9 Quirky Little Towns In Georgia
The colonial state of Georgia is a global destination for its scenic beaches, mountains, and Southern hospitality, from Bavarian villages to coastal getaways. It is also packed with quirky towns that add nuances to one of the most charming states in the South. From Gold Rush history to the "Hollywood of the South," where multiple films and television shows have been filmed.
One of the best reasons to visit these towns is the cultural diversity and heritage that give each small town its signature, leaving indelible impressions upon residents and visitors alike. Thomasville is a mecca for foodies, while those seeking classic Americana should consider Americus or Dahlonega. Here is a roadmap to Georgia's nine quirkiest little towns.
Americus
Americus is the kind of small town that finds its way into a Norman Rockwell painting. Incorporated in 1832, the historic town features pleasant architectural designs. It is close to Andersonville National Historic Site, which claimed over 13,00 lives during the Civil War, the deadliest ground in the war. It is also home to vineyards such as Wolf Creek Vineyard and Winery, two components worlds apart that mesh in this charming Southern town.
History and movie buffs will appreciate the Rylander Theatre in downtown. Opened in 1921, it retains its heritage with its 1928 Moller pipe organ and continues to thrill audiences with its live performances. No visitor should leave town without embarking on the Windsor Hotel Historic Haunted Tour. The guided tour explores the history and ghost stories of the hotel, built in 1892 and easily spotted for its turrets and spires.
Helen
The Blue Ridge Mountain town of Helen might take the cake for being the quirkiest town in Georgia. The Bavarian-style village is a tapestry of natural scenery, including nearby Anna Ruby Falls, vineyards, and German heritage evident in the town's architecture and authentic eateries. Habersham Winery and Vineyards, one of Georgia's oldest, is an enticing way to experience this lifestyle, just a half-mile from Helen's downtown district.
Community pride is meaningful to residents, evidenced by stops at Betty's Country Store. What started as a Mom-and-Pop general store has become an institution in this Alpine village and is an essential stop for any visitor. Cafe International is another noteworthy stop, a staple for over 30 years. Patrons enjoy Reuben sandwiches and other casual options in a casual setting overlooking the village for an immersive Helen experience.
Dahlonega
At first sight, Dahlonega appears as a Hallmark movie setting, and spending time in this historic hamlet enhances that feeling. The small city's first claim to fame is being home to the original Gold Rush, before California put the practice and term on the map. The first stop should always be the Dahlonega Gold Museum, housed in the 1836 Old Lumpkin County Courthouse. Both the historic building and the mining exhibits introduce newcomers to the rich history and quirky setting that is Dahlonega.
A deep sense of culture runs through town, as in Canopy and Roots. The underground listening room, adorned with an actual tree branch suspended from the ceiling, offers a glass studio and fresh Costa Rican coffee to complete the scene. Natural scenery fits this cultural aura like a glove, where Amicalola Falls and several others continue their perpetual cycle within a short ride of the innovative community.
Covington
Known as the "Hollywood of the South," Covington is a scenic town where In The Heat of the Night, Vampire Diaries, and other productions have been filmed. This town seems familiar to fans of these shows, even on a first visit, and places like the Mystic Grill are no exception. Town Square is the central location for these films and features its own Walk of Stars.
Of course, Covington was an established town long before Hollywood came knocking, and it has its share of ghostly tales. Covington Ghost Tours takes those who are so inclined on a guided tour through the streets to explain paranormal stories and haunting stories. The Twelve Oaks, which inspired the home in Gone With the Wind, is reopening for a tour of one of the finest antebellum homes in Georgia, putting an exclamation point on any visit.
Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge is a beloved mountain destination with incredible landmarks like Mercier Orchards and unique tours aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The orchards offer over 50 varieties of apples and ciders, staples for residents and locals alike. The railway provides a close-up view of the majestic scenery through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The small town is in the middle of Georgia's wine country, which adds to its striking allure. Bear Claw Vineyards is a prime example, offering tantalizing wine, including their own Cayuga White, with clear views of the mountains for a romantic afternoon. There is also a treehouse that is available for overnight stays. Adventurers should consider a day at Blue Ridge Adventure Park for ziplining and obstacle courses, which showcases another side of this eclectic mountain town.
Thomasville
Called "The City of Roses," Thomasville is a quintessential Southern town with a downtown culinary scene to please any gourmand. Landmark attractions like the Thomasville Rose Garden, with over 1,500 blooms, and the annual Rose Show and Festival highlight the community's horticultural side, one of many unique aspects of the town. The Big Oak downtown dates to 1680 and has the signature of the district, adding to the lush scenery and providing photo opportunities for many.
The Taste of Thomasville Food Tour is the best way to sample the town's award-winning restaurants. The three-hour progressive lunch tour stops at signature restaurants for small bites, to experience each restaurant's ambiance, and to learn about Thomasville's history. A brisk walk after a long lunch is always smart, and a trip through the Jack Hadley Black History Museum fits the bill. The gallery features over 5,000 local artifacts that complete the truncated historical tour of Thomasville.
Milledgeville
Milledgeville is a charming town in Baldwin County, infamously home to the world's largest insane asylum. Thousands of Georgians were confined to the Georgia Lunatic Asylum, opened in 1842 to undergo primitive treatments on the outskirts of the town that served as the antebellum state capital. Today, this asylum is no longer a concern, and Milledgeville has established itself as a top college town, featuring Central Georgia Technical School, Georgia College and State University, and Georgia Military College.
The town is home to several theaters, including Allen's Market, a repurposed grocery store circa 1911 that is now part of the John Marlor Arts Center. Andalusia Farm flaunts the agrarian culture that was home to the famed American author Flannery O’Connor from 1951 to 1964. All of these elements combine to make one of the quirkiest Georgia towns that should top everyone's travel calendar.
Bainbridge
Bainbridge, called "Oak City" for its abundance of trees, is famous as the "Bass Capital of Georgia" for its proximity to Lake Seminole and the Flint River. It's historic downtown features brick commercial buildings and open-air spaces like Willis Park and the Riverwalk. The park provides a peaceful respite with a gazebo and manicured lawns, and hosts many concerts and other live events year-round.
Another angle to the district is Oak City Cemetery, the largest in Southwest Georgia. It has served the community since 1852, is surrounded by large, tranquil oak trees, and is home to many of the town's settlers. Firehouse Arts Center is a creative outlet in Bainbridge, featuring curated regional works and collections for over 30 years and serving as a signature of the downtown area.
Cordele
This charming city is known for its farming, including Aussie Acres Ranch, which is dedicated to the extraordinary Texas Longhorn. It is also home to the Georgia Veterans' Park on Lake Blackshear, featuring a stunning memorial to all branches of service, an essential stop on any trip. As a fun fact, Cordele is also the "Watermelon Capital of the World" and hosts the annual Watermelon Days Festival, which is the oldest festival in the state.
The summer festival is a great time to meet the community and see why this small Georgia town ships over 200 million pounds of watermelon annually. Summer is also the perfect time to head to Crisp Motorsports Park, which adds excitement to the farming community for gearheads and casual observers alike. The track, aptly named Watermelon Capital Speedway, boasts the fastest speeds in South Georgia, while the 100 acres create an inviting atmosphere for drivers and fans.
The City of Roses and the "Hollywood of the South" are only two examples of Georgia's quirkiness, which has made the state a top travel destination. It also helps that the state is covered in natural beauty from the Blue Ridge Mountains to coastal getaways. Towns like these help shape the state's identity while maintaining their own, which is why they are so exceptional to visit.
Helen may top the list as one of the best towns to visit in the South because of its German heritage and Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop. Stepping into Americus and other small Georgia towns transports one back in time, where slower clocks seemed to rule, and soda fountains were the norm rather than something of nostalgia. This feat in itself is uncommon because the original art form is all but lost, and the sentimentality leaves an unforgettable imprint on all who visit these eccentric towns.
