10 Most Charming Town Squares In Georgia
When one thinks of anything quintessentially Georgia, the images in their minds are most likely similar to the way Georgia's small towns look. From the coastline to the stunning mountain ranges, the Peach State is diverse, both topographically and culturally. The small towns that dot the landscape capture the best characteristics of their region and the state, and these 10 are among the best.
In a state packed with quaint and charming hamlets, it is hard to stand out from the crowd. Often, the downtown areas define these local areas where the locals meet, visitors explore, and the community preserves its historical sites while adding modern amenities for a comprehensive destination. For these reasons and more, these are the 10 most charming town squares in Georgia.
Americus
Americus is the quintessential "Small Town American" town, with a charming downtown area defined by brick storefronts and friendly smiles from the merchants. The district's architectural prowess is on full display at the historic Windsor Hotel. The elegant brick structure was opened in 1892 and is easy to spot with its turret and multi-faceted design features.
Shopping is a significant draw on these tree-lined streets, including unique finds at Lily's Southern Boutique and The Maze, specializing in gifts to take home after visiting. After some retail therapy, make sure to wind down at one of the many restaurants. Eateries include 1800 Mexicana and others that reflect the diversity and charm of downtown Americus, one of the most coveted districts in the Peach State.
Dahlonega
Downtown Dahlonega's history can be seen and felt in its classic architecture, compact roads, and charming atmosphere, much of it around the hamlet's original town square. Its history revolves around America's first Gold Rush, which visitors can discover at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. The cultural attraction is housed in the 1836 Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, which gives another glimpse into the town's riveting history.
Visitors can spend an entire day exploring the sites around the public square. The gold steeple of Price Hall is an iconic destination above the old college and was erected on the site of the old US Branch Mint. New and preserved structures center around Dahlonega's gold mining history, and seeing it up close for the first time makes for a lifetime of memories.
Covington
Covington, named the "Hollywood of the South," has one of the most interesting downtown areas in Georgia. It has been featured in numerous Hollywood features, and fans of the series The Vampire Diaries will instantly recognize it as the fictional Mystic Falls, including the 1885 Newton County Courthouse Clock. Many of the elegant structures, such as the Mystic Grill, reflect the town's Hollywood appeal.
Hop on the trolley and join a guided tour for a unique look at the landmarks that, beautiful in their own right, are now famous on the small and big screens. You can also take a self-guided historic home Tour by grabbing a map from the downtown visitor center. For an immersive experience, book a stay at the 1836 Antebellum Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast. Along with being surrounded by vintage Southern appeal, the historic home has been featured on the big screen and enables visitors to catch an authentic feel of one of the most charming areas in Georgia.
Helen
Helen is an authentic Bavarian village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, famous for its scenery, vineyards, and fascinating entertainment district. Between the German architecture, smells from the eateries, and fun attractions, Helen is a vacation destination for many. The Helen Arts and Heritage Center should be one of the first visited locations, as it showcases local artisans and pottery that reflect the area's culture and talent.
Next, stop at the Habersham Winery to taste the best of this area's wine country's varietals and shop for gourmet foods for your stay, a sophisticated glimpse into what makes Helen so unique. Or, opt for the local favorite, Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen. The main store is downtown and features all nine of its delectable fudges and other homemade goods that reflect the alpine culture.
Thomasville
Known as "The City of Roses," Thomasville has a lively downtown district that is quintessentially Southern. Downtown features highly-regarded restaurants, such as the Sweet Grass Dairy, specializing in gourmet cheeses and burgers. If you are only in town for a day, it is recommended to take the guided Taste of Thomasville Food Tour to sample small plates at some of the best restaurants in the district.
While walking off the gourmet lunch, head over to the Big Oak, Thomasville's oldest and most cherished landmark. The tree is believed to date back to 1685 and is almost a mandatory photo opp before heading out of town. One of the best times to visit is during the annual Rose Show and Festival, which has been held since 1922. It showcases the natural beauty of this area in the historic downtown district, providing a unique glimpse at what makes Thomasville so appealing to many.
St. Marys
The small coastal town of St. Marys has an exciting downtown, filled with a laid-back atmosphere and mouth-watering restaurants. A popular choice is The Cafe at Cottle and Gunn, featuring a scratch-made menu and vintage charm. After sampling the tastes of this enchanting town, take a walking tour to discover its history and distinctive characteristics.
The St. Marys History Walk is a 600-foot trail with 24 interpretive panels that dive into the area's past. Panels include different periods such as Native American, Spanish culture, and the Acadians for a comprehensive look at what formed the modern culture. Another landmark that defines the town is the annual St. Marys Seafood Festival in October, celebrating the coastal seafood tradition that adds flavor to its heritage, and a great way to mingle with the locals.
Decatur
Downtown Decatur, known as the Square, is a 15-block walkable district with dozens of shops and over 45 restaurants, and is the heart of the town. Dining options include casual fare at Victory Sandwich Bar and many diverse options. This is one of the most charming town squares in Georgia, and has been ranked by many publications as a "Walker's Paradise," which adds to Decatur's charm.
The artsy city makes for a fun place to explore on foot, with murals all over the district, including the MARTS Overpass Mural by the Milagros Collective and the Decatur Artway, a rotating outdoor sculpture gallery. The Square is also known for its vibrant nightlife, featuring live music, comedy shows, and pool halls. While in town, stop at Eddie's Attic to catch a comedy show or visit one of the local pubs to let your hair down, all of which give Decatur a unique and fun vibe.
Roswell
Roswell's town square was completed in 1839 and has been the town's gathering place ever since. It is known for its manicured landscaping, fountains, and monuments, each adding a distinctive characteristic and aesthetic to the charming community hub. Only 19 miles outside of Atlanta, the area is divided into highly-regarded districts, such as the Downtown Roswell Dining District.
The dining district features a wide variety of distinct restaurants like the 1920 Tavern and Chaplins. 1920 is a fine-dining experience with fresh and savory ingredients inspired by its speakeasy aesthetic, hence its name. Chaplins is just off the historic square and features a casual menu and outside dining, so you can enjoy the sights of downtown Roswell.
Madison
Downtown Madison's clean streetscapes, foliage, and classic architectural styles make it one of the most enchanting districts in Georgia. Along with its walkability and quaint scenery, it is filled with local retailers like the Madison Artist Guild, featuring a broad gallery and Madison Markets Antiques. Shopping draws many visitors, and spending a day here may not be enough for one visit.
Staying overnight is a fantastic idea, and booking a room at the James Madison Inn on Washington Street will keep you in the heart of the district. The antebellum, brick structure with striking white columns is an architectural highlight in a town known for myriad design styles. A stay here not only keeps guests within walking distance of the attractions, it wraps them in the heritage that makes Madison a standout among small towns.
Ellijay
Downtown Ellijay is a fun and vibrant district surrounded by natural beauty, adding to its charms. The "small town with big-city vibes" is home to a host of quaint shops like Misty Hollow Antiques and Collectibles and restaurants, such as the Cajun Depot Grill. The restaurant is just a few blocks off Main Street and housed in one of the area's most charming buildings next to the old railroad station, adding a touch of local history to every meal.
Downtown features one of the best walkable districts in the region, filled with a unique blend of rustic and vintage structures that reflect the beauty that surrounds this town. The locals love to have a good time and celebrate their culture at annual events like the Blue Ridge Mountains Wine and Jazz Festival. This event, in particular, is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the town's fun and refined vibe that is mirrored all over the downtown district, which is one of the best in the state.
From coastal seaports to Bavarian villages, these 10 towns feature the best town squares in Georgia. With a pleasant mix of Antebellum architecture to award-winning restaurants, these entertainment hubs have it all. These districts define the town's spirit and accent the striking natural scenery that frames them.
Covington is unmatched for its Hollywood appeal, and spending time in the town square feels like being on a movie set. In fact, it has been shown on many big and small screen productions. Other towns like Americus are quintessentially Americana, with traditional storefronts and a strong nostalgic aesthetic. Whether looking for beauty, history, or a peaceful retreat to yesteryear, these small villages and hamlets should be at the top of your travel itinerary.
