Reporting by Miguel Legoas, Savannah Morning News
Georgians are about half-way through their summer vacations, and if you haven’t traveled already, it’s worth checking out the best main streets in Georgia, those that WorldAtlas called “picture-perfect.”
Here are the eight cities where you can find them and what the writers said:
Americus, GA
“Habitat for Humanity built its international headquarters here, and that service streak runs through the storefronts on Lamar and Forsyth Streets. The restored Rylander Theatre, a 1921 vaudeville house, now stages school plays and dance recitals alongside rotating programs that reach as far afield as astronomy nights. Sweet Georgia Bakery and Cafe pours the morning coffee and builds the lunch sandwiches a block over. Just outside the center, Wolf Creek Vineyards pours a lineup of handcrafted wines.”
Bainbridge, GA
“Bainbridge sits on the Flint River….and its downtown gathers around Willis Park, where a restored Civil War cannon and a cluster of historical markers anchor the green….Southern Philosophy Brewing pours tasting flights a short stroll away, and its blueberry mojito pairs with a Buffalo Blue pizza for anyone settling in for the afternoon. Millie’s Mercantile and Trading Co. fills its shelves with bright accessories and a deep run of candles, making it the stop for a souvenir.”
Blue Ridge, GA
“Blue Ridge built its main street around a railroad depot, and trains still pull out of it. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs excursions from the historic depot along the Toccoa River, the centerpiece of a downtown packed with galleries and makers. Downtown Blue Ridge City Park gives the strip a green heart, with a playground and a calendar of festival events. The Blue Ridge Mountain Mall gathers specialty shops under one roof for the one-of-a-kind finds, and 2nd Story Entertainment hides a themed mini-golf course and candy counter upstairs for families taking a break from browsing.”
Covington, GA
“The town square earned the nickname ‘Hollywood of the South’ honestly, with more than 160 productions shot in and around it. Fans of ‘The Vampire Diaries’ recognize the courthouse clock tower and the storefronts that doubled as Mystic Falls. Main Street Trolleys Movie Tours runs visitors past dozens of filming locations from the shows and movies made here. The Covington Walk of Stars threads the square with pavers marking the productions tied to the town and Newton County….The Main Street Place stocks show souvenirs and books the local tours, with staff who can place almost any scene by storefront.”
Dahlonega, GA
“Dahlonega struck gold in 1828….and its public square still circles the courthouse that became a museum about it….with a complete set of coins from the old U.S. branch mint and a nugget weighing more than five ounces. Around the square, the Dahlonega General Store stocks local jams and wooden-handled knives, while Underground sets out cocktails and patio seating for a slower evening. The blocks fill in with tasting rooms, since the surrounding hills now grow grapes as well as gold.”
Helen, GA
“Helen reinvented itself in 1969, when local business owners reskinned the lumber town’s plain storefronts as a Bavarian alpine village….The disguise stuck….with the Chattahoochee River close enough that tubers float past the deck at the Hofbrauhaus. The restaurant’s servers work in lederhosen and dirndls, and its Germanator challenge sets a two-and-a-half-pound patty stacked with sausage and bacon in front of anyone willing to try; clear the plate and the house hands over a souvenir stein. Mondays Pub books live music a few doors down, and Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen handles the sweet tooth.”
Madison, GA
“Madison kept the antebellum streetscape that legend says Sherman spared….The Madison Trolley Company runs a 90-minute tour past the grand homes and explains how the town grew. The Rogers House Museum, built around 1809, is Madison’s oldest house museum…The Madison Welcome Center makes a sensible first stop for maps, lodging, and a rundown of what is on that week.”
Rome, GA
“Rome takes its name and a surprising amount of its identity from the original, down to a bronze she-wolf on its main drag….The Rome Area History Center runs tours, lectures, and exhibits, plus a Roman Holiday riverboat tour that traces how three converging rivers shaped the town. Swerve Off The Path teaches pottery and ceramics classes for all ages a few doors down.”
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News.
Related: Why does Blue Ridge stay cooler in the summer than other Georgia cities?
