Georgia's Charming City Is A Historic Gem With A Quaint Downtown And Cute Shops

If you're always on the lookout for the best historical sites to visit in America, then some of Georgia's charming small cities deserve a spot on your list. These places hold rows of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and famous courthouse squares that house charming shops, cafes, boutiques, and antique warehouses. With so many beautiful places to visit, choosing where to go can be overwhelming, but Washington in Wilkes County should be your next stop. Once the capital of Georgia, this charming city boasts more than 100 antebellum buildings still standing. The downtown Wilkes County Courthouse square is lined with cute shops where visitors can find the best souvenirs to take home.

Washington has a population of under 4,000 and was incorporated in 1805, becoming the first place to be named after the first president of the United States. Locals usually call their city Washington-Wilkes to avoid confusion with the state of Washington.

The city sits about 110 miles from Atlanta and 50 miles from Augusta If you are flying in, your best option is to land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport  — the busiest airport in the world — roughly a two-hour drive away. History lovers will want to know more about how the area shaped key moments in American history, from the Revolutionary War to the mysterious Confederate gold that vanished in 1865. The last cabinet meeting of the Confederacy at the end of the Civil War was also hosted here, and stories like these are woven into every corner of this small Georgia city.

Washington, Georgia is one of the best U.S. cities for history buffs to add to their bucket list, and the best place to start exploring is the Washington Historical Museum. Set inside an 1835 residence, the rooms are still furnished in the 1800s style. With $5 for a self-guided visit or $10 for a guided tour, visitors can explore more than two centuries of historical artifacts.

Your next stop should be the Callaway Historic Site. This came to be after four Callaway brothers were granted 1,000 acres of land because of their role during the American Revolution, and they grew it into a plantation. The site holds structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, including standout examples of Greek Revival architecture. With admission ranging from $7 to $9, visitors can tour the grounds from Thursday to Saturday. The Robert Toombs House Museum is another historic gem worth visiting. The exhibits share the life of Robert Toombs, a state legislator, U.S. congressman, senator, and a key figure in creating Georgia's 1877 constitution.

No visit would be complete without a trip to Kettle Creek Battlefield on War Hill Road, about 12 miles from downtown. This is where Patriot forces defeated Loyalists in a pivotal battle that stopped British efforts to reclaim Georgia. Visitors can walk the grounds, where archaeologists have marked the graves of more than 27 fallen soldiers, and those who locate more than 20 marked sites earn a keepsake. This site has been designated as an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service, bringing it closer to its century-old goal of becoming a national park.

The crown jewel of this city is the Downtown Wilkes County Courthouse. Completed in 1904 in the Romanesque Revival style, the courthouse rises above an elongated square with a clock tower outside. While the courthouse still serves as a seat of government, what makes this building special is the charming small shops surrounding the square. Visitors can find arts and local crafts at On the Square Antiques and Gifts, shop at Pieces for women's clothing and home décor, or visit Tena's Fine Diamonds & Jewelry for gemstones and accessories.

Downtown is also lined with restaurants. For a quick breakfast or lunch, head to Padgett's Country Kitchen, famous for its homemade pies and pudding. La Cabana Mexican Restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine, and Miller's Bistro is a good place for sandwiches, burgers, and desserts. For overnight stays, visitors can camp at the well-equipped Washington-Wilkes Country Club & RV Park, about 3 miles away for $40. Other options include the Hampton Inn, Econo Lodge, or Quality Inn, which rank among the top choices on Tripadvisor, with rates ranging from $64-$169 per night.

Georgia is one of the U.S. states beloved for having gorgeous weather all year long, so Washington can be visited any time of the year. For those who want to uncover more of the city's history, Miss Fanny's Tour is a favorite. At $20 per person, her tour covers more than 50 historic homes, and you will learn about this city's past from a lifelong resident. Whether you are here for the historic gems or for a dose of charming shops, Washington is a destination worth adding to your itinerary.