Guide to Tifton
Plan to take a break from your drive on I-75 with a delightful stop in Tifton, Georgia, where you'll find plenty of things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events.
Set in the heart of Georgia’s agricultural community, Tifton is at the crossroads of multiple highways and byways. Nicknamed “The Friendly City,” it was settled in 1872 at a railroad junction. Much of the downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also home to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC).
Things to Do
Georgia Museum of Agriculture
Visit the historic locations around Tifton to learn more about this rural community. The Georgia Museum of Agriculture is made up of 95 acres with more than 30 structures from a 19th century farm that have been restored and preserved. Costumed docents present the history and activities and crafts.
Fulwood Park
Fulwood Park was established in 1916 and is a 28-acre city park named for an early local settler named CW Fulwood. Inside, you’ll find a playground, picnic pavilions, sports fields and the Syd Blackmarr Stage, which hosts events and concerts.
The Market at Rutland Farms
One of the area’s best farms is The Market at Rutland Farms, which has blueberries, blackberries, peaches, squash and many other produce items. Visitors can tour the fields on a “field trip” and pick their own items or shop for them in the store. There’s even a petting zoo and other seasonal attractions.
Tift Theatre
The Art Deco-inspired Tift Theatre first opened in 1937 and has been carefully renovated to its former glory. It features a Carrara glass facade, neon lights and more than 600 seats that host everything from Broadway shows to concerts to movies.
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Places to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites
Rest your head at Tifton’s accommodation options. The Comfort Inn & Suites is located near ABAC and its Agrirama museum as well as other local attractions. Amenities include a free hot breakfast daily, free high speed WiFi, an outdoor pool, exercise room, microwaves and coffee makers.
Holiday Inn Express
Take advantage of the highway-adjacent location of the Holiday Inn Express, which has meeting space for corporate guests, as well as free WiFi and a 24-hour business center. Other amenities include the 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool and hot breakfast bar.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Enjoy the Fairfield Inn & Suites for its smoke-free rooms, free high-speed Internet, free hot breakfast, fitness center and the outdoor pool.
Hilton Garden Inn
The AAA three-diamond rated Hilton Garden Inn is the most-awarded hotel in Tifton with more than 100 guest rooms, including 10 suites, all equipped with flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, coffee makers and WiFi. There’s also an in-house restaurant with room service, 24-hour business center, fitness center and pool.
Country Inn & Suites
Visitors also can enjoy the free breakfast and heated outdoor pool at Country Inn & Suites, along with complimentary coffee and cookies, free WiFi, fitness center, microwaves and refrigerators. Some rooms are also pet-friendly!
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites has its free hot breakfast, 24-hour business center, fitness center and outdoor pool. Rooms come equipped with lap desks, flat-screen televisions, microwaves and refrigerators.
Campgrounds
If you’re traveling with your RV, the Tifton KOA Campground is a top-of-the-line facility that is both pet- and horse-friendly. Set in a pecan grove, this KOA has an onsite pool, playground, fish pond, laundry facilities, bathhouse and a general store. In addition to 55 pull-through sites, there are cabins. I-75 RV Park is another option.
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Where to Eat
Chow down at Tifton's best eateries.
Mi-Lady Bakery
Mi-Lady Bakery was named one of the 100 Plates that Locals Love in 2015 for its grilled chicken Hawaiian sandwich, but that’s not the only menu highlight. They also serve house-made baked goods like doughnuts, cakes and pies, along with yeast roll breakfast sandwiches and salads.
The Local at The Lankford
Incorporating the farm-fresh ingredients sourced locally, The Local at The Lankford has favorite dishes like Springer Mountain buttermilk fried chicken, pork tenderloin and local fried alligator. They also have a selection of regional beer and wine.
Casual restaurants
For a casual meal, head to Charles Seafood for, what else? Seafood. Shrimp, grouper and soft-shell crab are favorites, along with hush puppies. The prices are fair, and the portions are large! Surcheros is a regional chain that serves fresh Mexican fare like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls. Japanese cuisine is the draw at Asahi Express, which has hibachi steak, teriyaki chicken and other items.
The Lamplighter Pub
The Pub, previously The Lamplighter Pub, is a beloved local watering hole that has a menu that includes pizza as well as soups, salads, sandwiches and craft beer.
Shady Lane
Shady Lane is an old school drive-in that has been in operation for 45 years. Eat in your car or walk up to the counter for chili dogs and other classic American dishes. Another Tifton highlight is Pit Stop BBQ, which has pit barbecue along with steaks and soups.
Chicago Pizza & Pasta
Chicago Pizza & Pasta has served up big city slices since 1974 as well as wings and sandwiches. Choose your own toppings or enjoy one of their selections.
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Events
Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival
Plan your visit around the Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival in March, one of Tifton’s biggest events. Dozens of barbecue vendors come together for a competition and to serve their pork dishes. There are also live bands, craft vendors, a kids area, and demonstrations.
