The Ultimate Guide to Thomasville, Georgia
Thomasville, Georgia is the quintessential Southern town bursting with charm, grace, and sophistication. Years ago, I passed through on a road trip and stopped for lunch at Jonah’s Fish & Grits. I walked around the downtown and just like that, I fell in love with Thomasville. From delicious food and attentive service to locally owned shops and Victorian bed and breakfasts, I was hooked. Here is my ultimate guide to Thomasville, Georgia for those seeking a visit.
Things to See
The Thomasville Rose Garden is a must see in the “City of Roses”. Situated by Cherokee Lake Park, the Thomasville Rose Garden has over 1,500 rose bushes. The garden beds are themed, such as Heroes (Let Freedom Ring/We Salute You) and Famous People (Barbra Streisand/Elizabeth Taylor). Plan your visit to Thomasville during the Rose Show Festival, a tradition since the 1920s, held the fourth weekend in April.
Pebble Hill Plantation is a 3000-acre mansion with an incredible array of antiques, famous artworks, and splendor. A foundation operates Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe’s spectacularly preserved home. Pansy was an avid sportsman, horse jockey, philanthropist, and gardener, all of which came to life at Pebble Hill. Tours start with a 10-minute video explaining the history of the plantation. Afterward, you are free to explore the 29-room mansion and its grounds.
Browse the Thomas History Center, a working museum filled with antiques, artifacts, and memorabilia from early life in Thomas County, Georgia. A unique find is the Rufus Smith Log House (c. 1870), Roberts Garage (home of 2 Model T’s, an antique fire engine, and carriages), and the 1896 private bowling alley.
Things to Do in Thomasville, Georgia
The Taste of Thomasville Food Tour offers plenty of history and walking to discover downtown Thomasville, Georgia. It is one food tour you will not want to miss. Sample favorite dishes from locally owned restaurants and enjoy learning about Thomasville’s history. Stops on your excursion might include Moonspin Pizza, Jonah’s Fish & Grits, Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop, Grassroots Coffee Co., and George & Louie’s Restaurant.
When was the last time a town you came to gave you something for coming? Thomasville does! The town’s enormous Big Oak, once visited by President Eisenhower, was born in 1685 and has a circumference of 26 feet. Have your picture taken in front of The Big Oak by calling (229) 236-0053 and smiling at the camera across the street. When you return home, log onto the Big Oak’s website and download your picture. Search by the month you visited.
Our guide to Thomasville, Georgia includes adorable retail boutiques will charm any shopper. Whether you are looking for clothing, gifts, souvenirs, housewares, children’s items, or books, these downtown shops have it all. Favorite shops are Firefly, Harden’s Taxidermy, The Bookshelf, The Shoe Box, Smallcakes, and Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel. Downtown Thomasville also boasts 12 hidden bronze quail. This is a fun activity for when you’re shopping on Jackson Street. Pick up a scorecard from the Thomasville CVB that also gives you hints. Some quail are harder to spot than others.
Lapham-Patterson is one of Thomasville’s most elegant Victorian homes. It features one-of-a-kind craftsmanship and was the winter home of Charles Lapham. To quote Thomasville’s CVB, “The Lapham-Patterson House is a monument to the imagination, creative engineering, and craftsmanship of the Victorian Era.” It’s both a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where to Eat (and Drink) in Thomasville
One of my favorite Southern coffee shops is Grassroots Coffee Co. on Broad Street. Choose from your favorite coffee, tea, espresso, or Italian sodas, or a housemate pastry, bagel, or cookie. You’ll see all ages and walks of life in this hospitable shop.
Jonah’s Fish & Grits is a Thomasville icon: the epitome of delicious dishes, friendly service, and an adorable owner on a mission that he humbly shares with his hometown. Known for their Shrimp & Grits (featured as one of Georgia’s 100 Plates Locals Love), the menu at Jonah’s is full of Southern staples and fresh seafood plates.
The Q Cafe is a newer popular eatery in Downtown Thomasville. I recommend breakfast, such as the Low Country Benedict or the Farmer’s Pride with a side of gravy. The cathead biscuits pair perfectly with the creamy gravy and the service was commendable.
Get your Mexican and margarita fix at Frida’s Mexican Bar and Grill. This cute space serves up really tasty Chicken Fajitas for 2 and discounted house margaritas ($3) during certain times of the day. Don’t miss the yummy cheese dip!
Sip a wine flight at Farmer’s Daughter Vineyards, a beautiful tasting room with a cool offering: chocolate and cookie pairings. Enhance your wine experience with four varieties of organic chocolates, shortbread cookies, and local cheese plates. Farmers Daughter Vineyards’ wines all have clever names, such as Daredevil, Heartbreaker, and Bombshell.
One place you can’t miss in Thomasville is Liam’s Restaurant, offering creative dishes, a killer happy hour, craft cocktails, and a fun atmosphere. Be sure to add a customized cheese board to your order.
If you read Southern cooking magazines, you ought to be familiar with the Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop. Although this local business is known for its dairy cheese selections, they also serve lunch and dinner. Try Sweet Grass Dairy’s Taste of Thomasville cheese board with roasted pecans, green tomato marmalade, strawberry fig preserves, crackers, and homemade bread & butter pickles paired with Asher Blue, Green Hill, SGD Pimento, and Thomasville Tomme cheeses.
Where to Stay in Thomasville, Georgia
Thomasville’s South Eden Resort plantation was built in 1825. The home’s Showboat Theater held the first private showing of “Gone With the Wind.” Today, South Eden is a grand resort venue and luxury resort, offering cottages, guest suites, an indoor 1934 Pool House, spa, meeting rooms, and several restaurants. You do not have to be a guest at the resort to come and enjoy its amenities; Thomasville locals and visitors are always welcome.
The Paxton is another great choice for accommodations in Thomasville, a historic house house dating back to 1884. Rooms are superiorly decorated and the common spaces are gorgeous. Carol, the sweet owner, treats you to a breakfast fit for a king on the most amazing dishes and gorgeous spaces. You’ll never want to leave!
Read my full review of The Paxton in this post.
Thomasville, Georgia: A Town You’ll Love!
Thomasville, Georgia is a great place to check off a bucket list of amazing Southern hosts, sites, foods, and activities for the whole family. I hope you will enjoy the Victorian storefronts, brick streets, and laid-back charms of this adorable Southern gem as much as I did.
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Check out our other travel Georgia posts:
Unspoiled Beauty of St. Simons Island
Epic Things to See and Do in Athens, GA
Gareth says
As a Northern Irish man who is currently in the process of getting paperwork to live in the USA following marrying my American girlfriend, I can’t get enough of small(ish) town America at the minute. Certainly, Thomasville looks to offer a great slice of the local culture and really, who doesn’t want to try a world famous hot dog. The cakes don’t look half-bad either!
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! I hope it all works out for you. Sounds wonderful. Definitely check out the small towns. 😉
Elisa says
With all those things to see & do in Thomasville I would also be hooked! I am not sure about the hot dog but if it is one of the best in the world I think in the end I would try it
MelodyPittman says
Lol. I think that may be a false claim but I tried one any way. 😉 Thomasville is so lovely.
Claire says
I so want one of those famous hotdogs!
Jing says
You had me with the world’s best hotdog. Would love to try that! 🙂
MelodyPittman says
Haha. They made the claim but it was an average dog. 😉
Castaway with Crystal says
OMGGG all that food looked so damn goooood! I’d probably like the walking/driving tour best I think 🙂
Paul says
This looks like a lovely little town to explore with lots to keep you busy! Those e bikes look cool to get around on and all the food looks amazing, thanks for sharing!
MelodyPittman says
Sure thing! I am gaga over these e-bikes. 😉
Vibeke Johannessen says
This seems like a really cute and charming town. That big oak looks incredible:D Staying at South Eden Resort sounds glorious 😀 This sounds like a perfect place for a girls trip visiting the winery and tasting all the food. Thank you for letting me know about this place 😀 I will definitely keep it mind when I visit the US 😀
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! Thanks for reading. I hope to stay at South Eden some time.
Sianna says
I would have never thought that there are so many cool things to do there! The rose garden looks amazing and I would love to visit during the Rose show. Food is my favourite part of every trip so some local dishes would be lovely… and that creme brulee!
MelodyPittman says
I know. Hidden jewel! Hope you will consider visiting some day. 😉
Mellissa Williams says
Georgia looks beautiful. We have travelled to New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville but want to explore Georgia more. I love the look of Paxton House especially.
MelodyPittman says
Wonderful! Georgia has some fantastic cities to explore. Be sure to consider St. Simons Island and Lake Oconee, too. 😉
Danik says
Now Thomasville looks like a pretty town to go and wander but you got me at the food. The photos of them have got me wet inside my mouth and I am licking my lips. I love the places you go to to find great food places off the beaten track and I can’t wait to get back to the states one day and check these out. 🙂
MelodyPittman says
Thanks so much Danik. That is a very nice compliment. I have found that I love telling the stories about “Main Street USA” and places you might never experience because you didn’t know they existed. 😉
Sandy N Vyjay says
What a beautiful place Thomasville is! I would love to go on that electric bicycle ride. Have never rode an electric one! It must be quite convenient when one wants to take a break from pedalling. Would also love to visit the Rose gardens and the museum. 🙂
MelodyPittman says
Sandy, you would not believe how easy it is! I think regardless of weight or how long its been since you’ve been on a bike, the E bikes are sturdy and make you feel very stable. Plus you can pedal as much or as little as you want based on how much energy you have or how much exercise you want to achieve. 😉
Hazel Tolentino says
I knew it! I should’ve gone to Georgia when I was in Qatar and try this. Now, I need to get a visa. Argh. But will still try.
Rosemary says
What a cute and charming small town. So much to do and see. Out of curiosity, what makes the hotdog, the world’s best? You had me at local wines and chocolates. I’ve not spent enough time in Georgia, and the next time I do, I’ll be checking out Thomasville.
MelodyPittman says
Wonderful to hear. I think you would definitely like Thomasville. Girl…I have no idea. It was a chili dog like any other, squishy bun, just a hot dog. I love it when the signs make those bold claims though. 😉
Megan Jerrard says
Thomasville, Georgia sounds like it has a lot going on – I LOVE the ingenuity of calling to have your picture taken at the Big Oak – what a cool treat, almost like sending yourself a postcard from your trip! Would love to explore the Plantations too (Pebble Hill Plantation looks quite the mansion!) and I can never turn down good authentic southern food! Thanks for the introduction, I hope to travel soon 🙂
MelodyPittman says
Awesome! Are you guys headed to the US any time in the near future?
Jenna says
I never really knew much about Thomasville, Georgia, but it looks like a fantastic city! The wine, chocolate and cookie pairing sounds so amazing! I would love to give that a try–such a fun concept. The electric bikes and food all look fantastic, too!
MelodyPittman says
Glad you liked! I recommend this city to anyone wanting to experience the South or find a unique destination in Georgia. 😉
Jean McWaters says
Can’t wait to go to T vile I was born there but left @ 4 yrs of age Many trips back Family reunions grandparents but not as an adult
MelodyPittman says
That is so awesome! Thomasville is a very special place to me. Just a beautiful community and town. Have fun.