10 Small Towns In Georgia With Big Charm
The defining characteristics of charm can be different for everyone, so the idea of what constitutes a "charming" town often falls on a spectrum. The small towns in Georgia are perfect examples of this. In the Peach State, it is possible to stumble upon one town that feels like a quaint European village and another that has laid-back beachy vibes. There are cozy mountain towns, quiet countrysides, and coastal oases ready to be explored. Each of them is charming in its own unique way, and all of them deserve to be enjoyed and cherished.
Dahlonega
About 65 miles northeast of Atlanta lies Dahlonega, a charming town surrounded by mountains and local wineries. Dahlonega’s charm led it to being recognized as “Georgia’s Best Small Town” by Southern Living in 2023 and as “One of the Best Christmas Towns in the United States” by Yahoo Life. Visitors can enjoy an intimate look at downtown Dahlonega on walking tours aimed at specific interests, including ghost tours, bar crawls, and Christmas tours. As part of the North Georgia Wine Region, Dahlonega is an excellent home base for a wine tour in the area. Enjoy the cozy tasting room at Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery, which is even home to some live donkeys, or attend the Winemaker’s Reserve Tasting at Accent Cellars every Saturday. From Dahlonega, it is also easy to access the beauty of the Appalachian Trail.
Blue Ridge
The relaxed Appalachia scenery of the Blue Ridge is the perfect backdrop for a vibrant food and arts scene. Blue Ridge Lake is a peaceful place to paddle around or catch some fish. Additionally, there are plenty of nearby hiking trails, including the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. Downtown, art galleries run by the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association and a variety of antique shops situated along Main Street provide opportunities to browse and purchase local art. After perusing the shops downtown, it is easy to find a unique spot to get a bite to eat. The Pasta Market, for example, offers freshly made Italian dishes, and the nearby Mona Lisa’s Dessert House sells a broad array of sweet treats from cakes to gelato.
Helen
Helen is a beautiful Alpine-style village located in the North Georgia mountains. Visitors and residents enjoy walking the Bavarian-style Main Street and shops, such as Bavarian Clockworks, which sells authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks. The town also hosts an Oktoberfest every year in early fall, reminiscent of the infamous German celebration. A stroll along the Chattahoochee River, which runs through downtown, is a great way to appreciate the serenity of Helen. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature, the nearby Anna Ruby Falls offers a stunning view after a moderately intense hike.
Madison
Madison is home to one of the state’s best-preserved historic squares with lots to see and do. A fun way to take in the town is on a trolley tour. Learn about the town’s history and local legends as one of Madison Trolley’s tour guides escorts you through modern-day Madison, and do not forget to take a walking tour of Heritage Hall, a private residence-turned-museum. Along the courthouse square, a variety of dining options are available. For a fine dining experience, visit Town 220 for a mouth-watering steak, fish, or chicken dish. Additionally, the Town Spring is located behind this restaurant. This source of fresh water was the reason people originally decided to build the town of Madison where it is, so the spring is definitely worth a visit.
Thomasville
Known as “The City of Roses," Thomasville is a charming town full of southern elegance. Stroll through the Thomasville Rose Garden, which blooms from early spring to late fall. Then head over to Cherokee Lake Park, conveniently located next to the rose garden. The paved walking paths and piers at this park are scenic and peaceful spots that draw in visitors and residents alike. In honor of its nickname, Thomasville hosts a Rose Show and Festival each April. For two days, festival attendees enjoy the beauty of local flowers, parades, and dancing; it is a fantastically fun time for everyone.
St. Marys
St. Marys is a charming coastal gateway to nearby Cumberland Island, located on the border of Georgia and Florida. Enjoy the waterfront scenery as you bike coastal trails or sample fresh local seafood. Locals Dockside features expansive dinner and lunch menus and outdoor dining, and St. Marys Seafood and More serves delicious seafood in a fun atmosphere. The St. Marys Submarine Museum is another fun attraction that showcases the town’s maritime history. Other than learning about the history of submarines at the museum, you can also operate a real submarine periscope. If you want to explore a little further, take the ferry to Cumberland Island, where you can hike serene trails and visit the stunning Dungeness Ruins.
Senoia
Located about 40 miles south of Atlanta, Senoia is a small town with big screen fame. Along with many others, television shows, such as The Walking Dead, and movies, including Fried Green Tomatoes and Driving Miss Daisy, have been filmed in this charming southern town. Whether you decide to take an official tour or simply want to walk through the photogenic downtown, you might feel like you are on the set of a movie. Along with the backdrops of some well-known movies and television shows, the Greetings From Senoia Mural is another fun place for a photo op. Additionally, Senoia is a great place to enjoy delicious food. Bistro Hilary (which happens to be near the Fried Green Tomatoes House) has a French-inspired cocktail and Sunday Brunch menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Milledgeville
Milledgeville is a cute historic town with abundant literary and architectural appeal. Tour Andalusia, the home of famed American author, Flannery O’Connor, who lived here from 1951 to 1964. Literature lovers will appreciate the care that O’Connor’s alma mater, Georgia College and State University, has taken to turn the writer’s former home into a museum. Milledgeville’s historic district is also filled with opportunities to appreciate local arts and culture. Take in a live show featuring stunning acoustics at the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts, or check out a fine art exhibit at the Georgia College & State University’s Museum of Fine Arts, which is housed in a beautiful historic building. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, the Lockerly Arboretum contains serene walking paths among species of local flora. However you choose to spend time in Milledgeville, the town’s history and beauty are everywhere you look.
Woodstock
Woodstock is a lively small town close to Atlanta with a diverse restaurant scene and access to incredible outdoor trails. When you are in downtown Woodstock, dining out is a must. The menu at The Salt Factory Pub features dishes with international flavors and an extensive bourbon list. If you want Italian food and outdoor seating, Ipps Pastaria and Bar is a great go-to spot. Woodstock is also a fantastic gateway to exciting nature adventures. Residents and visitors love mountain biking on Blankets Creek Trails or hiking to Altoona Waterfall. However, be warned, while these spots are stunning natural areas, they are not gentle trails.
Tybee Island
Located near Savannah and the border of South Carolina, Tybee Island is a laid-back beach town with tons of charm. The sandy beaches here are open year-round, so even in the winter, people spend time here walking along the shores where dolphins can sometimes be spotted off the coast. Fresh seafood is easy to find here, too. Feast on a seafood boil on a beautiful outdoor patio at The Crab Shack, or get oysters on the half shell while watching the game at Rock House. In February, the town also celebrates local wildlife at the Annual Tybee Springs Shorebird Festival. This relatively new celebration combines educational activities and family fun in appreciation of the various bird species in the area.
The diversity of Georgia’s landscapes and cultures proves that big charm can live in small, unique places. The next time you are in the Peach State, let yourself get drawn in by the allure of Georgia’s small towns. Sip wine near the Appalachian foothills, stroll past historic homes, hike wooded trails, visit a movie set, or watch waves crash on sandy beaches. However you define charm, Georgia has a town that fits the image.
