With a multitude of holiday happenings, Americus is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season
AMERICUS, GEORGIA—OCTOBER 2023—Located in west-central Georgia, convenient to I-75, three hours south of Atlanta and just two hours north of I-10, Americus offers an array of holiday events making it the perfect spot for experiencing the sights and sounds of the holiday season. Here’s a sampling of what’s to come this holiday season in Americus.
The town’s Christmas Open House beckons visitors from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, November 16. Giving a quintessential Christmas experience, free carriage rides throughout downtown Americus and pony rides in Rylander Park in Americus are delightful! Stores will be open late so that visitors can do some early Christmas shopping and see the splendor of our town. The lighting of the big tree at Rylander Park is sure to be a highlight.
Other seasonal events that make Americus the best place for Christmas lovers include the Friday December 1, “Home for the Holidays” First Friday. Stores stay open late and free trolley rides are available across beautiful downtown Americus. Hours are 5-8 p.m.
The annual Americus Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, December 7 at 7 p.m. More than 70 entries, including marching bands, floats, dancers and Santa Claus, will participate. Be sure to arrive early for one of the area’s most festive holiday events!
In nearby Plains, the Christmas Lighting will take place on Saturday, November 25. Visitors can ride the SAM Shortline excursion train, Georgia’s only “rolling state park,” to former President Carter’s hometown of Plains for the event. Downtown shops will be open for the event. For tickets, call the SAM Shortline office at 229-276-0755.
Looking for more fun events happening this season? Click here for a list of the area’s most popular events.
Where to eat
Small, locally owned dining establishments is a big part of what makes Americus so special and you definitely won’t leave hungry. Start your day at Café Campesino, Georgia’s first and only 100% fair trade, organic specialty coffee company. Founded in 1998, Café Campesino is a cooperative importer, roaster, wholesaler distributor and online retailer all in one. Located in the heart of Americus, just nine miles from Plains, patrons can stop in for a cup of joe and browse the many varieties available in the shop. Café Campesino, 725 Millard Fuller Blvd., Americus, Georgia 31709; 229-924-2468
Known for their “always fresh” menu items, Little Brother’s Bistro is a perfect spot to grab some lunch. From homemade pimento cheese sandwiches and refreshing wraps to muffulettas, salads, soups and paninis, there’s no way you can go wrong with anything on the menu. Following lunch, head to Sweet Georgia Bakery and Café for homemade Southern delicacies that are sure to knock your socks off. Don’t miss the Buttermilk Pie, Devil’s Food Cake, Peach Tarts and more. Little Brother’s Bistro, 123 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709; 229-410-9827; Sweet Georgia Bakery and Café, 134 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709, 229-380-0439
Indulge in Victorian elegance for dinner at Rosemary & Thyme. Located within the Historic Windsor Hotel, in the heart of downtown Americus, Rosemary & Thyme celebrates the Victorian era from top to bottom. The original tile floor, wrought-iron footed tables and furnishings reflecting the Victorian period create quite an elegant ambiance. Diners delight in a flavorful modern American menu featuring the freshest ingredients and seasonal favorites. Rosemary & Thyme, 125 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709; 229-924-1555
Where to stay
Whether you are visiting Americus or planning a hub and spoke adventure, Americus and the surrounding area is home to many great lodging options with close proximity to many area attractions. Think Andersonville National Historic Site, Jimmy Carter National Historic Park Grounds, Lake Blackshear, the SAM Shortline Excursion Train and more.
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 100-room, five-story 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 W. Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia, 31709; 229-924-1555.
History lovers will fall for 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 7 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/