Summary
Georgia, as one of the original 13 colonies of the United States, presents a remarkable destination for travelers seeking a place rich in history, welcoming culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Its terrain encompasses beaches, mountains, agricultural areas, and vibrant urban environments. Georgia is renowned for being the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., one of America’s most influential civil rights leaders, and for its production of delicious peaches.
Many visitors make the error of solely exploring Georgia’s major cities, such as Atlanta and Savannah, neglecting the myriad other attractions that contribute to Georgia’s distinctiveness. Those who focus only on the primary attractions overlook what makes Georgia a diverse and remarkable state. One can traverse the Blue Ridge Mountains, journey through the Historic Heartland along Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, search for gold in historic mining towns, and experience the tranquility of small-town living.
A superb method to appreciate the state of Georgia is through a traditional road trip, allowing for stops at various small towns along the way to other destinations. Although numerous noteworthy small towns exist in Georgia, some stand out prominently.
As a Georgia resident with extensive travel experience throughout the state, I am pleased to present my selection of the best small towns to visit in Georgia:
1. Madison
Madison, celebrated as one of the most charming small towns in America, invests significantly in its historical preservation. It boasts one of Georgia’s largest collections of 19th-century architecture featuring vibrantly colored historic buildings. Additionally, Madison forms part of the Historic Heartland along Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, a 100-mile route that navigates through some of the state’s best-preserved towns. Madison serves as an ideal stop along this trail, allowing visitors ample opportunity to appreciate its beauty over several days.
For those interested in discovering antiques, over 150 shops offer treasures from the past. Furthermore, one can enjoy the local parks, eateries, and recreational spaces.
2. Dublin
The small town of Dublin serves as a gateway to remarkable wildlife and is characterized by its lively culture.
Attend a performance at the Theatre Dublin, which is recognized for showcasing a variety of talented musicians and artists.
Furthermore, to honor the town’s namesake, Dublin hosts an Irish-themed festival every March to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, featuring Irish music, dance, theatrical performances, culinary delights, and beer. If you prefer places that are unique, dynamic, and different, Dublin is a small town in Georgia that should not be overlooked.
3. Peachtree City
Peachtree City offers the ideal escape for travelers who appreciate both relaxation and exploration. In Peachtree City, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation, making it easy to spend whole days hiking its nature trails, golfing, enjoying performances at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, and having picnics along the shores of Lake Peachtree.
Visiting Peachtree during one of its festivals will provide an exciting experience. The Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and local artists, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Bluegrass music. The McIntosh Trail Complex also features a full day of art and music. Moreover, the Dragon Boat Races and International Festival draw impressive international exhibitions presenting exotic cuisine, dance, and competitive dragon boat races.
4. Cartersville
For history enthusiasts and cultural explorers, Cartersville represents an essential destination in Georgia. Visitors can explore the westward expansion of the country at the Booth Museum, and learn about Bartow County at both Bartow History Museum and the Rose Lawn Museum. For those interested in scientific discoveries, the Tellus Science Museum provides enriching experiences for individuals of all ages.
After discovering the town center and museums, heading to Red Top Mountain State Park is advisable, particularly noted for its vibrant autumn colors. Here, visitors can engage in hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Additionally, the Pine Mountain Recreation Area offers even more hiking opportunities in a natural setting. To reward oneself after an active day, a visit to the nostalgic ice cream parlor is highly recommended before continuing the journey.
5. Toccoa
The charming town of Toccoa, nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, possesses stunning natural beauty and serves as a reminder of Southern military history.
Toccoa was formerly a World War II paratrooper training center that remains accessible to visitors today. At the Currahee Military Museum, guests can learn about the paratroopers and soldiers who trained there. The Stephens County Historical Museum offers engaging archaeological finds and exhibits on notable local figures.
Nearby natural attractions include the breathtaking cascades at Toccoa Falls, numerous hiking trails, Henderson Falls Park, Currahee Vineyards, and the Traveler’s Rest Historic Site.
6. Jekyll Island
Even local Georgians frequent Jekyll Island for vacation, a small town characterized by beaches, marshland wildlife, and picturesque oak trees. This destination is ideal for active travelers, providing opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, boating, and learning about local wildlife, including alligators. Furthermore, with four award-winning golf courses, golf enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.
Jekyll Island houses Georgia’s only endangered turtle rehabilitation center, where both children and adults can volunteer in turtle rescue efforts. The center organizes sunrise and sunset patrols, where volunteers search for newly hatched turtle nests. Following this, they collect remnants from the shells for data analysis once all hatchlings have safely returned to the sea.
7. St. Marys
St. Marys is a coastal town in Georgia notably dedicated to preserving its historical integrity through its beautiful architecture and harbor. Although it recently experienced impacts from Hurricane Matthew, nearly all businesses and attractions have reopened. The town offers a diverse array of accommodations, dining options, and entertainment venues, all providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Moreover, St. Marys serves as an excellent base for visiting Cumberland Island, accessible by ferry, offering an extraordinary conservation reserve once steeped in historical significance. Visitors can also partake in the St. Marys History Walk, a loop that meanders through former Timucua Native American settlements and sites where historic ships were constructed.
8. Senoia
Senoia boasts numerous historical sites, including the Buggy Shop Museum, the Senoia Area History Museum, Victorian-era inns, and the scenic Callaway Gardens. The town prioritizes heritage preservation through its architecture and community events. Moreover, the well-maintained downtown area features family-owned businesses that have operated for over a century, allowing visitors to spend their days admiring buildings, browsing boutiques and antique shops, and savoring hearty Southern cuisine.
Fans of the TV series The Walking Dead will find Senoia particularly appealing, as it is one of the prominent filming locations. Visitors can capture a picture beside the Alexandria Wall. Additionally, Senoia served as a charming backdrop for the film Footloose.
9. Blue Ridge
If you seek a respite from urban life, consider stopping at Blue Ridge, a small mountain town enveloped by waterfalls, trees, rivers, and wildlife within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Nearly every activity available here invites you to reconnect with nature, allowing you to relish the serenity of a forest environment. Explore the nearby trails and delight in fruit-picking at local orchards.
On Lake Blue Ridge, you can unwind with a refreshing beverage on a pontoon boat, kayak, engage in stand-up paddleboarding, trout fishing, or swimming. The waters surrounding Blue Ridge are reputed to possess healing properties due to their mineral content; thus, the only way to ascertain the truth of this is to experience it firsthand.
10. Washington
Washington exudes a leisurely atmosphere, with deep connections to its role in the Revolutionary War; the buildings, shops, and culinary offerings all evoke a bygone era. Visitors can observe battle reenactments, celebrate traditional mule power, and explore numerous antique stores that populate the town square.
This nod to the Revolutionary era is even reflected in the town’s name; Washington was named after the first U.S. President, George Washington. The area was the site of the Battle of Kettle Creek, one of the Revolutionary War’s most notable confrontations, which successfully repelled British forces in Georgia.
11. Helen
Upon arriving in Helen, you may be pleasantly surprised by the town’s unique aesthetic! Located amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, Helen features captivating Bavarian-style wooden structures along its cobblestone streets. The town’s picturesque landscape has embraced its German heritage by hosting Oktoberfest celebrations. Therefore, if possible, a visit during the September to October timeframe for this event is highly encouraged.
Helen serves as an excellent base for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and trekking through the trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains – if you can resist the charm of this delightful town. Must-see attractions in Helen include Anna Ruby Falls, Unicoi State Park, the Chattahoochee River, and Dukes Creek Falls Trail.
12. Tunnel Hill
For a truly distinctive experience within the heart of the South, visit Tunnel Hill. This small town, with fewer than 1,500 residents, is known for its friendliness and leisurely pace, complemented by an impressive attraction: the Western and Atlantic Tunnel. Constructed in 1850, this was the first major railroad tunnel in the Southern United States. Currently, visitors can walk or use golf carts to traverse the tunnel.
The Tunnel Hill Museum offers intriguing insights into the Great Locomotive Chase, a significant military raid during the Civil War. Every September, residents reenact this historic event for all who appreciate the local history.
13. Dahlonega
Dahlonega presents an ideal escape from Atlanta for a brief weekend retreat. This small town served as the site of the first U.S. Gold Rush, attracting hundreds of fortune seekers hoping to strike it rich. Today, some visitors still attempt their luck by panning for gold in the rivers that flow from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Furthermore, Dahlonega is among the state’s leading wine producers. Visitors can sample various local wines at the numerous wineries or enjoy a glass at one of the town’s many restaurants. The downtown area features boutique shops, live music, frequent festivals, and numerous other attractions set against a backdrop of historical architecture.
14. Perry
Located centrally in Georgia, Perry is a quaint town that skillfully merges historical charm with modern conveniences. Renowned for its Southern hospitality, Perry was once a pivotal stagecoach stop for travelers moving between the north and south. Today, the town is home to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, a venue hosting a diverse range of trade shows and agricultural fairs.
The recently revitalized downtown area invites visitors to stroll and window-shop through the specialty stores while taking time to appreciate whatever catches their interest. However, do not expect a hurried experience; the shopkeepers in Perry are celebrated for their friendly demeanor and fondness for engaging in conversation.
15. Maysville
For those with an appreciation for beautiful architecture, Maysville is a must-visit. This town is home to Victorian-era structures, rustic log cabins, historic churches, and antique railroads. While Maysville is slowly modernizing, it remains committed to preserving its unique charm.
At History Village, visitors can gain insight into life during the early 1900s, when Maysville boasted four cotton gins and played a significant role in the cotton industry. Cotton bales produced in the town were shipped by train to create textiles.
Although Maysville may no longer be the thriving community it once was, it serves as an essential part of U.S. history.
