The One Georgia Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Georgia has many small towns that, for one reason or another, have something to offer different travelers; however, the state’s second-oldest city might just be at the top of the list. Darien is a port city located on Georgia’s Golden Isles. It is known as a premier destination for sampling fresh, local seafood, canoeing or kayaking on the Altamaha River, or for soaking up some of the richest history on the southern Georgia coast. Let's discover why Darien is the Georgia town everyone should visit at least once.
Darien's History
Since it was settled in 1736 by highlanders from Scotland under John McIntosh Mohr, Darien has had a longstanding maritime tradition. The demand for cotton, rice, and lumber from upriver plantations and forests boomed after the War of 1812. This resulted in the founding of the Bank of Darien in 1818; however, after an economic slump in the late 1830s, the bank consequently closed in the early 1840s.
Darien was a target of Union forces during the Civil War, which launched an amphibious attack in June 1863, resulting in Darien's burning down. After Darien was rebuilt, the economy was fueled by timber and the railroad in the early 1890s. Today, the economy of Darien revolves around fishing, seafood processing, and retail trade.
Historic Fort
Take a trip through Darien’s history by visiting Fort King George State Historic Site, the oldest English fort on Georgia’s coast. The fort acted as the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America between 1721 and 1736. However, the fort was abandoned due to disease, harsh coastal environment, and threats of attack from the Spanish and Indians. Today, the site the fort sits on is open to people of all ages and enables them to tour the grounds and structures, including: blockhouse, officers’ quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, moat, and palisades. Additionally, the area features a museum and film that retell the history of the region, a gift shop, and a nature trail.
Downtown
Skippers' Fish Camp Oyster Bar and Grill is known for blending an elevated dining experience with Darien’s past. Physical features include the floor, which is made from hand-cut bricks retrieved from a demolished structure dating back to the 1940s. The bar and table tops have been constructed from timbers that floated down the Altamaha River, and upon entering, guests are greeted with an 11-foot-long American Alligator, which has been stuffed and mounted. Signature items on the menu include seafood and ribs, served with scenic dining that offers views of the sunset over the river.
Darien Waterfront Park is open year-round and is an excellent spot to take in views of the river while watching pleasure and fishing vessels pass by. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family, with a children’s playground and picnic table shaded by cabbage palms and live oaks. The park is the site of the Blessing of the Fleet festival, which honors Darien’s shrimpers and is held annually over three days in April. Entertainment at the festival includes amusement rides, vendors, musical entertainment, and fireworks.
Darien’s location makes it ideal for exploring Georgia’s coastal barrier islands and the network of river islands and creeks with the lower Altamaha River. Altamaha Coastal Tours offers guided and self-guided tours, kayak and canoe rentals, and a shuttle service to different locations.
Nearby Towns
Darien serves as a great base camp for exploring other nearby towns on the Georgia coast. Brunswick is located about 15 miles south of Darien and is regarded as the gateway to the Golden Isles. Yet another city steeped in history, its streets and town squares have kept their colonial names, and its shops, restaurants, and homes have retained styles dating back to 1819. Brunswick is home to Lady Jane, the only shrimping vessel on the East Coast that is qualified to take passengers on offshore excursions.
Midway is a historic town with colonial and Revolutionary War roots. Located 30 miles north of Darien, Midway is a great pit stop when exploring the coast. Its most popular attraction is the Midway Museum, which houses an expansive collection of 18th and 19th-century furnishings, paintings, documents, and artifacts.
Waycross is situated in south Georgia and is only 62 miles east of Darien. It is best known for its natural scenery, including numerous marshes, creeks, and swamps, such as the Okefenokee Swamp. Features of the park include a boardwalk, observation tower, nature center, and opportunities to view local wildlife.
Plan Your Visit To Darien
Darien is a great location to visit at least once when you are in Georgia, whether you are using it as a basecamp for exploring the Golden Isles and nearby towns, or spending a few days just in Darien. There is something in town for every type of traveler, whether you are a history buff, an avid outdoor enthusiast, or a certified foodie with a taste for fresh, locally sourced seafood. Darien is the number one town in Georgia you should visit at least once.
