Great small towns of Georgia
Georgia has much to explore beyond Atlanta. From the locations of film backdrops and Civil War battles to the former homes of Henry Ford and President Jimmy Carter, Georgia's small towns offer local festivals, music concerts, authentic seafood and barbecue, former gold mines, centuries-old gardens, historical sites, and traditional southern hospitality.
Senoia, located south of Atlanta, has served as the backdrop for more than 24 movie and television productions during the past 20 years.
Darien was settled in 1736 by Scots Highlanders. Once known for exporting rice, cotton, and lumber, today shrimp boats line the Altamaha River and restaurants serve the freshest seafood available.
St. Mary's is a fishing village and departure point for the Cumberland Island ferry. Here there are a number of bed and breakfasts and Victorian inns as well as many seafood restaurants.
Once the winter home of Henry Ford, Richmond Hill, located south of Savannah, credits Ford with its survival. The industrialist bought 85,000 acres and built 272 buildings on the property, including schools, a church, a sawmill, and homes for 600 employees. Today, the town is a quaint community of Savannah with more than 10,000 residents.
On the way to Okefenokee Swamp, stop in Waycross for lunch. Known for its barbeque, this town has several restaurants serving top-notch pulled pork, Brunswick stew, and barbecued chicken. There is also a vibrant music scene and 14 festivals throughout the year.
Madison is a gem among small towns. Legend says General Sherman spared the town during his March to the Sea because it was "too beautiful to burn." Regardless of how much truth the legend has, the sentiment will be entirely understandable after seeing the spectacular homes lining the streets of the historic district.
A statue of Brer Rabbit sits on the courthouse lawn in Eatonton, a fitting tribute to Joel Chandler Harris, who wrote the Uncle Remus tales. Pulitzer Prize winner Alice Walker, who wrote The Color Purple, was born here. A driving tour takes visitors to the author's church and her childhood home.
Vidalia is best known for the onion that bears its name and the spring festival that celebrates it, but the city's downtown makes a visit worthwhile any time of year. Enjoy coffee shops, gift shops, and restaurants in the revitalized area.
Chickamauga is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain. During the Civil War, more than 150,000 fought here at the Battle of Chickamauga. Today, the town offers an eclectic mix of antique stores, specialty shops, and restaurants.
The entire town of Adairsville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1902 Stock Exchange combines shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof, Relax at Barnsley Gardens Resort; stroll the 160-year-old gardens, visit the spa and enjoy first-class accommodation.
Clayton is in the far northeast corner of the state and is the seat of government for Rabun County. Nearby gorges, lakes, waterfalls, and surrounding mountain vistas provide the best scenery in the region. Several wineries are located nearby, and the quaint downtown has shopping and dining to suit any tastes.
In 1828, Dahlonega became the site of America's first gold rush. These days, sightseers spend weekends scouring the downtown specialty shops and touring gold-mining attractions. There are several restaurants to choose from, most of which serve hearty Southern dishes.
Colquitt is the "Mayhaw Capital of the World." The small, tart fruit grows on trees found in swampy areas. Restaurants use the fruit for jellies and sauces, and every third Sunday in April, the town holds the National Mayhaw Fastival.
Fitzgerald features more than 26 blocks of historic streetscapes. The town was created in 1896 as a community of Civil War veterans by an Indianapolis newspaper editor who had served as a drummer boy in the Union army.
Beautiful homes, built as winter retreats for Northerners, line the streets of Thomasville. The town caters to visitors and has enough restaurants, shops, and art galleries to keep the most ambitious explorers busy for a weekend. The town is also home to the oldest rose show in Georgia, which celebrates its 90th year in 2011.
Plains is a quiet town and the home of President Jimmy Carter. The Plains Inn takes guests back in time to the decade of their choosing with suites decorated in period furnishings from 1920 to 1980. The annual Peanut Festival celebrates the town's favourite legume each September.
