Thomasville Georgia Rose Festival
Parade, Auto Show, Historic Tours, Sporting Events and Gala
Although many people flock to this southwestern Georgia city for the annual Rose Show and Festival, Thomasville offers year-round beauty.
Every April Thomasville celebrates its annual Rose Show and Festival, which includes parades, an auto show, historic tours, sporting events and a plantation ball. The Thomasville Rose Show and Festival has been celebrated since the 1920’s, and tries to offer a little something for everyone.
Thomasville is located in southwest Georgia, just north of Tallahassee, Florida and west of Valdosta, Georgia. The festival events are mostly located in the downtown area, which also has many restored storefronts. Homes throughout the city have also been preserved from the past.
In the late 1800s, Thomasville became well known as a winter resort with magnificent hotels and lodges. Since that time, according to the local Visitor’s Center, “Many of those who came to Thomasville during the “grand hotel era” bought property and built magnificent mansions and plantation homes. Many of these plantations are still owned by the families who built them and are visited year round.” There are approximately 70 plantations in and around Thomas County, which is said to be the largest concentration in the United States.
Several of these plantations offer lodging as well as cottages available for guests to relive an era of Victorian elegance or to experience the area’s popular hunting or bird watching. One of the most popular, Melhana Grand Plantation, offers 33 rooms and cottages on 40 beautifully landscaped acres. The Inn also offers a private theater, called the Showboat.
Pebble Hill Plantation is another must-visit spot in Thomasville. This plantation includes a main house with over 40 rooms sitting on more than 3,000 acres. Pebble Hill does not offer lodging but is open to the public for visitation.
Roses aren't the only natural wonder in Thomasville; this city is also home to an oak tree over 300 years old. The Big Oak is located near downtown at Crawford and East Monroe Streets. The park, where tree branches spread across the block, is free to the public and a great place for an afternoon nap.
If you would prefer to visit during the milder winter months, December is great time to plan a holiday. Experience a true Victorian Christmas with carriage rides, caroling, and of course, food. This is also an annual event and a great way to kick-off the holiday season.
So whether it’s a spring or winter escape, Thomasville offers a look into the past with a little southern charm. To find out more about events, lodging and area attractions, go to www.downtownthomasville.com.
