Five Ways to Enjoy Fall in Washington-Wilkes County, Georgia
As the leaves begin to change and there is a touch of autumn in the air, Washington-Wilkes in Georgia becomes alive with festivals, outdoor fun, and of course, University of Georgia Football! Whether you're passing through on your way to Athens or looking for a relaxing getaway, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy during this beautiful season. Here are five fantastic ways to make the most of fall in this charming and historic Georgia town.
Festivals and Fun
Fall brings a flutter of festivals to the area, perfect for exploring the history of Wilkes County, Georgia and the remarkable collection of Washington Georgia historic homes – more than 100 Greek Revival mansions, spectacular gabled Victorian homes and charming cottages along tree lined streets, some of the most beautiful historic homes to visit in Georgia. No wonder Southern Living Magazine has called Washington “one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia”.
Mark your calendars for these exciting events:
- Treat yourself to the 43rd annual Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival at Callaway Plantation, in Washington, GA on October 12. - Step back in time at Callaway Plantation and enjoy this unique festival celebrating the area's agricultural heritage at this 1860’s Greek revival home and its original 1785 homestead farm. The festival honors the humble animal that literally bore the burden of the agrarian lifestyle of our earlier settlers and promises a day of family fun with demonstrations by blacksmiths, basket weavers, leather making and other skillful heritage makers in Georgia.
- Resthaven Revisited: October 19th, 2024, from 6-11 PM - History comes to life after dark as you visit Resthaven Cemetery, a 160-year-old cemetery and historic landmark near downtown Washington. Actors in period costumes from The Washington Little Theater share tales of those interred there, many who played key roles in Wilkes County, Ga history, as you wander around ornate monuments and headstones marking the final resting places of spirits long passed away. Do you dare?
- I’d Rather Be in Tignall Fall Festival: November 9th – If you’re in the area hunting, fishing or enjoying waters around Clark Hill Lake, why not take in this celebration of autumn with local crafts, food, and entertainment. Perfect small-town fun on an autumn day.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Fall is the perfect time to experience the rich outdoor sporting life that Washington-Wilkes has to offer.
Wilkes County offers great locations for your hunting expeditions, including opportunities to find hunting leases in Georgia. As you’re planning your hunting season, start with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2024–2025 Hunting & Fishing Regulations to review rules, seasons, limits and other information.
Pope Plantation, just outside Washington, offers full hunting experiences for both quail and deer, including guides, bird dogs and a 1800’s era farm house lodge. And, they can provide transportation from the Washington-Wilkes airport, only 10 minutes away.
The 2,900-acre Fishing Creek Wildlife Management Area in nearby Tignall offers hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl.
If fishing is more your style, cast a line at Fishing Creek Lake or Holliday Park or venture out to Clark Hill Lake for bass fishing or a day on the water.
Hike through History
American Revolutionary War Kettle Creek Battlefield, just outside Washington, offers both historical significance and scenic trails. Crunching leaves underfoot and winding around remnants and memorials to one of the most significant Revolutionary War battles in Georgia, imagine the Patriot soldiers, small in number, who surprised the Loyalists and effectively drove the British out of northeast Georgia, leading the way to independence. Each February, Historic Washington presents Revolutionary Days, one of the most impressive Revolutionary War reenactments in Georgia, a key role in Wilkes County Georgia history, not to be missed.
For a unique experience, bring your kayak or canoe and paddle along the Little River Water Trail and immerse yourself in the fall foliage from a different perspective. Don't miss out on nearby Mistletoe State Park and Elijah Clark State Park, both offering a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels.
Camp Under the Stars
Autumn nights are an ideal time for spending a night (or several) under the stars. Washington-Wilkes boasts excellent camping and RV facilities. You’ll find some great sites for Clark Hill Lake camping or set up camp at Skull Shores Park and Campground. Or get in a few rounds of golf and enjoy the amenities at Washington Country Club and RV Park. Fall camping allows you to experience the changing seasons up close and personal with warm days and cool nights.
Scenic Drives and College Football
Nothing can better describe the perfect Georgia autumn afternoon than the beauty of a scenic drive through the countryside, especially when the destination is ultimately to take in college football. Why not take the scenic route on your drive to Athens and University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium from Augusta or points nearby. Just a 45-mile drive to Athens and a great stopover, Washington has plenty of places to eat, with a variety of restaurants, bars, a bistro and even a wine café. You can cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs Dawgs (or your favorite team) at The Washington Tavern, Vegas Sports bar and Grill, Next Level Sports Bar & Grill and other Washington favorites.
You may want to avoid the crowds around the stadium altogether and relax instead in one of the cool places to stay in Washington, including the historic Fitzpatrick Hotel, a national chain hotel like Quality Inn, Chantilly Plantation and other area bed and breakfasts and Airbnb’s.
Another Unforgettable Road Trip
Just a short drive from Atlanta, Athens and Augusta, Washington Wilkes Georgia has many places to explore history, enjoy nature and admire the beauty of this historic small town. You’ll want to visit over and over.
Atlanta – 110 miles
Athens – 45 miles
Augusta – 55 miles
Washington-Wilkes Georgia
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