Top 10 Best Small Towns in Georgia
Georgia is a southeastern state that has a lot to offer in terms of history. It was the last of the British colonies to be founded in 1733. With their ... read more...white-washed clapboard churches, mansions, and plantations—almost all of which reflect wealth from farming and mining—these towns are the epitome of the South. Georgia will never get boring because there is so much natural beauty to discover, from the peaks and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches and marshes of the Barrier Islands on the coast, and all the creeks, gorges, and forests in between. Now let's discover the best small towns in Geogia.
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Many people are unaware of the fact that Helen, Georgia, is only surpassed in terms of tourism by Atlanta and Savannah. With only 543 residents, that's not bad for the best little German town in America. This region has gone through many ups and downs since its settlement, dating back to the early days of American colonization and continuing to the present day. Among the numerous mountain towns located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Helen has a distinctive history. Helen is renowned for its Bavarian culture and style and also has strong Native American roots and a past as a logging town. You can get a sense of the town's rich history by exploring the town and its surroundings.
Millions of visitors come to Helen to take advantage of the one-of-a-kind experience it offers: the beauty and allure of an authentic Alpine Mountain town, perched next to the Chattahoochee River and among America's most stunning peaks. Many Master Chefs relocate to Helen to start their own genuine restaurants, drawing some of the brightest from Germany and other countries across the Alps. Helen is introduced to authentic cuisine that is only available in a few other places on this side of Europe at places like the Haubrauhaus or the Bodensee. We're honored to be a part of Helen's rich history as the best little German town in America.
It will seem as though you have traveled back in time when you visit Alpine Helen. This charming area is designed to look like a traditional German Alpine village. The winding towers and cobblestone streets will give you the impression that you have left the United States. You can also indulge in a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options here. Every month of the year, something is celebrated in this charming area. The entire family can enjoy July 4th celebrations, the Bavarian Nights of Summer, Winefest, and an annual hot air balloon race. Check out Alpenfest, which begins on Thanksgiving and lasts through December, for a winter wonderland.
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Georgia is a stunning state to live in, full of small-town charm and big-city attractions, as anyone who has spent even a brief amount of time here can attest. Even though it might be difficult to choose the most picturesque town in the state, one publication shared its opinion and selected Senoia as the winner. The most beautiful town in Georgia, according to the publication House Beautiful, is Senoia. Over the years, Senoia, Georgia, has become somewhat well-known for a variety of factors, each of which provides a distinct reason to visit.
To begin with, Senoia expanded as a result of hosting filming for The Walking Dead television series. Fans of the program can still go to the small town and tour the locations where the shows are filmed, putting them right in the middle of the action. Senoia also has a charming main street district with quaint stores, eateries, and historic buildings. From the old homes that surround it to the little mom-and-pop stores inside, Historic Downtown Senoia is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque settings. Norman Reedus, a star of The Walking Dead, and director/producer Greg Nicotero own the eatery Nic & Norman's. Visit the town's shops to pick up some regionally produced presents for loved ones. Visitors of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy at the town's various attractions. When you visit Senoia, Georgia, you can take in the history, the surrounding natural beauty, and a ton of small-town charm.
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Check out the stunning, thriving town of Blairsville in Georgia, which has fewer than 1,000 residents. A small town called Blairsville, Georgia, was established in the 1940s and is located on the state's northern border. This quaint town, which has a population of about 600 people, is one of Georgia's most typical mountain towns. It's the kind of tiny town where mom-and-pop stores like Jim's Smokin' Que and locally favored small dishes are celebrated. But Blairsville also places a lot of emphasis on the outdoors, which is one of the reasons why so many tourists come here.
Visitors to the state pay Blairsville a lot of attention, probably because Brasstown Bald, one of Georgia's most breathtaking landmarks, is situated there. In addition to the hiking, biking, nature trails, and mountain views, the small town hosts a number of events all year long. There is never a dull moment in this town, whether it's the Sorghum Festival, concerts at the historic courthouse, the Green Bean Festival, or the Blairsville Bluegrass Festival. Go up to Blairsville in Georgia the next time you want to get away to a small mountain town that is teeming with wildlife.
The tranquil Lake Trahlyta and the nearby Vogel State Park are wonderful places to go outside and take in the scenery. The tallest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald, is also nearby. Just over 30 miles separate Blairsville, Georgia, from the Appalachian Trail's end, making it a convenient starting point for hikers looking for a less strenuous beginning than the entire trail.
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Small towns in Georgia do make for entertaining weekend getaways, especially if you can learn a little bit about them beforehand. Use Dublin as the ideal illustration of a historic city with a rich history. This little community is famous for being the exact midpoint between Savannah and Atlanta. Therefore, Dublin, Georgia, a small town, is the ideal location if you ever needed to take a break from your city-to-city journey. Dublin, Georgia, a small town with fewer than 20,000 people, is situated halfway between Savannah and Atlanta.
According to legend, this small town got its name from the rolling green hills that reminded Irish immigrants of their native country. Today, this small town is the ideal place to recharge your batteries while traveling, taking advantage of all the mom-and-pop stores and local history. Take a stroll through the city center or catch a show at the Theatre Dublin one evening. Beyond the main street strip, there are numerous things to do and see in this small town, including top-notch natural features and community events. To wake up rested and ready to explore the area's historic sites and favored local spots, spend the night at one of the area's bed and breakfasts.
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Tallulah Falls, which has a jaw-dropping view of the 1,000-foot Tallulah Gorge that has been carved out of the earth over millions of years, used to be a thriving tourist destination on par with Niagra Falls. People traveled from all over the world to experience North Georgia's breathtaking natural beauty. This gorge, one of Georgia's "Seven Natural Wonders", offers waterfalls to enjoy, interesting, forested terrain to hike through, and rapids for daring kayakers to conquer. Hurricane Falls, the most impressive waterfall, has a suspension bridge that you can walk out on to fully appreciate the force of the water. To learn more about the local ecology, visit the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, which is all contained within Tallulah Gorge National Park.
The town's namesake falls are a group of waterfalls with names like L'Eau d'Or, Hurricane, Oceana, and Bridal Veil that cascade into the gorge. Each one offers fantastic photo opportunities. Tallulah 1882 is a local coffee shop that serves specialty tea lattes, Moon Mylks, and espresso drinks in the old train station. Before beginning the 3-mile, paved Shortline Trail, which follows the Old Tallulah Falls Railroad bed, stop in for a scone. Largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, and sunfish anglers will enjoy Lake Tugalo's 597 acres of tranquil water. Lake Yonah has excellent bass fishing and is surrounded by sheer, solid granite canyon walls.
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British colonists first founded St. Marys, Georgia, as a town in 1787. St. Marys, Georgia is the second oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, behind St. Augustine, Florida. Due to its historic significance and rich culture, St. Marys attracts lots of tourists. The schooners and sailboats can be seen as you stroll along the waterfront; some are used for fishing, while others are just for fun. For instance, the St. Mary's Express Railroad is still a well-liked way to travel the rails and discover this enchanted town. However, in St. Marys, even taking a walking tour is beneficial. St. Mary's is a peaceful, quaint seaport that makes for the ideal family weekend getaway.
Visit Oak Grove Cemetery for a glimpse into the past. There, you can still find the remains of early settlers and yellow fever victims from 1801. However, St. Marys, Georgia's culture and heritage are so rich and fascinating that it's difficult not to discover something amazing around every corner. It's the kind of small town that makes you feel genuinely grateful to call Georgia home. The Georgia Coast Barrier Islands' largest town makes it simple to access the outdoors, head to nearby Cumberland Island for more historic structures and perhaps even a glimpse of wild horses.
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A popular mountain retreat in Georgia, Blue Ridge was first established as a railroad stop in the 1800s. Downtown has stores, art galleries, dining establishments, and breweries. Beyond the immediate area, tourists can take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking, whitewater rafting, trout fishing, and wildlife spotting. Spend the night in a traditional hotel or one of the area's rental cabins. There is a lot to see in downtown Blue Ridge, including museums, galleries, shops, restaurants, and other attractions. Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which travels along the Toccoa River as it winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest. Between north Georgia and Tennessee, the restored train travels for four hours with a lunch break.
Over 50 different apple varieties are grown at the famous Mercier Orchards in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to apple picking, the orchard also sells jam, baked goods, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider. You can find strawberries, peaches, and cherries at other times of the year. The farm also offers tractor rides and U-pick. Breweries and wineries abound in the Blue Ridge area. Mountain views are available at Bear Claw Vineyards while sipping their red and white wines, including the well-known Cayuga White. Additionally, there is a treehouse there where you can stay the night or longer. Serenberry Vineyards, which provides tastings of its sweet whites and rose, is another favorite.
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About 40 miles north of Florida and 80 miles south of South Carolina, Brunswick is situated on an Atlantic Ocean harbor. Oglethorpe Bay, the East River, and the Turtle River encircle Brunswick to its west. There are numerous artistic and cultural events held in Brunswick. The Coastal Symphony of Georgia, which has been performing professionally since 1982, is the most significant performing arts organization. It puts on productions each year at the Memorial Auditorium of Glynn Academy. This group of professional musicians also has a fundraising auxiliary and a Youth Symphony division.
In Brunswick, settlers first began to arrive in 1738. To match its lengthy history, this town has an Old Town Historic District. There are grand examples of the town's civic heritage, including the Victorian-style Old City Hall (1889), the Neoclassical-style Old Glynn County Courthouse, and even the impressive New City Hall, all of which were constructed in the early 1900s. The area also has lovely old homes that exude Southern charm. For a traditional family day out, head to Blythe Island Regional Park, which offers lakes, hiking trails, rivers, and even picnic pavilions, if you feel like getting out of town.
The dish known as Brunswick stew, which has a tomato base and includes various kinds of lima beans, corn, okra, and other vegetables as well as one or more types of meat, is credited to the city. Although chicken, pork, and beef are also frequently used, squirrel or rabbit meat is the main ingredient in most recipes that claim to be authentic. The shrimping industry in Georgia is centered in Brunswick. The city used to be known as "The Shrimp Capital of the World", but production has fallen dramatically in recent years. Nevertheless, the Wild Georgia Shrimp & Grits Festival takes place in September on nearby Jekyll Island. The region is the hub of Georgia's crab and oyster industries in addition to shrimping.
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It's probably true if you're tempted to think that Covington, Georgia, looks like a setting from a movie. This small town, which is 35 miles southeast of Atlanta and is sometimes referred to as "the Hollywood of the South", has appeared in more than 140 TV shows and movies: In the eight-season run of The Vampire Diaries, it portrayed Mystic Falls, Virginia, and Serenity, South Carolina, in Netflix's Sweet Magnolias. The community celebrates the holiday in a Rockwellian manner, with tricolor bunting draped from homes and the annual Independence in the Park festival bringing everyone to Covington Square for live entertainment and good old fashioned family fun.
Start off your visit to Covington with a hearty breakfast at The Town House Café, a cozy restaurant off the square that has been owned by the same family for three generations, if you want to experience life as a local. Mystic Grill, named after the fictional restaurant from The Vampire Diaries, is a great place to grab lunch on the roof. Check out the wall of fame at the restaurant, which showcases images of some of the grill's famous customers, as you ascend. Discover the Cricket Frog Trail, a converted rail bed that meanders through the town for 4 miles and continues for another 11 miles into the county. Try your luck at fishing at Turner Lake Park or take the family to a free concert at Legion Field. Pick some berries at Mitcham Farm after a quick drive there, and then browse their inventory of additional Georgia-grown goods.
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Your next summer adventure will be a breeze in Rabun County's Mountain retreat of Dillard, Georgia. Spend a few days unwinding, relaxing, and taking in the stunning mountain scenery that this small town has to offer. John Dillard, a Revolutionary War captain, founded the small settlement of Dillard in 1794. Even though Dillard is only a few hours from Atlanta's capital city, many tourists adore its small-town charm. There is so much to do in Dillard that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the family-friendly events, excursions, and dining options.
There are numerous antique shops along the two-block downtown main street, in addition to locally owned shops and eateries. Visit R.M. Rose Company for a whiskey and bourbon tasting to learn how these alcoholic beverages are created. Particularly when it comes to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the afternoon by casting a line and buying trout by the pound at Andy's Trout Farm or go horseback riding through the winding mountains at Dillard House Stables. No matter your motivation for visiting Dillard, Georgia's small mountain town, you'll undoubtedly be glad you did. Take a river ride at the Dillard House Stables while you're there. Additionally, you can go to the Dillard Playhouse several times a year to see the North Georgia Community Players perform fantastic community theater.