Save the date for epic events, from glassblowing and craft beer to murder mysteries and wine and cheese aboard a train
AMERICUS, GEORGIA—DECEMBER 2022—Located in west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and only two hours north of I-10, Americus and Sumter County are west-central Georgia hot spots filled with Presidential history, interesting dining and shopping experiences and unique annual events that attract visitors and locals alike. For those en route to Florida, Americus and Sumter County is the perfect stopover; for others, a worthy destination to spend a long weekend. Either way, a welcome surprise awaits just three hours south of Atlanta and only two hours north of I-10.
Americus is known for one-of-a-kind events from a Hot Glass Craft Beer Fest to murder mystery dinner theater experiences. Here is a sampling of some of the area’s most beloved events.
First Friday Americus Artsapalooza
Happening first Fridays in April, First Friday Americus gives visitors and locals an opportunity to stroll through beautiful downtown Americus and shop local businesses. Businesses remain open a little later giving patrons the chance to linger longer. This month’s them is Artsapalooza. Added bonus—free trolley rides are offered throughout the evening. First Friday Americus, VisitAmericusGA.com/local-area-events
Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Fest
Touted as one of Americus’s favorite events, the Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Fest combines two of the area’s most beloved creations—glassblowing and craft beer. This event features over 20 regional breweries showcasing three to four different beers from each. The increasing demand for craft beer and the rich artisan history provides the perfect backdrop for establishing a truly unforgettable event. The uniqueness of this one-of-a-kind event draws beer enthusiasts, artists and the curious, alike, from all over the southwest Georgia region year after year. Americus Hot Glass Craft Beer Fest, HotGlassCraftBeer.com
SAM Shortline Railroad Wine + Cheese Train
All aboard! Departing from Georgia Veterans State Park in nearby Cordele, Georgia, this 90 minute, round-trip train ride offers a unique experience to sip, savor and see. Passengers will board historic air-conditioned railroad cars and enjoy a wine tasting and cheese tray all while taking in a scenic train ride through southwest Georgia. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sorry kids, this one is for adults only. Patrons must be 21 years of age or older. SAM Shortline Wine + Cheese Train, 229-276-0755; www.SamShortline.com/wine-and-cheese-train
Murder Mystery Train with SAM Shortline Railroad
Dying to figure out the mystery at hand? Here’s your first clue: Hop aboard the SAM Shortline Railroad and prepare to be entertained! Passengers depart from the Americus train station on Jackson Street for a two-and-a-half-hour, round-trip train ride to Plains, Georgia. Ride aboard historic air-conditioned cars for an exciting, interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Train and try to solve the murder. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. and the train departs at 6 p.m. sharp. The train returns to Americus at 8:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. SAM Shortline Railroad, www.SamShortline.com; 229-276-0755.
For details about these events and others, visit VisitAmericusGA.com/welcome-to-americus.
Where to Stay
Whether you are headed to the area for a long weekend or just passing through, Americus and the surrounding area is home to many great lodging options. Located in the heart of downtown Americus, the Historic Windsor Hotel was built in 1892, to attract winter visitors from the north. The Windsor was a five-story, 100-room Victorian masterpiece architecturally designed with a tower and turret, balconies and a three-story open atrium lobby. The hotel occupies nearly an entire city block and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations over many decades and after nearly 80 years in operation, the hotel closed its doors in 1972. In 1991, the hotel re-opened after a $6.5 million dollar renovation. Historic Windsor Hotel, 125 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-924-1555.
History buffs will love the Americus Garden Inn. This historic bed and breakfast was built before the Civil War in 1847 and is situated on Rees Park within Americus’s beautiful residential historic district and among many fine homes of the Victorian era. The Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast offers seven spacious comfortable air-conditioned rooms, in-room private baths and several guest amenities. Americus Garden Inn, 504 Rees Park, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-931-0122
For more on Americus and Sumter County, visit VisitAmericusGA.com/welcome-to-americus.