People enjoying lunch at a restaurant at the historic public square in Dahlonega, Georgia. Image credit: Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.com.

7 Georgia Towns That Locals Love

In September of this year, Georgia Governor Kemp proudly announced a third consecutive year of record-breaking tourism in the state, with 174.2 million visitors from the United States and abroad expected to visit during the 2024 calendar year. There is no debate that Georgia is home to many beautiful places to visit. But where do Georgia locals go when they want to explore beyond the hot spot cities that draw international attention? The following seven towns may not be the largest. Still, they are filled with attractions that Georgia locals love, including local wineries, gorges, and bacon festivals that bring the state’s residents back time and time again.

Brunswick

A serene marina scene with docked sailboats under a vivid blue sky with scattered clouds. Orange flowers and a palm tree enhance the peaceful ambiance. — The marina at Brunswick, Georgia.

Brunswick’s historic district follows a layout similar to Savannah’s, with many plazas and streets still bearing their original colonial names. One of the best ways to tour this district for yourself is with Brunswick Old Town Tours, which offers both historic walking and bicycle tours to the public. The seafood industry is a significant pillar of Brunswick’s economy as well, with the town offering some of the best seafood spots you’ll find on the coast. Mr. Shuck’s Seafood is one example, serving shrimp, oysters, tilapia, catfish, snapper, blue crab, jumbo snow crab, and many other mouthwatering dishes.

A white, two-story building with a conical-roofed tower sits beside palm trees under a cloudy sky. A colorful ship is in the background, evoking a coastal feel. — A historic building in Brunswick, Georgia. Editorial credit: Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

If you’ll be in town at the end of January, make sure to attend the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee, an annual festival where cooking teams from all over come together to compete for the honor of having the best stew! The event additionally features live music, a car show, and a pooch parade.

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Dahlonega

White wooden house with a steep, metal roof sits on a sunny hillside. Rows of grapevines with blue supports grow in front, surrounded by green trees. — The Tumlin House, a restored farmhouse and vineyard in Dahlonega, Georgia. Editorial credit: Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.

Georgia locals associate Dahlonega with two things: its gold and its wine. As one of the first major sites for the gold rush in the United States, the town is home to several extremely significant and historic gold mines. The Consolidated Gold Mine is a must-visit destination, offering mine tours that descend 200 feet underground, delving into the stories of miners from a century ago. Crisson Gold Mine is another wonderful attraction to have on your radar, featuring an open-air museum with a collection of historic mining equipment.

Street corner with hay bales and pumpkins decorated with autumn leaves next to a wooden barrel of flowers. Background shows a red brick building and a sign for the Dahlonega Gold Museum. The scene conveys a festive fall atmosphere. — Dahlonega, Georgia. Editorial credit: Jen Wolf / Shutterstock.com

After a day at the mines, there is no better place to relax than at one of Dahlonega’s wineries. Montaluce Winery is a classic choice, offering a Tuscan-style atmosphere, farm-to-table cuisine, and several options for wine tasting. For a taste of the region’s storytelling, art, and music, add the annual Bear on the Square Mountain Festival to your calendar, taking place on the third weekend of April and featuring acoustic jams, over 70 artisan booths, and professional storytelling performances.

Ellijay

Aerial view of a small town surrounded by lush autumn trees and distant mountains. Buildings and houses are scattered under a clear blue sky. — Aerial view of Ellijay, Georgia

Ellijay becomes a particularly popular destination for Georgians in the fall, largely thanks to its many apple orchards and farms. Several orchards offer fall activities each year, such as R&A Orchards, which has seasonal U-pick apples, U-pick flowers, tractor rides, and more. Although the fall festivities are starting to wind down for the season, you can still stop by Reece’s Cider Company for a hard cider, which offers you sixteen varieties to choose from.

A majestic red-brick building with white columns stands under a blue sky. The structure exudes a classical, stately presence on a sunny day. — Ellijay, Georgia. Editorial credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

Bacon lovers across Georgia, meanwhile, also come together each September for the Ellijay Bacon Festival, a community event created a few years ago that raises money for local charities while allowing attendees to celebrate their love of bacon together.

Tallulah Falls

A wooden bridge spans a sunlit ravine surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in red and orange hues. Sunbeams filter through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. — Autumn in Tallulah Falls, Georgia.

Home to roughly 200 residents, Tallulah Falls is a town that most people unfamiliar with Georgia have probably never heard of. However, locals recognize this town for the prized gorge that lies within: the Tallulah Gorge. This gorge, situated in Tallulah Gorge State Park, is one of the most incredible canyons in the Eastern US, stretching for two miles and reaching depths of nearly 1,000 feet. Several rim trails offer views of the gorge, or hikers can also get a permit to hike along the gorge floor.

Aerial view of a serene waterfall cascading into a river, surrounded by lush forest in vibrant autumn colors, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. — Tallulah Falls, Georgia, USA, overlooking Tallulah Gorge in the autumn season.

Following a day at the gorge, visitors can head over to the Edge Cafe, part of Tallulah Adventures, where they can enjoy fresh cuisine on its scenic, outdoor patio. Tallulah Adventures will also be hosting the Fall Fest on November 8th, featuring a morning yoga class, football, games, and fall crafts.

Jekyll Island

Horse-drawn carriage on a sunlit path lined with tall palm trees. A white house with green shutters is in the background, creating a serene, nostalgic scene. — A guide takes a couple on a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour past Crane Cottage in Jekyll Island, Georgia. (Editorial credit: Ken Schulze / Shutterstock.com)

Jekyll Island is a coastal community along the Atlantic coast, perfect for travelers seeking a more peaceful and less crowded beach vacation. Locals often spend time at the Jekyll Island Campground, a state park spanning 18 wooded acres with 179 campsites, providing a truly immersive weekend in nature.

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

The town is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the only one of its kind, which offers the public the opportunity to learn about sea turtles and sea turtle rehabilitation through interactive experiences. Lovers of Southern cuisine should not miss the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, which takes place each October, celebrating the dish through live music, art, and family-friendly entertainment.

Helen

Quaint Alpine village at dusk with charming red-roofed buildings, lush greenery, a bear statue on a rock, and warm glowing street lamps. — Helen Square in Helen, Georgia.

When Georgians crave an international getaway but don’t have the time to travel far, many know they can head to Helen instead! This German-inspired village, situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is steeped in German heritage. Travelers craving a Bavarian-style bite can dine at Hofer’s Bakery, which was established by a German immigrant couple who arrived in the US in the 20th century.

A bustling street scene features people walking past quaint shops with colorful signs. The mood is lively, with vibrant storefronts and greenery. — The vibrant downtown area of Helen, Georgia, bustling with tourists. (Image credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com.)

For a German souvenir, swing by Lindenhaus Imports, which sells Cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, Bier Steins, and many other German and European imported goods. Near the end of November, the town fills with holiday spirit during the Annual Lighting of the Village, featuring live music, an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and, of course, the lighting of the village at Riverside Park.

Madison

Charming white colonial house with wraparound porch, lush garden, red roses, and American flag. Autumn trees frame the scene under clear blue sky. — Madison, Georgia, antebellum homes district.

Madison is well known across the state for its history and architecture, recognized time and time again as one of the best places to admire Southern design. There are several museums across town where travelers can appreciate this architecture, such as at the Rogers House, an 1809 Piedmont Plain home that exemplifies the era’s typical middle-class architecture.

Festive gallery storefront with a "Madison Artists Guild" sign. Green garland and red bows adorn the entrance, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere. — Madison Artists Guild gallery is decorated with festive garland and lights for the Christmas shopping season in Madison, Georgia.

The Madison Morgan Cultural Center is another historic highlight, featuring permanent exhibits such as the 1895 Schoolroom, the Arts & Crafts Gallery, and the Museum of Madison & Morgan County. There are also numerous community events throughout the year that visitors can attend, including the Madison Fest, which takes place each spring, celebrating the blooming flowers through regional artwork, food, beer, and more.

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While it is terrific that Georgia is attracting so many visitors, it is natural to want to find places with fewer crowds as well. These towns serve as an excellent alternative to some of the more well-known destinations, offering everything from beautiful architecture and gold rush history to seafood and stew festivals. By the end of your Georgia road trip, you will likely have an even greater appreciation for the Peach State!

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