Georgia, a state in the southeastern United States, has a rich and eventful history, beginning as the last of the British colonies to be created in 1733. The towns here are quintessential examples of Southern architecture, with their whitewashed clapboard churches, grand houses, and sprawling estates reflecting the region’s agricultural and mineral richness.
All the creeks, gorges, and forests in Georgia, as well as the peaks and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the beaches and marshes of the Barrier Islands off the coast, ensure that the state’s residents and visitors alike will never grow tired of exploring the state’s abundant natural beauty.
Brunswick
Brunswick’s population began to grow with the arrival of settlers in 1738. Old Town Historic District reflects the town’s age. Historic buildings like the Victorian-style Old City Hall (1889), the Neoclassical-style Old Glynn County Courthouse, and the majestic New City Hall (constructed in the early 1900s) showcase the town’s civic legacy among the gorgeous old houses that exude Southern charm.
Blythe Island Regional Park has everything you need for a fun day trip, including lakes, trails, rivers, and picnic areas, so pack up the kids and head there if you’re looking to get away from the city.
Mountains of the Blue Ridge
The fact that this North Georgia hamlet is home to the region’s only drive-in theatre is one of its best selling points. This iconic American drive-in has been around since 1955 and features a vintage snack bar with, you guessed it, burgers on the menu.
Blue Ridge is home to an active arts scene and a pleasant downtown area with restaurants and breweries that are all within walking distance of one another. However, a trip on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ranks among the top things to do in the area. This heritage railway runs through some stunning countryside, as the name suggests.
To the Blessed Virgin Mary, or St. Mary’s
St. Marys is an old town, having been discovered and settled by the Spanish in the middle of the 16th century. However, the town also has a more recent history associated with the United States Submarine Force. Indeed, the story of submarines in the United States is told in detail in the appropriately called St. Marys Submarine Museum. Speaking of historic buildings, the First Presbyterian Church (1808) and other lovely architecture can be found in the St. Marys Historic District, where you can learn more about the region’s rich past.
As the most populous settlement along the Georgia coast’s barrier islands, St. Marys provides easy access to the outdoors; visitors can explore nearby Cumberland Island, home to many ancient structures and even a few wild horses.
Washington
When the Confederate states chose to dissolve themselves in 1865, the American Civil War finally came to a conclusion. At the time, Washington, Georgia, was the capital of the southern states. The Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum is housed in a fine residence from 1835, and the town also boasts the beautiful 1904 Wilkes County Courthouse and the 1898 Fitzpatrick Hotel, both of which have recently undergone restoration.
The neighbouring Callway Plantation is also worth a look; it was established in 1785 and is now a museum available to the public.
Madison
Pretty Madison, located in Morgan County, is a popular tourist destination because to its prominent position along the Georgia Antebellum Trail. As soon as you set foot in the Madison Historic District, it becomes immediately apparent why; the architecture here is quite remarkable.
Madison’s Heritage Hall, a museum housed in a historic building, is the best place to learn about the city’s past. Go check out the artwork at the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art or the performances at the Madison Morgan Cultural Center.
The Waterfall at Tallulah
In the 1880s, visitors to the nearby Tallulah Gorge needed a place to stay, thus a small hamlet was established in the north Georgian countryside. This canyon, recognised as one of Georgia’s “Seven Natural Wonders,” is renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls, diverse woodland trails, and exciting whitewater for daring kayakers.
If you want to get a feel for the force of water at the most stunning waterfall, Hurricane Falls, you can do so by walking out on a suspension bridge. Visit the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center at Tallulah Gorge National Park to gain insight into the local ecosystem. The thriller film Deliverance, released in 1972, used the area near Tallulah Falls for several scenes.
Dublin
Dublin is plenty of buildings from the past, as evidenced by the fact that the city has two historic districts recognised on a national level. A stroll through the old commercial centre will reveal many interesting buildings, such as the neoclassical Carnegie Library and the First National Bank Building from 1912.
Stubbs Park-Stonewall Street is a historic district filled with grand houses and Victorian-era bungalows that exude a nostalgic air of the South. Dublin, Georgia, like its namesake city in Ireland, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day in March.
Darien
Darien, formerly known as New Inverness, was established in 1736 by Scottish Highlanders and is the second-oldest planned settlement in Georgia. As a result of its considerable age, it is replete with buildings that transport their visitors to another era.
Originally constructed in 1731 on the same site, before Darien was ever founded, the recreation of Fort King George is one of the city’s most fascinating attractions. The nearby Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, which was in use from 1800 to 1915 and produced rice, now features a walking trail and museum. Also, the Darien River Waterfront Park & Docks is a lovely spot for a stroll along the water.
Dahlonega
It was in Dahlonega that the United States’ first major gold rush occurred. That was back in 1828, and since then, this town has grown immensely to become the economic centre of the Georgia Gold Rush. To find out more about Dahlonega’s past, you can go to the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site or the former Consolidated Gold Mine.
Curiously, the Cherokee term meaning yellow (or gold) is where the name “Dahlonega” originates. However, mining has taken a backseat in recent years. With three vineyards and several wineries, Dahlonega is now considered “the hub of the North Georgia Wine Country.”
Blairsville
Dahlonega may have been the starting point of the Georgia Gold Rush, but nearby Blairsville offers a more compelling argument: its gold was superior. The gold from the Blairsville region was supposedly “the yellowest gold,” so distinguishable that assayers in Washington, D.C., could tell merely by looking.
Lake Trahlyta, located in the neighbouring Vogel State Park, is a terrific area to relax and enjoy the outdoors. In addition, Georgia’s highest mountain, Brasstown Bald, is not far away. Hikers who prefer to start somewhere less difficult than the entire Appalachian Trail might do it at Blairsville, which is just over 30 miles from the trail’s end.
Canton
Canton is situated in what has traditionally been thought of as the very centre of Cherokee territory, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At the outset of the Georgia Gold Rush, however, things began to alter when European-American settlers arrived in the region.
The Canton Theatre, located on Main Street and built in 1911, and the County Courthouse, constructed in 1928, are only two of the town’s historic landmarks. However, nature is the true star of this town. You can take a stroll along the Etowah River Park or launch a kayak on the lake near town.
Helen
As the logging business declined, the town of Helen decided to reconstruct itself in the style of a Bavarian village. Yes, that was a smashing triumph. Helen’s architecture today is reminiscent to that of a Bavarian mountain town. Not only in October, but also in September and November, you can celebrate Oktoberfest.
Every building, even a Wendy’s, is decorated in a classically south German style. Smithgall Woods State Park is located outside of town and features thousands of acres of hiking terrain and a river perfect for fishing. Hikers who venture to Dukes Creek will be rewarded with scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains and a refreshing waterfall.
Does Georgia have small towns?
Georgia is a state filled with history, charm, character, and southern hospitality. It has so many great small towns and it was hard to pick our favorites.