Known as the “Peach State,” Georgia has an abundance of small towns that are as sweet and enjoyable as the fruit the state is known for producing. From the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains to the north and sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches to the south, Georgia is blessed with natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. These seven pretty towns are the ideal places to explore all that the state has to offer.
Washington
East Public Square in downtown Washington, Georgia. By TampAGS, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Southern hospitality is alive and well in the charming small town of Washington, which is known for its rich American Revolutionary and Civil War history, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Whether you’re staying in Washington for just a weekend or a week, start your visit with a trip to the Washington-Wilkes Visitor Information Center to get acquainted with all that the area offers.
For a unique outdoor experience, visit Deerlick Astronomy Village near Sharon, Georgia, a dark sky community where you can view the stars and planets with your telescope by night and hike the nature trail by day. The Washington Historical Museum showcases the area’s history through a variety of exhibits and artifacts, and the Mary Willis Library, Georgia’s first public library, is housed in a late 19th-century building featuring beautiful Tiffany-stained glass windows.
Madison
Southern Living Magazine named Quaint Madison one of the South’s prettiest small towns for a good reason. The town is home to an abundance of historic buildings and homes, all featuring stunning old Southern architecture styles, such as Greek Revival and Victorian. Architectural Digest also put Madison on its “55 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America” list due to its collection of antebellum homes and natural beauty, such as magnolia flowers and oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.
Just 60 miles east of Atlanta, Madison feels like a world away with its entertaining downtown that’s filled with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, cafes, and eateries. Arts and culture lovers won’t want to miss the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, the Steffan Thomas Museum of Art, or the Morgan County African American Museum. If you want to get outside, check out the Hard Labor Creek State Park.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is more than just a coastal haven on the Atlantic Ocean…it’s a way of life, as well. Whether you crave quiet nights in a waterfront hotel or days of nonstop boating, swimming, and other water-based adventures, delightful Jekyll Island may be the perfect vacation for you. One huge draw to the area is the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which is a sea turtle education and rehabilitation center that’s open to the public and offers a number of interactive exhibits and experiences.
A great way to immerse yourself into island life is by taking a guided Landmark Trolley Tour, which takes visitors around the 240-acre historic district and includes admission to the Jeckyll Island Museum, the Mosaic Gallery, and Faith Chapel. You can spend the day lounging on a sandy beach or partaking in water activities via several public beach access points.
Blairsville
Scenic Blairsville is located in North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Blairsville makes an exciting weekend getaway or family vacation spot for those who enjoy activities such as mountain hiking and biking, swimming, boating, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. The charming town of Blairsville is home to both Lake Winfield Scott and Lake Nottely, as well as Vogel State Park, which is one of the state’s oldest.
After hiking the Appalachian Trail and exploring the area’s waterfalls and other natural wonders, check out one of Blairsville’s historic sites, such as Reece Heritage Farm. The farm is open April through October each year, and offers a visitor center, gift shop, and a museum showcasing historic farm artifacts, equipment and implements. Odom Springs Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery in Blairsville, and offers tastings and tours.
Blue Ridge
A quaint mountain town in Northern Georgia, beautiful Blue Ridge is known for its eclectic mix of natural beauty, such as waterfalls and pristine wildlife, boutiques, art galleries, craft breweries and wineries, and much more. Blue Ridge is located at the start of the Appalachian Trails and offers easy access to the 106,000-acre Chattahoochee National Forest. Due to its diversity, an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, and an abundance of arts and cultural attractions, Southern Living Magazine named Blue Ridge one of the South’s best mountain towns in 2022.
If you want to sample some of the region’s craft beers or wines, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities. Check out Angry Hops Brewery, Grumpy Old Men Brewing, Tipping Point Brewing Co., or Bear Claw Vineyards, among several other options. The town also plays host to several exciting events throughout the year, including the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Fest, the Blue Ridge Wine and Jazz Festival, and the Fall Plein Aire event.
Darien
Situated on Georgia’s Atlantic Coast at the mouth of the Altamaha River, Darien is one of the state’s not-so-hidden gems. Tourists come to Darien from all over to experience coastal Southern living at its finest. Established as a river port in by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, Darien is also steeped in rich Civil War history, which you can explore at one of the town’s museums and historical sites.
Sign up for a walking tour of Darien, during which you can learn the storied history of Georgia’s second-oldest town. Before or after the guided tour, take a scenic stroll through the town’s endearing historic district or along the waterfront park. After you’ve worked up an appetite, sample some local Southern fare at one of the many eateries. History lovers also won’t want to miss a trip to the Fort King George State Historic Site.
Uncover the Hidden Gems of Georgia
No matter if you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a much-needed girls’ trip, or a fun family vacation, you’ll find a gratifying town to spend it in while traveling through Georgia. The state has something for everyone, whether you’re craving a relaxing mountain retreat or a sunny coastal adventure. Pack your bags and head to the stunning mountains of the scenic Atlantic Coast or any of the interesting regions in between for an unforgettable trip.
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