Don’t skip Winder on your way to Athens

Winder’s history can be traced through its names. It was Snodon when the Creeks lived here. White settlers called it the Jug, then Jug Tavern. After the Civil War, when the town became a stop on the Atlanta-to-Athens run, it became Winder. Originally the town sat at the intersection of three counties, but in 1914 Barrow County was created, with Winder as its seat.

When it was a railroad and mill town in the early 1900s, hundreds of employees streamed into downtown Winder for lunch at mom-and-pop restaurants when the clock struck noon. Today, the mills are gone and the trains (dozens each day) roll through town without stopping, but there are still quite a few good locally owned restaurants. Add to that some interesting shops, a beautiful golf course and the second-most-visited state park in Georgia, and travelers will find Winder a worthwhile place to visit.

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LISA LOWE STAUFFER/Special

The old Gainesville Midland Train, a traditional steam locomotive that was retired in 1959, stands on display in town. Winder is rich in history. Its most famous son, Sen. Richard Russell, was one of America’s most powerful, controversial politicians for decades.

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Fort Yargo State Park near Winder draws half a million people a year. There’s a lot to do and see in the town, which is one of the oldest, most scenic communities in the metro Atlanta area.

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LISA LOWE STAUFFER/Special

Fort Yargo was built in 1792, a decade and a half after the American Revolution, as white settlers pushed into Creek territory. Monthly historical re-enactments help bring these times to life.

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Don’t miss

• Fort Yargo State Park hosts more than a half-million visitors each year, making it one of Georgia’s most popular state parks. Centered on a 260-acre lake, it is a Muddy Spokes Club park with 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. For a fee of $10, mountain bikers get a card, then ride all of the 11 Muddy Spokes trails in Georgia state parks. When they return the completed card, they get a T-shirt and bragging rights.

Fishing, swimming, camping, mini-golf, tennis, disc-golf and boat rentals (summer only) are also available. Seasonal activities such as hayrides, caroling and concerts by the lake add to the fun. For history buffs, well-preserved Fort Yargo, built by settlers in 1792, is brought to life the third weekend each month with living history re-enactors. 210 S. Broad St., 1 mile south of Winder on Ga. 81. $3 day use, www.gastateparks.org/info/ftyargo.

• The Chimneys Golf Course. Hand-laid rockwork complements the rolling hills, hardwoods and meandering creek of this par-72 course. Even with the drought, the Chimneys stays green by using recycled water. 338 Monroe Highway/Ga. 11. 770-307-4900, www.chimneysgc.com. Rates are $26-$47, discounts available for Barrow County residents and golfers under 21.

• Gainesville Midland Train. One of the last steam locomotives, this engine ran between Athens and Gainesville until it was retired in 1959. Today it’s housed next to the old depot/Chamber of Commerce offices in downtown Winder. During special events, the train is open to visitors.

• Corner Bookstore. Housed in an old hardware store, this independent bookstore of 60,000 volumes has something for everyone. There’s no fancy coffee shop, but the coffee pot in the back is always on. 43 N. Jackson St., 770-867-5800.

IF YOU GO

Getting there: From Atlanta, take I-85 north and go east on Ga. 316. Turn left on Winder Highway/Ga. 81. Cross the railroad tracks for downtown Winder. From the intersection of I-85 and I-285, it’s about 32 miles to Winder.

Where to eat:

Mighty Casey’s Dawgs. Housed in an 1870s general store, it serves Nathan’s hot dogs and a whole lot more. Owners Chris Humble and Susan Hibbert make everything from fries to burgers to barbecue fresh from scratch daily. The Winder chicken stew is made from a generations-old recipe. 53 N. Jackson St., $2-$6.25.

Magnolia Place Restaurant. Southern-style buffet with don’t-miss desserts: peach cobbler, peanut butter pie, banana pudding and more. 13 N. Broad St., 770-307-0061. $6.95 lunch buffet weekdays and Saturdays, $8.49-$9.99 dinner buffet weekends, $9.99 Sunday lunch, $3.99 children’s buffet, ages 3-10; children younger than under 3 eat free.

Information: www.cityofwinder.com