JUNE 9 | DAY 6

THOMSON, GA

A slice of Southern Heaven

Thomson, Georgia

Only a short drive from Athens, Atlanta, and Augusta, Thomson, GA is a fantastic weekend getaway. Whether you come for the incredible outdoor opportunities, local food scene, or area's history, Thomson is a slice of Southern Heaven.

PLACES TO EAT IN THOMSON

Local restaurants - Downtown

Gathering Grounds

130 Main Street Thomson, GA 30824

(706) 244-3067

We offer a wide variety of coffee-based drinks as well as cold tea, hot tea, and smoothies.
https://www.facebook.com/gatherthomson

Fernanda’s Grill & Pizzeria

127 Main St, Thomson, GA 30824

(706) 595-2625

In the Heart of Thomson, Georgia. At Fernanda's Grill & Pizzeria, we offer authentic Italian cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
http://www.fernandaspizzeria.com/online-menu

Highrail, Southern Eatery

122 Main St, Thomson, GA 30824

(706) 986-5982

A scratch kitchen that delivers, with proprietary dressings, sauces, and other specialty recipes our guests love and return to enjoy again.
https://www.highrail.net/

Hogie Joe’s Sports Grill

128 Railroad St, Thomson, GA 30824

(706) 595-7575

Sports-oriented, family-friendly restaurant with great food, cold drinks and great atmosphere
https://www.facebook.com/hogiejoes/

Local restaurants – Shuttle Service

Bordeaux Steak & Seafood

250 Bordeaux Way Thomson, GA 30824

Tel: (706) 244-1715

Bordeaux Steak & Seafood is a farm to table restaurant located in beautiful Thomson, Georgia.

https://bordeauxsteakandseafood.com/

Deep South Cheese & Grill

4591 Augusta Hwy Dearing, Georgia

(706) 699-7067

Specializing in poutine, with cheese curds made fresh daily on premises with locally-sourced milk. Our burgers are always fresh, never frozen.
https://www.facebook.com/DeepSouthCheese

Viva Villa

1530 Washington Road Thomson, GA 30824

(706) 595-2516

Mexican restaurant that offers quality food as well as excellent customer service.

https://www.facebook.com/vivavillamx

Kent’s Drive In

329 East Hill St, Thomson, GA 30824

(706) 595-2663

A Thomson Tradition since 1963!

>> MORE RESTAURANTS

THINGS TO DO IN THOMSON

Special discounts from participating restaurants and shops. Pick up the list from the Visit Thomson tent when you arrive.
Movies at the Depot. Pick up the schedule from the Visit Thomson tent when you arrive.
Evening Entertainment: Parts & Labor concert on Railroad Street by the Depot. 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Based out of the musical hotbed of Macon, GA, Parts & Labor have been offering up their blend of rock n' roll, soul, and blues since the Spring of 2019. Heavily influenced by bands such as the Allman Brothers, The Band, the Grateful Dead, and plenty of funk, blues, and jazz along the way, Parts & Labor have been creating quite a buzz in Macon and beyond.

Things to see & do while you are here
- McDuffie Museum
  - See the Blind Willie McTell Documentary “Blind Willie’s Blues”
    https://www.visitthomsonga.com/attractionslist/2020/6/24/mcduffie-museum
- Mac on Main Art Gallery
  - Come see artists at work, and browse the creations of local artists.
    https://maconmaingallery.org/
- McTell’s 12-String Strut
  - Painted guitars in downtown
    https://www.visitthomsonga.com/attractionslist/2020/6/24/mctells-12-string-strut
- Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk’s
  - Some call it a junk shop, some call it an art exhibit. Whether you are in the mood to buy or not, the folk art and vintage items located inside and outside of this building off of Main St create a visual impact!
    https://www.facebook.com/unclejunksthomson/
- Historic Downtown Walking Tour
  - This self-guided tour is designed to give you a look at the historic buildings, architecture and people who helped shape the city of Thomson and the Historic Commercial District.
    https://www.visitthomsonga.com/blog/2020/5/18/downtown-walking-tour

Clarks Hill Lake

Shopping Downtown

Self-Guided History Tour

Take a self-guided tour of McDuffie County's historical sites. From Quakers to senators, Thomson's history encompasses several different groups of people. You will visit Hickory Hill, the McDuffie Museum, Rock House, Thomson Memorial Cemetery, and Wrightsboro Historic District on your tour.

Home to the Georgia Populist Party co-founder and US Senator Thomas E. Watson, Hickory Hill is a National Historic Landmark. Find out more about Thomas E. Watson and the beautiful Hickory Hill here before your visit.

While at the McDuffie Museum, learn about the area's natural resources, first inhabitants, how Thomson got its name, and the lost colony of Wrightsboro. For more information about the museum, click here .

The Rock House is the oldest stone residence in Georgia. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Part of the 19th century Rural Cemetery Movement, the Thomson Memorial Cemetery has a park-like setting. Use this map to guide yourself through the cemetery.

The Wrightsboro Historic District was originally the site of the Wrightsboro Quaker Meeting House. This marked the southernmost point of Quaker migration in North America. After burning down in 1799, the church was rebuilt as a multi-denominational church as opposed to a traditional Quaker Meeting House.

Explore White Hills Farm

This organic lavender, herb, and flower production farm is open for tours, shopping, demonstrations, and special events, like cooking classes, yoga retreats, and more. Check the website for the complete schedule.

As per the owners Amy and Patrick Sutter, "We'd love for you to come out and enjoy a cup of tea as you get a farm tour from Amy, attend a workshop, shop in the Gift Shoppe for local products, or relax and enjoy the view."

>> MORE ATTRACTIONS

REASONS TO COME BACK TO THOMSON

Blind Willie McTell Music Festival

Blind Willie McTell, one of the pioneers of country blues guitar, was born just south of Thomson, Georgia, in the area known as Happy Valley in McDuffie County. One of his most famous songs, “Statesboro Blues”, has been a staple for blues bands for decades. Many musicians consider McTell an influence, including Bob Dylan, who paid tribute to him with his song “Blind Willie McTell”.

The event is a celebration of roots music and the blues. The kind of musical event Blind Willie himself would have really enjoyed. Many past performers have been American Music Award winners and Grammy nominees.

965 Stagecoach Rd NE, Thomson, GA 30824

Annual Festival

Facebook | Website

Belle Meade Hunt Opening Meet

Ride along on a Tally-ho wagon through historic sites and beautiful rolling countryside of McDuffie County, following scarlet-coated hunters and well-trained hounds on a simulated fox hunt. Join us for an unforgettable McDuffie County tradition!

What To Bring: Cooler, beverages, picnic lunch. And always be sure to dress for the weather!

3760 Wrightsboro Rd. ,
Thomson, GA 30824

Annually, first Saturday in November

Facebook | Website

Augusta Boucherie

Augusta Boucherie will reclaim the communal component of livestock harvest in fall festival style. Teams of local farmers and chefs – led by regional experts in their cut or dish – will provide instruction and share knowledge in the respectful harvest and preparation of humanely raised animals. Local vegetable farmers and food artisans will add regional flavors and create new ones. There will be constant outdoor cooking, sampling and learning for all who attend.

Hog, poultry, fish, venison and other animals central to our Savannah River area heritage will be harvested and prepared, snout to tail, fin to fork, farm to table.

White Hills Farm
1419 Fort Creek Rd.
Dearing, GA 30808

Facebook | Website

Historic Pews & Pulpits Ramble

A biannual tour of historic churches through a 5 county area.

Spring & Fall tours.

Facebook | Website

Join us for this scenic bus tour through rural east Georgia. We will tour historic churches tucked away but not forgotten. We will visit 5 churches on most tours.

Not only will you get to go inside the churches and hear about their humble beginnings, you'll be inspired by songs and words from some of the chancels and pulpits. Snacks & lunch are included.

At each church there will be a brief program of either the history of the church or a musical sampling. You'll also have ample opportunity to walk the grounds and photograph the area.

THE BRICKYARD

612 Main St, Thomson, GA 30824