For well over a century now, the numerous quail hunting plantations of the area have continued a tradition of hunting quail, drawing sportsmen to Thomasville from across the country and around the world. 

To celebrate the importance of the quail to the area’s heritage, visitors can “hunt” quail right in Downtown Thomasville! Not with guns, of course, but with your eyes. Twelve bronze quail statues are hidden high and low in different spots throughout downtown.

Finding all 12 is a fun, adventurous scavenger hunt for children and adults (and pups!) alike. The goal is to complete the hunt by locating all 12 quail. In the process, those who participate will gain a deeper appreciation of the natural and historic surroundings that Thomasville has to offer.   

Paul Rhymer sculpted the lost quail statues by hand to create this unique and creative art piece. Stop by the Thomasville Visitors Center to begin your hunt for the lost quail.

Let your pooch peruse three fabulous floors of antiques and beautiful interior decor with you at Toscoga Antiques and Interiors. Trolley’s Designer Fabrics will also let your pup hang out while you “chase” their endless selection of wonderful fabrics and upholsteries. Tallokas Road on Broad Street has all “necessities for gracious living” and everything you need to make a house a home.

Balfour Park is a beautiful, small park located on South Pinetree Boulevard between US Highway 319 and Fletcher Street, across from Southwestern State Hospital. Adjacent to the park is the Thomasville Dog Park, a perfect place for your dog to safely enjoy some off-leash time! The Dog Park has three separate pens for small, medium and large dogs, each with running water. For some real exercise, your dogs can try out the Obstacle Course! 

For many years, the Big Oak Tree of Thomasville has stood as one of the show spots of the city and one of the marvels of benevolent nature. Even President Eisenhower visited this historic landmark and was so impressed he had to photograph it himself! 

One of the largest Southern Live Oak trees (Quercus virginiana) east of the Mississippi, the Big Oak (c. 1680) has a limb span of over 165 feet, a trunk circumference just over 26.5 feet and reaches 68 feet in height. Thomasville's Big Oak was one of the earliest members of the National Live Oak Society, registered in 1936 as the 49th member. 

The Big Oak is located in Elizabeth Ireland Poe Park. Enjoy the tree in all its glory from a quiet little gazebo, and have your picture taken beside the Big Oak by the Big Oak Cam!

Cherokee Lake Park in Thomasville is a little getaway all by itself! The park has a one-mile paved walking path around a fishing lake, complete with bridges and piers with built-in benches. There are several covered picnic spots, restrooms and a modern playground for your kids. The park is adjacent to the Thomasville Rose Garden, which is in bloom throughout the spring and summer months. Admission and parking are free, and the park is open from dawn to dusk.

Family-owned and operated since 1981, George and Louie's is a Thomasville staple known for its Greek salad, fresh seafood, fried green tomatoes and a delicious beer and wine selection.

Located in historic Thomasville, Jonah’s Fish & Grits offers delicious seafood and more made fresh daily and served in a family-friendly environment.

Bonus: Order the shrimp and grits! It was one of Explore Georgia's 100 Plates Locals Love for 2016.

A New American menu with European touches is served at this relaxed eatery with warm, rustic decor. Liam's believes a great meal should be born of passion, tradition and celebration. They serve only sustainably sourced, natural, organic foods.

Bonus: Order the Manchester Farms Quail! It was one of Explore Georgia’s 100 Plates Locals Love for 2016.

Located inside the Historic Train Depot, the Sweet and Savory Sisters restaurant, aptly named SASS, is open Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. for lunch and dinner, open Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. serving lunch and dinner, and open Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

Find your home-away-from-home in a small town – with big-city sophistication – by making a reservation at our Baymont by Wyndham Thomasville hotel. Easily accessible from U.S. Highway 19, you'll find a charming downtown with cobblestone streets, historical homes and grand oak-lined neighborhoods just a few miles away.

Pup guidelines: Two pets up to 25 pounds are allowed for a non-refundable charge of $20 plus tax per pet per night plus tax.

Located just 1 mile from the Thomasville Rose Garden and 2 miles from historic downtown Thomasville, Hampton Inn Thomasville offers a complimentary breakfast, free parking, an outdoor pool and pet-friendly rooms.

Pup guidelines: $50 non-refundable fee for a one- to four-night stay, and $75 for five nights or more. Two pets (dogs or cats) max.

Stay minutes from Pebble Hill Plantation at the pet-friendly Quality Inn & Suites and Conference Center hotel in Thomasville. 

Pup guidelines: $15/pet, per night. Maximum two pets per room.