Travel Georgia 28 Best Small Towns In Georgia For A Quaint Escape By Caroline Rogers Caroline Rogers Caroline Rogers is the Travel and Culture Editor at Southern Living, where she writes and edits travel stories exploring the American South. She joined the magazine in 2016 and since then has reported on the beaches of the Florida Keys, opera in Houston’s Theater District, and waterfalls across West Virginia, among many other spaces and places. Southern Living's editorial guidelines and Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 1, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Courtesy of Explore Georgia In a Southern state with countless small towns that are as welcoming as they are beautiful, we had a hard time picking our favorite places. Georgia is filled with gems. Small towns are where you'll find festive holidays, quirky traditions, friendly neighbors, and warm welcomes (all of our favorite things). Due to their size and close-knit community atmosphere, small towns bring all the charm. They're our favorite destinations for a weekend trip, and we've found more than a few hidden gems while exploring their quiet streets and cozy sidewalks all across Georgia. From quaint downtowns and hillside wineries to mountain views and whitewater adventures, you'll find plenty of what you expect in a small town—and a lot of surprises too. Take a spin through our favorite small towns in Georgia, then let us know yours. 01 of 28 Americus Walter Bibikow/Getty Images Population: 16,230 Located in southwest Georgia, Americus is home to a vibrant downtown with lots of engaging experiences both in town and farther afield. Visit the grand Rylander Theatre, which opened in 1921 and now hosts events throughout the year. Also in the area is the Windsor Hotel, where you can enjoy an elegant stay in one of the beautiful guest rooms and a meal at Rosemary & Thyme Restaurant. Jimmy Carter National Historical Park is located in nearby Plains, Georgia, and invites you to learn about the life of the only president ever to hail from the Peach State. 02 of 28 Blairsville Robbie Caponetto Population: 890 In addition to fun things to see and do in town, Blairsville invites outdoor adventurers to explore the surrounding landscape. Don't miss fly fishing on Lake Trahlyta in nearby Vogel State Park. Find a short or long trail to hike (both are options), and you just might be rewarded with a glorious waterfall at the end of it. Afterward, treat yourself to a meal and a coffee at one of the locally owned businesses located around the town square. Hikers will appreciate views from Georgia’s highest peak and access points to the Appalachian Trail near this north Georgia mountain town. 03 of 28 Blue Ridge Photo: Michael Hanson Population: 1,210 From gorgeous mountain views, orchards, and wineries, to a happening restaurant scene, this little burg has a lot to offer. Ride a tube or kayak down the Toccoa River, and taste local dishes like trout and barbecue in town. You can also catch a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway here (pictured above), a family-friendly experience that will whisk you through the countryside to see the sights in any season. Don't forget to pay a visit to Mercier Orchards, one of the South's favorites, while you're in Blue Ridge. Explore Blue Ridge 04 of 28 Brunswick via Golden Isles CVB Population: 15,210 Founded in 1771 and rich with maritime history, this mainland port has plenty to see and do. After you exhaust Brunswick's offerings (which include Pinball Palace, the largest arcade in the region; the historic Ritz Theatre; and Richland Rum distillery) be sure to explore the neighboring barrier islands, known as Georgia's Golden Isles. The Mary Ross Waterfront Park is a good place to watch shrimp boats and catch the sunset. Take a bike cruise around town or see the sights with your sails up. Then stop by for a brew in the taproom at Silver Bluff Brewing Co. Like Brunswick County, Virginia, Brunswick, Georgia, claims fame as the origin of Brunswick stew. Whoever deserves credit, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to order a bowl of this hearty soup and try the Georgia version yourself. 05 of 28 Clayton Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 2,035 This mountain town near Atlanta has been called the Farm to Table Capital of Georgia, so expect to eat well here. When you visit Clayton, check out White Birch Provisions, Main Street Gallery, Fortify Kitchen and Bar, and The Hush Cuban Kitchen and Bar. For outdoor gear, stop by Wander North Georgia, where you can find everything you need for an adventure farther afield. If you're craving adventure, have a whitewater excursion on the nearby Chattooga River. The restaurants around town will help you replenish after your journeys. Explore Clayton 06 of 28 Covington Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 14,192 If you were a Vampire Diaries fan, you'll recognize downtown Covington, which "played" Mystic Falls, Virginia, in the series. Tour the town by trolley, brave a ghost tour, and check out area movie sets. It's a fun summer spot, too, and puts on a big Fourth of July bash. Find southern eats at Mystic Grill (including fried green tomatoes with pimiento cheese and tomato jam) and delicious baked goods at Bread and Butter Bakery. Explore Covington 07 of 28 Dahlonega via dahlonega.org Population: 7,537 Central to Georgia's wine country, Southern Living favorite Dahlonega also has waterfalls, hiking trails, and world-class cycling. Drive a scenic Appalachian route, pick your own fruit at nearby orchards, stop by the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm to see some blooms and butterflies, and indulge in a wine tour or stop by downtown Dahlonega's tasting rooms and restaurants. (Breakfast at The Corner Kitchen and a browse through The Crown and Bear is a must.) If you visit in December, you'll be glad to know that Dahlonega is also known for its abundance of small-town holiday cheer. Explore Dahlonega 08 of 28 Darien Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 1,517 This coastal town is situated between Savannah and Brunswick and was once a thriving port. Now it's a serene and historic town with beautiful scenery. It's also less than an hour from St. Simons Island, so beachy adventures can be found in all directions. Stop by Sugar Marsh Cottage for specialty confections like coquilles and bonbons, then have a leisurely dinner at The Canopy Restaurant near the water. If you'd like a boat tour, get in touch with Georgia Tidewater Outfitters, who can introduce you to the historic area. Take off in a canoe, on a bike, or by foot to see all this small town has to offer. History buffs will enjoy the area’s historic sites like Fort King George, which features a blockhouse, barracks, guard house, and moat. 09 of 28 Dillard Robbie Caponetto Population: 335 This North Georgia town is nestled in the southern reaches of the Appalachian mountains and is home to Julep Farms (pictured above), a lovely farm resort with stunning views of the rolling hills. If you time your visit right, you might be able to enjoy the flower fields. Find tipples at R.M. Rose Company Distillers, and grab a lunch of Southern staples at The Dillard House Restaurant or the Valley Cafe. Go horseback riding, zip-lining, or camping, or hunt for treasures at local antiques stores. Explore Dillard 10 of 28 Dublin Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 16,074 Find Irish flavor in the eateries, live music, and festivals of the town of Dublin. There's also, of course, the locally legendary Theatre Dublin (pictured above). You can find all of it just about an hour southeast of Macon. If you're hungry, there are a bunch of restaurants to choose from, including Saltwater Fishery, Company Supply, Deano's Italian, Ristorante da Maria, and Holy Smokes BBQ. 11 of 28 Ellijay rodclementphotography / Getty Images Population: 1,919 Ellijay is fun year-round, but when you visit in fall, you'll find that it is undoubtedly Georgia's apple capital. Everywhere you look, there's an apple house to enjoy and plenty of u-pick experiences to go along with them. Exploring the town's orchards with an apple cider in hand is how to do it when the leaves start changing each year. Don't miss out on the freshly baked doughnuts and pies that are turned out of the area's orchards and bakeries too. Explore Ellijay 12 of 28 Greensboro Facebook/Downtown Greensboro, GA Population: 3,576 With its historic downtown and fun shops, Greensboro makes a perfect side trip if you're visiting Lake Oconee. It's located south of Athens near the Oconee National Forest. Whether you spend the day on a boat or shopping in the town's boutiques, you're sure to find some entertainment. Grab a bite to eat lakeside or at a craft brewery, and don't miss out on the area antiquing. Start with a brew in the tasting room at the very cool, red-brick Oconee Brewing Company, and try lunch at 5B Barbeque and Brews, then keep exploring. Explore Greensboro 13 of 28 Helen SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images Population: 531 Southerners flock to Helen in North Georgia to see the Peach State's version of a Bavarian Alpine Village (pictured above). Explore more than 200 shops, plus family-owned Habersham Winery & Vineyards (touted as one of the state's oldest and biggest) as well as nearby Unicoi State Park & Lodge for outdoor adventures like zip-lining, fly fishing, and mountain biking on Lake Unicoi in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Fill up on German potato pancakes and schnitzel after a busy day in Helen. Explore Helen 14 of 28 Jackson Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 5,557 If you have a taste for peach cobbler, fried chicken, or butter beans, you're in the right place. Besides enjoying local eateries and shops in this town about 40 miles south of Atlanta, you can get outdoors at Jackson Lake, High Falls State Park, or Indian Springs State Park. Dauset Trails Nature Center offers visitors an opportunity to walk in nature and see birds of prey. While in town, see if you recognize any of the town's landmarks from the Netflix series Stranger Things, some of which was filmed here. 15 of 28 Lilburn Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 14,502 One of America's most distinctive (and second-largest) Hindu temples, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is in this small town just outside of Atlanta. Head to Old Town Lilburn for a bite at 1910 Public House, then stroll along the Camp Creek Greenway Trail to see the sights and shop your way through Antiques in Old Town. Also check out the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, whose mission is to help animals and educate visitors. Tour the woodlands by biking along the Camp Creek Greenway, where you may see foxes, deer, owls, and other wildlife. The 4.2-mile trail links to area parks. 16 of 28 Madison Van Jones Martin Population: 4,447 Picture-perfect Madison has been doubling as a movie and TV set since the 1970s. Remember it from My Cousin Vinny, Goosebumps, or Hidden Figures? You can sample this town's charming shops, regional fare, and outdoor fun to feel part of the magic yourself. Don't skip a visit to Oconee Coffee Roasters, The Madison Produce Co. Deli and Provisions, or Patisserie on Main while you're in town. Explore Madison 17 of 28 Milledgeville Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 17,070 With its locally owned shops and mix of restaurants, this Main Street town has something for everyone. Don't miss the Greek Revival home Rose Hill at Lockerly Arboretum. It's free to explore here; you can walk or drive around the grounds, hike nature trails, and bring a picnic to enjoy in the arboretum's meadow. You can also stretch your legs along the Oconee River Greenway Park and Riverwalk or get close to nature in Bartram Forest's trails, which are perfect for walking or biking. Afterward, you'll have your pick of fun places to eat downtown. 18 of 28 Moultrie Southern Living Population: 14,638 This small town in southwest Georgia is known as the "city of southern living," so you'd better believe it has charm to spare. Visit the square, where you can find locally owned shops like Dustmade Studio, The Flossy Peach, and Sid's Antiques & Gifts, and grab a meal at Three Crazy Bakers, Canela, or Baba's The Gathering Place. Cap it off with a coffee or other delicious beverage from the menu at The City Southern, and you'll have enough energy to keep exploring this fun town. Explore Moultrie 19 of 28 Pine Mountain ANCHASA MITCHELL/Getty Images Population: 1,216 West Georgia's Pine Mountain has a charming downtown stretch with lots of fun shops, like Sweet Home Antiques; HRH Antiques and Design; Chanticleer, and Cat's Meow. It's also next door to Callaway Resort & Gardens (pictured above), a dreamy getaway for biking and beaching that's been entertaining visitors since 1952. If you're in for high-flying entertainment, check out the annual hot air balloon show and glow where hot air balloons light up in fireworks-filled skies. Located an hour southwest of Atlanta, it's also a great spot for a Southern meal. 20 of 28 St. Marys Courtesy of Explore Georgia Population: 18,256 This little coastal charmer is the gateway to beautiful Cumberland Island, but you'll love rambling around town before you catch the ferry. On land, there are lots of shops to browse, including gift shops and antique malls. Have a view with your meal at one of the local restaurants; Riverside Cafe is a local favorite for seafood classics. The St. Marys Submarine Museum has two floors of models, historical documents, and artifacts. See what it’s like to operate a real submarine periscope. 21 of 28 St. Simons DorothyBlahnik/Getty Images Population: 14,982 This coastal town has a downtown with fun shops, water views, and plenty of ocean breezes along a stretch of Georgia known as the Golden Isles. It's also a festive holiday destination. The moss-covered oaks, specialty shops, and beaches make this getaway feel far from home. Don't miss a walk along the beaches or a stroll on the boardwalk before tucking into a meal at perennial Southern favorite Southern Soul BBQ, Tramici for Italian, or Porch for fried chicken, catfish, shrimp, and sandwiches. Explore St. Simons Island 22 of 28 Tallulah Falls Art Meripol Population: 198 The beauty of Tallulah Falls is in its natural wonders. It's a Victorian-era resort town that's become a destination for hiking and waterfall watching. You can find your fill of adventure in and around Tallulah Gorge State Park (pictured), which is one of the South's beloved state parks. After your excursions, settle down at Main Street Grill and BBQ or Tallulah 1882 for a meal. Explore Tallulah Falls 23 of 28 Thomasville Robbie Caponetto Population: 18,881 Charming Thomasville has one of the most vibrant downtown districts in the state, and it's a destination for city dwellers seeking a slower pace. Meander through historic neighborhoods, roam the trail around Cherokee Lake Park, and glimpse the many rose varieties that bloom each spring in the Thomasville Rose Garden. There are also lots of fun restaurants and shops, like The Bookshelf (pictured above), Firefly, Empire Bagel and Delicatessen, and Kevin's Fine Outdoor Gear and Apparel to enjoy. Explore Thomasville 24 of 28 Tifton VW Pics/Contributor/Getty Images Population: 17, 045 Tifton comes by its moniker, "The Friendly City," honestly. Surrounded by quiet stretches of Georgia farmland but with a lively small-town feel, there's a bunch to do in town, including shopping in boutiques like The Pineapple Post. It's a center for agricultural research, so you might want to visit ABAC's Georgia Museum of Agriculture while you're in town. 25 of 28 Toccoa Stephen Liebenauer/500px/Getty Images Population: 9,133 One of northeast Georgia's favorite towns is Toccoa, a town full of natural beauty that's situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Toccoa Falls is a must-see place here; it's one of the tallest falls of its kind east of the Mississippi River. Currahee Vineyard and Winery is a great stop for those curious about local wines, and nearby Lake Hartwell beckons for fun on the water. Explore Toccoa 26 of 28 Tybee Island Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images Population: 3,114 Coastal Georgia doesn't get much prettier than Tybee Island, where sandy beaches and fresh seafood restaurants abound. Book into a breezy beach hotel to be near the water, beaches, and boardwalks, and don't forget to pay a visit to the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, one of the most distinctive sights on the island. Explore Tybee Island 27 of 28 Washington Courtesy City of Washington Population: 3,754 Established in 1780, Washington is one of the oldest towns in Georgia, and it has lots of historic architecture and buildings, including The Fitzpatrick Hotel downtown (pictured above). Explore the downtown square to find unique shops and restaurants. Outside of downtown, you'll find opportunities for hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. 28 of 28 Woodstock Courtesy of Visit Woodstock GA Population: 37,065 This town about 45 minutes north of Atlanta is larger than some, but still full of small-town charm from its roots as a river village. If you're a mountain biker, you'll want to hit up Blankets Creek, a nationally renowned trail system that's great for all levels. Another draw is downtown Woodstock, where a stretch of eateries and boutiques await you. Stop for a slice at the Pie Bar and a pint at Reformation Brewery. Explore Woodstock Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit