Since its establishment in 1828, Newnan, Georgia has grown from a nine block central business district to a sprawling southern town that is now part of the greater Atlanta Area. It is home to the historic Carnegie Library-the first one in Georgia, it is called the City of Homes, has been listed as one of America’s richest towns, and yet still retains the small town hospitality that the South is famous for.
A Brief Background
Newnan was named for North Carolina native, General Daniel Newnan who became a Georgia Secretary of State before ultimately becoming a United States Congressman. In early days, Newnan was home to a number of lawyers, doctors and merchants, as well as many successful large farmers and landowners. Today, it is noteworthy for its nationally acclaimed authors such as Lewis Grizzard, talented musicians like Alan Jackson, it is where Minnie Pearl was "discovered" (she was at Dunaway Gardens) and its convenience to Atlanta.
What to do in Newnan, Georgia
Newnan has a variety of activities to enjoy—some are well-known and others are not. So, should one happen to be in Newnan, and not have any ideas for leisure activities, here are a few tips sure to enhance the time spent here.
- Visit the Redneck Café and try out their Club Sandwich—if it is a Friday,be sure to try one of their famous hotdogs.
- Stroll downtown and see the Courthouse-during the Civil War it was used as a hospital. Itis also the site of where the famed trial written about (and later made into a movie) Murder in Coweta County was held.
- Drive over to Moreland and visit the Lewis Grizzard Museum. Make sure to stop at one of the Sprayberry’s Barbecue locations and order the Lewis Grizzard Special.
- Wander the aisles at one of Newnan’s oldest feed and seed stores, aptly named the Newnan Feed Store.
- Take some time to learn about the area’s geology and ecology at the Newnan Center or get some hands-on learning at the Shenandoah Georgia Youth Science and Technology Center.
- Get in some exercise while hiking the trails at the Carl Miller Park and the stone laid paths of the Dunaway Gardens.
- Be inspired by the artwork at the Center for Performing and Visual Arts.
- Have an enchanted evening that includes a meal at UnCork’d followed by taking a carriage ride through downtown Newnan.
- Get in some swing time at one of Newnan’s golf courses: Orchard Hills, Arbor Springs, The Cannongate, White Oak, or Summer Grove.
- Trace family history at the Newnan Coweta Genealogical Society and the African American Museum and Research Center.
While this list is far from inclusive, it does provide one a beginning with some great ways to enjoy Newnan, Georgia. Of course, there are dozens of other activities to be explored, like wandering the local farmers market or shopping at the stores along Bullsboro Drive, but no matter what activity is chosen, Newnan is sure to delight.
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