Summerville, Georgia: Where Folk Art Meets Mountain Charm
Summerville is that rare small town where something truly extraordinary happened, and the echoes of that creative explosion still reverberate through every corner of this charming northwest Georgia community.
Home to one of only a few operating train turntables in the United States, Summerville is truly a step back in time. Special events are held at the Summerville Depot monthly March through December. Steam into Summerville Railroad Days runs October until mid-November, bringing a variety of festivities to the Summerville Depot area each weekend. During December, the Summerville Santa Special Christmas Train Excursions offer a magical adventure with Santa and his elves, perfect for families, or groups. Ticket information can be found on the web at tvrail.com or summervillega.org.
Summerville's real claim to fame is being the home of Howard Finster, one of America's most widely known and prolific self-taught artists of the 20th century, who produced 46,991 individually numbered pieces of art.
Sloppy Floyd State Park, located just outside of the city, offers lodging with campsites or cabins for those looking to get away. Those inspired by art will find world-renowned folk artist Howard Finster's Paradise Garden a magical adventure. This is an attraction that folk art fans will not want to miss. Finster Fest, a celebration of folk art, Howard's art and the garden is held each year on Memorial Day weekend.
Why Summerville Matters for Big BRAG
For Big BRAG riders arriving after the first day of riding, Summerville represents something special: proof that extraordinary creativity can flourish anywhere, that vision and persistence can transform scrap metal and broken mirrors into internationally recognized art, and that small Southern towns can be custodians of profound cultural treasures. After a day pedaling US Bike Route 21 through northwest Georgia's rolling countryside, riders will discover that Summerville isn't just a place to rest—it's a place that reminds us why we explore, why we travel, and why supporting communities like this matters.
Howard Finster once said that God showed "people all over the world what He could do through a sixth-grade student and a swamp fulla garbage." For one night, Big BRAG riders get to experience the fruits of that divine inspiration, in a town that continues to celebrate creativity, preserve history, and welcome visitors with genuine mountain hospitality.
