Locate It: Newnan

Approximately four blocks north of downtown is Oak Hill Cemetery, a 60-acre property dating back to 1833, with stone markers often intimating the owner’s wealth and status in the community. Covered with etchings, inscriptions, and Victorian symbolism, each stone, along with a little imagination, can easily conjure up hundreds of by-gone stories and tales.

While in Newnan, enjoy peaceful serenity at one of the downtown parks. Greenville Street Park is a gathering place for downtown patrons, lunchtime crowds, and numerous festive events. First Avenue Park is perfect for play and exercise. Temple Avenue / Veteran’s Memorial Park is a passive walking park with winding paths and sitting areas and includes an area devoted to honoring our military for their service and dedication.

Only 15 miles west of downtown, Chattahoochee Bend State Park showcases a spectacular tract of wilderness along a graceful bend of the Chattahoochee River. At 2,910 acres, Chattahoochee Bend is one of Georgia’s largest state parks, protecting five miles of river frontage, and the park is a haven for paddlers, campers and anglers. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water, while more than six miles of wooded trails are open for hiking and nature photography.

An observation platform provides nice views of the river and forest. RV owners will enjoy the camping section with sunny pull-through and back-in sites, while tent campers can choose from riverfront platform sites, walk-in sites and traditional developed campsites. The park even offers screened Adirondack-style shelters for families and groups who want an unusual camping experience.

Saving time for downtown shopping and dining in Newnan is a must. Newnan has local boutiques and stores showcasing clothing, gifts, arts and crafts, new and used vinyl records, skincare, gourmet foods and kitchen supplies, vintage collectible toys and antiques, specialty coffees and beers, and golfing paraphernalia.

When it comes to dining, the downtown square has an amazing array of restaurants with something to please even the most discriminating palates. Foods range from barbeque, Southern cuisine, Mexican, designer pizza, burgers, Thai, and fine American dining. Dessert cravings may be indulged at one of the bakeries or the ice cream bar.