8 Best Courthouse Squares In Georgia

Georgia’s courthouse squares are more than landmarks; often, they are living reminders of how deeply rooted civic pride can be. Long before highways and shopping centers, the courthouse square was the heart of town life. It was where people gathered to trade goods, attend festivals, and share news that shaped their daily lives. Though these historic courthouses have witnessed generations come and go, the squares around them remain the pulse of their communities. These eight town squares reflect the spirit of Georgia’s small towns, where history, heart, and hospitality still bring people together. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best courthouse squares across the Peach State.

Dahlonega

The Lumpkin County Courthouse, completed in 1836, stands proudly at the center of Dahlonega’s historic square. Built from locally made brick, it is one of Georgia’s oldest courthouses and now serves as the Dahlonega Gold Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits on life in the mining community and view rare artifacts from the 1800s gold rush. The courthouse’s clock tower and symmetrical design give the square a timeless character that still defines the heart of this mountain town.

Around the courthouse, historic storefronts house an inviting mix of restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. Picnic Café and Dessertery serves homemade soups, sandwiches, and pies in a cozy, sunlit space that feels downright nostalgic. Nearby, Paul Thomas Chocolates fills its glass cases with handmade truffles, pralines, and caramel apples that draw visitors in from the sidewalk. Just a few steps from the square, art lovers will enjoy Old Stonehouse Art (formerly Canvas and Cork), where regional artists display paintings, pottery, and jewelry. Dahlonega’s courthouse square remains a living reflection of its gold-mining past, filled with laughter, music, and friendly conversation. It's this community spirit that makes this mountain town so easy to love.

Fayetteville

Rising at the center of downtown Fayetteville, the Fayette County Courthouse has been a familiar sight since 1825. Its white exterior, tall arched windows, and graceful clock tower give the square an old-fashioned dignity that time hasn’t dimmed. The building has seen court proceedings, community picnics, and generations of local gatherings, yet it still serves as the anchor of a town. Carefully restored to preserve its original charm, the courthouse continues to define Fayetteville’s sense of place and pride.

Directly across from the courthouse, Gremlin Growlers brings a fresh, local flavor to the square with an ever-changing selection of craft beers and roasted coffees. The laid-back pseudo-café is a favorite spot for conversation, trivia nights, and even live acoustic music on weekends. For casual dining, Twisted Taco offers rooftop seating and colorful décor overlooking the historic district. Just a block off the square, the Fayette County Historical Society Museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and records that trace the area’s growth from its frontier roots to the present day. As the clock tower marks each passing hour, Fayetteville’s sense of community feels every bit as strong as it did when the courthouse first opened its doors.

Thomasville

The Thomas County Courthouse, completed in 1858, stands proudly at the center of Thomasville’s historic downtown. Its grey brick façade and elegant clock tower lend the square a stately beauty that has endured through the decades. Carefully restored, the courthouse remains both a working seat of justice and a beloved local landmark. The Courthouse sits on its own greenspace and is a block from the commercial district on Broad Street, where cafes, boutiques, and locally owned businesses keep downtown thriving.

Just steps from the courthouse, Chop House on the Bricks brings an upscale touch to downtown dining with perfectly seared steaks, fresh seafood, and an inviting atmosphere. A few doors down, Sweet Cacao Chocolates offers handmade truffles, espresso drinks, and frozen treats, making it a favorite afternoon stop. Around the corner, Shoppers will find Relish, a stylish kitchen and home store steps away, filled with cookware, linens, and gourmet ingredients that reflect the town’s love of good food and Southern tradition. The community has worked hard to keep this courthouse square a vibrant gathering place, which is one reason it is so worth visiting.

Greensboro

At the heart of downtown Greensboro stands the Greene County Courthouse, a graceful structure completed in 1849 that remains one of Georgia’s finest examples of Greek Revival design. Its tall white columns, arched windows, and clock tower give the square a stately presence that has endured for more than 170 years. Restored with care, the courthouse continues to serve as both a functioning center of government and the community’s proudest landmark.

Right across from the courthouse, Yesterday Café serves Southern comfort food and its signature buttermilk pie, a dessert that has become a state favorite. For travelers looking to stay overnight, Goodwin Manor, a beautifully restored bed-and-breakfast nearby, provides gracious accommodations and an authentic taste of Southern hospitality. Together, these places help keep Greensboro’s downtown alive with the warmth and authenticity that visitors often search for but rarely find.

Newnan

The Coweta County Courthouse, completed in 1904, dominates the center of downtown Newnan with its copper dome, arched windows, and ornate white columns. Designed in the Neoclassical style, it remains one of Georgia’s most beautiful courthouses and the centerpiece of a square where history and daily life intersect seamlessly. The courthouse still functions as a place of civic business, but its surroundings have transformed into one of the most inviting downtown districts in west Georgia.

Across from the courthouse, Redneck Gourmet serves Southern staples in a relaxed, tongue-in-cheek setting where locals gather for breakfast, lunch, and good conversation. A few doors away, Leaf and Bean brews fresh coffee and espresso for early risers and afternoon strollers who stop to rest beneath the shade trees along the square. Just off Jackson Street, The Oink Joint BBQ offers slow-smoked pulled pork and ribs that draw both locals and travelers looking for authentic Georgia barbecue. Downtown events hosted by Main Street Newnan, including the Market Day series and the annual Christmas parade, keep the square alive with activity year-round. Newnan’s courthouse square stands as one of Georgia’s finest examples of how tradition can stay beautifully alive in a modern town.

Monroe

If you want to find one of the most recognizable landmarks in northeast Georgia, look no further than the Walton County Historic Courthouse in Monroe. Completed in 1883, with its grand clock tower, arched windows, and symmetrical brick façade, it anchors a downtown that blends heritage and everyday life. The courthouse is still open for some services, while the surrounding square hums with restaurants, boutiques, and gathering spots that reflect the town’s welcoming character.

Just a few steps from the courthouse, LR Burger serves fresh, locally sourced burgers and shakes that have become a staple for both residents and weekend visitors. A short walk away, The Roe stands out for its contemporary dining, offering creative dishes and a rooftop patio that overlooks the historic district. For those with an eye for art, the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts, two blocks south, hosts rotating exhibits, workshops, and community performances that keep creativity thriving downtown. In Monroe, the courthouse square remains a gathering place where history, friendship, and Southern warmth still come together.

Washington

The Wilkes County Courthouse, completed in 1904, rises above an elongated square lined with shops, cafés, and antique stores, making downtown Washington one of the most inviting in Georgia. Built of pale tan brick with white banding and decorative trim, the courthouse has a tall clock tower that dominates the skyline. Still in daily use, it continues to serve as both a working seat of government and a symbol of pride for a town rich in history and Southern hospitality.

Shoppers can browse through antique stores and small specialty shops that line the square, each filled with the kind of character and craftsmanship that define Georgia’s historic towns. On The Square Antiques And Gifts is one such store popular for its unique collection of souvenir and gift items. Nearby, Maddy’s Public House offers hearty pub fare, local beer, and friendly conversation. Just a short distance from the square, the Washington Historical Museum tells the story of the community through Civil War artifacts, early furnishings, and family heirlooms that connect the past to the present. Washington's courthouse square might seem quaint, but it's the perfect example of what small-town Southern is all about.

Covington

If you are a movie or television lover, you might instantly recognize the Newton County Courthouse in Covingotn. The courthouse and the adjacent square have appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, giving Covington its nickname, the “Hollywood of the South.” This Courthouse dates from 1884, dominating the community's town square with its magnificent clock tower and Victorian Romanesque architecture. Built of deep red brick, it remains one of the most photographed courthouses in the South. Yet despite its fame, the square still feels every bit like a community gathering place.

The courthouse sits on one side of the square with boutiques, restaurants, and cafés that fill the air with the smell of fresh coffee and Southern cooking. Visitors often stop by Town House Café, a local favorite known for its fried chicken and collard greens, just as you might expect from a Southern eatery. Just across the square, Mystic Grill, made famous by its role in The Vampire Diaries, offers upscale Southern dishes and rooftop dining with a view of the courthouse. For dessert, Scoops serves hand-dipped ice cream that tastes like you're having summer in a waffle cone. Covington’s courthouse square blends cinematic beauty with authentic community spirit, reminding visitors that Georgia’s most memorable places are at the very center of town.

Final Thoughts

Across Georgia, courthouse squares continue to reflect the state’s enduring spirit of community and pride. These gathering places remind visitors that history is not something stored away in museums but something lived each day on shaded sidewalks and courthouse lawns. Each square, whether filled with cafés and boutiques or framed by old brick façades and pecan trees, tells a story of resilience and connection. For anyone exploring the true heart of small-town Georgia, it still beats strongest where neighbors gather, right around the courthouse square.