8 Liveliest Georgia Towns For Active Seniors
Staying active is important as you get older, but it's not always easy. Thankfully, Georgia has readily accessible means of keeping its citizens on their toes. Centrally located, thriving downtown locales such as Decatur Square feature parks for blissful strolls and refreshing pitstops, readily available at nearby Foxtail Coffee. Meanwhile, venues like Woodstock's surprisingly large amphitheater host events that will have you out and about all day, taking in the Woodstock Summer Concert Series. Check out these eight towns for active seniors, where age can be nothing more than a number.
Peachtree City
Golf lovers will enjoy Peachtree City, where 135 holes of championship golf are spread across five clubs, both in town and in neighboring Newnan, GA. These sister courses, owned by The Clubs of Peachtree City and Newnan, create an extensive golfing network that will keep you on your feet. Each course features finely manicured views of lush greenery and surrounding water features. The clubs in Peachtree City surround Lake Peachtree, where residents can explore other interests beyond teeing off. Battery Way Park and Boat Ramp sit along the East Lagoon at the east end of the lake. Here, residents launch off from the boat ramp and spend a day fishing, ideal for those whose idea of keeping on the go means being on the water. Northeast of the lake, the Glenloch Recreation Complex offers soccer fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, and exercise studios.
Dahlonega
Seniors who find peace in the great outdoors will appreciate Dahlonega, a mountain town south of Lake Zwerner. Residents are welcome to walk the lake or launch from the boat ramp for a day of fishing. Adjacent Yahoola Creek Reservoir is a drinking water reservoir and is not open for swimming or activities, but a hiking trail loops around and offers scenic views in the sun. Those looking to learn more about the town's history can explore the Consolidated Gold Mining Company through its underground gold mine tour. This tour is a fun way to stay on your feet for an hour as you hear stories about the mine and learn how to pan for gold. Dahlonega also hosts events including the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, which gives locals a chance to celebrate Appalachian culture. Live music, including string bands and bluegrass performers, plays on while shoppers browse the artist marketplace. The festival is particularly appealing to those who want to connect with new neighbors and stay socially active.
Thomasville
It is easy to encounter bustling life in Thomasville. Known as the "City of Roses," Downtown Thomasville hosts the annual Rose Show and Festival. A community favorite, the festival has been held for over a century. Events include an artisan market, antique car show, parade, and, of course, a flower show. New residents in the area may find it easy to connect thanks to this fragrant gathering, which draws neighbors from all over town. However, the center of Thomasville remains lively year-round. The heart of town is characterized by its Victorian-era buildings, many of which have stood for over a century. Among these, The Bookshelf is a popular local bookstore where you can select your newest read. The store was listed among the top 10 independent small businesses in 2017 and continues to draw locals. Afterward, you can wander around and explore plenty of other hot spots, including the Thomasville History Center. Established in 1952, the Center's collections include 500,000 artifacts depicting the history of Georgia, particularly Thomas County, home to Thomasville.
Woodstock
Seniors stay engaged and occupied in Woodstock, thanks in large part to its walkable downtown, which is packed with activities. For those simply trying to stay out for the day, The Park at City Center features paths winding around the gazebo and fountain, both of which are notable landmarks. The park is also home to the Woodstock War Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial, which includes tracks from the subway beneath the World Trade Center. The park is adjacent to the Woodstock Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Currently regarded as North Georgia's best outdoor music venue, the amphitheater hosts the annual Woodstock Summer Concert Series that brings together musical acts from pop to rhythm and blues. Any time of the year, though, you can keep on your feet by strolling through downtown. This bustling community is packed with shoppable storefronts like Dare to be Different, where you can find dresses, jackets, and sweaters for every mood. Thanks to a combination of annual events and a lively downtown, Woodstock helps residents discover ways to get out and explore.
Adairsville
Adairsville is a quiet town, but it remains an ideal destination for those who enjoy the outdoors. Those who want to get out under the sun can head to Manning Mill Park. This local favorite boasts a 5-acre lake where residents can take a stroll. Also, it includes a baseball field, plus basketball and tennis courts for seniors. Historic Downtown is also an easy way to get your steps in as you walk past 19th-century storefronts. The Little Rock Cafe on the north side of the district offers simple home-style Southern food, including catfish and fried taters. One of the liveliest events of the year is the Great Locomotive Festival, an annual event that has taken place for nearly 60 years. Held in Historic Downtown, the festival invites vendors and artisans to display their wares while residents enjoy the parade and beauty pageant. The festival commemorates the Civil War-era pursuit of Union forces by Confederate soldiers along the rail line.
Valdosta
The city of Valdosta makes it easy to remain active thanks to the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. Running through this outdoor space is a boardwalk that allows guests to easily view the surrounding wetlands, eventually leading to an observation tower offering views of the surrounding countryside. The tower is a hotspot for birdwatchers who want to spot the wildlife that calls the wetlands home. Fifth Day Farms offers a change of pace that keeps you outdoors while surrounded by wildlife. The farm was started in 2017 as an animal rescue. From a personal hobby to a fully operational farm, this beloved local destination now houses rescued pigs, llamas, alpacas, emus, peacocks, and more. However, if you want to stay closer to the heart of town, McKey Park is a popular green space that houses the Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center. Residents can enjoy the park or head to the Center for lessons across 18 tennis courts. The surrounding park also includes a sand volleyball court and walking paths.
Decatur
It is not hard to stay engaged and on your feet in Decatur thanks to its walkability. DeVry University sits in the heart of town just next to the DeKalb History Center Museum. This spot in Decatur Square includes highlights such as the John Lewis Statue, a tribute to the civil rights icon and congressman. While you are here, you can step into the DeKalb museum itself to learn about our country's past. Exhibits focus on the town's historic structures, such as a children's refuge built in 1871. Other exhibits focus on the women who helped build the county since its establishment. Just across the street, you can pop into Foxtail Coffee for blueberry muffin chai or an espresso. Afterward, you can walk through the many stores in the area, for example, HomeGrown Decatur, a gift shop that focuses on handmade artwork. As a lively centerpiece of urban Atlanta, time in Decatur will help enliven both mind and body.
St. Mary's
Outdoors-loving seniors will appreciate St. Mary's, known as the gateway to adjacent Cumberland Island. Walks across the island take you along the Marsh Boardwalk and near the Ice House Museum, built in 1900 and once used to store ice shipped from New England. You will also see the Dungeness Ruins, a former 59-room Queen Anne mansion with many of its walls still standing. If you prefer not to visit the island, you can spend time at St. Mary's Waterfront Park. The park is small, but its paths lead west to the Waterfront Pavilion. Along the way, you can enjoy sights of the St. Mary's River or even set out on the water from the boat launch. For those who would enjoy getting to know the town better, you can head out on the St. Mary's History Walk, a footpath lined with informational plaques that describe how the city grew over the centuries. This path educates walkers about the city's distinctive geographic features and how St. Mary's was first settled.
Keeping Active in Georgia
For seniors hoping for places to keep busy and engaged, Georgia offers many options. Time outdoors can be found at destinations like Dahlonega's Lake Zwerner, where outdoors-loving residents can cast a line on the water and watch the sun set peacefully. There are also plenty of ways to socialize at community events which include Adairsville's Great Locomotive Festival, where live music and history of a bygone age bring the town together. If you are looking for active destinations in George, consider visiting these eight towns.
