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Georgia’s Hidden Gem

There’s nothing better than discovering hidden gems Take a break from shopping to grab a bite at a down-
in Georgia’s small towns, and Thomson Ga has a few town eatery. Try Fernanda’s Grille and Pizzeria for a
to discover. Shops like MAC on Main offer locally-made New York slice. Sit in the courtyard – an ideal alcove
products in the charming southern setting of down- for eating with a view of downtown. Or, grab a, hand-
town Thomson. At MAC on Main, the artwork of local pattied burger or steak at Hogie Joe’s Sports Grill. Once
artisans fills a gallery with affordable pieces that would refueled, antique lovers will get a thrill hunting for their
make for a great souvenir. Make plans to attend a Sip next purchase at Aunt Tique’s and Uncle Junks; special-
and Dip class or quarterly Open House event. Just out- izing in unusual antiques, stained glass, iron fencing
side the shop is the historic train depot, a centerpiece of and lots more. Happen upon finds like the much-sought-
downtown activity. The Thomson Depot and Railroad after barn door, toys from childhood, or even a miscella-
Street serve as a gathering place where regular events neous assortment of black and white photos for sale by
are hosted each year, including a farmers market on the cash register. While in downtown, catch a flick at the
Saturdays during the growing season. Thomson Twin Cinema, still showing first-run movies
Stroll the tree-lined sidewalks and take turns dipping and 3-D shows. A short drive from downtown, Sunset
into one treasure trove after another. With a friendly Auctions hosts twice-a-month auctions drawing crowds
smile Lori Ducey at Anna Lou Design’s welcomes wom- from near and far.
en into her cutting-edge boutique where most pieces are Expand your appreciation for the area with a visit
under $60. Ducey has recently introduced Anna Lou To to McDuffie Museum housed inside a former bank in
Go, a decked out Fashion RV that pops up at different downtown. See artifacts like the original tombstone of
events and locations all over the counties surround- blues legend, Blind Willie McTell. Visit the gift shop for
ing Thomson. Individual vendors proffer wares, from memorable a souvenir like a DVD documentary about
antiques to handmade pillows at Laura Lane’s Home the musician. In the museum’s theater, a converted bank
Décor and Gifts, a shopping destination for dressing vault, watch a 15-minute clip about McDuffie County’s
your house or the go-to place when it comes to picking famed Belle Meade Hunt. The museum also showcases
up a gift for someone special. While here, don’t miss get- the work of renowned folk artist Jake T. McCord, and
ting your paws on some spicy cheese straws or pimento houses the old front porch of Mr. McCord’s home.
cheese spread locally-made by McDuffie County’s
Chinaberry Foods.
For more info about Thomson, visit
www.VisitThomsonGa.com.
Elizabeth Vance has been the Director of the
Thomson-McDuffie County CVB for 8 years. A lifelong Georgia resident, she is passionate about Georgia Tourism.
For more information about the Thomson area, contact Elizabeth at evance@thomson-mcduffie.net.
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