Of course, the community of Carrollton in Western GA offers a Southern small-town hospitality that is at the top of the list when it comes to what's so great about this bustling little city! Look a little further and you will see that this small town in Carroll County thinks big when it comes to business, family, recreation and education.

If you really want to experience Carrollton, Georgia, here's our Top 5 Favorite Features of The Friendly City:

1. Downtown Charm:

The heart of small town southern living can be found on Adamson Square, the most notable piece of Carrollton history. Adamson Square, with its diverse mixture of exclusive shops, restaurants, and galleries, looks very similar to how it did in the 1800’s. The Square features fine and casual Carrollton restaurants, a pub, unique gift stores, jewelers, formal and casual clothing shops, eclectic art galleries, and a coffee shop. Community events and entertainment are common on the Square, along with festivals and sidewalk sales.

Named after William C. Adamson, a local judge and congressman, Adamson Square is host to the oldest book store in Georgia and the oldest businesses in Carrollton, Horton’s Books & Gift, opened in 1892. Come and spend a day exploring all of the exceptional  shops and services Adamson Square has to offer!

2. Education:  

The University of West Georgia adds a bit of a college-town atmosphere and energy to Carrollton.  More than 10,000 students enroll in UWG each year, along with almost 1,000 faculty and staff, all of whom live, work and recreate in and around Carrollton. UWG is home to Georgia’s only Honors College, bringing a high level of diversity and cultural experiences to the community.

3. Family Fun:

Carrollton Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Center is a gem of community commitment, interest and pride that includes an award-winning parks and recreation program that would be the envy of any community.  The Cultural Arts Center features a 262-seat theater, galleries, classrooms, and a host of facilities that are made available to local groups and clubs.  Hundreds of acres of beautifully maintained parks that offer recreational facilities of every kind and a full schedule of programs for kids, and an amazingly diverse and active Senior Center add to a facility that simply can’t be found in most communities.

4. Outdoor Attractions:

If you love the outdoors, John Tanner State Park, situated on 136 acres and two lakes, outdoor enthusiasts will love connecting with nature while hiking miles of trails around the park. Canoe and pedal boats are available for renting, and water enthusiasts will enjoy the ample swimming and boating opportunities. A fisherman’s paradise can be found on two beautiful lakes within the boundaries of the park and a basket and beautiful scenery make for the perfect picnic lunch!

Campers will enjoy the 32 tent, RV, or trailer sites available by reservation. The sites feature hot water and other amenities. Miniature golf, volleyball, and horseshoes are just a few of the other activities available to visitors to the park. The park is six miles west of the city of Carrollton off of Georgia Highway 16.

5. History:

McIntosh Reserve, ten minutes from Carrollton in Whitesburg, Georgia, allows visitors to take in a breath of history while enjoying breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee River. The 527 acre Reserve was owned by Chief William McInstosh, the son of a British Army captain and a full-blooded Creek Indian woman. Chief McIntosh was murdered in 1825 on his land, which Carroll County acquired and turned into a Reserve where visitors can fish, picnic, or hike.

The story of Chief McIntosh can be read through displays and signs throughout the Reserve. For more information, you can contact the park at 770-830-5879.