Americus, Georgia, welcomes with peace-certified attractions and historical roots
Peace has long been a theme in Americus-Sumter County. Experience it first-hand by visiting and see how the roots of social change run deep at Koinonia Farm, which was founded in 1942 as an intentional farming community where residents could live affordably in racial equality, sharing their faith and resources. Tour its working farm, have lunch at the farm store and learn how Habitat for Humanity International and other social and economic programs were launched here. Koinonia Peacebuilders Camp at Koinonia Farm introduces middle-school-aged youth (ages 11-14) to a wide variety of peace-building, social justice and Civil Rights activities and inspires participants to consider how they can make a positive difference in their world.
Take an eye-opening look at coffee with Café Campesino. Learn how fair-trade practices can help indigenous farmers earn a living and shop coffee by the pound. The co-founders were inspired to create this artisan roastery after a Habitat for Humanity project in Guatemala.
Sumter is one of only three counties in the United States with two national historic sites. Explore Andersonville National Historic Site, where 45,000 Union soldiers were held and nearly 13,000 died in horrific conditions. Pause to reflect at the National Cemetery; the National Prisoner of War Museum tells stories of Andersonville and honors those throughout American history. Visit the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, and see how a rural life of farming, church and school influenced the future 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Attend a service at his place of worship, Maranatha Baptist Church, or sign up for attendance at his Sunday School class.
Where to stay
Koinonia
A stay at Koinonia is top of mind when searching for unique places to visit and spend the night when in Americus, and here’s what to expect if you book. Rooms at the farm (the Fuller House) are simple, comfortable and affordable, offering eight bedrooms with a shared screened porch and dining/living room. Meeting rooms are also available if needed.
The Windsor Hotel
The crown jewel of downtown Americus is the Windsor Hotel, originally built in 1892 for northern guests escaping winter’s cold. A stunning five-story Victorian masterpiece covering almost an entire city block wows visitors with a three-story open atrium lobby and amazing architecture.
If these walls could talk, oh the stories they’d tell. Parties, balls, celebratory events of yesteryear were all part of the colorful history of the Windsor Hotel. The doors closed in 1972 and after a whopping $6.5 million renovation, the hotel reopened in 1991. Another renovation in 2010 updated the property with modern-day amenities and paved the way for new ownership in June of that same year with Best Western Plus Windsor Hotel. Past President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn are often guests of the hotel and there is a suite dubbed the Carter Presidential Suite in their honor.
Featured on television shows the likes of NBC’s “The Today Show,” the Windsor Hotel is truly unique on many levels, offering a castle-like stay in all the glory of Victorian ambiance with a reflection of days gone by. A night spent here is bound to be the conversation piece of memorable vacations for years.
Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast
The historic Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast, built prior to the Civil War in 1847, is located on Rees Park–the residential historic district of Americus. This Southwest Georgia gem provides a delightful and unique lodging partner for travelers looking to step outside the box from typical places to stay.
Linger among history with recreational opportunities all around and genuine hospitality oozing from every angle. Enjoy a clean and impressive stay at Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast–recognized as one of the top Bed and Breakfasts in the country!
Americus KOA at Brickyard Plantation
Not your ordinary KOA, Americus KOA at Brickyard Plantation is something special from the moment you arrive. For the golfer in the group, there is a Scottish links-style regulation course that is walker-friendly, as well as adaptions of golf, such as foot golf and disc golf. Best of all, it’s all free for their registered guests!
The mild weather and serene setting are ideal for travelers even in the wintertime. Need a large pull-thru site for your RV? No problem! Golf not your thing? No problem. Enjoy other nearby attractions like the Andersonville National Historic Site, President Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home, miles of hiking trails, camping events and even concerts. There’s so much to look forward to at this unique KOA and, of course, it’s kid-friendly. For additional information on Americus lodging or otherwise, please contact the Americus Visitor Center at 229-928-6059 or visit www.VisitAmericusGA.com.
For more on what to experience and where to stay in Americus and Sumter County, Georgia, go to www.VisitAmericusGA.com.