White Plains GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near White Plains, Georgia.
1. Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park preserves multiple sites related to the 39th U.S. President, including his boyhood farm and the Plains High School Visitor Center. The park offers visitors a comprehensive look at Carter's life from his rural upbringing to his presidency through interactive exhibits and preserved buildings. Visitors can explore the historic Plains Depot, which served as Carter's campaign headquarters during his 1976 presidential run and is now a self-guided museum.
2. Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm
RURAL PRESIDENTIAL ROOTS
Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of the 39th President on the restored family farm. The property showcases the rural environment where Carter developed his values and work ethic through authentic period furnishings and farm animals. Visitors can experience farm life of the 1930s while walking the grounds where a future president spent his formative years.
3. Maranatha Baptist Church
PRESIDENTIAL SUNDAY SERVICES
Maranatha Baptist Church is famously known as Jimmy Carter's home church where he has taught Sunday School classes for decades. The modest church welcomes visitors from around the world who come to hear the former president's lessons when he is teaching. The church represents the continued community involvement and spiritual dedication of the Carter family in their hometown.
4. Jimmy Carter Peanut of Plains Statue
ICONIC SMILING LEGUME MONUMENT
The Jimmy Carter Peanut of Plains Statue stands as a quirky roadside attraction commemorating the president's background as a peanut farmer. Standing 13 feet tall with Carter's famous smile, this giant peanut has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Plains. Created for Carter's presidential campaign in 1976, the statue represents both the agricultural heritage of the region and the humble roots of the president.
5. Plains Historic Inn and Antique Mall
SHOPPING AND HISTORIC LODGING
Plains Historic Inn and Antique Mall offers visitors a unique combination of shopping and accommodation in downtown Plains. The antique mall features a diverse collection of dishware, soaps, home decor, gifts, and other vintage treasures for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Visitors can extend their Plains experience by staying in the historic inn portion of the establishment, immersing themselves in the small-town atmosphere.
6. Honey Hush Boutique and Gifts
LOCAL CHARM AND STYLE
Honey Hush Boutique and Gifts is a charming retail destination on Main Street offering a curated selection of fashion and gift items. The boutique sells a variety of bags, apparel, seasonal items, and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of southern Georgia. Shoppers can find distinctive items that serve as perfect mementos of their visit to Jimmy Carter's hometown.
7. The Buffalo Cafe at the Old Bank
HEARTY ALL-AMERICAN FARE
The Buffalo Cafe at the Old Bank occupies a historic bank building on Main Street, serving comfort food in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Their menu features classic American favorites including sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads that appeal to locals and tourists alike. The restaurant provides a perfect dining stop for visitors exploring Plains' historical attractions and shopping destinations.
8. Jimmy Carter Childhood Farm Trail
PRESIDENTIAL FARM EXPERIENCE
The Jimmy Carter Childhood Farm Trail is an easy 0.5-mile loop path that takes visitors around the restored presidential boyhood farm. Walkers can observe farm animals and read informative historical markers that provide context about rural life during Carter's childhood. The trail offers an immersive outdoor component to the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the landscape that shaped a future president.
9. Providence Canyon State Park
GEORGIA'S LITTLE GRAND CANYON
Providence Canyon State Park, located about 45 minutes from Plains, features a stunning 2,706-acre park with colorful canyons created by erosion from poor 19th-century farming practices. The park's pink, orange, and red geological formations offer spectacular views and photography opportunities throughout its network of hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy amenities including picnic shelters, campsites, a playground, and a museum while exploring this unique natural wonder sometimes called 'Georgia's Little Grand Canyon.'
10. GA Wakeboard Lessons
THRILLING WATER SPORTS EXPERIENCE
GA Wakeboard Lessons offers exciting water sports instruction on the lakes around White Plains. Visitors can experience wakeboarding, waterskiing, and jetskiing under the guidance of experienced instructors in a safe environment. The highly-rated service provides all necessary equipment and caters to various skill levels from beginners to advanced water sports enthusiasts.
11. Forsyth Park
HISTORIC SOUTHERN OASIS
Forsyth Park is a magnificent 30-acre green space in nearby Savannah featuring its iconic fountain and majestic oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The park serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting concerts, farmers markets, and recreational activities throughout the year. Visitors can stroll along the walking paths, relax on the expansive lawns, or admire the fragrant garden for the blind that engages multiple senses.
12. River Street
HISTORIC WATERFRONT DISTRICT
River Street runs along the Savannah River, offering a vibrant collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment in converted cotton warehouses dating back to the 1800s. Visitors can watch massive cargo ships pass by while exploring the cobblestone street lined with more than 70 businesses showcasing local crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. The atmospheric waterfront promenade features public art, historical monuments, and street performers that create a lively ambiance day and night.
13. Rousakis Riverfront Plaza
SAVANNAH'S RIVERSIDE ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Rousakis Riverfront Plaza is a bustling waterfront destination in Savannah where visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment with panoramic river views. The plaza features distinctive red brick pavers and wrought iron fixtures that complement the historic architecture of the surrounding buildings. Street performers, artists, and seasonal festivals regularly animate this popular gathering space along the Savannah River.
14. City Market
ART AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
City Market is a restored open-air marketplace spanning four blocks in Savannah's historic district, housing art galleries, boutiques, and eateries in buildings dating back to the 1700s. Visitors can watch artists at work in their studios, sample local culinary specialties, or enjoy live music performances in the courtyard. The pedestrian-friendly area offers a glimpse into Savannah's past while showcasing contemporary southern culture and creativity.
15. The Olde Pink House
ELEGANT COLONIAL DINING EXPERIENCE
The Olde Pink House is housed in a striking 1771 Georgian mansion and serves refined southern cuisine in a setting of historical elegance and charm. The restaurant features multiple dining rooms with period furnishings, working fireplaces, and an atmospheric tavern in the cellar. Signature dishes include crispy scored flounder, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes that showcase the best of traditional southern cooking with contemporary flair.