Agritourism in Dearing, Ga

The small town of Dearing, Georgia was founded on the old Stagecoach Road when the railroad first went through in 1837. The town was named after William Dearing who was the President of the Georgia Railroad Banking Company. Dearing was mostly a logging community in it’s early days and is now an agricultural hub for McDuffie County. As Fall approaches, here is how you can enjoy this small farm town!

Hillcrest Dairy Farm

Are you curious about how a dairy farm works or maybe you’d just like to take the kids to see some cows but don’t know where to go? Here’s your chance!

Every farm tour is a bit different, but expect to learn all about milk production and how raw milk goes from the cows to the bottle. Hillcrest is a working farm, so be sure to dress appropriately for a farm tour and the weather.

It’s not just about the cows. In addition to learning about the milking process, guests see the entire farm and learn about sustainable farming practices, nutritional waste management, and cow comfort, while being pulled in a trolley by an antique tractor!

Giant Plant Sale

McCorkle Nurseries holds their annual Giant Plant Sale every October at their Mattie Harrison location. McCorkle Nurseries opened in 1942 as a family-owned business. Still family-owned, it produces millions of plants each year. It has developed many ornamentals, including the much sought after, Lady in Red hydrangea. The sale site on Luckey's Bridge Road is packed with hard-to-find plants and thousands of staples such as trees, shrubs, junipers, camellias, roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, daylilies, hydrangeas, hostas and more.

White Hills Farm

This small boutique lavender and herb farm offers tours, demos and classes to the public and by appointment for special groups. The farm, while over 30 acres, has 8 acres in cultivation with 14 varieties of lavender which fall in to two categories: culinary and aromatherapy. They also grow a variety of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil and calamint (a native Georgia mint). Touring of the farm and surrounding land is as educational as it is amazingly beautiful. With endless fields, blue skies, the heavenly aroma of herbs everywhere and a picturesque 1890s farmhouse.

Be on the lookout for non-growing season classes, such as cooking, spa grade beauty products, and full day yoga retreats.

State Ponds

Located in Georgia’s upper coastal plain in Dearing, the 570 acre McDuffie Public Fishing area (a.k.a. the State Ponds), encompasses a public fishing area, a warm-water fish hatchery and the McDuffie Environmental Education Center. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the “State Ponds” beckons visitors with an array of outdoor recreational opportunities: seven ponds for quality bream, bass and catfish angling; two archery ranges; a 12-acre dove field; several lakes for waterfowl hunting; a variety of nature trails; kids’ fishing events and adventures held spring, summer and fall; and onsite campground.

Dining in Dearing

Small but mighty, Dearing has more than one restaurant to tempt your taste buds!

Deep South Cheese and Grill, this veteran owned restaurant brings cheese curds and poutine  to the South. Choose from five different types of poutine. Absolutely everything is made as fresh as possible, including the cheese.

Pea Ridge Bar-B-Que, definitely has some good bar-b-cue but you’ll also want to try their catfish and hush puppies!

Steeley’s Grill & Tackle, not only has great food but there are scenic views of a large pond out back. Steeley’s serves full meat & 3 dinners, as well as having some of the best burgers in McDuffie County.

Antiquing & Shopping

If you find yourself with a little more time, nearby Thomson has some great shops to explore!

Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk, The Luckey Charm, MAC on Main Art Gallery, The Saturday Market, and Thrifty Chicks are just a few of the “must see” shops. See a full list here.