Lamar County: Historic Sites, Art, and Unique Routes

Lamar County is located in west-central Georgia between Atlanta and Macon and combines historical insights, art, festivals, and nature experiences. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home for a varied trip will find different options for planning each day: a walk through Barnesville, museum visits, genealogical discoveries, music events, or an excursion along a wetlands trail.

Discover Historic Barnesville

As a place of culture and history, Barnesville plays an important role in Lamar County. The Barnesville Commercial Historic District is a historic central business district. The Barnesville Walking Tour leads to Victorian homes, quiet shops, and picturesque residential neighborhoods; some of the houses along the tour date from the 19th century. This is suitable for a relaxed walk with people of different age groups, focusing on architecture and local history.

One of the notable buildings is the Lamar County Courthouse, a neoclassical building constructed in Barnesville in 1931. The town’s former importance as the “Buggy Capital of the South” is also part of its history: during its heyday, Barnesville even produced carriages for presidents. The annual Buggy Days festival, held in Barnesville every September, draws on this distinctive local tradition.

Museums, Archives, and Art

The Old Jail Museum is housed in the former Lamar County jail and presents local history. At the same time, it serves as a regional genealogical research center. The museum is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those researching family history can also include the Barnesville-Lamar County Historical Society. It assists with genealogical searches for ancestors who lived in Barnesville and Lamar County.

The Graveyard Alley Archives in Barnesville preserve additional historical documents and photographs. The organized, searchable collections are accessible Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. These set hours are helpful for trip planning. Gordon State College also offers individual campus tours every Monday and Wednesday.

The art scene complements the historical offerings. Lamar Arts uses the historic Barnesville Depot as a free, accessible art center with a gallery and offers publicly accessible visual art exhibitions and art education. Exhibitions generally change every two months; workshops and poetry readings are also held. Cara Studios is located in a restored 1910 Carnegie Library and includes paintings, poetry, artifacts, and a sculpture garden. Historic tours and garden tours are offered there by appointment.

Music, Festivals, and a Unique Driving Route

The annual BBQ & Blues Music Festival is a one-day event in Barnesville that attracts more than 8,000 visitors from throughout the region. Taster’s Alley allows visitors to sample and vote on barbecue dishes prepared by competing teams; the festival also features live blues music throughout the day. This creates a distinct travel opportunity for anyone who wants to combine regional cuisine and music.

For a driving excursion, Peaches to the Beaches is worth considering. This annual tradition stretches along Highway 341 from Barnesville for more than 200 miles to the Georgia coast. The route can be viewed as a road trip in its own right and extends the stay with a longer regional driving route, without equating Lamar County with a coastal destination.

Nature and Choosing the Right Starting Point

In addition to cultural destinations, Lamar County has a wetlands trail next to the elementary school. The Barnesville Expo Center also offers a wetlands trail and an open arena, combining wetlands with facilities for fairs, educational programs, and livestock events. Those who want to combine nature observation, local history, and events on one trip can take these different focal points into account when searching for a vacation rental.

Barnesville is approximately a 15-minute drive west of Interstate 75. This information supports general arrival planning.

More Destinations for Your Planning

For further regional searches, you can also view Effingham County, Wayne County, Tattnall County, Dawson County, Colquitt County, Coweta, and Whitfield.

For the overarching travel overview: Georgia.