7 Eclectic Small Towns In Georgia
The eclectic small towns in Georgia embody unique multitudes. Other than being named after King George II of England, Georgia was the birthplace of both Coca-Cola and the Civil Rights Movement. Much of the compelling history that shaped Georgia and the whole of the US can be found in stunning small towns like Darien and Dahlonega. The eclectic small towns in Georgia are promising vacation destinations for you to see in 2025 or beyond.
Darien
Ever since its founding in 1733, the eclectic town of Darien has thrived as the second-oldest town in Georgia. With a thriving Gullah-Geechee culture and prominent highlanders descended from those in Scotland, Darien is teeming with an array of unique attractions, be they historical or natural. For the historical attractions, you can explore Fort King George, a military outpost that General James Edward Oglethorpe once headquartered when establishing the state of Georgia. This fort was pivotal in the defense of Georgia during both the American Revolutionary War and American Civil War. As for the natural attractions, you can venture through the Golden Islands of Georgia which include Sapelo Island, Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Saint Simons Island. Saint Simons Island, in particular, contains a stronghold from the 18th century at the Fort Frederica National Monument, which you can explore.
In the past, Darien was one of many abusive plantation sites in Georgia that forced many African-American enslaved people into hard labor, and the Butler Island Plantation gives visitors context into this unfair and unfortunate period in American history. On the other hand, the Old City Jail Art Center, once a jailhouse for the county鈥檚 convicts, has transformed into a prosperous art center and gallery for those eager to see Darien鈥檚 exquisite cultures. You ought to be watchful when traveling through the Altamaha River as sightings of Altie, the Altamaha Sea Monster of local cryptozoology, have been abundant. Of course, if you intend to stay indoors in the evenings, then you can feel safe and sound in one of Darien鈥檚 delightful accommodations like the Open Gates Bed & Breakfast or Darien Waterfront Inn.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega might seem like an unassuming and innocuous town about an hour away from Atlanta, yet this diverse community in the Heart of Georgia Wine Country was where the first major Gold Rush in the US took place. The Dahlonega Gold Museum chronicles the many mining operations and endeavors that transpired in the rich foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Meanwhile, the Consolidated Gold Mine preserves the old mines and tunnels that many a miner traversed in order to extract veins and ores of gold. Even now, you can use the 鈥淒ahlonega method鈥� of scooping gold nuggets from the streams and rivers around Dahlonega in the off chance you might get what little gold there is.
Dahlonega also happens to be one of the many towns that affected 鈥�The Trail of Tears,鈥� the inhumane and deadly evictions of the Cherokee people from their homelands, as well as their journey along the Mississippi River. For those of you seeking leisure, you can find plenty of bubbling delights from the Blue Mountain Vineyards or you can observe a menagerie of eclectic animals at the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo. Finally, for individuals eager to stay a while in Dahlonega, you can always book a room at either The Mountain Top Lodge or Dahlonega Inn on Main.
Blue Ridge
The eclectic town of Blue Ridge, as the name implies, is centrally nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is only an hour away from Dahlonega and, because of its remoteness, is primarily accessible via the scenic Appalachian Trail that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. From Blue Ridge, travelers can explore a number of outstanding regions in the Blue Ridge Mountains, such as the Chattahoochee National Forest. Furthermore, because Blue Ridge is the Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia, you can participate in several fishing ventures at Lake Blue Ridge, the Ocoee River, the Toccoa River, and the Chattahoochee River.
The Mercier Orchard is one of the oldest local farms in the state. Meanwhile, the Fort Mountain State Park is an exquisite spot for equine enterprises like petting horses or horseback riding through the mountain trails. However, if you do intend to go exploring around Blue Ridge, you should first visit the Sasquatch Museum to learn all about the Bigfoot sightings that have been abundant in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Should you get weary and worn from all the excellent journeys in the Blue Ridge Mountains, then consider retiring in one of Blue Ridge鈥檚 awesome establishments like the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Saint Marys
Saint Marys, situated on the Saint Marys River that delineates the state borders between Florida and Georgia, is a humble retreat that preserves a panoply of natural and historic landmarks for you to peruse. Cumberland Island, for instance, is a mesmerizing and fantastic destination replete with beaches and parks like the Crooked River State Park. Furthermore, Cumberland Island contains the Dungeness Ruins, a Queen Anne-style mansion from the 1800s containing over 59 rooms complete with mementos from the past. Another historic structure in Saint Marys is the Ice House Museum, which gives people a glimpse into how ice was stored before refrigerators became a widespread commodity. Perhaps the best reason to visit Saint Marys鈥� diverse attractions is because of the many yearly events that will occur in town, such as a Mardi Gras on February, the Saint Marys Seafood Festival on October, and the Woodbine Crawfish Festival every April. There are many more eclectic activities and opportunities to experience in Saint Marys, even in one of the town鈥檚 amicable abodes like the Cumberland Kings Bay Lodges Motel or the Riverview Inn.
Dublin
So named after the capital city of Ireland, the small town of Dublin is lauded as 鈥淭he Emerald City鈥� of Georgia for its verdant and vibrant amenities. American legend Martin Luther King Junior visited Dublin and gave one of his first public speeches here, which the MLK Monument Park commemorates. Even back in the American Civil War, Dublin campaigned for Civil Rights by establishing the First African Baptist Church for newly freed African-American slaves. Additionally, the Dublin-Laurens County Veterans Building honors the many American soldiers who gave their lives in times of war. If you are interested in learning more about the history in Dublin, then you can always take the Downtown Dublin Audio tour for more immersive insights into the past. Also, you might also be interested in gallivanting through panoramic areas like Beaverdam Wildlife Management Area and the River Bend Wildlife Management Area. At the end of the day, you will be accommodated and well-rested in one of Dublin鈥檚 friendly lodgings like the Page House Bed & Breakfast.
Covington
Covington, so named after Leonard Covington who served as US Army Brigadier General in the War of 1812, is a town containing multitudes. It is primarily known as 鈥淭he Hollywood of the South鈥� since several TV series and vintage films were filmed in Covington鈥檚 Georgian rural backgrounds. Among these films were My Cousin Vinny, The Vampire Diaries, Remember the Titans, and Halloween II. There was also the movie Flight starring Denzel Washington which was specifically filmed at the Green Valley Farms fields that you can tour. Finally, the movies Selma and Footloose were all filmed at Covington鈥檚 old-school courthouse. Less than an hour away from Atlanta, travelers will not be disappointed by Covington鈥檚 quaint and cinematic setting, particularly in the welcoming accommodations of places like The Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast.
Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain is a resplendent and eclectic vacation retreat with a panoply of perfect attractions for you to savor. Newcomers can go traipsing or horseback riding through the largest state park in Georgia, the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park that is so named after one of America鈥檚 presidents. Afterwards, you can head over to the Callaway Gardens that comes equipped with a lake, a butterfly house, and birds-of-prey exhibits. Waterfalls and rock formations flank the arboreal pathway of the Pine Mountain Trail. More importantly, the adorable white cottage home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, known as the Little White House, opens its doors and estates to those curious to know more about the man. Before the day ends, learn more about the town鈥檚 history at the Chipley Historical Center of Pine Mountain. Better yet, you can marvel at the many awesome animals that have made their homes in the Wild Animal Safari. Once evening starts to settle, you can settle down in one of Pine Mountain鈥檚 peaceful establishments such as the Garden Inn & Suites or the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens.
Conclusion
Between Covington鈥檚 filmic familiarity, the celebratory airs of Mardi Gras in Saint Marys, and a combination of historic and natural charms in Darien, the eclectic small towns in Georgia are packed with amenities and activities for you to savor your experience in the biggest state east of the Mississippi River. Visitors will gain new insights into the Civil Rights Movement at Dublin, one of the many places where the movement started. You will be just as awed as Franklin D. Roosevelt by Pine Mountain鈥檚 lush countryside sceneries. Most of all, you will not regret the diverse wonders and surprises to find in the eclectic small towns in Georgia.
