The Small Historic Town in Georgia That’s the Perfect Day Trip Destination

One of my all-time favorite things about Georgia is that there are endless destinations for day trips. In the mood for a peaceful mountain escape? You can’t go wrong with a trip to Dahlonega or my top pick, Ellijay. Or if you’re searching for a charming small town with big city vibes, you can find that too. Perhaps you want modern luxuries, high-end shopping, and tons of attractions - we have all that and more.

For folks who love diving into the past, arguably one of the greatest day trip destinations in Georgia (and one you wouldn’t expect), is none other than the historic town of Cumming. Located in Forsyth County, Cumming, Georgia, is certainly worth a visit, for the history, but also for the unique attractions throughout. Enjoy sprawling views of the mountains when you stay the weekend, take trips to nearby Lake Lanier, and indulge in what many have called the best biscuits in Georgia. If this small town in Georgia was not on your radar, it’s time you add it to your travel list.

Discover Cumming's Historic Charm and Big City Vibes

The motto for the town of Cumming, Georgia, is that it’s got a small-town heart with a big city spirit. And we couldn't agree more. Here you'll find a vibrant town that feels like a living museum with gorgeous brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Heading north of Atlanta, you’ll reach the small, historic town that has just over 10,000 residents. While Cumming is considered an exurban city and part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, it’s still got plenty of that small-town energy going on.

This town is filled with history, dating back to the mid-18th century, when it was thought that the Cherokee tribes were residing. The Cherokee and Creek people had developed disputes over the land for hunting, and after two years of fighting, the Cherokee tribe officially won the land. The Cherokee people coexisted with white settlers until 1828, when gold in Georgia was discovered. Eventually, white settlers moved to the area to begin mining. The Treaty of New Echota was signed in 1835, stating that the Cherokee Nation must move west of the Mississippi River to the Native American Territory. This resulted in the Trail of Tears.

After the area was split between Cherokee County and Forsyth County in the 1830s, the town of Cumming was officially formed in 1833. Two 40-acre lots of land were issued as part of the Georgia State Land Lottery in 1832. Today, Cumming, Georgia, is the place to go when you want a quiet weekend away in nature, taking a break from city life, yet modern conveniences are still within reach.

Things to Do in Cumming, GA

First, a visit to Sawnee Mountain Preserve is in order. This sprawling natural preserve is a place where guests can hike, climb, walk, and picnic all day long. If you’re really looking for a bit of history here, we suggest hiking the Indian Seats Trail, which also offers incredible views of the surrounding area. You'll want to have your camera ready to snap pics from the observation deck after you've taken in the stunning views. Bring your bike and create your own adventure along the paved Big Creek Greenway. The easy path features miles of trails that are great for kids, wheelchair users, and moms with strollers. The pups will love this trek too, so don't leave them behind.

What I like about Cumming is that you'll find a sense of community here as the town hosts plenty of events that take place year-round. The Cumming Country Fair usually takes place in October at the Cumming Fairgrounds and attracts over 225,000 people from all over the country! The popular fair is a must-visit event, and in my humble opinion, it's one of the best fall events in Georgia. Expect tons of rides, yummy food, and lots of games for everyone to enjoy.

And speaking of fall, the Warbington Farms is another local attraction in Cumming, Georgia, that is great for the entire family. The farm offers a petting zoo, corn maze, pumpkin patch, and so much more. But even outside of the autumn months, guests can also visit to pick fresh fruit, like strawberries straight from the vine!

If you get hungry, head on over to Feed the Well BBQ and Biscuit Barn (formerly known as Fagan's Biscuit Barn), which has some of the best Southern biscuits in the state. Featuring a bevy of classic homestyle Southern eats, you’ll get a real taste of Georgia when you visit this giant barn-like restaurant. But don't take my word for it, a recent guest loved the food here and raved about it by saying, "Finally, some REAL FOOD. Yesterday, I ordered a Sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on toasted wheat bread. Outstanding quality and flavor. Thanks for doing it right!!" You really can't go wrong when you eat here.

Of course, no visit to Cumming is complete without stepping back in time and visiting the historical landmarks in town. Start with a stroll through Main Street to admire the gorgeous architecture of the Forsyth County Courthouse, the Cumming City Hall, and the Cumming Bandstand, all listed on the National Register of Historical Places. You'll also want to drive to see the Poole's Mill Covered Bridge, the 96-foot-long relic that was built in 1901, and the Fowler Family Farm.

Don't forget to carve out time to check out the newly opened entertainment hub, the Cumming City Center, where you can browse locally owned businesses, shop, dine, and catch a concert at the amphitheater. Stop in at one of the breweries and enjoy a cold one on a hot summer day. For some extra fun, a day trip to Lake Lanier would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can boat, paddle, swim, eat, drink, and more.

Whether you’re hiking the trails to get a little dose of nature, checking out the local attractions and events, or simply admiring the beautiful landmarks, this small, historic town has it all, making it a great destination for a day trip in Georgia. When I visit a new town in Georgia, I like to make sure that it has a great mixture of things to do, and Cumming certainly delivers on that!

Have you ever been to Cumming, Georgia, before? Share your favorite attraction with us on our nomination page! Or if you want to find out more before you plan your trip, we suggest visiting the City of Cumming official website. And when you're feeling inspired and want to add more destinations to your travel list, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more hidden gems in Georgia.