What To Do

   In The Area

Americus Garden Inn

Bed & Breakfast

“where history meets romance…”

Local Attractions

Whatever brings you to Americus and Sumter County, Georgia, there are plenty of local attractions to entertain and enlighten any visitor.  We know you will find something of interest for you!

We want you to make the most of your time in our area and understand how difficult it can be deciding what to do.  Most people find that one day does not allow enough time to enjoy the area's offerings.  Allow us to offer some insights and suggestions to assist you.

One of the 2 National Historic Sites located within 15 minutes of Americus is the Andersonville National Historic Site , the location of the most infamous Civil War prison, Camp Sumter.  It is also home to the Andersonville National Military Cemetery and the National Prisoner of War Museum dedicated to POWs from all wars involving American soldiers.

Every year, the Chapters of Rolling Thunder host a special weekend to honor all former Prisoners of War and remember those still Missing in Action with "The Ride Home".  This event coincides with National POW Recognition Day in September and is held at Andersonville. (For High Performance Motorcycles, visit Star Racing here in Americus.)

Andersonville Civil War Village located in the City of Andersonville is home to the Drummer Boy Museum.  The Andersonville Historic Fair is an annual festival the first weekend in October every year featuring reenactments, craftsmen, music, food and fun.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR INSIDER TIPS ON ANDERSONVILLE

Oak Grove Cemetery in Americus is the oldest active cemetery in the state of Georgia.  Established in 1856, Oak Grove Cemetery is the final resting place for many of Georgia's historic figures including several state chief justices, an 1865 candidate for governor, the minister to France under President Monroe and soldiers from Native American, Mexican and Civil wars.  Of the 202 Confederate guards from Andersonville prison who perished, 86 were disinterred and shipped home.  The remaining 116 were moved from the cemetery at Andersonville and re-interred "in a place of honor" in Oak Grove Cemetery along with a number of "unknown" Confederate soldiers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON OAK GROVE CEMETERY

The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is comprised of Jimmy Carter's Boyhood Farm (in Archery), the Plains High School Museum and Welcome Center, and the Plains Train Depot.   Most people take a total of about 3 hours to see the entire Historic Site.

Several Sundays a month, you can attend Jimmy Carter Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church.  Stay for worship services and you may have a photo taken with President and Mrs. Carter afterwards.

For a unique way to arrive in Plains, you might consider the SAM Shortline Excursion Train.  The route travels from Cordele through Americus to Plains and Archery, depending on the schedule.

In September, folks come from all around the globe for the annual Plains Peanut Festival.  Activities include a 1-mile fun run, a 5-K road race, a downtown parade, all-day activities, educational exhibits, a folk play and a street dance!     

CLICK HERE FOR OUR INSIDER TIPS ON JIMMY CARTER NHS

 Habitat for Humanity International Operational Headquarters is located in downtown Americus, where it was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller.  In 2005, the Fullers established another organization here in Americus, The Fuller Center for Housing.

The Global Village and Discovery Center features examples of Habitat's incredible work around the world and interactive exhibits.  The Global Village is just minutes from downtown Americus and the self-guided tour takes about 1.5 hours for most people.  Donations are appreciated.

721 W. Church Street, Americus, GA 31709  (229) 410-7937

Across the street from the Global Village is a very special friend of the Americus Garden Inn, Cafe Campesino Roastery and Coffee House.  Cafe Campesino specializes in freshly roasted, 100% fair-trade organic coffee.  Together, we have developed a signature blend especially for the Americus Garden Inn.  When you purchase the Americus Garden Inn Signature Blend, a portion of the proceeds benefits the Sumter Historic Trust Revolving Fund which helps preserve and protect our community's historic treasures.  You can request a tour of the roastery, enjoy one of their coffee drinks, and on Friday mornings, you can participate in a "cupping".  It is similar to a wine tasting, but, of course,  it is coffee. 725 Spring Street, Americus, Georgia (229) 924-2468

Koinonia Partners is home of the Cotton Patch Gospel, Habitat for Humanity International, Fuller Center for Housing, Jubilee Partners, Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition.  Founded in Americus in 1942 by Clarence and Florence Jordan, and Martin and Mabel England, Koinonia is a Christian community embracing peaceful coexistence, justice and respect.  We strongly recommend viewing the video "Briars in the Cotton Patch", (available in the Americus Garden Inn video library) a documentary by Faith Fuller highlighting the struggles endured by the farm and the community.  Tours can be arranged by advance appointment and lunch is available to visitors.  Most people spend 3-4 hours.   1324 GA Hwy 49S, Americus, GA 31719  (229) 924-0391

The Rylander Theater, located in the downtown Historic District, is a beautifully restored 1920's vaudeville theater featuring dramatic and musical entertainment.  Designed by C.K. Howell of New York, the Rylander is a visual feast of ornate plaster work, beautiful stencil patterns, and painted murals.  310 W Lamar St, Americus, GA 31709 Free tours are available.  (229) 931-0001

The Rylander is home to the Sumter Players, Americus and Sumter County Georgia's local community theater troop performing live theater
comedies, dramas, musicals and children's shows and using homegrown talent since 1965. (229) 924-2645

About 15 minutes from Americus in the town of Leslie, you will find the Georgia Rural Telephone Museum which is the largest and oldest  collection of telecommunication devices in the world.  Admission is $5 for a 1 hour guided tour between 9:00am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday.  Although this sounds "hokey", most people really enjoy this venue.   135 North Bailey Avenue, Leslie, GA 31764   (229) 874-4786

For a quick aviation history lesson, head to Jimmy Carter Regional Airport, formerly Souther Field, the location of the first solo flight of Charles Lindbergh in May 1923.

Speaking of flying, remote control plane enthusiasts love to come to Americus for Hodges Hobbies.  The big event of the year is the Southeast Electric Flight Festival (SEFF) hosted by the Fayette Flyers Model Airplane Club.  The field is less than 15 minutes from Americus.

428 Neil Hodges Rd, Andersonville, Georgia 31711  (866) 924-9505  

Buena Vista is about 35 minutes Northwest of Americus and is home to the internationally acclaimed visionary art site known as Pasaquan.

Created by Eddie Owen Martin, later known as St. EOM, Pasaquan  consists of a series of vividly painted concrete walls and buildings that portray the artist' vision of the future. Pasaquan is a prime example of 20th-Century folk art in America and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Open the first Saturday of the month, April through November 10:00am - 4:00pm.  Admission is $5. 
238 Eddie Martin Road, Buena Vista, GA 31803   (229) 649-9444
 

Lumpkin Georgia is about 45 minutes West of Americus and is home to Westville and Providence Canyon.  A perfect day trip from Americus.

Historic Westville Georgia's 1850 Living History Museum preserves, demonstrates and interprets village life in pre-1860 West Georgia.  Please see their calendar of events for further information.

Admission:  $10/Adults, $8/Seniors/Military

9294 Singer Pond Rd., Lumpkin, GA 31815 (888) 733-1850

Providence Canyon is known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” caused by poor farming practices in the 1800's leading to the massive gullies.  There are several miles of hiking trails and a 7 mile back country trail.  Providence Canyon is a Georgia State Outdoor Recreation Area.  Park hours are:   September 15-April 14 7AM-6PM
April 15-September 14 7AM-9PM   $5 Parking Fee (Wed. Free)

Massee Lane Gardens, home of the American Camellia Society, is located in Fort Valley, about 1 hour from Americus.  Massee Lane Gardens is an incredible 100+ acre botanical garden and has been designated as "A Garden of Excellence" by the International Camellia Society.  The Abendroth Japanese Garden, the Scheibert Rose Garden, and countless plantings of daffodils, daylilies, chrysanthemums, azaleas, flowering trees, annuals and perennials create year-round beauty. Admission is $5/Adults, $4/Seniors 

Garden Hours: Tues thru Sat: 10AM - 4:30PM Sunday: 1PM - 4:30PM

100 Massee Lane, Fort Valley, Georgia 31030  (877) 422-6355

Golfers, Americus is one of the cheapest places to play golf.  Greens fees with a cart start as low as $25 for 18 holes!  If you want to stay close, you can choose from Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center (part of Georgia Southwestern State University), Wolf Creek Golf Club and Brickyard Plantation Golf Course.  A 30 minute drive will take you to Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course.  Visit their websites for specific details.

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Revised and maintained by

Susan Egelseer

Copyright © 2011  [Americus Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast]. All rights reserved.
 Revised: 03/14/12.