7 Small Towns In Georgia With Big Charm
Need a break from the rush? Get ready to fall in love with Georgia. In Blue Ridge, you can roll past mountain scenery on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Dahlonega brings gold-rush history and nearby wineries for an easy afternoon. Down on the coast, Darien trades crowds for shrimp boats, river views, and waterfront bites. Want full-on themed fun? Helen leans into Bavarian vibes with Oktoberfest energy every fall. Pack your bag and head to Georgia; these seven small towns below are your next easy escape.
Blue Ridge
Although Blue Ridge is approximately 90 miles from Atlanta, it offers visitors a refreshing break from the busy city life. The charming shops and boutiques of downtown are located near the railroad tracks that run through the town. These tracks host the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, providing 26 miles of stunning mountain vistas. Besides the picturesque scenery and lovely downtown area, the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association presents exhibitions and educational programs year-round.
Dahlonega
The term “gold rush” typically recalls California and the American West, but one of the nation’s first major gold rushes began in northern Georgia around 1828-29, helping to spur the development of what became the town of Dahlonega, which was incorporated in 1833. Sadly, this event also played a role in the tragic Trail of Tears, which involved forcibly relocating the Cherokee people from the area. A museum inside the historic Lumpkin County Courthouse (built in 1836) showcases both the positive and negative effects of the Dahlonega gold rush. Additionally, Dahlonega is surrounded by excellent local wineries and provides easy access to outdoor activities at nearby Amicalola Falls State Park and Chattahoochee National Forest.
Darien
Once a shipping port comparable to Savannah and Brunswick, Darien's days of maritime prominence ended when it was burned during the Civil War. However, the town gradually evolved into a charming travel destination along Georgia's beautiful coast. Although it now competes with Savannah and Brunswick, Darien offers a more intimate but equally scenic alternative. Its waterfront district features shops and dining options such as Sugar Marsh Cottage and Canopy Restaurant, while scenic walking paths along the Altamaha River offer stunning water views.
Helen
Once a hub for the timber industry, the northern Georgia town of Helen saw logs float down the Chattahoochee River. Over 50 years ago, as the industry declined, Helen adapted by adopting a Bavarian village appearance, with Bavarian-style homes, shops, and restaurants. Each fall, it hosts what is likely Georgia’s premier Oktoberfest. Additionally, the vast 750,000-acre Chattahoochee National Forest is a short drive from town, offering an extra Alpine experience.
Tallulah Falls
Since its inception in 1885, the village of Tallulah Falls has been a favored wilderness retreat. Its numerous Victorian-era buildings highlight its long-standing appeal to visitors and make it ideal for walking tours. Just outside the town, Tallulah Gorge State Park offers 20 miles of trails, five waterfalls, an 80-foot suspension bridge, and the gorge itself—1,000 feet deep and two miles long. Additionally, Tallulah Falls serves as a convenient base for day trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Thomasville
Known as the “City of Roses,” Thomasville in southwest Georgia hosts its renowned Rose Festival every April. While its historic downtown, filled with charming buildings, glows brighter during the festival, it’s worth exploring anytime. Highlights of a walking tour include Cherokee Lake Park and the majestic “Big Oak,” a 350-year-old tree located at Monroe and Crawford Streets. History enthusiasts should also visit the Jack Hadley Black History Museum and Pebble Hill Plantation.
Washington
Washington is among Georgia's oldest towns, with historic ties to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars: a key battle occurred nearby in 1779, and Jefferson Davis officially ended the Confederate government there in 1865. History enthusiasts should visit sites linked to these events, along with historic landmarks such as the Fitzpatrick Hotel (1898) and Wilkes County Courthouse (1904). Additionally, Washington attracts treasure hunters because of a long-standing rumor that Confederate gold is buried in the area.
Georgia is called the Peach State in honor of one of its most prolific agricultural products, but such a sweet nickname also suits a state that is a true joy to visit. Some of Georgia’s small-town gems are tucked away in the mountains, while others are set along the seacoast, yet they all overflow with beauty, history, and southern charm. So, do not delay in adding Georgia to your travel list!
