ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Welcome to Watkinsville, Georgia and its beautiful neighboring communities in Oconee County. Each year, we welcome thousands of visitors from across the Southeast and the world who travel to our community to enjoy a variety of unique events, activities, and attractions. In Oconee County, visitors can experience premier art exhibitions, historical sites, a rare Georgia covered bridge, outdoor excursions, U-pick farms, an antique trail, delicious local eateries, and so much more. Located in Georgia’s Historic Heartland region, Watkinsville is an hour east of Atlanta, 8 miles south of Athens, and 21 miles north of Madison.

Start your trip at the Oconee County Welcome Center located in downtown Watkinsville for suggestions on things to do, personalized group itineraries, dining recommendations, souvenirs and more. We hope to see you soon!

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Southern charm and small town service await you in historic Greensboro, Lake Oconee’s Hometown. 

Downtown Greensboro has been the place to shop for more than a hundred years, long before Interstate 20 was the road most traveled. In the 1800’s Greensboro’s “Big Store”, in the heart of town, was the largest mercantile on the road between Atlanta and Augusta.  

Today, the historic shopping district features regionally known restaurants, boutiques, home décor, gift shops and a brewery. Shoppers browse upscale clothiers or search for the perfect antique, all in beautifully restored downtown where old fashioned service isn’t so old fashioned after all.  

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Hancock County got its territory from Greene and Washington counties in 1793. Its name honors John Hancock whose signature heads the list of signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Sparta, the county seat, owes its name to the ancient Greek city, probably because its early residents realized they would need Spartan characteristics to survive so near hostile Indian territory and so far from supportive neighbors.

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Washington County is located in the heart of Georgia, tucked under the Fall Line next to the Oconee River. The county was established on February 25, 1784, and was at that time the largest county in the state. Since its establishment, 10 other counties have been carved from its original size, leaving 684 square miles to make it currently one of the largest counties in Georgia. Like many other counties in the United States named in honor of George Washington (31 to be exact), Washington County prides itself on being named for the Founding Father, preceding even his presidency. (Washington County was named for General George Washington, before he became the nation’s first president.) There are eight communities within Washington County: Davisboro, Deepstep, Harrison, Oconee, Sandersville, Tennille, Riddleville, and Warthen. Despite its interesting history, Washington County is not stuck in the past. It all happens here and pulls together the county’s storied history from early settlement to the Civil War to the Kaolin Industry to today.

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Johnson County, created in 1858 from parts of Washington, Emanuel and Laurens counties, honors Herschel Vespasian Johnson, Georgia governor and Stephen Douglas’ running mate in an unsuccess­ful bid against Abraham Lincoln in 1860.

Wrightsville, the county seat, is thought to be named for John B. Wright, a pioneer resident.

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Treutlen County was named for Georgia’s 1^st State Governor following adoption of the state Constitution of 1777, Governor John A. Treutlen.  The county seat, Soperton, is named for businessman Benjamin Franklin Soper (1856-1907).  Soper founded the Southern Railway Mine and Milling Company and was instrumental in construction of the railroad.  The Treutlen County Courthouse (1919), located in Soperton, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in September of 1980.  Its neoclassical architecture continues to bring visitors as it is remains the center of county business today.

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Toombs County, designated in 1905 from portions of Tattnall, Montgomery and Emanuel counties, recognizes General Robert Toombs. During his tenure in both houses of Congress, Toombs spoke strongly for secession. Fittingly, he later accepted positions as Jefferson Davis’ secretary of state and brigadier general for the Confederate Army.

Lyons, the county seat, built around a railroad depot on the line connecting Macon to Savannah.

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Appling County, carved in 1818 from lands the state won during treaty negotiations with the Creek Indians, sits south of the Altamaha River and covers land that produces blueberries, cotton, tobacco and pine.

Its name honors Colonel Daniel Appling, the soldier considered the state’s most outstanding during the War of 1812. Baxley, named for early settler and well-known storekeeper Wilson Baxley, serves as the county seat.

ABOUT   EAT    SHOP   STAY     SEE & DO

Where the “Best of Georgia Begins”! Come visit and experience rural South Georgia.  Our authentic, small-town charm is an excellent getaway complete with beautiful sights, outdoor exploration, yummy eats and rich in American history. Centrally located between Amelia Island, St. Marys, Jacksonville, and Savannah, Charlton County is only a short drive from I-95.  We are a great destination to kick-back and enjoy “front porch living and sweet tea sipping”! Charlton County makes the ideal place to experience everything South Georgia has to offer. Get up close and personal with nature at one of Georgia’s 7 wonders, the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge,  explore our historical churches and cemeteries, watch trains while relaxing at the Folkston Funnel, visit our free historical train museum, gaze at the stars or even sleep overnight in a train car. Immerse yourself in off the beaten path experiences and enjoy all the wonderful friendly townspeople, restaurants while getting away from the hustle and bustle of life. Don’t miss our annual festivals:  Okefenokee Festival; Railwatch, Halloween on Main, Christmas in the Park and more! Folkston is known for being friendly, come see for yourself.