6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Georgia
A state saturated with southern charm, tangles of wilderness, rugged ocean, and innumerable small towns, Georgia's options for relaxing and adventuresome getaways are seemingly endless. Plenty of Georgia's towns can offer ideal and beautiful tourism experiences while simultaneously staying off the beaten path. From Clayton, where Black Rock Mountain State Park brushes up against downtown, to Fitzgerald, where quirky chickens roam the streets during its Wild Chicken Festival, these six undisturbed towns prove the wild state of Georgia is full of surprises.
Clayton
In the northeast corner of Georgia, the small town of Clayton has thrived for over two hundred years. Perfectly situated as a home base for a wilderness trek, Black Rock Mountain State Park is practically spilling onto Clayton soil. Tallulah Gorge State Park, home to the Bridal Veil Falls, is just beyond the town's southern border. The Chattooga River sweeps down from the north and provides a chance to try white-water rafting, while the Southern Highroads Trail, a 364-mile-long loop of scenic and historic sites, runs through the heart of the town.
For those more interested in staying closer to home, the historic Beechwood Inn has been hosting people for over a hundred years, while the nearby Tiger Mountain Vineyards provides a scenic and tasteful way of winding down.
Washington
It may not be the most well-known Washington, but that works out well for any who might be a prospective visitor, especially anyone considering themselves a history buff. The historic Battle of Kettle Creek, in which American patriots secured a decisive victory in the Revolutionary War, was fought on Washington soil and exists now as a site open for visitation. Tourists to this secluded town can learn all about its roots at the Washington Historical Museum, while The Genny, an old-fashioned general store in the town square, sells an array of goods and gifts, all Georgia-made.
Water-based outings both active and relaxing flow throughout the area, too: the Broad River Water Trail is a great place for river enthusiasts, while Holliday Park is a place for boating, camping, and hiking.
Fitzgerald
Incorporated in 1896, Fitzgerald was first a city for Civil War veterans to reconcile. Unique in both its origin and its present day, the town is now known for its Wild Chicken Festival, an annual event held in the historic downtown to celebrate the Burmese chickens that have been a part of the Fitzgerald landscape for decades. You can freely roam the streets every summer (alongside the chickens, of course) in pursuit of the festival's live music, food, arts, and yes, even the crowing contest.
Downtown, the Blue & Gray Museum has an exhibit devoted to Fitzgerald's history. At the same time, the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Arts Council hosts galleries that highlight local and national artists' works.
Thomasville
Perhaps best known for the “Big Oak,” a still-living tree dating back to circa 1680, Thomasville is brimming with as much history and culture as anywhere else in Georgia. Albeit off the beaten path, Thomasville calls itself the “City of Roses” and hosts an annual Rose Festival, to which thousands flock. Adding to that, the 'ville has a historic downtown and a gigantic farmers' market, so those who visit for the festival have plenty more to see besides.
Thomasville also has plenty to offer those who still want the comforts and amenities of the city while also offering all the escapism of the Great Outdoors. Priding itself on its culinary scene, too, visitors are encouraged to visit Empire Bagel and Delicatessen, Jonah's Fish & Grits, or Liam's, which offers charcuterie boards and meat-centric mains.
Dahlonega
Maybe the most overlooked and unknown town on this list, Dahlonega is no less special for its obscurity. It is more so, in fact, because its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains is perfect placement for any who want a home base for outdoor recreation. Those whose ideal vacation days are spent more idly are also in luck: Dahlonega has a quaint and busy square in the heart of downtown with stores like The Glassblowing Shop, Vintage Music, and (quite possibly best of all) Paul Thomas Chocolates and Gifts.
The opportunities abound outside of town, too: guided tours are available of the Consolidated Gold Mines, “Dahlonega’s only underground experience in a real gold mine.” Open seven days a week, no matter how inclement the weather, the Consolidated Gold Mine is a representation of the town's mining history. People have been flocking to Dahlonega since the 1800s to find wealth upon their arrival; you could be the next. If you do not find it in gold, you will find it in all else that Dahlonega has to offer.
Toccoa
Toccoa prides itself on being progressive, friendly, and welcoming. Its inviting atmosphere is worth stopping at on its own, but add in the Toccoa Falls, and you will have a destination worth planning a trip around. Located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, the Falls are 186 feet high and are one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
The arts scene is also thriving in Toccoa. The Currahee Arts Festival is held every spring in conjunction with the Toast of Toccoa, a celebration that melds art, beer, and wine. Not to be outdone, the Harvest Festival in autumn combines art, crafts, and locally grown foods. All of this ensures that no matter the time of year, Toccoa has attractions to visit and scenery to enjoy.
Worth the Detour
Georgia is riddled with small towns that make for excellent day trips or travel destinations. Some are already popular, and several, like the ones here, traditionally fly under the radar (the exception being Thomasville and its well-known Rose Festival). But even Thomasville is not always readily found on the road-trip map, and the other five on this list are no different. All of them, however, contain the history and culture for which Georgia is known, and provide visitors and locals alike with innumerable chances to explore the Georgian wilderness or partake in the comforts of the city.
