7 Darling Small Towns in Georgia

From southern comfort food to alpine views and dazzling lakes, there is a lot to love about Georgia. One of the best ways to experience the state's charm is by enjoying the darling towns. Many of them possess a natural beauty combined with a unique history and culture. On Jekyll Island, you can explore beautiful beaches. In Helen, you can enjoy the influence of German culture in the town's architecture and baked goods. These are only a couple of examples of the darling towns you will find in Georgia. Here, we will explore seven, including Georgia's own Rome.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a small town in Georgia with approximately 1,100 residents, and its size adds to its charm. The island features charming beaches and historic ruins, making it an attractive destination. Driftwood Beach, one of the most popular spots, is known for its sun-bleached driftwood, perfect for photos. Water enthusiasts can find excitement at Summer Waves Water Park. Upon arriving, visitors may notice sea turtle crossing signs, as the island is home to many sea turtles and is committed to their conservation. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center offers insights into these efforts, allowing visitors to observe the turtles in their natural environment and browse a marine-themed gift shop. To explore Jekyll Island's history, visit the Wanderer Memory Trail.

Brunswick

Brunswick is one of Georgia's most charming towns, located in the Golden Isles region. It’s renowned for its rich history, inspired cuisine, and Southern hospitality. The Old Town Historic District is a cherished area featuring 14 original squares, restored by the nonprofit Signature Squares of Brunswick. Visit these squares to discover the unique stories each one tells. Don’t miss the famous Lovers Oak, an ancient oak tree believed to be over 900 years old. While exploring Brunswick’s historic sites, be sure to visit the Historic Ritz Theater, originally built as the Grand Opera Theater in 1898.

Brunswick is also known for the Sidney Lanier Bridge. Located south to the foot of Newcastle Street, this is the tallest suspension bridge in Georgia. The bridge is 7,780 feet long and 486 feet tall. In February the town holds an annual 5k Bridge run, where participants take on the challenge of walking or running the bridge. The town also hosts the Blessing of the Fleet for the shrimp boat float parade.

Helen

In Helen, you can experience the charm of Germany without leaving the United States. The downtown area is full of Bavarian-style buildings and quaint shops. Hofer's of Helen is a great spot to enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine and baked goods. In the warmer summer months, see the town's unique architecture from the river. Tubing is a popular summer activity. Check out outfitters such as Helen Tubing and Waterpark. Helen is filled with waterfalls. One of the most beautiful is Anna Ruby Falls, a rare double waterfall. If mountain views are what you enjoy over waterfalls, check out the Georgia Mountain Coaster. This is the only alpine coaster in the state. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you whiz through Georgia's stunning mountains.

Americus

Americus is one of Georgia's underrated towns. While it doesn’t have the vast natural scenery seen in other parts of Georgia, it features a lively art and history scene. You can start discovering its history at the Andersonville National Historic Site, and while there, visit the National Prisoner of War Museum, which shares stories of the men and women who died while held at the prison. The town also boasts many art galleries and centers, with the Georgia Southwestern Fine Arts Building being especially popular. Moreover, Americus hosts distinctive festivals like the Americus Hot Glass Beer Fest, held every April, combining the town's glass blowing heritage with a passion for craft beer.

Rome

Rome is a charming city in Georgia. Stroll through downtown and explore the "Between the Rivers" district, the state's largest Victorian-era area. As you pass boutiques and restaurants, visit the Rome Area History Center to learn about the region's history. Don't miss the Town Green, with its impressive interactive fountains. The area also offers access to river trails and features a beautiful bridge honoring the town's Cherokee heritage. To understand the significance of the three rivers in Rome, take a 'Rolling on The River' tour on the public boat, which offers insights into how these rivers have influenced the city's development.

Senoia

Senoia is a darling town with something for everyone. The historic downtown is perfect for enjoying a stroll through boutiques and bakeries in the afternoon. You can also enjoy seeing the architecture of dozens of historic homes downtown. Just a short walk from downtown, check out the Senoia Area Historical Society. Here you can see a historic home, the central hall and five rooms filled with artifacts from the town's past.

Senoia's claim to fame is being the location of the zombie-filled town of Woodbury in the television series The Walking Dead. Explore the sites as seen on television on the town's Undead Trail of Zombies and Vampires tours. The town also has an unusual attraction, known as Barbie Beach, featuring a changing arrangement of dolls.

Cartersville

The last darling town on this list is Cartersville. The town is a great place to frolic in the woods with friends or spend a day visiting cool historic sites. One of the best historical attractions to visit is Young Brother's Pharmacy. They have a gigantic Coca-Cola mural which is th world's first outdoor painted Coca-Cola advertisement. Other intriguing historical attractions include Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, and Bartow History Museum. Cartersville is near several parks with amazing trails to explore. One of the most popular to wander in is Red Top Mountain State Park.

These towns showcase Georgia's charming personality. In Helen, you can float down the river by tube while enjoying its unique architecture and German heritage. Brunswick features a lovely historic downtown square to wander through. Americus, sometimes underrated, has a lively art community. Whether you're interested in an alpine train journey like in Helen or playful attractions like Barbie Beach in Senoia, these Georgian towns have something cute and delightful for everyone.