Once an agricultural community in rural Sumter County, present-day Americus is easing into its newest role as a tourist destination. Part of the Presidential Pathways region, so named by Georgia’s state tourism office, its pastoral location in the upper coastal plains of the state makes it an easy fit.
The city, located along a former major rail line, was a mini-metropolis of the late 19th and early 20th century Cotton Belt. Many of its architectural treasures from this era remain intact.
Today, Americus is the international headquarters for Habitat for Humanity. Nearby is the smaller town of Plains, most famous for being the hometown of former President Jimmy Carter, and Andersonville, the Civil War prison camp.
Don’t miss
Andersonville National Historic Site: The scenic setting of Andersonville among the rolling plains of Georgia belies its history. An infamous Confederate prison camp where Union soldiers were held during the Civil War, it's hard for modern-day tourists to fathom that so much human suffering occurred in such a pretty locale. To gain perspective on a tumultuous time in the nation's history, a visit to Andersonville is imperative. www.nps.gov/ande/index.htm.
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site: Just west of Americus is the small town of Plains, where Carter grew up and still teaches Sunday school on occasion at Maranatha Baptist Church. The National Park Service maintains the site, which includes the old Plains High School, train depot and boyhood home of the 39th president of the United States. www.nps.gov/jica.
Windsor Hotel: Built in 1892, the Windsor is like a Southern version of a Victorian castle with towers, turrets and a grand three-tiered atrium for a lobby. It's one of the best places to stay in the Americus area, but even if you aren't a guest, you're welcome to pay a visit by dining at Amelia's Restaurant or grabbing a cocktail at Floyd's Pub in this historic hotel. www.windsor-americus.com.
Rylander Theatre: An ornate 1920s-era theater, the Rylander had been shuttered for 40 years before undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration and being reopened in 1999. Living up to its billing as "The Finest Playhouse South of Atlanta," the theater hosts popular and award-winning plays, such as the upcoming "Twelve Angry Men" (November) and "South Pacific" (March 2010). www.rylander.org.
Habitat for Humanity's Global Village and Discovery Center: A 6-acre plot of land where visitors can experience a variety of living conditions from around the world and see how the organization's efforts to eliminate poverty housing are working on an international scale. A visit to the center is a little like traveling the world without leaving Georgia. www.habitat.org/gvdc.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train: A train that is actually a rolling state park and historic site, the acronym SAM stands for the name of the original rail line that ran along these tracks in the 19th century – the Savannah, Americus and Montgomery Railroad Co. Today it is a shortline tourist sightseeing train that still runs the old route between Cordele and Archery, making stops in Plains, Leslie and Americus along the way. www.samshortline.com.
If you go
Getting there: Americus is about 150 miles from downtown Atlanta. From Atlanta, head south on I-75 (take I-475 to bypass Macon) to Exit 127. Turn right and head west on Ga. 26 for about 20 miles; turn left on Ga. 49, which will take you into Americus. (You will pass Andersonville about 10 miles north of Americus.)
Where to stay
Windsor Hotel (see description above): 125 W. Lamar St., Americus, 31709; 888-297-9567; www.windsor-americus.com. Rates start at $101.
Plains Historic Inn: Offers room themes from different decades of the 20th century. Request your decade when making reservations. 106 Main St., Plains; 229-824-4517, www.plainsinn.net. Rates start at $74.50.
Where to eat
Gladys' Kitchen: Fried green tomatoes and other Southern specialties. 1009 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Americus; 229-928-1975. Entree price range: $4 to $8. Lunch only, except for Thursday and Friday nights, dinner served 5 to 9 p.m.
The Station:
Southern dishes, steaks, chicken and seafood. 222 W. Lamar St., Americus; 229-931-5398. Entree price range: $10 to $30. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday. Dinner only on Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Information: Americus-Sumter County Tourism Welcome Center, 123 W. Lamar St.; 229-928-6059; www.therealgeorgia.com.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
