Monroe

Known as the "Antiques Capital of Georgia," Monroe boasts a historic downtown district along Broad Street filled with antique malls, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. History buffs can tour the McDaniel-Tichenor House and Monroe County History Museum, while the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts showcases local creativity.

The Monroe Museum and Historic Monroe Walking Tour are easy, educational stops for kids of all ages. Families can also explore Childers Park or the splash pad at Town Green, then browse the Monroe Market on Saturday mornings for fresh, locally grown produce.

Spend a relaxed day antique hunting through Monroe's many shops before settling in for dinner at one of downtown's locally owned restaurants. Catching First Friday Concerts on the Town Green is a popular way to enjoy a warm evening together.

Downtown Monroe hosts events nearly year-round, including the Making Memories Monroe Car Show each spring, the First Friday Summer Concert Series, a Fall Fest, and the Mistletoe Market and Magical & Merry holiday celebration each November. The Lunch on the Lawn series also brings live music to downtown on select Wednesdays in May and June.

Spring and summer bring the bulk of Monroe's outdoor concerts, markets, and car shows, while fall and the holiday season offer Fall Fest and the festive Mistletoe Market. Mild weather makes most of the year a good time to explore downtown on foot.

Summers in Monroe can get warm and humid. Winters are mild and brief, while spring and fall bring the crisp, comfortable days that make strolling Broad Street's antique shops a real pleasure.

Monroe is the seat of Walton County, roughly halfway between Atlanta and Athens.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is about 50 miles to the west, while the smaller Athens-Ben Epps Airport (AHN) is closer, about 25 miles northeast of Monroe.