Decatur County sits in the southwest corner of Georgia. Named for U.S. Navy Commodore Stephen Decatur, Decatur County was founded in 1823. Nearby major cities include Dothan, Alabama and Thomasville, Georgia and Tallahassee, Florida. Bainbridge is the county seat of Decatur and has much to offer in terms of art, culture and outdoor recreation. From the Firehouse Art Gallery to the Decatur County Courthouse, which was built in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bainbridge offers lots to do and see. It is also the hometown of University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart and novelist J.D. Salinger, who was stationed at Bainbridge Army Air Base in the early 1940s.
When it comes to the outdoors, Decatur County has plenty to offer. Autumn is a favorite time for festivals around the area from River Town Days and the Flint River Fair to the Swine Time Festival in Climax. Live music, food and fun aren’t hard to find. The Flint River and Silver Lake provide beautiful views and many wonderful activities. Also be sure to check out Earle May Boat Basin Park which features boat ramps, a petting zoo, beach, and swimming area, as well as an amphitheater.
Here are a few of the many things to do and see in Decatur County:
When Miller County was founded in southwestern Georgia, Colquitt quickly became its seat in 1856. Formally incorporated in 1860, the city is named for U.S. Congressman and Senator, Walter Colquitt. Colquitt is home to two theatres: The Cotton Theatre and Hunter Theatre. In 2003, Colquitt’s Cotton Hall Theatre featured “A Southern Christmas Carol” by award-winning playwright Rob Lauer. The New York City-based cast of actors opened to critical and box office acclaim. Returning in 2004 and 2005, this play has become a holiday attraction in the southeastern United States.
In 2010, Colquitt hosted the Global Mural Conference as the first-named mural city in the state of Georgia. It is also the home of the National Mayhaw Festival. This annual event features a golf tournament, parade, 5k run, bike ride, and more. Check out the local Colquitt vendors and participate in these events each spring.
Here are a few of the many things to do and see in Colquitt: