Why This Georgia Town Deserves More Attention
While many small towns with just a few thousand residents in Georgia tend to be on the quieter side, Senoia’s beauty shines through with unique attractions, ranging from Walking Dead filming locations to massive butterfly gardens. The town also has a rich cultural scene, home to acclaimed Italian chefs and nearby historic landmarks, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt's former residence. Located less than an hour from Atlanta, this town promises an unforgettable weekend getaway, no matter your interests.
Outdoor Recreation
Marimac Lakes is at the heart of Senoia’s recreation, offering fishing spots and hiking trails year-round. Those wanting to enjoy a day of fishing can pay $10 for a day pass at the lake, which functions on a catch-and-release basis. Travelers must make the trip out to the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, one of the largest tropical butterfly conservatories on the continent. This conservatory spans 8,000 square feet and is home to up to 1,000 butterflies that fly freely throughout the space. Waterfalls, exotic plants, and ground pheasants are a few of the other unique features that visitors can admire within the space.
Callaway Gardens is another worthwhile site to visit, spanning thousands of acres with gardens, hike and bike trails, and a highly rated golf course. For a beach day, enjoy lounging on Robin Lake Beach, one of the largest inland sandy beaches in the United States. For a scenic picnic spot, visit Starr's Mill, located just north of Senoia. This picturesque 16-acre property features a historic turbine mill, which operated until 1959, along with a dam.
Historic Sites
The Senoia Area Historical Society Museum is the perfect place to gauge the history of Senoia. Located in a historic home, it features five rooms filled with exhibits and memorabilia. Artifacts in the museum include 19th-century land lottery deeds, 1940s coupon books, a 1941 Girl Scout scrapbook, original teller windows from the town’s 1874 bank, and authentic maps from the 19th and 20th centuries. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are appreciated to provide funding for the well-preserved exhibits.
Visitors also must make the 40-minute drive to the Little White House Historic Site, which was the cottage where Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in 1945, now meticulously preserved with original artifacts and furniture from his home. To visit the oldest covered in Georgia, travelers can drive out to Red Oak Covered Bridge, which is also the state’s second longest.
Filming Sites and Significant Homes
The film industry is largely responsible for putting Senoia on the map, with nearby areas being an important filming location for “The Walking Dead” Series. Along its main street, visitors can appreciate marked stars that indicate the various television and film productions that have taken place throughout the town and at the neighboring Riverwood Studios, the inspiration that brought the beloved Walking Dead Series to life. Those who are a fan of “Southern Living” must check out the two homes in town that have been featured as Southern Living Idea Houses.
Restaurant and Dining Scene
Senoia may be home to just under 6,000 residents, but it has no shortage of good restaurants. The town’s main street and adjacent downtown streets have plenty of dining options, ranging from Italian restaurants to Irish pubs. Maguire’s is one of the most popular places for locals to congregate, a family-owned Irish pub that has been in operation since 2008. Although authentic Italian may be rare in Georgia, travelers will adore Borgo Italia, a trattoria owned by the siblings Cristiana and Alessandro Folchitto that offers authentic Italian recipes, Italian wines, and cultural traditions that will leave visitors with a truly international experience. For an innovative burger, pork chop, or smoked chicken, Curious Kitchen and Bar is a great option, with each dish and cocktail made from scratch.
After lunch, visitors can easily spend an hour or two strolling through some of Senoia’s cozy shops. The Woodbury Shoppe is the perfect place to grab some Walking Dead merchandise, listed as the “Official Walking Dead Store” on its website. For a gift or home accessory, there are plenty of options to explore. The Greenhouse Mercantile, located on Main Street, sells candles, home goods, and other gifts, while Frankly My Dear Boutique sells clothes and quirky accessories. More clothing stores worth checking out include Hey Jo Boutique and Pink Chair Boutique.
Events and Festivals
No matter the time of year, it is not difficult to find an event going on in Senoia. From April through December, the town puts on a farmers market that takes place each Saturday morning, with products ranging from donuts and ceramics to fresh produce and flowers. Those who will be visiting in March must visit during the annual Fat Tuesday celebration, featuring live jazz, a parade, and festive food and drinks. Make sure to come dressed in purple, green, and gold with a mask! In September, the town puts on its annual Car Show, which features vintage cars from over 25 years ago and older. To celebrate the local music scene, PorchFest, in the fall, converts porches and yards into stages for the area’s local musicians to perform.
Final Thoughts
If you are ready to explore Georgian culture from a new perspective, Senoia should be the next destination on your itinerary. Whether you enjoy interesting events like car shows and Fat Tuesday celebrations or want a day fishing on the lake or roaming through gardens, the town offers a little bit of everything. So venture out from the state’s typical towns and enjoy the diversity that Senoia has to offer.
