48 Hours in Thomson, Georgia
Pack a whole lot of fun into your overnight visit.
Any time of year, you can experience temperate weather, Southern hospitality, and plenty of elbow room during an overnight getaway to Thomson, Georgia. Surrounded by natural beauty, Thomson is located just outside of Augusta and a little more than an hour’s drive from Atlanta and Athens on the west side of Clarks Hill Lake.
Whether you prefer to explore on foot or by car, it’s easy to pack a whole lot of fun into every visit to our charming McDuffie County community. Whether you want to delve into local history, shop ‘til you drop, find wallet-friendly freebies, indulge in local cuisine, explore the great outdoors, visit a farm, relax or get adventurous, it’s easy to keep as busy as you want to be for 48 hours—or longer!
Here are some fun places to incorporate into your Thomson itinerary.
What To Do
Get acquainted with historic downtown Thomson during a self-guided walking tour. Download the free guide for a map and information about 23 different points of interest, from historic architecture to modern murals, birth sites to cemeteries, monuments to museums. While strolling from one photo-worthy site to another, learn about the people who helped shape this community and the places where history was—and continues to be—made.
McTell’s 12-String Strut features a collection of seven-foot tall, hand-painted Stella guitar replicas as a public art project to honor of musical legend Blind Willie McTell, who was born in Thomson and is considered one of the most accomplished guitarists and lyrical storytellers in Blues history. Designed by local visual artists, a total of 15 different guitars honoring the influential bluesman are positioned strategically throughout downtown Thomson. Stop by the Thomson Depot to pick up a free map of all locations, see one of the guitars, and listen to an audio presentation about Blind Willie McTell. Also visit the Blind Willie McTell Mural at the end of Central Avenue.
Delve into local history at the McDuffie Museum. Opened in 2008, the free museum keeps historic artifacts on permanent display plus rotates in new temporary exhibits every four months. Step in to learn about the area’s first Native Americans inhabitants, the lost colony of Wrightsboro, which celebrities have visited, and other insights into the 150-year-old McDuffie County and its communities of Thomson, Dearing, and Boneville.
Dig deeper into the past at Wrightsboro Historic District, the site of a Quaker colony that was settled around 1768. The southernmost point of Quaker migration in North America survived as a village until the 1920s. All that remains is the church built in 1810 that replaced the original Wrightsboro Quaker Meeting House, which was built in 1773 but burned in 1779, was rebuilt that same year but burned again in 1810. Standing on the original rock pillars, the multi-denominational church is still used today. The adjacent cemetery is among Georgia’s most historic, with burials dating back to 1800.
The oldest stone structure in Georgia, the Rock House was built by Wrightsboro Quaker Thomas Ansley from 1783 to 1785. Modeled after New Jersey stone houses, its walls are two feet thick! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has a parlor, bedrooms, attic, and a raised basement.
Hickory Hill, a National Historic Landmark, was the final home of Thomas E. Watson, co-founder of the Georgia Populist Party and U.S. Senator. Watson purchased this house in 1900 and renovated it before moving into it in 1904, adding the portico, numerous Greek Revival elements, and extending the home’s rear. Side porches were added around 1912. Watson was quick to adopt modern conveniences and his home’s original electricity was generated on the grounds while two water towers facilitated indoor plumbing. Other structures on the grounds include a barn, corn crib, smokehouse, pigeon cote, garage, peacock run, and one-room schoolhouse built for Watson’s two granddaughters.
Hope to own a piece of history? Hunt for antiques, collectibles, and uncommon treasures from the past and not so long ago at Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk’s. Unique items arrive daily, you never know what you’ll find in the the eye-popping assortment. For more than 20 years the owners have been buying, selling, and trading a wide variety of items, including furniture, musical instruments, vintage signs, knickknacks and doo dads, odds and ends, books, statuary, art, lighting, and other goodies.
Mac on Main Art Gallery, a non-profit established in 2008, is the McDuffie Arts Council’s cooperative gallery. Works by 20 artists are available, including paintings, pottery, woodwork, and jewelry—all of which are juried selections. Come see artists at work, browse, shop, and learn by taking part in your pick among the variety of classes offered in the backroom studio.
Explore more independent retailers such Peacock Hill, which presents seasonal décor and gifts, plus Thomson-McDuffie County historical plates. The Saturday Market has a quirky collection of unique items. The Luckey Charm stocks gift items and souvenirs.
Make your own adventure at any of the six great places for outdoor recreation in McDuffie County. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, exploring, swimming, playing disc golf, paddling, doing archery, picnicking, playing ballgames, waterskiing, camping, or simply being outside, we’ve got you covered.
Two top-notch agritourism stops in nearby Dearing offer on-the-farm fun. Hillcrest Farms, the first robotic dairy farm in Georgia, hosts 90-minute tours of its operation that include opportunities to meet some happy cows. White Hills Farm, which grows lavender and herbs, offers farm tours, hands-on workshops, and an on-site Gift Shoppe that smells delicious.
Where To Eat
Good food served in a convivial atmosphere is readily found in Thomson-McDuffie. Among the popular favorites, Highrail Southern Eatery on Main Street in the former Hadaway’s Department Store in downtown Thomson offers an extensive menu of classic American and Southern fare. Serving cocktails, lunch, and dinner with a focus on quality, fresh ingredients, options include burgers, shrimp & grits, fried catfish, ribeye steaks, and other mouthwatering creations. Hogie Joe’s Sports Grill, also located in downtown Thomson, is best-known for its juicy, cooked-to-order burgers, though the wings, prime rib, and cocktails are equally scrumptious. In Dearing, Deep South Cheese & Grill serves authentic poutine with cheese curds made fresh daily on site using locally-sourced milk, as well as impressive burgers and sausage dogs.
Where To Stay
From campgrounds to hotels, Thomson-McDuffie offers a wide variety of accommodations. The newest hotel, Hampton Inn Thomson is located a mile from downtown Thomson and offers 88 guestrooms—including two with jacuzzis—plus a range of amenities including free parking, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, outdoor pool, and more to ensure a comfortable stay. The luxurious Lodge at Sweetwater Farm is a four-bedroom retreat with an open floor plan, expansive porches, and gourmet kitchen. Big Hart Campground, located on the western end of Clarks Hill Lake, is a pet-friendly property with 31 spacious campsites and amenities including a boat ramp and dock, swimming beach, playground, showers, and more.
From special events to public art, natural beauty to friendly folks, well-worn trails to little-known surprises, there are abundant reasons to visit Thomson McDuffie County. Ready for your weekend getaway to Thomson-McDuffie? Reserve now!