Georgia
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

For Nearly 50 Years, This Small Town Has Hosted One Of The Longest-Running Festivals In Georgia

Published Sep 20, 2023

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

One of the best ways to celebrate life in the Peach State is to attend a festival in Georgia, and we certainly have plenty of them to choose from. Each season brings its own array of events, and many of the state's most popular festivals take place in the fall. One of the longest-running festivals in Georgia has been happening for nearly 50 years and occurs annually in the small town of Stone Mountain. This year's Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival is scheduled for October 20-22, 2023. It's one of the largest Scottish festivals in the southeastern United States, and it's always a blast. Even if you're not of Scottish decent, everyone's Scottish for the weekend at the Stone Mountain Highland Games!

The Highland games are held each spring and summer in Scotland to celebrate Scottish and Celtic culture. The event has become so popular that it's spread all over the world, so you can now find Highland games in a variety of countries and U.S. states.

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Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

This is such a wonderful way to experience another country, especially if you have Scottish heritage in your family.

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Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

All aspects of Scottish life are on display here, and you'll see plenty of tartan kilts.

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Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

There's even a tartan "forest" where you can walk through and see all the different clans' patterns.

Many musicians will be performing live. You can catch fiddling, drumming, bagpipes, and more.

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Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

Dancers will perform in traditional styles and compete for prizes.

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Stone Mountain Highland Games

One of the festival's most popular events is the sheep dog demonstration.

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Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

Sheep herding is an important way of life for those living in the Scottish Highlands, and this is a great opportunity to see border collies in action.

This probably goes without saying, but there will be lots of bagpipe music to check out, too!

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Stone Mountain Highland Games/Facebook

There's plenty more to do at the festival, with a Scottish and Celtic craft market, Scottish athletics, and more. This is a wonderful family-friendly festival perfect for a fall weekend.

This year's Stone Mountain Highland Games are scheduled for the weekend of October 20-22, 2023. You can learn more from the Stone Mountain Highland Games website or Stone Mountain Highland Games Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the website.

If you decide to stay in town the entire weekend, there are plenty of great vacation rental homes in Stone Mountain available on Vrbo.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

How This Small Georgia Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The South

Woodstock, Georgia, is a charming and rapidly growing small town known for its community spirit and Southern charm.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Georgia has some pretty cool small towns. Small towns that we cannot rave enough about. But we found this particular town to be quite fascinating--especially since it has been collecting accolades quietly for years. Care to find out why this small town is getting BIG-time attention? Check out why Woodstock, Georgia is such a cool place to visit.

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At only 8.8 square miles, the town of Woodstock, Georgia is one of the coolest cities in the South.

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Facebook/City of Woodstock, GA

There is so much Southern charm and community within this small town that it's hard not to fall in love.

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BlocksMC/Wikipedia

Woodstock prides itself on being "a sustainable city with hometown pride".

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Flickr Stephen Rahn

But beyond being sustainable and community-centric, Woodstock has even made the Forbes Magazine list for being one of the fastest-growing areas in the country!

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Flickr Richard

In fact, what's even cooler than that, Woodstock is one of Money Magazine’s 2015 Top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. — the only Georgia city to make the list.

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Facebook City of Woodstock

One trip to this small town you can easily see why. First of all, there are plenty of things to do in Woodstock, GA.

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Flickr Richard

With summer events like concerts in the park, drawing thousands of residents to enjoy some summer jams...

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Facebook City of Woodstock

...or even the eclectic restaurant scene in Woodstock which features fan favorites like JD's Bar-b-que...

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Flickr Jeff Sents

...or Salt Factory Pub, with a tasty Southern-style breakfast you will crave again the moment you leave.

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Trip Advisor KDJinATL

Take a trip to Dixie Speedway for an energetic, family-fun time at the racetrack...

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Trip Advisor gadaddy

...or rent a canoe and take it to Olde Rope Mill Park.

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Trip Advisor A A.

There is always something fun and refreshing to do in what may be one of the best small towns in GA.

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Trip Advisor Nanci L.

Visit Woodstock, Georgia, and experience for yourself one of the coolest small towns in the South.

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Flickr Stephen Rahn

Have you ever been to Woodstock, Georgia? Share with us your experience! Otherwise, if you're ready for more Georgia small-town love, then check out The Tiny Georgia Town That’s One Of The Happiest Places In America.

Want to take a getaway to the Georgia small town of Woodstock? Make a reservation at the highly-rated Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Atlanta Woodstock!

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

How This Small Georgia Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The South

Senoia, Georgia, is a charming small town known for its film locations and welcoming community, making it a top destination in the state.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

For visitors to Georgia who haven’t explored much, there will be the element of welcomed surprise when they come across this small town. Sure, city life is worth exploring when you first come to our great state, however, the best small towns in Georgia are truly worth adventuring through. In fact, this particular small town is as extraordinary as it gets and may just be the coolest place in the south. You don’t want to miss a chance to explore this gem.

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Beautiful, charming, quintessential—three words that you can use to describe the incredible small town of Senoia, Georgia.

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Flickr Marnie Vaughn

What has quickly risen to popularity over the last few years, Senoia has since become one of the best small towns in Georgia and the go-to place for adventure when you visit the state.

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Flickr Marnie Vaughn

Senoia brings together the best of what small towns and welcoming communities have to offer.

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Flickr John Lightcomposer

With a population of just around 4,300 residents, Senoia has a variety of things to check out, from small shops along the adorable main street, to delicious mom-and-pop restaurants.

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Ryan Quick/Flickr

As one of the best small towns in Georgia, Senoia is also a bit different from others in that it has been featured in a variety of TV shows and film, including The Walking Dead, Driving Miss Daisy, Fried Green Tomatoes, and more.

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Flickr Brent Moore

Senoia makes for the perfect weekend getaway in autumn, as you can grab a hot cup of locally roasted coffee in town, a delicious fried pie, and take in all the sights and shops nearby.

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Flickr Marnie Vaughn

If you’re a film buff looking to see the sets, scenery, and leftover props from some of your favorite hits…

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TripAdvisor sudchai

…or you want to see what a quintessential small town in Georgia is really like…

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TripAvisor sudchai

…make sure to add Senoia, one of the coolest small towns in Georgia, to your list.

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Have you ever been to the small town of Senoia, Georgia, the coolest place in the south, before? Do you agree that it's one of the best small towns in Georgia? Share with us some of your favorite shops and restaurants in the comments section!

Love exploring all that Georgia has to offer? So do we! Come with us as we explore Tallulah Gorge State Park:

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