13 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Georgia

Some people travel around the country searching for the odd, unusual, and unheard of. If you subscribe to this type of tourism, the Peach State might just be the destination that has escaped your itinerary. Beyond its Southern charm, scenic landscapes, and historic cities lies a quirkier Georgia, one peppered with offbeat towns dancing proudly to their own tunes. Together, they take pride in their uniqueness and boldly showcase what makes them stand out from their neighbors despite societal reservations.

From stepping into a Bavarian fairytale in Helen to reliving some of the best scenes of a cult classic horror drama in Senoia, these weird communities compel you to double-take your travel choices. Nevertheless, they prove that sometimes, the strange can be curiously captivating and sinisterly satisfying. So buckle up for a wild journey into the unexpected as we explore the most eccentric towns in Georgia.

Dahlonega

Dahlonega rose from obscurity to become a booming mining town with the discovery of gold in the 1820s. Despite transitioning into a wine-making hub, the town still harbors relics of its mining heydays, including lingering spirits from the sins committed during America's second major gold rush. Today, tourists take the Historic Ghost Tour to explore haunted sites around the town, including the historic Courthouse. Meanwhile, the Consolidated Gold Mine tour takes guests almost 20 stories into an underground mine, providing an authentic feel of the life of gold diggers in the 1800s.

A collection of wineries and vineyards across the town speaks to Dahlonega's thriving wine culture. Oenophiles are welcome to sample award-winning Claret and Rosé wines at Wolf Mountain Vineyards while enjoying the picturesque peaks of the North Georgia Mountains.

Clarkston

Popularly known as "the most diverse square mile in America," Clarkston's uniqueness lies in its blend of ethnicities. Over half of the area's residents were born in a foreign land and originate from at least 40 countries across six major continents. You can experience this boiling pot of cultures from the diverse flavors served in its downtown restaurants, including authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine at Kathmandu Kitchen & Grill.

The community often comes together to watch football games and track meets at the James R Hallford Stadium & Track, exposing first-timers to an electric stadium experience with chanting spectators. Also, outdoor lovers are welcome to stroll along the scenic trails winding through the peaceful Friendship Forest Wildlife Sanctuary.

Helen

This charming community in northeast Georgia makes first-timers feel like they've been dropped in a rural German village. Helen is famous for its Bavarian-style architecture and unique German festivals, signifying its European heritage. Every fall, the town hosts its annual Oktoberfest, which the townspeople mark by indulging in German beers, music, and treats. Along Main Street, Hofer's Bakery & Cafe invites newcomers to try authentic European pastries and dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere, such as pretzels and Schnitzels.

Helen boasts stunning natural scenery in its backcountry, teeming with lush forests, gorgeous waterfalls, and a winding river. The most unique way to take it all in is to ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster, which whizzes through Helen's mountainous terrain at heart-stopping speeds.

Senoia

Senoia is a must-visit destination in Coweta County, known for being the filming location of celebrated movies and TV series. It is particularly associated with the popular The Walking Dead series, and fans visit to witness various shooting sites of iconic scenes from the film during the Walking Dead Tours. Racing enthusiasts look forward to an adrenaline-filled spectacle on dirt at the Senoia Raceway. This small dirt track excites spectators with some of the best hard-nosed, blue-collar racing you will find in the region.

Also, don't leave without trying out Senoia's active craft beer culture. Senoia Beer Company is one of the oldest breweries in the town, and has perfected the beer-making process, inviting first-timers for a pint or two from its everflowing taproom.

Milledgeville

Milledgeville boasts a rich and dynamic backstory since its founding in 1803, playing a part in the American Civil War and once serving as Georgia's state capital. The former Central State Hospital is its quirkiest attraction yet, where the deserted remains of one of the largest asylums ever built have been left to the mercy of the elements. The complex features hundreds of old buildings, which are believed to host aggrieved spirits and former patients in the hospital. Almost 25,000 graves surround the facility at Cedar Lane Cemetery, reflecting the horrors that once happened in its peak days.

While in Milledgeville, tour the beautiful Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion for a deep history lesson. The High Greek Revival structure was completed in 1839 and provides an intimate look into the lives of eight former state governors and their families.

White

Besides its conspicuously odd name, White is home to one of the world's oldest and largest car graves. A tour of Old Car City USA exposes visitors to the surreal scene of over 4,000 classic cars spread across a 34-acre automobile junkyard. Over six miles of trails crisscross the site, allowing you to witness the accidental work of rustic art.

While in White, plan a visit to Big Door Vineyards for some of the tastiest wines in the area. The small establishment is surrounded by a pristine lake with quiet walking trails straddling its scenic shoreline. Those who wish to get on the water can head to Wilderness Camp Marina and charter a vessel for an easygoing cruise on the calm waters of Lake Allatoona.

Alto

Alto is a small village in Banks County where school buses go to die before being reincarnated as spectacular works of art. The town hosts the School Bus Graveyard, a unique junkyard with over one hundred rusting and rotting school buses. Every year, local artists transform the junks into a canvas, painting whimsical murals and odd designs, culminating in colorful showcasings of their creativity. Guests can journey through time at Fort Hollingsworth, an 18th-century building providing a rare glimpse into frontier life in Alto. Wrap up your tour of Alto with a casual shopping experience at Jaemor Farms. This neighborly farmers' market contains fresh-from-the-farm produce, including over 30 varieties of locally grown peaches.

Calhoun

This vibrant town in Gordon County raises eyebrows with its whimsical collection of undersized cities. These can be found at the Rock Garden, where over 50 miniature replicas of iconic towns, cathedrals, bridges, and other structures have been recreated using a mix of glass, wire, stones, shells, and other everyday junk. This results in a whimsical form of folk art that attracts tourists. Palmer Memorial Park is a serene location with lush greenery, ideal for escaping the crowds and spending undisturbed alone time.

Meanwhile, the New Echota State Historic Site preserves one of the most vital cultural sites for the Cherokee Indians. The rustic complex features a couple of antique structures that served as the nation's capital before the devastating Trail of Tears.

Plains

Plains is famously associated with being the hometown of America's 39th president and his wife, Rosalynn. Naturally, the little village pays homage to its famous former resident at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. The complex preserves various landmarks associated with the president, including his boyhood school, farm, residence, and campaign headquarters.

Among the many tributes in the town, the Jimmy Carter Peanut is the most memorable. It is a quirky roadside attraction depicting a smiling peanut. The sculpture was installed to symbolize Carter's humble beginnings. Lastly, nature lovers can feel at home with a lazy walk along the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, which is always teeming with immaculate monarch butterflies.

Thomasville

Georgia's Rose City is home to the most famous tree in America. Visitors come from across the country to see the Big Oak, which dates back to 1680. This massive Southern Oak is considered the oldest tree in the country and provides a large shade underneath, where people gather to relax, enjoy the fresh air, or snap a photo.

Thomasville also accords visitors the rare opportunity to dine in Georgia’s oldest continually operating restaurant. The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar was established in 1916 and continues to spoil patrons with sumptuous delicacies featuring Italian, Greek, and Southern flavors. With so much history to absorb in the town, the Thomasville History Center provides a broad perspective of all the major events in the community.

Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Falls ranks among the most beautiful towns in Georgia, thanks to its stunning outdoor scenery and wealth of natural spectacles. The town draws adventurers with the expansive Tallulah Gorge State Park. Sinking to a 1,000-foot depth, this marvellous provides hikers with sweeping natural vistas, highlighted by the free-falling Hurricane Falls. The scenic Tallulah River snakes through the towns, and numerous vantage points, such as L'eau d'Or Falls, offer 360-degree panoramas of the majestic waterway.

After a demanding hike chasing the stunning waterfalls across the region, guests can take a needed break to recharge on the secluded shores of Tallulah Falls Lake. This idyllic reservoir spans about 63 acres and fuels an array of water-based recreation.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is an isolated barrier island on Georgia's coast with an impressive blend of heavenly beauty and enduring heritage. The town houses a 240-acre historic district with a cluster of rustic buildings from the old era. Notable among these is the dilapidated Horton House, which features the remains of an 18th-century tabby house and is the oldest of its kind in Georgia. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center welcomes guests to learn interesting facts about these gentle giants while taking advantage of rare encounters.

Elsewhere, Jekyll Island's bucolic beauty is embodied by Driftwood Beach, a pristine stretch of sand littered by craggy driftwood branches and trees, culminating in a fairytale scene against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Americus

This small town of Sumter County boasts a thriving arts and culture scene that seamlessly complements its enduring historical heritage. Americus grabs the headlines for the wrong reasons by hosting a famous haunted hotel. The iconic Windsor Hotel dates back to the late 19th century and has a legacy of hosting figures like President Jimmy Carter. However, some guests have reported paranormal happenings during their stay at the inn, ranging from phantom touches and ghostly figures to mysterious murmuring.

The Rylander Theatre is the ultimate stop to connect with the lively arts community in Americus. It entertains audiences with a lineup of electric stage productions. Lastly, plan a trip to Wolf Creek Plantation to taste Georgia's craft wine scene.

Final Thoughts

Georgia’s charm goes far beyond its delicious peaches and Southern hospitality; it also takes a curious twist to become a playground for the curious traveler in the United States. These eccentric towns in Georgia offer a delightful detour into the unusual, the unexpected, and the wonderfully weird. From the haunted graveyard in Milledgeville to the school bus burial ground in Alto, these sinister towns in Georgia prove that there is a curious crop of tourists waiting to discover the atypical at every opportunity they get.