Welcome to a new adventure: Along the backroads of the Magnolia Midlands is a vast, fertile plain of uncrowded highways, taking travelers to small Southern towns at a slow pace. Rich in agricultural heritage, beautiful rivers and lakes, wildlife, shopping, and small town festivals, you will want to spend a day (or longer) in this Georgia region where life is back to basics and iconic Southern foods abound. It all seems a world away, but adventures throughout Magnolia Midlands are surprisingly close to Atlanta.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Little Ocmulgee State Park
Discover Little Ocmulgee Lodge where visitors can enjoy a white, sandy beach on a peaceful lake, modern conference facilities, and comfortable accommodations. To top off the experience, play a round or two of championship golf at one of the best public courses in the South. It is the ideal destination for families as well as corporate retreats.
Little Ocmulgee Lodge is surrounded by Little Ocmulgee Park, a charming haven for a relaxing South Georgia getaways where sand hills and peaceful pine trees can be found in abundance. Visitors are welcome to swim, boat, or fish the day away.
Appreciate How Nature and History Meet in Telfair County
Boating, canoeing, and kayaking river adventures are endless on the Ocmulgee River in Telfair County. Each of these activities provides beautiful, historic scenery as you enjoy the great outdoors of Southern Georgia.
Float under the historic train trestle, previously a rotating bridge that allowed passage of steamboats, and experience the Ocmulgee’s gentle arc formation. Once called the “River of Bubbling Water,” it’s known today as the “Big Bend.”
When you’re done floating on the river, head over to Montgomery Lake to catch a big one. The World Record Largemouth Bass was caught here in 1932.
Bring History Back to Life at the WWII Flight Training Museum and Air Base in Douglas
Step back in time to a pivotal moment in our nation’s history with a visit to the WWII Flight Training Museum on the historic air base in Douglas, home to the 63rd Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment.
Originally part of South Georgia State College, the flight training school was created in response to a need for WWII pilots. Today, local engineers spend their days reconstructing WWII warbirds, similar to those the young pilots trained in long ago. While visiting, don’t forget to look up—you may see a warbird taking flight once again.
Relax on the River at the Ohoopee River Campground
Spend the day with your toes in the sand or take a canoe trip down the Ohoopee River in Lyons. Enjoy warm summer nights under the stars when you RV or camp with family and friends—fishing and playing in the river are recommended.
For a more “grounded” adventure, visit Partin Park and choose from multiple playgrounds, including one built specially for those with special needs. Practice your batting at the cage, show your tricks at the skate park, and take a walk on the track or nature trail. Bring lunch and enjoy your meal under one of the park’s many picnic shelters.
Get Back to Nature Along the Altamaha River
On your way to the Altamaha River, stop in Vidalia at Pittman Family Farms & Country Market for supplies to make a picnic lunch. They are open seasonally, so call for hours.
To plan a day on the river, contact Three Rivers Outdoors, Inc. for canoe or kayak rentals, guided tours, and a history lesson of the area.
Stop by Benton Lee’s Steakhouse at Gray’s Landing for dinner on the way home and let the kids enjoy their playground. Lunch is served Friday-Saturday and you can join for dinner Wednesday-Saturday.
Make Your Stay Along the Altamaha River
On the beautiful Altamaha River, in the Bullard Creek Wildlife Management area of scenic Hazlehurst-Jeff Davis County, lies the Towns Bluff Park and Heritage Center. Spacious RV and camp sites are available for rent along with several yurts for an adventuresome glamping experience.
Kayak along the serene river and enjoy the ecosystem filled with wildlife, birds, flora, and fauna not found anywhere else in Georgia. After a day of activity, grab an award-winning burger or sandwich at Manna Café and Eatery.
Come Home To Hawkinsville
Calling all Southern foodies: The love of food was born in the South at your mama’s table with dishes like fried chicken, fresh veggies, cornbread, peach cobbler, and sweet tea. Hawkinsville’s quintessential American small town has everything to tantalize your tastebuds thanks to the city’s great Southern restaurateurs who use farm-fresh ingredients and family recipes to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
For those who want to take home some homegrown goodness, Hawkinsville’s local country grocers and meat markets will keep your pantry well-stocked until your next visit.
“Fruitcake Capital of the World”
The famous Claxton Bakery and Georgia Fruitcake Company is only the beginning of all the Southern hospitality, good food, beauty, and adventure visitors will find in Evans County, GA.
Enjoy a relaxing canoe or kayak trip down the Canoochee River, or visit the Evans County Public Fishing Area which spans 372-acres across three beautiful lakes.
For those interested in wildlife conservation, the 54-year-old Claxton Rattlesnake & Wildlife Festival is still going strong every year the second weekend in March. And if cycling is more your style, “Cruisin’ in the Country,” a family-friendly bike ride with five route options, occurs the second weekend in November.
Explore Fitzgerald
Art, architecture, history, food, and entertainment―it’s all in Fitzgerald. Right now is the perfect time to experience the city’s small town way of life which welcomes you to shop and sightsee without the crowds.
Pose in front of the iconic murals; see an art exhibit or create your own art at the Carnegie Center; watch a great movie at the Grand Theatre; discover the heartwarming story of one of Georgia’s few planned cities at the Blue and Gray Museum; find out why Burmese chickens roam throughout the downtown area; and see the progress of the World’s Largest Topiary Chicken.
