If you’ve ever wished you could time travel, these small Georgia towns might be the next best thing.
In these old town squares, the brick sidewalks are still worn from horse-drawn carriages, and the old courthouses tower over shady magnolia trees.
Some of these spots were around before cars, before phones and even before electricity.
They’ve kept their original charm, from the vintage lampposts to the mom-and-pop shops that have been in the same family for generations.
They’re still buzzing with life, music, festivals, and some of the best fried chicken and sweet tea you’ll ever find.
So if you’re into history, small-town charm, or just want a break from traffic and chain stores, you’re gonna love this list.
1. Sandersville Town Square
Sandersville Town Square sits right in the heart of downtown, and it still looks like it did in the early 1900s with its brick sidewalks, vintage lampposts, and charming storefronts.
It’s known for the Washington County Courthouse, built in 1869, which looks like it belongs on a postcard with its tall clock tower.
You can also check out the nearby Sandersville City Cemetery, where Confederate soldiers and local legends are buried.
Stroll past shops selling antiques and handmade goods, and catch live music during the Kaolin Festival every October, which celebrates the region’s famous white clay.
2. Monticello Town Square
In Monticello, the town square feels like walking onto a movie set and that’s no joke, since scenes from My Cousin Vinny were actually filmed right on the square in front of the Jasper County Courthouse.
This one features a big circle of historic buildings from the early 1900s, including the 1909 Bank of Monticello as well as antique shops, local cafés and diners.
You can pop into the Daily Roast for a fresh croissant, then swing by the Saturday farmers market for fresh produce, local artisanal products, and a lively atmosphere.
3. Madison Town Square
And then there’s Madison, where the town square looks way too fancy to have survived the Civil War but it did, and that’s kind of its thing.
Located along E. Jefferson Street, this square is packed with historic homes, and the 1905 red-brick courthouse that totally steals the spotlight with its big dome and clock.
You can grab a bite at the nearby Madison Drug Co. soda fountain or peek into antique shops that feel like time capsules.
You can also wander over to Madison Town Park, where there’s often something happening, like concerts and community events.
4. Washington Town Square
Washington’s town square is where Jefferson Davis held his final Confederate cabinet meeting in 1865, right before everything fell apart.
The square centers around the Wilkes County Courthouse, built in 1904 with it’s towering columns that look like they’d fit in a Southern novel.
You can tour the Washington Historical Museum just a few minutes away, then hit up one of the local spots on the square for tacos and cold drinks.
5. Dahlonega Public Square
Up in the North Georgia mountains, Dahlonega’s Public Square is pure gold—literally—since this is where one of America’s first major gold rushes kicked off in 1829.
The square is anchored by the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, now the Dahlonega Gold Museum, where you can check out real gold nuggets and other treasures from Georgia’s gold rush days.
Around the square, you’ll find wine tasting rooms, jam sessions on the weekends, and shops selling everything from gem mining kits to moonshine-scented candles.
6. Newnan Court Square
Next stop is Newnan’s Court Square, which has major old-school Southern charm and has popped up in everything from The Walking Dead to Zombieland.
Right in the center is the grand 1904 Coweta County Courthouse, complete with a copper dome and giant clock, surrounded by rows of brick buildings that still house family-run shops and law offices.
You can snag a sweet treat at Redneck Gourmet, browse vinyl at Vinylyte Records, and catch live music during the summer at Greenville Street Park just a short walk from the square.
7. Cuthbert Town Square
Cuthbert’s Town Square might be one of the quietest on the list, but it’s got serious storybook charm with its 1886 courthouse sitting just off the main square.
In the square itself, there’s plenty to see including colorful storefronts and historic buildings that hint at Cuthbert’s old Southern charm.
You can swing by the The Dawg House for a hot dog and then just wander around the square imagining what life was like here 100 years ago.
8. Willis Park – Bainbridge Town Square
Down in Bainbridge, Willis Park is the heart of town and totally stands out with its charming Victorian fountain, inviting green space, and a perfect view of the stately 1902 Decatur County Courthouse.
The square’s got wide brick sidewalks and a cluster of shops and restaurants that fill the old buildings with new energy.
Grab something tasty at Carriage On The Square Smokehouse which is super highly rated.
You can often catch live music during events at the park throughout the year, or just hang under the gazebo and watch the world roll by.
9. Moultrie – Colquitt County Courthouse Square
And in Moultrie, the Colquitt County Courthouse Square feels like a holiday movie set especially in December when the whole place lights up with Christmas cheer.
The courthouse itself is a 1902 showstopper with classical columns and an impressive clock tower.
You can browse carefully curated collections at Sid’s Antiques & Gifts, grab a sandwich at Three Crazy Bakers, and enjoy live music during special downtown events when the whole town comes out to dance.
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