Georgia's Small-Town Splendor

Embrace the local character and strong sense of community in Georgia’s small towns while also exploring outdoor attractions, important pieces of history and delightful dining. Places like Athens, Thomasville and Milledgeville offer peaceful havens from the state’s bustling cities. These destinations somehow feel nostalgic without sacrificing modern-day luxuries. Not only are these gems brimming with charisma, history and natural splendor, they also harbor surprising landmarks you may not know about until you make the detour.

Athens

Athens may be a cool college town, the birthplace of public higher education and a venue for top university sports, but it also has vibrant arts, music and nightlife scenes, a craft-beer trail, affordable destination dining and serene moments along the Oconee River Greenway.

Each neighborhood around the Classic City offers a distinctive vibe while still celebrating its traditional Southern character. Walk the restored Victorian-era downtown, retro yet trendy Normaltown and sophisticated Five Points. Stroll through the manicured acres of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, appreciating the largest porcelain and decorative-art collection in the state. Find even more creative inspiration on the University of Georgia campus at the Georgia Museum of Art. Two of their standout collections include American paintings by Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andrew Wyeth and Alice Neel, as well as the Thompson Collection of African American Art, which features paintings, prints and sculpture from emerging and regional artists.

Iconic music venues hold performances year-round in the town that gave birth to R.E.M., The B-52s and Widespread Panic. The Athens Music Walk of Fame passes by several of those spots, including the Morton Theatre, 40 Watt Club and the Georgia Theatre. Visit during summer to attend AthFest Music and Arts Festival, one of the town’s most popular cultural events. Later in the year, The Georgia Music Hall of Fame will open its museum experience in the Classic Center Arena, displaying memorabilia from the state’s greats and diving into the roots of bluegrass, gospel, soul and rock ’n roll.

Meet artists, shop for locally made products and organic produce, and catch live bands and kids’ activities at the weekly Athens Farmers Market. Gastropubs, breweries and coffee shops dot nearly every corner of the city, and delicious food isn’t hard to come by with the town’s wide selection of independently owned restaurants. Indulge in English-style afternoon tea at The Café on Lumpkin, and splurge on dinner at Five & Ten.

Eat

Fine-dining favorite The National marries the Mediterranean to the South, using seasonal, farm-sourced ingredients served in a laid-back, restored industrial building reminiscent of a European cafe.

Brunch spot Mama’s Boy is beloved among locals. Head to one of two locations for made-from-scratch buttery biscuits, peach French toast and even chocolate cake for breakfast.

Sleep

Hotel Indigo Athens offers a chic stay in the heart of downtown. An on-site art gallery features work by local artists and farm-to-table cuisine leads the menu at its Madison Bar & Bistro.

Located in the Five Points neighborhood, ATH|BNB The Rushmore is a former fraternity house turned luxury bed-and-breakfast. Each of the 14 uniquely designed suites is fitted with custom furnishings and designer textiles.

Do

Sample the wares at local craft breweries, including Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and Terrapin Beer, along the Athens Beer Trail. Visit all six breweries in the 9-mile area to win a keepsake Athens Beer Trail mug.

Spend some time treasure hunting in downtown’s shops — especially those serving up upscale or quirky vintage fashion and homegoods, including Community, Agora Vintage, Dynamite Vintage Clothing, Suska and Emmanuel Episcopal Thrift House.

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Thomasville

Host of the Rose Show and Festival every spring since 1922, Thomasville is also known for “the Big Oak,” a 337-year-old tree and popular photo spot (even President Eisenhower took pictures with this leafy local legend) and its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Learn about some of America’s and Thomasville’s first Black achievers at Jack Hadley Black History Museum. Then stop into more than 100 independent shops and restaurants around town such as the Fuzzy Goat yarn shop, The Pink Valise Boutique and Relish’s “celebration of cooking.” For dining, you really can’t miss in downtown, but some top spots include Jonah’s Fish & Grits, The Local Kickstand and Hubs & Hops.

Milledgeville

Milledgeville is one of the state’s oldest towns, brimming with scenic and historical squares, houses, churches and cemeteries, while maintaining an energetic college-town vibe. Hop on Milly the Trolley for a tour before hitting up sites like The Sallie Ellis Davis House, a pillar of the African American community in the early 1900s. Cool off with a boat, kayak, tube or fishing trip at Lake Sinclair and along the Oconee River Greenway — several outfitters, including Oconee Outfitters and Krazy Dave’s — can get you set up with rentals and transportation. You’ll find plenty of great food, shops and live music in the walkable downtown after your explorations. In December, visit for Christmas at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, a cheerful display of holiday decorations from the 1850s.