Totally charmed while driving through East Georgia (Elberton, Washington: crime rate, houses)

[irishvanguard]

although I have lived all my life in Georgia, this was a first-time look at these particular areas, and I was totally blown away by the charm of these towns and the countryside.

This great weekend drive consisted of Greensboro, Washington, Elberton, and Hartwell. Talk about being mesmerized by the pastures of the countryside and the farm houses, and also by the quaint downtowns that have not been drained by malls nor invaded by the "big box" stores.

You folks in these towns of <5,000, you are living in a dream. I know it may be tempting to develop and recruit more business---but please keep the "big boxes" at bay.

And keep doing the great job on your downtowns. They bring yesteryear back for so many of us, while still surviving as money-making businesses that provide useful goods and services.

And above all, don't tear anything down!!!

[DisgustaTruth]

Bowman, GA in Elbert County is also particularly nice. There is a great homey restaurant there that serves classic Southern food at very low prices ( it's like going back in time)

[irishvanguard]

I can see why this area of Georgia is dubbed "The Classic South" by the state's department of tourism. It is almost untouched!

And there do exist a few restaurants with great wine lists. Surprise!

[DisgustaTruth]

well it's nice as long as you stay north of I20.. the parts of east Georgia south of I20 are not nearly as nice..

[small town south]

I totally agree with you! I live in Greensboro and it is a great small town with lots of interesting history. Next time you come thru, stop and check out the murals in the Post Office; the artist was from VA and was commissioned by the Treasury Dept. during the Depression years. Then, get one of the shopping brochures and follow the "Tail Trail" to hear about local characters and history. Don't miss the buttermilk pie in Yesteday Cafe and check out all the wonderful arts and crafts from Georgia artisans in Genuine Georgia. To be sure, no "big box" or chain stores. These small southern towns are a treasure!

[DisgustaTruth]

Greensboro is nice.. but I really think Madison is the star attraction in that part of Georgia. Simply beautiful! Like a town from a movie (in fact I think it has been used as a location for movies and TV shows)

[irishvanguard]

I think Greensboro is being way too overlooked, because you have many homes of true "grace" that survived the Civil War, with the accompanying long, deep, lush lawns and towering shade trees.

BTW, I did stop in to see the post office murals! And I couldn't resist parking and walking the downtown area!! Great preservation while functioning.

I just think Madison and Greensboro should always be mentioned in the same breath.

[DisgustaTruth]

I think Washington also deserves to be included in that group.

[indianmama11961]

How is the crime rate in bowman and what High Schools are there

[deja-zebbie]

irishvanguard,

if you can, try another trip to these areas in the Spring, they are amazingly beautiful.

zebbie