Think of all the places you should go. From the big city adventures to breathtaking mountain vistas to the midlands and shorelines, the Peach State is busting with many must-see destinations.
What about the roads less traveled? It’s time to discover or rediscover the sights, sounds, and tastes of scenic Southwest Georgia.
Ramble the backroads where you’ll find quaint downtowns, outdoor excursions, vineyards and wineries, museums, historical sites, unique accommodations, and locally owned eateries sure to impress even the most discerning of foodies.
With numerous day-trip options and vacation-worthy locations, Southwest Georgia has what it takes to entice and entertain outdoor enthusiasts, die-hard shoppers, antique browsers, family travelers, or couples looking to discover a new favorite getaway.
Arlington
Still Pond Vineyard, Winery and Distillery
Sample award-winning muscadine wines, plus mead and Farmhouse Shine. Take a tour of the winery and processing facility or stroll through the vineyards. Marvel at the views from the rocking chairs lining the front porch.
Ashburn
Calhoun Produce
An ideal location off Interstate 75, Calhoun Produce is a favorite stop for travelers. The fresh market sells seasonal fruits and vegetables, along with a large selection of Georgia Grown products. Enjoy a light lunch and some homemade ice cream and lemonade slushies.
Carroll’s Sausage & County Store
Bring your ice chest and stock up on fine-quality meats and flavorful sausages. Plan your trip around lunch and dinner, so you can try the new Rudy T’s Smokehouse & Grill for steaks, hamburgers and smoked brisket, ribs, and chicken.
Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely is the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the southeastern U.S. Photo by exploregeorgia.org
Blakley
Kolomoki Mounds State Park
This historically significant park is the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the southeastern U.S., occupied by Indians from 350 to 750 A.D. It is Georgia’s oldest great temple mound, standing 57-feet high, and the park provides a wide range of outdoor activities with two lakes for fishing and boating, a campground, and three scenic hiking trails.
Boston
Main Street Café
Locals keep returning to this small-town café for daily specials that range from fried pork chops to country fried steaks, and of course, fried fish and shrimp on Fridays. With plenty of fresh vegetables and homemade desserts, you’ll soon become a café regular. Open Wednesday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Buzzery
Grab a table at the Buzzery, where the specialty is pizza made with local honey. The full menu includes calzones, pasta, sandwiches, and appetizers. The owners also create mead by fermenting honey and water and adding various fruits, including blackcurrant, blueberry, strawberry, pomegranate, and peach.
Donalsonville
Seminole State Park
One of Southwest Georgia’s pristine parks, sitting on Lake Seminole, a 37,500-acre reservoir with excellent boating and fishing. Cottage and campsite are available, along with a picnic shelter near the water’s edge. Wildlife is abundant throughout the park, and nature trails lead past gopher tortoise burrows and one of the most extensive longleaf pine forests within a Georgia state park.
Sylvester
Samara Plantation
Nestled in the heart of Southwest Georgia’s quail country, Samara Plantation offers a hunting experience on its 3,600-acre property.
Southern Woods Plantation
Set among towering pines, just minutes from Sylvester, Southern Woods Plantation features 40 comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms. More than a hunting destination, Southern Woods is perfect for corporate and family overnight events.
The Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village in Tifton. Photo contributed
Tifton
Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village
Step back into a history of innovation and ingenuity. Experience everyday 19th century-style farm-like activities, from planting and harvesting to cooking, spinning, and quiltmaking, and more. All structures have authentic furnishings of the period.
Valdosta
The Crescent
Valdosta’s best-known landmark, the Crescent’s name, comes from the circular veranda with 13 massive columns representing 13 original American colonies. It has beautiful gardens, an octagon-shaped schoolhouse, and a quaint chapel.
Valdosta Wake Compound
A thrilling experience for wakeboard riders at any skill level. The 30-acre facility is one of the first in the country built on a lake with custom-developed ponds and a six-tower cable system.
Wild Adventure Theme Park
A family-focused theme park, Wild Adventures offers thrill rides, exotic animals, loads of water fun, and special events and concerts throughout the year.
The Crescent is Valdosta’s best-known landmark and is open for public tours. Photo by John Klimko Jr.
Parker Sewell is improving his water skiing skills at the Valdosta Wake Compound. Photo by Wes Sewell