Small Towns to Explore in Georgia

Despite the fact that Atlanta can be a great place for out-of-towners to visit, there are countless hidden gems located all across the state as well. For instance, consider these four small towns and little cities that deserve your time and attention just as much as the state capital.

Columbus

Under the radar and over the top is how Columbus, Georgia, bills itself; and that's an apt descriptor. Located quite near the much larger Atlanta, Columbus may not be first on most tourists' bucket lists, but it definitely deserves a spot somewhere. For a relatively small place, Columbus has a lot of fun activities to offer. Interacting with the costumed reenactors at Historic Westville is like taking a time machine back to the 1800s, while the Chattahoochee River's world-famous whitewater course just may have raft and kayak enthusiasts looking at houses for rent in Columbus, GA, so that they never have to leave.

Dahlonega

Upstate New York might get the king's share of attention from most area wine connoisseurs, but adventurous souls willing to look elsewhere might also want to direct their gaze to Dahlonega, Georgia. Though not nearly as famous as its northern counterparts, Dahlonega is well known to state locals as the heart of Georgia's wine country. Why? It might have something to do with the abundance of locally owned and operated wineries and vineyards. Or it might have something to do with the annual Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival which brings both good drinks and good fun to visitors and natives alike every May.

Helen

With its architecture and layout modeled after traditional Bavarian Alpine villages, tourists who stop over in Helen, Georgia, may wonder if they've somehow ended up in medieval Europe. The restaurants serving delicious and authentic German cuisine only add to the illusion, not to mention the lively Oktoberfest celebrations that dominate Helen each year. But, no, visitors can rest assured that they're still in America, which means they won't have to exchange their money in order to enjoy themselves at Helen's 200+ shops that are filled to the brim with small-town charm and unique handmade items.

Marietta

Like Columbus, Marietta, Georgia, is often overshadowed by nearby Atlanta. Also like Columbus, though, Marietta has attractions all its own with which no bustling metropolis could compete. For example, Marietta alone is home to no less than five National Register Historic Districts. Take a narrated trolley tour around the lovingly preserved town square, or visit one-of-a-kind attractions like the Gone With the Wind Museum or Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. What it lacks in urban sleekness, Marietta more than makes up for with beautiful scenery and historical value.