One Of Georgia's Most Vibrant Downtowns Is In A Walkable Riverfront City With Unique Shops And Vintage Charm

The backroads of Georgia contain some hidden gems, like the German-inspired fairytale town of Helen or the idyllic Georgia islands with breathtaking beaches. You'll find another one of those gems tucked in the southwest corner near the state's borders with Florida and Alabama. Situated on the banks of the Flint River, the city of Bainbridge was once a hub of shipping and commerce. Today, the revitalized downtown area is winning awards and drawing visitors from all over.

Bainbridge was founded in 1823 near a fort established during the First Seminole War. Its position on the river made it the perfect location for lumbering, and eventually, river barges took cargo down to the Gulf. This makes Bainbridge one of only two inland port cities in the state, although it no longer has any barge traffic. Today, the Flint River is utilized for recreation, and the city's tree-lined riverfront serves as a park area featuring walking trails and boat ramps that provide access to the river and nearby Lake Seminole.

The city retains a small-town, vintage character through its beautiful downtown square, which is centrally located within several walkable blocks of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Bainbridge recently won the Georgia Downtown Association's Award of Excellence and Downtown of the Year for an "outstanding community transformation." It has the nickname "the Oak City" due to the towering trees found throughout, and its historic area is filled with beautiful antebellum homes.

The centerpiece of Bainbridge's allure lies in Willis Park, the main city square, and the surrounding city blocks. The green space has a relaxing calm, the perfect place to sip a cup of coffee while contemplating the monuments in the park. The large gazebo hosts events, including concerts at various times throughout the year and annual holiday performances during Christmas.

Each street around the square is lined with boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes. You'll find everything from art galleries, like the Firehouse Arts Center, to gifts, clothing, and even outdoor outfitters. There are plenty of food and drink choices, too. For breakfast, coffee, and quick bites, check out The Bean. For lunch or dinner, don't miss The American on the south side of the square. It has 4.7 stars on Tripadvisor and gets rave reviews from foodies from all over.

Downtown businesses host events like the sip, shop, and stroll held every second Saturday. The downtown area is an open container district, meaning you can legally wander here between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. while enjoying beverages purchased from the local businesses. If you're driving in, parking is blissfully easy in this little city. There are several large lots just steps away from the downtown area, and on quiet days, there is also plenty of street parking available.

Bainbridge lies at the intersection of U.S. Highways 27 and 84 in the extreme southwest corner of Georgia. The nearest city is actually the capital of another state: Tallahassee, Florida. It's just under an hour away by car, and the airport there has commuter flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Dallas. Bainbridge is also convenient to many trendy coastal beach towns, such as Apalachicola, which is about two hours south.

The city has a climate typical of its location in the Deep South. Winters are mild, with average highs in the mid-60s, while summers are muggy and uncomfortably hot, reaching the mid-90s. The best time to visit is undoubtedly during spring and autumn, when the humidity is lower and daytime temperatures are more pleasant for strolling around the lovely city square. April, May, and October are your best bets.

There are plenty of places to stay in and around Bainbridge, including a few chains on the city's outskirts. If you want to stay downtown and wander around the shops and restaurants, consider the Willis Park Hotel. It's a boutique inn with only six rooms, and despite its name, it's more of an informal rental than a full-service hotel. The renovated 1899 building on the square at the corner of Water and Broad Streets boasts a 4.7-star rating on Tripadvisor. Numerous lofts, apartments, and homes are also available for rent on sites like Airbnb.