Vanlife leads to road trips for the lucky few who have the desire to explore what makes an area fun and interesting. Southern drives capture the essence of a slower-paced lifestyle, stunning architecture, amazing food, and a friendly smile that can make a small town a hidden gem. I recently drove my campervan south and “took the exit” off Hwy 75 to the fantastic town of Americus, Georgia.
This historic gem in the southwestern corner of Georgia shows the spirit of what makes a small town a captivating place to visit. It is known as the home to Habitat for Humanity and its proximity to Plains, GA, the hometown of President Jimmy Carter. It’s a charming town that embraces its history while preparing for the future.
While strolling through the historic downtown, I ran into a couple that couldn’t have put it any better.
“When we started to explore Americus, we felt the pull of simpler times”
I couldn’t have agreed more, but as I explored, I discovered that there was a whole lot more to Americus than I initially thought.
Discover the Historic Downtown
Anchored by the stunning Windsor Hotel
The first thing that will catch your attention as you enter downtown is the luxurious Windsor Hotel. This fairytale-like castle was designed back in 1892 to do what it does for the town today: attract visitors!
The stunning Victorian structure almost fills a whole city block. It is complete with an elegant three-story open atrium, a grand tower, and a balcony off the 2nd story bar lounge with a view over downtown. Completely renovated following its closure in 1970, visiting here feels like stepping back into the Victorian era.
The Welcome Center
The Grand Hotel may be the focal point, but there is so much more to see and do here. After exploring the hotel, head next door to the welcome center to chat with one of the staff members. They are local residents, and you can tell they love Americus. They are a wealth of information with all kinds of great ideas for things to do in town. You can schedule a variety of city tours while at the welcome center.
Rylander Theater
Next, stop by the Rylander Theater to take a walk through its glorious interior. After being closed for more than 40 years, it has been restored to its original beauty inside and out. Seeing a show from one of its luxurious red velvet seats will take you back to an era when vaudeville was king.
Americus Historic District
Finally, stroll through the rest of the charming downtown streets. Most of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, and the nearby residential areas are full of historic homes. Walking along the streets throughout town had me dreaming of living in one of the gorgeous houses. Built in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, these “high style” architecture homes will take your breath away.
Let’s Do Some Shopping!
Within the historic buildings of downtown, you will find some incredible shops and boutiques. I enjoyed studying their unique interiors while finding wonderful items to buy.
First, I stopped at The Maze, an eclectic store that sells a wide range of home decor, clothes, and antiques. Next, I was drawn into Topiaries and discovered a shop that felt like a secret garden for my next tea party. Finally, I shopped at The Kinnebrew Company with its friendly staff and fantastic selection of great clothes.
Where To Eat and Grab a Drink
With so much exploring downtown, don’t forget to take a break and try one of the delectable restaurants in town. No matter the time of day, Americus has a great selection of places to eat and drink.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
I started my day with a delicious cup of coffee and a scone at Cafe Campesino Community Coffeehouse. They are Georgia’s only 100% organic, fair trade coffee shop. Later, I stopped by Monroe’s for lunch. This Americus icon may not be fancy, but they have the “Best Dog Ever Bitten By Man,” and I have to agree. My pink hot dog smothered in slaw was sooo good. That evening, I stopped by Gyro City Mediterranean Grill. Everything on their menu looked incredible, but their Lamb Gryo just melted in my mouth.
Enjoy a Drink
Not only will you find Georgia’s oldest distillery a few blocks from downtown, but you can return to the Windsor Hotel and enjoy a glass of local wine.
13th Colony Distilleries
First, take a tour of the the oldest Georgia distillery to open since prohibition and experience what the South Georgia climate can do for a cask of whiskey. Then, belly up to the bar and try a sample of their aged bourbon whisky, vodka, or gin. A group of friends opened the distillery in 2009 and began creating award-winning spirits now distributed to 12 states.
Wolf Creek Plantation
Head back to the historic Windsor Hotel and stop in the tasting room for the Wolf Creek Plantation winery. Opening in 2013, they are the only winery in Sumter County specializing in muscadine wines. You can sample some wines and then get a glass and relax in their tasting room or back in the luxurious lobby of the hotel.
Where to Stay
The Americus KOA is the closest RV park to town and is well worth the stay. This highly rated campground is located right at the Brickyard Plantation Golf Club, and as a registered guest, you get to play for FREE.
There are a number of other campgrounds in towns that are not too far from Americus that you can choose from. If you are a Harvest Host member like me, you can stay at Koinonia Farm just outside of town, where Habitat for Humanity was born.
There are so many hidden gems that you can discover while road-tripping in your van. Are you ready to “take the exit” and discover what Americus, Georgia, has to explore?
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YOU DIDN’T. MENTION THAT IT’S ALSO THHE HOME OF THE INFAMOUS. “ANDERSONVILLE PRISON”