This Is The Most Welcoming Town In Georgia
Just beyond Savannah’s edge near I-95, Pooler used to be little more than a stop on the rail line - now it has evolved into one of the most welcoming towns in all of Georgia. This is a place that has had to evolve from its dependence on the railway into a spot that has allowed it to grow slowly and steadily without changing its warm, welcoming nature. Whether it is the memorable plates at Carey Hilliard’s or the access to the epicenter of shopping for the Greater Savannah area at Tanger Outlets, this is a pleasant base of operations for exploring many small, Eastern Georgia communities.
A Railroad Legacy Building Community Spirit
Robert William Pooler ran a sawmill in the 1890s and saw an opportunity in building a town around the Central of Georgia Railway tracks cutting through the terrain. That rail link did more than move goods from the sawmill; it also connected lives between Savannah and states beyond. Entering the 20th century, farming was the most successful venture in the region. People stuck close, shaped by seasons, soil, and whatever work came their way.
Because people always stopped here, locals became accommodating to travelers, which kept Pooler afloat and created an enduring welcoming spirit. It officially became a town in 1907, remaining small for most of its life. During World War II, when many families across the country were relocated to where they could best serve, soldiers arrived with their families because the town was close to military installations. Even now, with a population of more than 25,000, visitors get a friendly, welcoming feel when exploring this growing city.
Dining Spots with Local Taste
There are plenty of places to eat in Pooler, but when looking for hospitality, you are going to find that the place that has been serving up classic southern dishes for decades will be top of the list. Start the search for food at Carey Hilliard’s, which has been here since 1960. The restaurant prides itself on authentic home-cooked cuisine that rivals the comfort of food your grandmother serves on Thanksgiving. Among the most popular options are the golden-crispy shrimp and barbecue.
Those wanting an authentic taste of the Low Country region here in Georgia should find the time to make it to Jim ‘N Nick’s Southern Bar-B-Q, where classic tastes meet reasonable pricing. As a popular local establishment, the place focuses on slow-cooked meats and traditional recipes. Even better, the restaurant donates a portion of its profits to help veteran organizations, local schools, and health/wellness nonprofits serving Chatham County. This is a good example of the neighborhood's welcoming, friendly focus; even businesses have to give back to Pooler and its people.
Worthwhile Shopping Moments
Tanger Outlets Savannah is a hub that brings in crowds from across the Southeast. With more than 90 stores in one convenient complex, each selling familiar labels at lower prices, it becomes a go-to for road-trippers looking for solid finds without overspending. Paths wind between shops, inviting people to slow down, wander, and spend hours among top brands and products.
Spots like Hello, Retail Therapy serve up something different. This is a locally owned and operated gift shop carrying handmade goods and crafts that one won’t find in every Savannah storefront. The outlets might have plenty of the brands people wear every day, but shops like this and Nourish Natural Bath will have the trinket or souvenir that commemorates the trip to Pooler.
The Community in Action
Welcoming towns like Pooler often host community events and festivals that draw even more people to see and experience the municipality for themselves. One of the big events for this Georgia city is the Foodees Food & Culture Festival. Spanning a few days, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, options from over 50 food vendors, and crafts from local creators.
Christmas is a time for gatherings and get-togethers, and the City of Pooler dives into the holidays with a sizable free Christmas tree lighting event that is fun for the whole family. With visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus some hot cocoa and s’mores, the residents and visitors become immersed in a unique winter setting complete with free snow. Enjoy the entertainment and the camaraderie as the city lights up the official Pooler tree.
Nearby Towns for More Low Country Moments
One of the best things about appreciating the welcoming nature of Pooler is that so many great Georgia towns are just a stone’s throw away to explore and enjoy. A twenty-mile trip will get you to Richmond Hill, a charming community of around 15,000. Most of this town is about its history, which is closely tied to the Civil War fort that still stands at Fort McAllister State Park. When you finish walking the trails and exploring nature in the park and in town, you can see a lot of the early 1900s architectural influence of Henry Ford, one of the country’s most recognized entrepreneurs, who established a winter retreat and a model plantation community here.
Pembroke sits to the west, standing as Chatham County’s only other incorporated town beside Pooler and Savannah. About 2,500 people call it home, living among farmland where life moves at a slower pace than in Pooler’s expanding suburbs. Not far away, Fort Stewart is the beating heart of the local economy, meaning that places like Pembroke and Pooler have both become accustomed to welcoming newcomers as military personnel and their families change assignments. Because of the town’s small size, local businesses are the favorites here, with an emphasis on places like Johnny’s Grill, serving classic fare like fried chicken, grits, and fish sandwiches.
A Community Where Everyone Belongs
Pooler has always been a welcoming place, starting back in its earliest days as a stop along the railway. Today, that enduring spirit of friendliness still lives on in the food at Carey Hilliard’s and in community events like the annual City of Pooler Tree Lighting Event. Southern charm is something that only a handful of towns actually embody and live up to, but Pooler is one of the Georgia towns people visit to explore its culture and the nearby coast in Savannah. Beyond the welcoming people here, choose Pooler as a great base of operations for exploring Southeastern Georgia.
