When you think of college towns in Georgia, your mind may go immediately to Athens. The Classic City is an amazing quintessential college town: the economy runs around the University of Georgia and football games are practically a city-wide holiday. However, there are several other colleges in Georgia, which, of course, means there are several other college towns. One that we think deserves a little more recognition as a weekend destination is Statesboro, the home of Georgia Southern University's main campus. The city is growing in leaps and bounds, and is no longer the middle-of-nowhere rural location it was just a few decades ago. There are plenty of things to do in Statesboro, GA, from dining to museums and more. Check it out:
Georgia Southern has around 22,000 undergraduates enrolled, making it one of the largest universities in Georgia. The main campus is in Statesboro, but there are also satellite locations in Savannah and Hinesville.
Statesboro is the county seat of Bulloch County, located in the southeastern corner of the state about an hour or so north of Savannah. This area was once quite rural, but the city is now home to more than 30,000 residents.
There are a great many things to do in Statesboro, GA, and as with many college towns, a lot of the city's attractions are related to the university.
The Center for Wildlife Education has a 12-acre wetland with several ponds, plus an additional five acres with birds of prey, snakes, beavers, and other native species. There's a Children's Discovery Trail that's great if you're traveling with kids. A variety of programs are offered throughout the year.
Feel like a walk in the park? The Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern is for you.
Georgia Southern's Botanic Garden features 11 acres of carefully-manicured native plants. There are trails to explore and many rare heritage plants to admire.
If the weather's not cooperative or you'd just like to remain indoors, the Georgia Southern Museum is a great option.
The Georgia Southern Museum has fossils and other information related to the surrounding region, plus hosts temporary exhibits on a variety of topics.
If you visit in the summertime, a visit to Splash in the Boro is a must.
This water park in Statesboro, GA has a variety of attractions for kids and adults alike. Whether you're a fan of relaxing on the lazy river or want to enjoy more of an adrenaline rush on a water slide, there's something for everyone here.
One unique store in Statesboro is Charlie's Funky Junk Shop. This place is quite hard to pin down: it sells antiques, weird things, and, well, funky junk.
It's one spot you've got to experience yourself to understand. Find out more from the Charlie's Funky Junk Shop Facebook page.
When you start to feel hungry, Gnat's Landing is one of the best restaurants in Statesboro.
Gnat's Lnding is a fun-filled restaurant and bar with a college atmosphere. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served here, and the calendar includes karaoke, live music, and trivia nights.
If you'd like to finish up your meal with something sweet, it doesn't get much better than a visit to Jonny Boy Cookies.
These are the best cookies in Statesboro. The menu has up to 20 flavors, and cookies are baked fresh daily in this family-owned shop.
Don't dismiss the Boro - as you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Statesboro, GA!
Learn more about this great college town in Georgia from the Visit Statesboro website.
If you're looking for a reasonably-priced hotel in Statesboro that's near the Georgia Southern campus, check out Eagles Nest Inn on Booking.com.
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