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Villa Rica, Georgia

by ShanaCorbin

Located off Interstate 20, just 35 minutes west of Atlanta, this quaint west Georgia town offers an abundance of engaging history, authentic early 1900s architecture, eclectic shops, locally owned eateries and a host of outdoor adventure. The city’s name “Villa Rica” has Portuguese roots and translates as “City of Gold,” a nod to the town’s gold history.

In the early 1800s, the lure of gold attracted prospectors to the area which led to the first gold strike in Georgia, with 19 commercial gold mines operating in and around Villa Rica at its peak. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum showcases the area’s history and is Georgia’s only gold museum on an actual mine. Visitors to the museum get a hands-on experience as they pan for gold and gemstones onsite and take in views of the mining ruins via the Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad.  

Historic downtown Villa Rica is the heart of the community featuring locally owned restaurants serving up some of the best Southern fare around and eclectic shops featuring curated offerings from home interiors, clothing, accessories and more. Visitors and locals alike delight in Villa Rica’s many outdoor activities. The area’s scenic trails, lush parks, serene fishing lakes and well-maintained golf courses offer a plethora of outdoor adventure.

From discovering the area’s rich history, embarking on an outdoor adventure, shopping for that one-of-a-kind treasure or indulging in a delicious meal, Villa Rica is truly a gem just waiting to be explored.

Fast Facts

  • Villa Rica is located along I-20 West exits 24 and 26, only 35 minutes from Atlanta.
  • Wick’s Tavern, West Georgia’s oldest commercial structure, still stands in downtown Villa Rica.
  • Gold was discovered in what is now Villa Rica around 1826, but was not widely recognized so Dahlonega is credited with the first gold rush in 1829.
  • The first mining town to spring up in the area was known as Hixtown and the name was changed to Villa Rica in 1832. Although Villa Rica is now known as the “City of Gold,” the literal translation is Portuguese for “City of Riches.”
  • Most of the gold mines in this area became defunct and only the Pine Mountain Gold Mine was commercially mined after 1900.
  • Villa Rica gold is among the purest in the world at 98% pure from the ground. Visitors today can pan for gold and gems at the Pine Mountain Gold Museum which also features hiking trails, a scenic train ride and special events throughout the year.
  • Famous Sons & Daughters from Villa Rica include:
    • Thomas A. Dorsey, “Father of Gospel Music” and writer of “Take My Hand Precious Lord” among many other gospel songs
    • Jae Crowder, player in the National Basketball Association
    • Rod Man, stand-up comedian and winner of “Last Comic Standing,” Season 8
    • Maidie Ruth Norman, African American radio, stage, film and television actress of the mid-20th century
    • Fred E. “Dixie” Walker, mid-century Major League Baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates
    • Asa Griggs Candler, who purchased the Coca-Cola Company from chemist John Stith Pemberton and developed it as a major company

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