Plains GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Plains, Georgia.
1. Jimmy Carter National Historical Park
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SITE
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park offers a comprehensive look into the life and political career of the 39th U.S. president. The park includes Carter's childhood home, farm, and the Plains High School Visitor Center where he studied. Visitors can also tour the Plains Depot, the headquarters of Carter's 1976 presidential campaign, now a self-guided museum.
2. Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm
HISTORIC CHILDHOOD FARM
The Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm preserves the farm where Carter spent his early years. Visitors can walk the easy 0.5-mile Childhood Farm Trail, which passes animals and historic markers, providing a glimpse into rural life in early 20th-century Georgia. The farm is an intimate part of the larger historical park dedicated to Carter's life.
3. Maranatha Baptist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Maranatha Baptist Church is a well-known religious site in Plains, often visited for its deep community ties and historic significance. It reflects the spiritual background of the town and provides insight into local worship practices. The church is a notable stop for visitors interested in Plains' cultural and religious heritage.
4. Jimmy Carter Peanut of Plains Statue
ICONIC PRESIDENTIAL MONUMENT
The Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue is a large outdoor monument celebrating Carter's farming roots and presidency. This quirky roadside attraction is a popular photo stop symbolizing Plains' peanut farming heritage. It captures the town's pride in its most famous resident.
5. Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall
ANTIQUES AND LODGING
The Plains Historic Inn & Antique Mall combines lodging with an expansive collection of antiques including dishware, home décor, and gifts. It provides visitors with a chance to shop for unique items while enjoying the town's historic atmosphere. The inn also offers a convenient place to stay within walking distance of Plains' main attractions.
6. Plains High School Visitor Center
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Plains High School Visitor Center is a museum housed in the school attended by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. The center offers exhibits on Carter's youth and the town's education history, enriching visitors' understanding of their background. It is a key component of the Carter historical experience in Plains.
7. The Plains Train Depot
HISTORIC CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS
The Plains Train Depot is the oldest building in Plains and served as Jimmy Carter's 1976 campaign headquarters. Now a museum, it provides self-guided tours explaining Carter's presidential journey and local history. The depot is a significant stop for those interested in political history.
8. Billy Carter Gas Station Museum
QUIRKY FAMILY MUSEUM
The Billy Carter Gas Station Museum celebrates the life of Jimmy Carter's brother, Billy, featuring memorabilia and historic items. This unique museum highlights a lighter, personal side of the Carter family story. It is a fun and unusual attraction that complements the presidential sites.
9. Buffalo Cafe at the Old Bank
CASUAL AMERICAN DINING
Buffalo Cafe at the Old Bank offers a welcoming spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Main Street. Their menu features classic American fare including sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads, catering to visitors exploring Plains. The cafe's friendly atmosphere makes it a popular stop during a day of sightseeing.
10. Honey Hush Boutique and Gifts
CHARMING LOCAL SHOPPING
Honey Hush Boutique and Gifts provides shoppers with a selection of bags, apparel, seasonal items, and unique gifts. Located on Main Street, it's a great place for visitors to find souvenirs and fashionable items. The boutique enhances the quaint shopping experience within Plains' historic downtown.
11. Plains Historic District Main Street
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SHOPPING
Plains Historic District Main Street is the heart of the town's shopping and dining scene, featuring antique shops, boutiques, and eateries. Visitors enjoy the small-town charm while exploring local stores and historic locations. The district perfectly combines history with modern visitor amenities.
12. Andersonville National Historic Site
CIVIL WAR PRISON HISTORY
Andersonville National Historic Site, about 20 minutes from Plains, preserves the Confederate prison camp from the Civil War. The site includes a museum, restored prison stockade, and national cemetery, providing a sobering look at Civil War history. It is an essential historical destination in the region.
13. Providence Canyon State Park
GEORGIA'S LITTLE GRAND CANYON
Providence Canyon State Park, about 45 minutes from Plains, features stunning colorful canyon formations created by soil erosion. The 2,706-acre park offers hiking trails, picnic shelters, campsites, and a small museum. It is a popular outdoor destination for nature lovers and photographers.
14. The Pink Pig Barbecue
LOCAL BBQ FAVORITE
The Pink Pig Barbecue in nearby Americus serves classic Southern barbecue favorites in a casual setting. Known for its smoked meats and friendly service, it attracts both locals and visitors. The restaurant offers an authentic taste of Southern cuisine close to Plains.
15. Coastal Plain Vineyards
LOCAL WINERY EXPERIENCE
Coastal Plain Vineyards, near Plains in Americus, offers wine tastings and tours of their scenic vineyard. Visitors enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sampling regional wines made from native grapes. The vineyard adds a refined complement to a trip exploring southwest Georgia.