8 Most Beautiful College Towns In Georgia
From cobblestone streets to bustling cities, Georgia is a perfect mix of classic southern charm and modern technological advances. And the colleges in this state range from small to large in terms of studies based on location. The towns they are located in also vary in their uniqueness, but all offer something beautiful for visitors to see. If you happen to find yourself in Georgia, these eight most beautiful college towns are sure to be a delight for a visit.
Statesboro
Southern University was founded in the town of Statesboro, Georgia, and originally opened in 1906 as an agricultural and mechanical school. Offering more programs today, the university also features public attractions. The Botanic Garden of Georgia Southern University spans 11 acres for nature enthusiasts and combines natural beauty and historic charm. The living museum also includes separate trails that lead to other aspects of the area's rich cultural heritage. Another campus lure made publicly available is the Georgia Southern Golf Course. The 18-hole course was designed to create additional recreational resources for the students at GSU, and it is located six miles from the main campus. Off campus, visitors who enjoy hiking, nature, and stimulating landscapes should venture over to George L. Smith State Park. Camp by the lake or in one of their available cottages and spend the day paddleboarding through cypress trees, hiking across seven miles of available trails, or checking out the refurbished Parrish Mill and Pond.
Kennesaw
The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art features constantly updating exhibits featuring local and nationally recognized artists. Located at Kennesaw State University, the museum is open to the public. Additionally, the museum displays art from current and past students of the university. Another exhibit the university offers to the public is the Museum of History and Holocaust Education. Featuring events, exhibition openings, and educational programs, the notable museum has won educational awards and been featured in local news and media. For more historical attractions, visitors won’t want to miss a visit to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. With over 25 miles of hiking trails, the park features picturesque landscapes and winds through historical segments from the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Enjoy the footpaths or ATV paths through the park to make the most of your visit.
Carrollton
If you’re planning to visit Carrollton and want to know about the area’s history, make sure to stop by The Center for Public History. Located at the University of West Georgia, the center explores the historical and cultural life of the West Georgia region. This is done through research, documents, preservation, and public discussion. For outdoor enthusiasts, the John Tanner Park has all the amenities one could need. Enjoy the beach, take a boat out on the lake for leisure or fishing, enjoy a night at the campground, and so much more. For more nature-based fun, venture out onto the Carrollton Greenbelt. An 18-mile paved path designed for pedestrians and bikers to make their way through multiple neighborhoods in Carrollton and the University of West Georgia campus, parks, and commercial and shopping centers.
Valdosta
Visit the home of Valdosta State University and engage in activities that are popular with tourists and university students. In Valdosta visit Wild Adventures a theme park with rides, slides and exotic animals. It is a theme park, waterpark, and animal park, a sure triple threat. Rated as the #1 theme park in Georgia, this park lets guests hop on a roller coaster and then hold an alligator in one spot! For another outdoor attraction, but a slower-paced adventure, spend some time in nature at the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. Grown from pine forests and Cyprus wetlands, the area allows visitors to hunt, hike, canoe, and fish, among other activities. For a final stop in town, head over to the southernmost brewery in the state and enjoy a drink at Georgia Beer Company. Founded by graduates of Valdosta State University. Traditionally brewed but using as many Georgia-grown ingredients as possible, the brewery offers flagship and seasonal ales.
Fort Valley
Nestled in Fort Valley, the home of Fort Valley State University, is the Massee Lane Gardens. Once a private garden, the owner donated the land to the American Camellia Society, and it currently displays one of the world’s finest collections of camellias. Another spot to visit that allows guests to experience the state's traditions is Lane Southern Orchards. Georgia is widely known for their peaches, so don’t skip out on a chance to eat some fresh-picked peaches. Enjoy homemade peach ice cream on the front porch or take a field trip to the farm before stocking up on all their farm-fresh treats. Finally, end your visit right back where it started, at Fort Valley State University, and visit the Benjamin S. Anderson House. Built in the 1890s, it is the oldest building on campus. It has previously been a faculty home, an admin building, and currently the Heritage Museum and Historic Biggs Collection. Learn more about the university and African American heritage in the famed campus museum.
Americus
Founded in the town of Americus is Georgia Southwestern State University. One of their proudest accomplishments is engagement with the local community. Through events and partnerships, they have found ways for students and community members to benefit from these relationships. One of the university’s public attractions is the Griffin Bell Golf Course. The 18-hole course was previously the Americus Country Club but is now owned and operated by the university. Test your skill on this fun and challenging short course. If history is more important, visit the Andersonville National Historic Site off campus. Take a guided tour or visit the National Prisoner of War Museum within the park and learn about this grave time in American history. For one final unique stop n Americus visit the state’s oldest operating distillery. Thirteenth Colony Distilleries opened in 2009 and since then has been the longest operating distillery in Georgia since prohibition. Offering tours and tasting experiences, come in and enjoy the bourbon and craft spirits created by friends and family with a lifelong passion for crafting.
Tifton
The Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College can be found in Tifton and offers many educationally related experiences to the community. Visit the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and immerse yourself in the 19th-century American South traditions of agriculture and culture. These practices are learned through hands-on experiences, and multiple historic sites and artifacts. For another educational attraction, train enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Tifton Terminal Railway Museum. Once the Atlantic Coast Line Station, the abandoned line now supports the free museum. Visit the displays that include vintage signage, antique toy trains, and model train lines. For a final outdoor trip in Tifton, visit Berry Good Farms and pick your own peaches, berries, and more. Along with fresh-picked fruit, the market also offers homemade jams, pecans, fresh produce, and locally made crafts.
Brunswick
One final stunning college town is the home of the College of Coastal Georgia. Brunswick, located on the southeast coast of Georgia, has many awe-inspiring views and attractions. For those hopeless romantics, plan a visit to Lover’s Oak. Rumored to date back to the 12th century, the tree is located at the intersection of Albany and Prince Street in historic downtown Brunswick. Native American legend believes that braves and their maidens would meet under the tree and embrace under the sprawling branches. For more historical attractions, the Old City Hall is open to visitors to relish in the marble floor, vintage fireplaces, and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. The clock tower and gargoyles are additional stunning features of the ancient building. For one final visit, nature lovers will want to explore Blythe Island Regional Park. Surrounded by restaurants, shopping, and golf courses, the park itself offers a lake for fishing and swimming, campsites for overnight excursions, and hiking trails for exploring.
Peaches, cypress trees, and world-famous golf courses are just a few attractions that bring visitors to Georgia. But when you dig deeper into the sites of the smaller town, you can find more unique and memorable experiences that will not be forgotten. Explore the history, culture, landscape, and natural allure in these eight beautiful college towns. Grab a drink at the oldest post-prohibition distillery, or sit for a spell under a historical oak tree. No matter the adventure you choose, it can be found in Georgia.
