctly different, they all share a small-town mentality, as evident in their attractions, preserved architecture, and welcoming spirit. From classic Americana towns like Americus to stunning Bavarian villages like Helen, these nine towns are the friendliest communities in Georgia. Booking a stay at one of the elegant, historic bed and breakfasts is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture while in town, making for a truly memorable visit.
