8 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Georgia

Peaches, moss trees, and that downhome Southern style are just a few of the things that come to mind when someone mentions the state of Georgia. Traditional roots run deep in this coastal state. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia provides its tourists with salty sea air, miles of sandy shores, and classic beach attractions like boardwalks and arcades. The smaller towns scattered throughout the state also offer history, charm, and unique attractions. The possibilities for entertainment are endless in these eight fairytale small towns in Georgia.

Dahlonega

The town of Dahlonega became the site of the second major gold rush within the U.S. in 1829, and to this day, it still prides itself on its golden roots. Learn all about the rich history of the town at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. This historical state site is located in the county courthouse, which is one of the oldest buildings in the state and offers an educational film, access to view gold nuggets and coins, and a hydraulic cannon. Once you’ve expanded your knowledge on the gold rush, take the opportunity to pan for gold yourself at the Consolidated Gold Mine. This is the only opportunity for an underground gold mine tour offered in town. Take an underground tour of the mine, pan for gold, and mine for precious gems.

Another gold mining prospect in town is the Crisson Gold Mine. Crisson offers more opportunities to mine for gems and pan for gold, as well as an educational experience at its open-air museum. The museum features historic mining equipment and takes visitors on an exploratory journey through Georgia’s history, with a focus on the gold rush.

Madison

Located nearly in the middle of the state, Madison is filled with rich history and culture. Visit the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, a restored 1895 Romanesque Revival building in the historic district. It includes a visual arts facility and a history museum that features the Andrews Family Legacy Gallery, the Museum of Madison & Morgan County, and a restored classroom. Immerse yourself in the town’s past at Heritage Hall. The Greek Revival home from 1811 has seen many changes over the years, and at one point, it was even uprooted and moved 200 feet from where it was built. Touring the house gives a glimpse into the lives of its owners over more than two centuries.

Another significant property in town is the Rogers Home. Built in 1809, the home has had 17 different owners and countless tenants, serving as a boarding house, antiques store, and dentist’s office at various times. Visitors can tour the house and experience how the middle class thrived in Madison. Beyond the historic homes, Madison is surrounded by scenic natural landscapes such as Hard Labor Creek State Park, located just a short drive away. The park’s lakes, hiking trails, and rolling woodlands offer the perfect spot to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty before returning to the charms of town.

Thomasville

One of Thomasville’s biggest attractions is truly massive. The Historic Big Oak is one of the largest Southern Live Oak trees east of the Mississippi, and includes a circumference of 26.5 feet in its trunk and stands 68 feet tall. The historic landmark was also visited by President Eisenhower back in the day. For another significant visit, tour the Pebble Hill Plantation. The enriching experience is where history, art, antiques, and natural outdoor beauty come together for a truly unforgettable visit. Take the opportunity to visit the Main House, the grounds, or the garden.

Another attractive home in Thomasville to tour is the Lapham-Patterson House. The house is adorned with Fishscale shingles, long-leaf pine inlaid floors, a double-flue chimney, a walk-through stairway, and a cantilevered balcony that highlight the superiority of the Victorian era. This National Historic Landmark is available for tours and as a rental space for events.

Brunswick

Thomasville is not the only town in Georgia that has a significant tree. Brunswick has its own famous oak, the Lover’s Oak. Dating back to the 12th century, it is believed lovers met under this tree, starting with Native American braves and their maidens. Estimated to be 900 years old, the trunk is about 13 feet in diameter, and the branches stretch up to 30 inches in diameter. Stop by the tree with lovers, friends, family, whoever you please, and reminisce about the many happy hearts who came before.

Another outdoor adventure in Brunswick would be a stop at the Blythe Island Regional Park. Partake in a stroll on the pier, fishing, and camping all within the grounds. The park also offers boating opportunities for deep-sea excitement. Another waterfront site is the Mary Ross Waterfront Park. In the heart of the historic downtown and along the East River, the park includes the Liberty Ship Memorial Plaza, which features a model of the Liberty Ship, built at a scale model size. The park is ideal for watching oversized oceangoing ships and partaking in a picturesque sunset.

Milledgeville

Begin your trip in Milledgeville with a visit to the Lockerly Arboretum. Dedicated to inspiring an appreciation for horticulture, nature, and heritage, the gardens and Rose Hill are open for tours and exploration. The historic Rose Hill was named for the abundance of Cherokee Roses growing on the property. Visit the home and the beautiful flowers in the garden, as well as exhibits that include a conifer garden, tropical greenhouse, native plant garden, camellia garden, and nature trail. Visit another significant home in town, the Sallie Ellis Davis House. An educator in Baldwin County, Sallie Davis worked as a teacher and principal and enriched the lives of all the children she taught. Her home is available for historic tours that celebrate the instructor and serve as a community meeting place.

Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion is another substantial establishment that enlightens visitors on the rich history of Milledgeville. The High Greek Revival home served as the residence for eight of Georgia’s chief executives and their families. The mansion’s past includes generations of the antebellum period, the Civil War, and the early Reconstruction phases of the state’s history. Tour the mansion, which is one of only six in the state affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Tybee Island

If you’re going to an island, your first stop should be the beach. Beachcombers can appreciate the ocean and sandy shores from North Beach. This stretch of coast features an ideal spot for surfing just past the rock jetty and is less populated than other beaches on the island, perfect for a day of solitude in the sun. The North Beach Grill is located near the surf for hungry beachgoers. Another landmark at North Beach is the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. The oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia was recently restored and is open for tours. Take the 178 steps to the top and enjoy a viewing window every 25 steps.

After an invigorating beach day, enjoy lunch at a local joint that preserves island history. The Crab Shack started as a fishing charter company that gradually expanded into a full-blown restaurant, one table at a time. The restaurant has maintained the history of the fishing camp, with the original restrooms that once served the fishing village in the 1950s. The current Gift Shack is the old marina and bait shop from the 1930s.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge has a unique outdoor adventure park that dazzles visitors of all ages. Blue Ridge Adventure Park offers a challenge course, whitewater rafting, and a zipline. The challenge course features obstacles of suspended bridges and tight ropes across three levels, encouraging participants to test their limits both mentally and physically. For more exploration, Lake Blue Ridge awaits. The mountain lake encompasses 3,290 acres and allows guests to camp, swim, boat, and picnic. It's 65 miles of shoreline that lie within the Chattahoochee National Forest and provide ample hiking opportunities.

Before leaving town, take a historic trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This 26-mile route winds through the Appalachian foothills along the Toccoa River. The outbound trip passes through McCaysville, Georgia, and Copperhill, Tennessee, two towns tucked deep in the mountains on the state line. The return ride offers scenic forest views before arriving back at the depot.

Helen

Tour Helen from top to bottom with a ride down the Georgia Mountain Coaster. The only mountain coaster in the state allows riders to control their own speed down winding tracks through forest views. For another unique adventure, grab a tube and float down the Chattahoochee River. Cool River Tubing offers multiple trips of varying lengths along the natural stretch of river, with conditions ranging from gentle flows to faster-moving currents.

From the mountains to the river to its castles, Helen has a little bit of everything. Uhuburg, a whimsical castle in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, adds to the town’s fairytale setting. Visitors can climb its towers, admire colorful murals, and wander the grounds. Open for both day tours and overnight visits, Uhuburg rounds out Helen’s mix of outdoor fun, cultural charm, and unique attractions.

Finishing Thoughts

The Peach State gives its visitors a taste of everything. Beaches, mountains, history, and culture. Each adventure is different and unique, and provides a different type of escapade. Make the trip truly yours with a castle visit, beach excursion, historical tour, or mining trip. The allure of each town brings its visitors into smaller places far from the hustle and bustle of larger towns, but with just as much to do. Enjoy your visit and make sure to stop in any of these eight fairy tale small towns in Georgia.