Washington GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Washington, Georgia.
1. Callaway Plantation
HISTORIC SOUTHERN ESTATE
Callaway Plantation offers visitors a glimpse into plantation life from the 1700s through the 1800s with its preserved buildings and period furnishings. The site features several structures including the main house, slave quarters, and a schoolhouse that showcase the evolution of Southern architecture and daily life. Guided tours provide insight into the agricultural practices, social dynamics, and historical context of the antebellum South.
2. Robert Toombs House Historic Site
CIVIL WAR ERA LANDMARK
The Robert Toombs House Historic Site preserves the elegant home of a prominent Confederate statesman and U.S. Senator who played a significant role in Georgia's history. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms with period furnishings and personal artifacts while learning about Toombs' controversial political career and life. The site frequently hosts educational programs and special events that offer an immersive experience of 19th-century Georgia history.
3. Washington Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Washington Historical Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits chronicling the rich history of Washington and Wilkes County. The museum occupies a historic building and showcases everything from Native American relics to Civil War memorabilia and early 20th-century items. Visitors can explore displays that tell the story of the region's development, notable residents, and significant historical events that shaped the community.
4. Kettle Creek Battlefield
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITE
Kettle Creek Battlefield preserves the site of a significant Revolutionary War battle where American patriots defeated British loyalists in 1779. The battlefield includes interpretive markers, monuments, and walking trails that allow visitors to follow the course of this important Southern campaign. Annual commemorative events and reenactments bring history to life at this crucial site that helped secure American independence in the Georgia backcountry.
5. Downtown Washington
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Downtown Washington features a charming collection of historic buildings housing unique shops, restaurants, and galleries centered around the picturesque town square. Visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets admiring the well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture while browsing antique stores, boutiques, and specialty retailers. The vibrant district regularly hosts community events, festivals, and farmers markets that showcase local culture and products.
6. Washington-Wilkes Riding Club
EQUESTRIAN ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Washington-Wilkes Riding Club hosts regular rodeos, horse shows, and equestrian events that celebrate the region's agricultural heritage. Spectators can enjoy thrilling competitions including barrel racing, bull riding, and traditional horsemanship displays in a family-friendly atmosphere. The venue provides an authentic glimpse into rural Southern culture and traditions that continue to thrive in modern-day Georgia.
7. Fitzpatrick Hotel
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Fitzpatrick Hotel stands as a magnificently restored Victorian landmark on Washington's town square, offering both luxury accommodations and a glimpse into the area's elegant past. Built in 1898, this historic boutique hotel features period furnishings, ornate woodwork, and a grand staircase that transports guests to a bygone era. Even non-guests can appreciate the building's architectural significance and sometimes tour the public areas to admire the craftsmanship and design elements.
8. Mary Willis Library
HISTORIC TIFFANY LIBRARY
Mary Willis Library stands as Georgia's first free public library and showcases stunning Tiffany stained glass windows in a Victorian architectural setting. The historic building combines practical function with artistic beauty, housing both a modern library collection and architectural elements of significant historical value. Visitors appreciate both the literary resources and the cultural significance of this cherished community landmark established in 1889.
9. Washington Antique Mall & Auction
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Washington Antique Mall & Auction brings together dozens of vendors offering a vast selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items under one roof. Treasure hunters can spend hours browsing furniture, glassware, jewelry, folk art, and memorabilia spanning multiple eras and styles. The regular auctions add excitement to the shopping experience, offering opportunities to acquire unique pieces with historical significance and artistic value.
10. Talk of the Town
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Talk of the Town serves authentic Southern cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of small-town Georgia dining. The restaurant specializes in home-style favorites including fried chicken, country-fried steak, collard greens, and homemade desserts prepared according to traditional recipes. Both locals and visitors appreciate the generous portions, friendly service, and opportunity to experience genuine regional flavors that reflect the culinary heritage of the South.
11. Aonia Pass Motocross Park
OFF-ROAD RACING VENUE
Aonia Pass Motocross Park offers high-energy entertainment with its professional-grade dirt bike and ATV racing tracks that attract riders from across the Southeast. The facility hosts regular competitions ranging from amateur events to professional races that showcase impressive jumps, high-speed turns, and skillful maneuvers. Spectators enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere while experiencing the thrill and excitement of motocross competition in a well-maintained venue with excellent viewing areas.
12. Washington-Wilkes Parks & Recreation
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY HUB
Washington-Wilkes Parks & Recreation offers well-maintained facilities for various outdoor activities including tennis courts, sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The complex provides both residents and visitors with opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and community engagement through organized sports and leisure activities. Seasonal events and programs cater to all ages, making this an important community resource that enhances quality of life in the Washington area.
13. Farmers Market at the Pope Center
LOCAL AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Farmers Market at the Pope Center brings together local growers and artisans offering fresh produce, homemade foods, and handcrafted items in a community-oriented setting. Shoppers can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, preserves, honey, and unique crafts while interacting directly with the producers. The market not only provides access to fresh, locally-grown food but also serves as a social gathering place that strengthens connections between urban consumers and rural agricultural traditions.
14. Anthony's Restaurant
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
Anthony's Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience featuring creative cuisine that blends Southern traditions with contemporary culinary techniques. The restaurant occupies a beautifully renovated historic building where elegant surroundings complement the thoughtfully prepared dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Special occasion diners and food enthusiasts appreciate the seasonal menu, curated wine selection, and attentive service that make meals here memorable experiences.
15. Wills Memorial Hospital
HISTORIC HEALTH INSTITUTION
Wills Memorial Hospital stands as both a working healthcare facility and a site of historical significance in Washington's development as a regional center. The institution represents the evolution of rural healthcare delivery while continuing to serve the medical needs of the community. Visitors interested in public health history can appreciate the architectural elements and historical markers that connect this facility to the broader story of medical care in small-town America.