One of the best parts of visiting Georgia is discovering small towns in America that look stuck in time, where walking their streets feels like stepping into the past. Newnan, located in west-central Georgia and serving as the county seat of Coweta County, is one of those rare places. Six of its downtown districts made the National Register of Historic Places, and grand buildings in Antebellum, Victorian, and Classical Revival styles line street after street. Once you start taking in those old homes, you’ll agree that Newnan earned being called the “City of Homes.”
The Muscogee Creek Indians were the first people to live here, but the 1825 Treaty of Indian Springs stripped them of ownership and brought white settlers. The area was incorporated as Coweta County’s seat in 1828 and named after General Daniel Newnan, a respected soldier and statesman. By the mid-1800s, cotton plantations dominated the economy, sparking the rise of architectural masterpieces, and the railroad’s arrival in 1851 sped development further. The city faced its own turmoil during the Civil War, but its designation as a hospital site helped save many of its historic homes from destruction.
Newnan is about 133 miles from Birmingham, and about 37 miles from Atlanta along I-85. If you’re flying in, you can land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), a roughly 30-minute drive from Newnan. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is another option, about two hours away. Your adventure begins at the Coweta County Visitor Center, where you can pick up a guide to explore more than 50 historic homes. And while it’s guaranteed you’ll get immersed in history here, Newnan also rewards visitors with outdoor adventures, and of course, it’s one of those underrated cities in America’s south you shouldn’t skip visiting.
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Exploring Newnan’s historical side
Wooden bridge on the riverside in Newnan, Georgia – Abigail Singrey/Getty Images
The best place to experience Newnan’s small-town charm is downtown, starting at the Coweta County Courthouse. Built in 1904 in the Classic Revival style, it’s one of those Georgia square courthouses with a dome rising over 100 feet and a clock tower ringing out every hour. The famous “Murder in Coweta County” trial happened here, and it’s one of those stories that reminds you just how deeply justice runs in Georgia. While the courthouse isn’t open for casual daily tours except by appointment, standing outside it still gives you chills.
The African American Heritage Museum is the historical heart of Newnan. Visitors can explore artifacts and historical records. It also serves as a research center, and it’s one of those places you can explore at your own pace and feel like you’ve learned about stories that matter. Another place to soak up history is the McRitchie-Hollis Museum. With an entrance fee of $2 to $5, you’ll explore a renovated 1937 home and World War II exhibits, all thanks to Mr. Edgar B. Hollis.
Brown’s Mill Battlefield is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Civil War. The interpretive signs walk you through what transpired on Newnan soil during the brutal conflict. Nearby Oak Hill Cemetery serves as the resting place for Confederate soldiers who died during the war. You can walk to the section of the cemetery that honors the 269 Confederate soldiers and take in the weight of what this town has lived through.
More ways to make your visit memorable and enjoyable
Cars parked in front of Newnan Mercantile buildings, Georgia – Abigail Singrey/Getty Images
Newnan might not show up on the list of popular destinations for international tourists, but visitors find themselves rewarded with more outdoor fun than they expected. You can enjoy some of the best hikes at Chattahoochee Bend State Park, one of Georgia’s largest state parks with nearly 3,000 acres of land. The 9.5-mile Chattahoochee Bend Riverside Trail is an easy to moderate trail taking you along the Chattahoochee riverbank, and then winding through hardwood ridges.
Another favorite is the 1.3-mile Flat Rock Loop that takes you to the large, flat rock outcrop justifying its name. You’ll spot oaks, hickories, and longleaf pines along the way. You can also fish, boat, and kayak on the Chattahoochee River, and for those wanting to spend the night, there are camping sites and facilities that’ll make your stay enjoyable.
If you’ve ever wanted a fun way to blow off steam, Newnan has you covered with axe throwing. Sessions typically run between $15 and $25, and if you’re not ready to jump in, there are rooms where you can watch others show off their skills. Fuel up your stomach with hearty steaks, bone ribs, and fresh bread at Texas Roadhouse, or mouthwatering burgers, hotdogs, and cocktails at Meat ‘N’ Greet. After that, you’ll want to wander through some of the cute shops that give this city its small-town charm. Recycling the Past is one of the best antique stores around, and you’ll definitely find something worthy for your home decor here. Ashley Park, an open-air park, also offers good cuisine, a playground, and cute shops, making it the perfect place to end your quaint Newnan adventure.
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Read the original article on Explore.