Take a Drive

4 Tiny Towns To Visit Nearby

By Erin Kenney

Whether you’re a seasoned Athens visitor or a first-time guest, stepping outside of downtown Athens or the UGA campus will give you a chance to explore new restaurants, farms, parks and shops. These small towns are all within a 30-minute drive from downtown.

Comer

17 miles northeast

If you’re a coffee enthusiast or a whiskey collector, Comer has a place for you. Head there to pick up custom coffee blends from Comer Coffee Co. or grab a bottle of Georgia-made whiskey from Soldier of the Sea Distillery. Nearby, stop by 3 Porch Farm’s Farm Store (open seasonally) to browse candles, vases, gardening tools and of course, farm-fresh flowers. Comer is a 6-mile drive away from Watson Mill Bridge State Park, where visitors can explore trails and splash in the Broad River. Oasis Asian Market sells Asian snacks and grocery staples.

Lexington

20 miles east

History buffs head east to Lexington, in rural Oglethorpe County. On your drive, you’ll pass through Crawford, where you can stop and see the William H. Crawford Cemetery and grab a coffee from Cafe Racer. In Lexington, visit the historic 1887 Oglethorpe County Courthouse and grab fruits and veggies from Strickland Pride Produce. On Fridays and Saturdays, visit the Rowdy Rooster for a sandwich and scone before heading to Shaking Rock Park, which earned its name from a perfectly balanced boulder that moved when it was pressed by a hand. The rock no longer moves, but the park is still worth checking out.

Watkinsville

9 miles south

Classic City visitors shouldn’t miss out on all that Oconee County has to offer. Visit downtown Watkinsville to try favorites like Jittery Joe’s, or grab steak and seafood at Chops & Hops. For yoga in a peaceful but eclectic setting, visit donation-based Let It Be Yoga for a session in the barn. For something a bit more adventurous, you could try Oconee Joe’s kayak trips or take a tree climbing class at Wild Rice Adventures.

Winterville

6 miles east

Winterville began as a railroad town, and today, it’s the only municipality within Athens-Clarke County. In spring and summer, hit the weekly Marigold Market for food and artisan goods. Year-round, visit the Front Porch Bookstore, a nonprofit that sells donated books to raise money for the library. Sweet Olive Farm, an animal rescue, has volunteer hours on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. You can also walk, run or bike the Winterville section of the Firefly Trail. Then head to Little City Diner for brunch.