Guide To A Weekend Getaway In Thomson, GA
Looking for an affordable weekend getaway that's also a great day trip option? Thomson, GA, just a short drive from Athens, Atlanta, and Augusta, offers the best of both worlds. Whether you explore its rich history, indulge in the local food scene, or enjoy the incredible outdoor opportunities, Thomson is a true slice of Southern Heaven.
The Thomson Depot
Where To Stay
You'll find a good selection of places to stay in Thomson. If you're looking for a hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites, and Comfort Inn & Suites all offer free breakfast and Wi-Fi. For something a little different, check out the Airbnb options, like the cute "lil Cottage at Usry House" right in the middle of downtown.
Are you interested in camping? Thomson is the perfect place for it! There are three campgrounds on Clarks Hill Lake in town. The Big Hart Campground has water/electric hook-up sites plus non-hook-up sites, picnic areas and a large picnic shelter with 30 amp electrical service, swimming beach, playground, boat ramp, and dock. Raysville Campground offers 55 electric sites, each equipped with water/electric hook-ups, two shower/restroom facilities, a boat ramp, and dock. This campground is on Georgia's Little River part of Clarks Hill Lake. The McDuffie Public Fishing Area Campground has both tent and full-hookup RV campsites, restrooms, bathhouses, covered picnic pavilion with tables and grills, concrete boat ramps, 13 ponds stocked with fish, a hatchery, and education center.
Head over to Visit Thomson's website for more information and to book your stay.
What To Do
Perhaps the biggest draw in Thomson, GA is Clarks Hill Lake. Also known as Lake Strom Thurmond, this reservoir (on the border between Georgia and South Carolina) provides a plethora of water opportunities. Enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and kayaking on the lake or hiking, biking, hunting, and bird watching along the banks. For more in-depth information, read 10 Things To Do At Clarks Hill Lake.
Shopping is another popular activity in Thomson. Local stores offer everything from antiques to boutiques and art to jewelry. Click here to view the complete Thomson Shopping Guide.
Interested in history? Take a self-guided history tour through Thomson to check out all of the town's historical sites. You will see the home of Georgia's Populist Party co-founder (Hickory Hill), visit the oldest stone residence in Georgia (Rock House), and learn about the lost colony of Wrightsboro (McDuffie Museum) on your tour.
Document your time in Thomson on Instagram by posting a picture of one of the painted Stella guitar replicas scattered throughout town, known as McTell's 12 String Strut. Use #VisitThomsonGA to be featured on Thomson's Instagram.
Need help picking out what to do while you are in town? Here are 9 Things To Do In Thomson.
Where To Eat
You can find just about every kind of cuisine in Thomson--American, Barbecue, Italian, Mexican, Pizza, Seafood, and all of your Southern favorites.
Bordeaux Steak & Seafood provides an upscale dining experience, offering a delightful combination of premium steaks and fresh seafood in a warm and inviting setting.
Deep South Cheese and Grill is unique restaurant offering poutine served a variety of ways. Visiting Thomson when your favorite football, basketball, baseball, or hockey team is playing? Catch the game while eating at Hogie Joe's Sports Grill. You can even enjoy New York style pizza at Fernanda's Grill & Pizzeria.
Chain restaurant fans will be happy, as there is a Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's, and Waffle House (a Georgia staple!) in Thomson, too.
For more information about Thomson's food scene, check out these 8 Great Eats In Thomson!
When To Visit
Thomson has a lot of fun community events, so be sure to look at Thomson's Event Calendar when planning your trip. Shopping at the local lavender farm on Fridays, live music, workshops, paint classes, and yoga retreats are just some of Thomson's special events.
Visit Thomson in September for the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, celebrating roots music and the blues, or the first Saturday in November for the Belle Meade Hunt Opening, an unforgettable McDuffie County tradition.
Guide To Thomson, Georgia
As you can see, Thomson is a small town with a lot to offer. Whether you visit with your whole family, significant other, or girlfriends, you are sure to have a great weekend getaway in Thomson, GA.
Need more help planning your Thomson vacation? Stop by the Thomson-McDuffie County Convention & Visitors Bureau in the heart of downtown Thomson (149 Main Street).
Taylor Pittman Hardy of Wherever I May Roam Blog wrote this article.