Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Area
Where is Americus and how do I get there?
Americus is in Southwest Georgia just a 2.5-hour drive south from Atlanta’s airport (take U.S. Hwy. 19) or north from Tallahassee, FL. We are 2.5 hrs. southeast of Auburn, AL (3 hrs. from Montgomery, AL), 4 hrs. west of Savannah, GA and 4 hrs. northwest of Jacksonville and Gainesville, FL.
You will need to drive at some point to get here. There is a passenger airport in Albany, GA (45 min. south), but we do not recommend it due to limited flights in and out, frequent cancellations, and cost. If your trip involves air travel, fly into Atlanta and rent a car.
When is the best time to visit Americus?
Spring and Fall are the prettiest and most comfortable times of year. Summers can be hot and sticky. Winters (Dec.-Jan.-Feb.) are mild with daytime highs in the 50’s and low 60’s and nighttime lows in the 30’s.
Is there anything to do in and around Americus?
There are 30 attractions in and around Americus and the Americus Garden Inn See & Do page lists all of them sorted by interest type to help you determine what you might want to see and do. There are 2 national historic sites, hiking and biking trails, an excursion train, distillery tours and the Little Grand Canyon of Georgia. The Itineraries page is designed to help you plan your sightseeing adventure.
Is there anywhere to eat in Americus? Is there anything besides Southern cuisine?
There are a variety of restaurants from casual to fine dining to choose from. We have 11 dinner restaurants right here in Americus and a few more within a 30 minute drive.
Here are a few of our suggestions. If you are looking for fine dining, Rosemary & Thyme, in the Windsor Hotel is perfect. The locals favorite restaurant for best steak, chicken crepes or shrimp with fried cheese grits would be The Station. If thin crust pizza delights you and you come to Americus on a Tuesday, Pat’s Place serves up pizza and live bluegrass music. The 1800 Mexican Restaurant, Gyro City Mediterranean Grill and The Spot, Latin Fusion Cuisine & Bar offer downtown visitors a variety of international flavors.
We maintain menus for all the restaurants and will advise you about them when you arrive. Most do not require reservations.
How long should I stay in Americus?
A 3 day visit allows you to see the major attractions comfortably.
Is Providence Canyon State Park worth visiting?
The Little Grand Canyon of Georgia is a “must see” as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Georgia. It is just a 45-minute drive from the Americus Garden Inn. It is a great place to hike. We recommend going in the fall, winter, and spring.
Are there any walking or driving tours in Americus?
Yes. There is the Downtown Walking Tour and the Americus Driving Tour – Map & List, The Sumter Historic Trust also offers Americus History Trails.
Is there anywhere to ride a bicycle in Americus?
The local group, Sumter Cycling, offers biking events throughout the year and share their favorite bike routes.
What can you tell me about the SAM Shortline Train?
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is also known as Georgia’s Rolling State Park. Passengers ride in restored 1939 or 1949 rail cars from Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park in Cordele through Americus to the Jimmy Carter Historical Park in Plains. There is quite a variety of excursion types including murder mysteries, wine and cheese tastings, special holiday rides and more.
Do you need a car to get around in Americus, or can I just use Uber?
Yes, you will need a car to explore Americus and the surrounding area. Although Uber is available in Americus, there are very few drivers.
Is there anywhere to shop in Americus, Georgia?
Americus, GA, offers a variety of shopping options that range from Walmart and Belk, to unique local boutiques and gift shops. Visitors are particularly impressed by the downtown shops, including The Maze, The Kinnebrew Co, Topiaries, and Three’s Company Too, to name a few.
Are there any coffee shops in Americus?
If you are looking for a coffee shop in Americus, Georgia, there are multiple options to choose from. In the historic downtown shopping district, you will find Kairos PeMo’s Coffee Shop, Café Campesino Community Coffeehouse, Sweet Georgia Bakery and Cafe, and Horne Pecan Company. Another option just 1 mile from the Americus Garden Inn is Red Owl Coffee.
Is there anywhere to go horseback riding in Americus?
Southern Dreams Ranch Trail Riding and Frog Pond Farm are in Americus, J Bar N Horsemanship and Livestock is in nearby Andersonville.
Are there any college sports teams in Americus Georgia?
Located just ½ mile from the Americus Garden Inn, Georgia Southwestern State University is home to the “Hurricanes” competing in the NCAA Division II: The university fields 10 teams including, Men’s: Baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer and Women’s: Basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, and tennis.
South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Georgia, is one of the few technical colleges in the state of Georgia with an athletics program featuring the Jets and the Lady Jets Basketball teams.
How close is the nearest golf course to the Americus Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast?
Just a 5 minute drive from the Americus Garden Inn B&B is the Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center, which is owned and operated by Georgia Southwestern State University. Brickyard Plantation Golf Club is a 27-hole golf course located just 10 minutes away. Georgia Veterans Memorial Golf Course and Pine Hills Country Club are in nearby Cordele, thus, offering golfers a choice of 4 courses to choose from when visiting our area.
Are there any pickleball courts nearby?
The Columns at Boone Park, part of Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department, is a place to play pickleball in Americus, GA. There are 6 outdoor hard courts with permanent lines and nets. The courts are free and open daily from daylight to 11:00 p.m.
Are there any distillery tours in the area?
Located in the historic downtown shopping district of Americus, 13th Colony Distilleries offers scheduled tours ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Just a mile from the Americus Garden Inn, guests can easily walk to the distillery and enjoy the tour with no need to drive.
Richland Rum, about 30 minutes from Americus in Richland, offers tours and tastings of their single-estate rum made from their own home grown sugar cane. Tours range from 30 minutes to almost an hour.
Is there a theater in Americus?
Although Americus does not have a movie theater, the Rylander Theatre is a historic downtown treasure, once known as “The Finest Playhouse South of Atlanta”. Originally opened in January 1921 and restored in the late1990s, tours are available during regular box office hours. Check the schedule on their website for the latest information on upcoming live performances.
Did you know that Hodges Field is one of the premiere RC (radio controlled) and general aviation venues in the Southeast, located in Andersonville, Georgia?
Offering RC flying events throughout the year, enthusiasts come from all over the U.S. and beyond to attend their Fly Ins. Andersonville is just a 10 minute drive from Americus. One of the premiere events hosted by the Fayette Flyers at Hodges Field is the annual Southeast Electric Flight Festival known as SEFF.
Where can I get up to date information about tourism in Americus, Andersonville and Plains?
The Americus Visitor Center located in downtown Americus offers a wealth of information regarding the surrounding area. Special interest tours are offered at various times of the year including architecture, cemeteries, and haunted history tours.