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Historic buildings along Water Street in Bainbridge, Georgia. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

9 Warmest Georgia Towns For A Winter Visit

Are you looking for an adventure-filled town in the state of Georgia to visit during January? Are you searching for that great locale that appeases the entire family while avoiding the colder temperatures? Here are nine of the coziest towns in the 鈥淧each State鈥 that are, on average, warm enough not to have to worry about what the temperature is all the time. From the town of Brunswick, along the coast of the Atlantic, to Bainbridge, in the southwestern corner of the state, these nine towns are home to some incredible attributes that might just allow you to leave your jacket in the car.

Brunswick

Mary Ross Park in Brunswick, Georgia.
A historic building in Mary Ross Park in Brunswick, Georgia. Editorial credit: Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

Reaching average highs of 61掳F during January, picturesque Brunswick is known best for its natural attractions, like Blythe Island Regional Park, the Marshes of Glynn, and Mary Ross Waterfront Park. Ode to the weather, visitors can spend time watching crashing waves, falling leaves, and more during the winter season. Along with these nature-oriented locations that speak of a close-knit community, Brunswick is home to several places that support history, like the Historic Ritz Theater, built in 1899, Old Glynn County Courthouse, built in 1906-1907, and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation from the early 19th century. Visitors of Brunswick are also encouraged to stop by Lover鈥檚 Oak, a 900-year-old majestic Oak Tree in historic downtown Brunswick that shines during colder weather.

Waycross

Ware County Courthouse in Waycross, Georgia.
The Ware County Courthouse in Waycross, Georgia. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

With two historic districts and a plethora of parks in the area, the pastoral town of Waycross is an excellent place to visit during the winter season. Averaging 51掳F in mid-January, this town of 14,000 permanent residents is perfect for some outdoor fun. The mild temperatures make spots like Laura S. Walker State Park, Okefenokee Heritage Center, and Okefenokee Swamp Park perfect during winter. Several other attractions call Waycross home as well, including the Okefenok, also known as 鈥淥bediah's Okefenok,鈥 a traditional pioneer homestead from the 19th century belonging to the legendary Obediah Barber, coined the 鈥淜ing of the Swamp.鈥

Thomasville

Downtown Thomasville in Georgia.
View of downtown Thomasville in Georgia. Editorial credit: Allard One / Shutterstock.com

Averaging 51掳F in January, Thomasville is a great place to go in the 鈥淧each State鈥 if you call yourself an outdoor enthusiast. Located in southern Georgia, 35 miles from Tallahassee, this town of around 18,000 people is an oasis of natural attractions, including Cherokee Lake Park and its inclusive Rose Garden of Thomasville. Another great spot for winter fun is Elizabeth Ireland Poe Park, home to a beautiful gazebo and 鈥淭he Big Oak,鈥 one of Thomasville鈥檚 most beloved national landmarks. There are also several historic attributes in town, like Pebble Hill Plantation, showing exhibits like the Elizabeth Ireland Poe Collection and the Lapham-Patterson House, which was built in 1885 by Mr. Charles Lapham.

St. Marys

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in the town of St. Marys, Georgia.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in the town of St. Marys, Georgia. Editorial credit: William Silver / Shutterstock.com

The quaint town of St. Marys, situated on the Atlantic coast and averaging 53掳F in January, has many great attributes that encourage visitors to return over and over again. Crooked River State Park has some great activities, such as hiking along the Sempervirens Trail or the Bay Boardwalk Trail. Add on the comfortable winter weather, and one can spend the day snapping photographs of the distinct marshland wildlife and camping overnight for a view of the stars. Nearby, Cumberland Island National Shore, its museum, and Grover Island are phenomenal places to explore with family. Along with the outdoor activities, winter visitors can also join in for 鈥淐hristmas in the Park,鈥 a December event with holiday-themed activities, refreshments, and even a Gingerbread House Contest.

Blackshear

Pierce County Courthouse in Blackshear, Georgia.
The Pierce County Courthouse in Blackshear, Georgia. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

The small town of Blackshear is another great destination in southern Georgia, sporting an average temperature of 51掳F during the coldest month of January. Founded in 1858 and named after General David Blackshear, this pastoral town of less than four thousand residents is home to the Pierce County Heritage Museum, which has some awesome exhibits displaying a variety of pioneer artifacts. It also features a Genealogical Library, containing two hundred plus books on Pierce County genealogy and how the American Civil War affected the state of Georgia. Several annual festivals are available in downtown Blackshear as well, including a delicious Venison Supper, occurring on the 16th of January. If you ever feel chilly, head to the Southern Sippin鈥 Cafe for a warm cappuccino and tasty croissant to keep you warm.

St. Simons

View of the beach in St. Simons, Georgia.
People along the beach in St. Simons, Georgia. Editorial credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com

Picturesque St. Simons is one of multiple ideal locations in southern Georgia to visit during January. Outdoor attractions thrive thanks to the comfortable average temperature of 51掳F at the beginning of the year. If you plan to leave when the sun is out, average highs can reach up to 60掳F for a wonderful experience. Most head straight to Fort Frederica National Monument, preserving Oglethorpe鈥檚 original 18th-century fort, and Wesley Memorial & Gardens, honoring the Methodist ministry of John and Charles Wesley. If you鈥檙e looking for more history, such as the WWII Home Front Museum and the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, the remembrance of the past is alive in St. Simons. Plus, in relation to the cultural side of St. Simons, visitors can check out the Land Trust Oyster Roast, held annually every January.

Darien

People fishing along the coast of Darien in Georgia.
People fishing along the coast of Darien in Georgia. Editorial credit: Bob Pool / Shutterstock.com

Another quaint town in Georgia, Darien, averages around 52掳F in January. Located north of St. Simon Island and south of Hird Island, this small town of 1,500 permanent residents is an oasis of nature, history, and community connectivity. Being situated along the coast of the Atlantic, there are many great activities to enjoy - even in the middle of winter. From Waterfront Park, which provides an awesome view of local shrimp boats, to the Butler Island Plantation, which offers a look at history and nature. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts can enjoy the weather as they head to landmarks like the former home of Major Pierce Butler and Vernon Square, the home of several historic locales. After all the fun, drop by The Canopy Restaurant for a warm meal to make your trip amazing.

Kingsland

The Kingsland Commercial Historic District in Georgia.
Rustic buildings along the Kingsland Commercial Historic District in Georgia. By Ebyabe - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, .

The pastoral town of Kingsland, located west of St. Marys and possibly one of the warmest places in Georgia during winter, reaches a high of 64掳F in January and averages at around 52掳F. This town of just under 20,000 people is also home to many natural parks, including Howard Peeples Park, a Veterans Memorial Park, and an exhilarating Recreation Complex that serves all of Camden County. There are also several historic venues in Kingsland, like the Florida - Georgia Railway Heritage Museum, which offers a plethora of awesome activities, including the Shipwreckers Pirate Train, the Murder Mystery Train, and even the Christmas Train, which encourage guests to return several different times of the year. Before leaving, stop by the Kingsland Shopping Center to get some unique souvenirs from your trip.

Bainbridge

The Bainbridge City Hall in Georgia.
The Bainbridge City Hall in downtown Bainbridge, Georgia. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

The town of Bainbridge is loaded with activities catered to visitors and its 15,000 permanent residents. Known best for Willis Park, the heart of downtown, and the town鈥檚 proximity to the Flint River, Bainbridge is home to several natural, cultural, and historic attributes. A top spot is Silver Lake Wildlife Refuge, an almost ten thousand-acre piece of land where guests can enjoy its main attraction, a 250-acre scenic lake. Hiking, boating, fishing, and canoeing are among the many ways to enjoy this area under the calm winter sun. For a different experience, visit G.W. Long Farms, which offers fresh-grown produce and local beef. Plus, Willis Park, a garden-style park, has an awesome gazebo and a luxurious fountain to check out. To top it off, the town averages 52掳F in January, so there is a comfortable environment to spend your time outdoors.

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, while the majority of the state of Georgia shivers, experiencing average temperatures in January that drop well below 50掳F, there are a few places and locales on the coast of the Atlantic, as well as along the Florida border, that maintain an average high of 60-65掳F and seldom fall below 50掳F, even in January. Tourists can take the time, within the nine towns mentioned above, to stop and experience several great amenities that can be enjoyed by the entire family, even in the dead of winter.

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