Unofficial Guide Issue 5.19: Eat, Visit, Do, and Shop

“What should we do this weekend?”

Easy question, but often the answer is hard to figure out, especially now that kids are out of school and the heat is nearly in full force.

We decided to share some of our favorite things about Georgia – places to eat, sights to visit, things to do, stores to shop. Follow along as we take you to all corners of the state in this series.

EAT: Wish you were in NOLA, but alas, you aren’t? ‘Orleans on Carroll Street in Perry can help fill that empty spot with some etouffe, shrimp ‘n grits, or jambalaya. Or get the trifecta with their Crescent City Trio! While you’re there, check out the rest of downtown Perry. It’s filled with small-town downtown charm, straight out of a Hallmark movie. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

VISIT: The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site, its remnants of the former rice levee and dairy farm, in Brunswick is a wonderful stop if you’re headed to the Golden Isles or north Florida. The State Historic Site is a reminder of the complicated past, as well as the formation of a distinct regional historical, agricultural, and natural treasure on the banks of the Altamaha River in the early to mid-1800s. Added interest: it’s part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

DO: Grab your friends and head to Braselton for a self-guided experience on the Cocktail Trail. Grab a map (download or interactive) and get ready to enjoy the best handcrafted cocktails and mocktails in town. Use the fare-free Braselton Trolley on Fridays and Saturdays, or be a trailblazer by walking the route. Don’t forget to grab a water in between stops, though! #CheersBraselton

SHOP: Monroe, Georgia. The Antiques Capital of Georgia. With over 1200 booths of antique, vintage, and repurposed items, along with the largest antique mall in the Southeast, Monroe-Walton County is the place to head if you’re looking for interesting finds. Bonus: Downtown Monroe is booming and charming.