Small things come in small packages.
Find out how true that statement is when you visit Fayetteville, Georgia.
Fayetteville is the seat of Fayette County and is just south of Atlanta.
Likewise, it’s one of the smaller cities in Georgia.
Don’t let the city’s size fool you, though; there are plenty of things to do in Fayetteville.
This quaint and charming city has a lot to offer its visitors, from various shops and restaurants to activities and attractions.
Tourists can visit one of the restaurants or shops that line downtown streets.
Several bars and clubs offer live music if you’re looking for something to do in the evening.
Here are the best things to do in Fayetteville, Georgia:
Spend a Day at the Ridge Nature Area
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Encompassing a 308-acre property, the Ridge Nature Area will give you a glimpse of the natural beauty of the various ecosystems that make up the state of Georgia.
The Ridge Nature Area is home to hiking trails and is a great place to see wildlife.
Enjoy the wildlife along the walking trail.
You can find them on top of the ridge.
The trails will lead you to upland pine habitat, hardwood forest, and eventually a tiny creek.
Hikers frequently observe eastern box turtles, hawks, white-tailed deer, and the occasional barred owl in the Ridge Nature Area.
There is also a playground, a picnic shelter, and a fishing pond.
The Ridge Nature Area is a great place to spend a day if you’re looking for peace and serenity.
Take a Stroll Down Main Street
Downtown Fayetteville is a distinctive, thriving neighborhood that combines culture, art, and history.
The goal of Main Street is to maintain and preserve Fayetteville’s historic district while fostering local businesses, restaurants, and the arts.
In 1996, Fayetteville became a Main Street City.
Since then, the Main Street Program has become a vital part of downtown revitalization.
Likewise, the downtown square has changed, bringing a range of new enterprises and maintaining the city’s vintage streetscape.
Located in the center of Fayetteville, its main attraction is the Historic Courthouse which is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Some sculptures and murals decorate the streets, making them a perfect place to stroll.
Strolling down Main Street allows you to take in the city’s charm while supporting local businesses.
Shop Local Produce at the Fayetteville Farmers Market
The Fayetteville Farmers Market is one of the best places to get locally grown fruits and vegetables.
The market is open every Sunday for the regular market season.
You can find the market in the historic downtown Main Street, which makes for a charming atmosphere while you shop.
Buy locally-sourced artisan food, pastured meats, eggs, and honey here.
It’s where you can stock up on groceries for the week or get a few ingredients for a special meal.
The farmers market is also a great place to buy gifts for friends and family, with arts and crafts vendors selling various handmade goods.
The Fayetteville Farmers Market supports local farmers and businesses while also providing visitors with a great selection of fresh produce and other goods.
Explore the Past in the Fayetteville Historic Courthouse
The Fayetteville Historic Courthouse is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Built in 1825, this beautiful building is one of the oldest courthouses in Georgia.
The Fayetteville Historic Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the city’s past.
Added in 1888, the Fayetteville Historic Courthouse’s clock tower is one of the most distinctive features of the building.
It is open for tours.
A museum on the second floor houses a collection of artifacts from Fayetteville’s history.
See a Play at the Town Square Playhouse
Boasting more than 60 years of experience, the Town Square Playhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a night of live theatre.
The Playhouse puts on various shows and plays throughout the year.
The Playhouse focuses on musicals, comedies, and dramas.
Town Square Playhouse offers summer camp programs, including the Aristocrat, Page to Stage, and a Vocal Musical Theater Camp.
The Playhouse also allows you to rent its stage for your events to soak up the theater experience.
Enjoy the theater’s professional lighting, sound, and luxurious seating and decorations.
Commune with Nature at the Southern Conservation Trust
The Southern Conservation Trust is a non-profit organization that works to protect the natural resources of Fayetteville and the surrounding area.
The Southern Conservation Trust offers various programs and services designed to educate the community about conservation and stewardship.
The Trust also manages nature trails, including the Heritage Trail, which runs through downtown Fayetteville.
The Southern Conservation Trust organizes summer camp and recreation programs, such as canoeing and kayaking, designed to get kids outdoors and active.
The Southern Conservation Trust is a great place to learn about the natural history of Fayetteville.
Enjoy a Family Day at the Fun Spot America Theme Parks — Atlanta
Fun Spot America Theme Parks — Atlanta is where you can bring your family for a fun day.
Family-run Fun Spot America Theme Parks has a distinguished track record in the industry.
Its owner John Arie, Sr., had found success in the industry since 1969.
In 2017, Fun Spot America bought an existing park in Fayetteville, Georgia, and renamed it Fun Spot America Atlanta.
The Samson, a four-story go-kart track, is the largest go-kart track in the United States.
The park also features rides and attractions, including go-karts, bumper cars, arcade games, and a Ferris wheel.
Fun Spot America also has restaurants and food options so that you can refuel after a day of fun.
You can also join group events in Fun Spot America.
It’s a great place to host a birthday party or company picnic.
Fun Spot America is open year-round and is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Learn to Love Nature at the Fayette Environmental Education Center
Nurturing appreciation of the environment and its protection, the Fayette Environmental Education Center is a project of the Southern Conservation Trust.
The Fayette Environmental Education Center will teach you to love nature more with interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events.
The Fayette Environmental Education Center has exhibits focusing on various environmental aspects.
The Water Cycle Exhibit, for example, will teach you about the water cycle and the importance of water conservation.
The Wildlife Exhibit will introduce you to the various animals that call Georgia home.
The Fayette Environmental Education Center also offers a variety of educational programs, such as summer camps, field trips, and lectures.
It’s a great place to learn about the environment and how to protect it.
Visit the Brightmoor Amphitheater
For fans of the outdoors, head to the Brightmoor Amphitheater for terrific outdoor entertainment.
You can find Brightmoor Amphitheater in the middle of a 40-acre nature preserve.
It boasts a 1,500-person capacity stage with a height of 55 feet and natural grass seating.
Visitors can take advantage of the free family movie nights and summer concert series at the Brightmoor Amphitheater.
Many artists have performed there, including Air Supply, Brett Michaels, and the Doobie Brothers.
The amphitheater is also available for private rentals, such as weddings and corporate events.
Feel the Excitement at the Fun Bowl Fayette County
The Fun Bowl Fayette County is where you can hang out with your friends to have some fun and experience some excitement.
It has 32 lanes with a great selection of food on its menu.
You can also enjoy its game room featuring more than 40 arcade games, including the Walking Dead, Jurassic Park, and Crossy Word.
If you want some competition, you can join bowling leagues.
Party options are also available for those who want to celebrate their birthday or other special occasions.
The Fun Bowl Fayette County is open year-round and offers leagues, tournaments, and open bowling.
Play Golf at the Whitewater Creek Golf Course
Considered an Arnold Palmer Signature Course, Whitewater Creek Golf Course is a great place to play golf.
The course is open to the public, with 18 holes, a par 72, and stunning fairways with giant oak trees.
The course has several obstacles, such as water hazards and sand traps.
Whitewater Creek Course is a great place to improve your golf game.
The course is open year-round, and it offers a variety of different membership options.
Snap Some Photos at the Starr’s Mill Park
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Found in Whitewater Creek, Starr’s Mill Park is a great place to take photos with its scenic views.
Hananiah Gilcoat owned the land that became Starr’s Mill, wherein he built the first mill before he died in 1825.
Then, from 1866 to 1879, Hilliard Starr became the property owner and gave it its current name; however, the previous two log buildings caught fire, which is why William T. Glower constructed the existing building in 1907.
This mill used a water-powered turbine in place of a wheel to process maize and run a sawmill until 1959; in addition, a cotton gin and dynamo that generated energy for nearby Senoia were located at Starr’s Mill Park.
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The park’s main attraction, aside from the mill, is the stunning waterfalls, where visitors can have their photos taken.
In February 1991, the Fayette County Water System bought the historic Starr’s Mill, including a dam, a mill house, and around 16 acres of property.
Starr’s Mill Park is now being enjoyed for fishing, family outings, and picnics and is situated on Highway 85, south of Fayetteville.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Get Your Thrill at the Atlanta Motor Speedway
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The Atlanta Motor Speedway is where you can get your thrills while watching some of the world’s best drivers compete.
Formerly known as Atlanta International Raceway, Atlanta Motor Speedway organizes events for charities, schools, corporate groups, and more.
The Atlanta Motor Speedway also hosts a variety of Motorsports events, such as NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA.
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The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a 1.54-mile quad-oval speedway with a seating capacity of over 97,000.
Since 1960, it has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series races.
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a large complex including campers, driving schools, regional track events, and NASCAR racing on a seasonal basis.
You can find it in Hampton, Georgia, 21 minutes from Fayetteville.
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Play a Round of Pool with Your Family at The Classic Cue
The Classic Cue is a great place to play pool and have fun with the family.
It is a family-oriented business that offers a variety of activities for all ages.
The Classic Cue has 12- to 9-foot Gandy tables, a full-service bar, and a menu with a wide variety of food options.
The Classic Cue organizes a league contest every Tuesday.
It also has a pro shop where you can buy pool cues, a fantastic range of cue cases, and a filled case of tip tools, gloves, cue claws, towels, and key chains.
The Classic Cue is open year-round and offers leagues, tournaments, and an available pool.
Enjoy Lake Peachtree
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Located at least 10 minutes from Fayetteville in Georgia, the 240-acre Lake Peachtree is a top recreation destination for the residents.
The lake was developed in 1957 when Peachtree City was starting.
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The lake provides a wealth of outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the pavilions available.
Athletic tourists can also hike the Lake Peachtree Trail that runs around the lake.
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Relish Nature at Lake Horton Park and Reservoir
Lake Horton Park and Reservoir is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
The 780-acre Lake Horton Park and Reservoir in south Fayette County hold 3.5 billion gallons of water, although, in times of drought, the lake produces only 16–18 million gallons daily.
2.8 miles of paved walking trails, boat ramps, picnic spaces, and fishing are available in the 82-acre Lake Horton Park.
Powerboats and other vessels propelled by alcohol or hydrocarbons are forbidden on the lake.
The reservoir is also home to various fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
Lake Horton Park and Reservoir is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Explore the Flat Creek Nature Area
Nearly 20 minutes from Fayetteville in Georgia, Flat Creek Nature Area is an excellent place for those who love the outdoors.
The Flat Creek Nature Area is home to various plant and animal species, including some that are rare.
Large trees with a substantial tree canopy create a pleasant, shaded region in the Flat Creek Nature Area with a wealth of natural vegetation.
A connecting route from the Fred Brown Amphitheater descends to a 1200-foot boardwalk and two viewing platforms along Flat Creek.
White-tailed deer, swamp rabbits, and the rare red-shouldered hawk are some species commonly seen along the Flat Creek Nature Area’s boardwalk.
A journey down the boardwalk displays a variety of wildlife species as well as natural aquatic kinds of trees and plants.
Flat Creek Nature Area is also an excellent place for fishing, as it is home to largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish.
Fishing is only allowed in certain Flat Creek Nature Area areas, so check with staff before casting your line.
Final Thoughts
Fayetteville may not land on most people’s radar, but it has much to offer.
There are various activities to do, and the city has a rich history.
It provides a nice balance of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
If you’re raring for a place to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors, then Fayetteville is the place for you.
Book your trip today!
