Sandwiched Between Augusta And Savannah, Georgia Is A City With Historic Charm, Quaint Shops, And Outdoor Fun

Augusta and Savannah are two of Georgia's largest cities. Naturally, they have no problem raking in visitors each year. But Sylvania, another charming community worth visiting, is situated right between these two metropolises. Located almost perfectly halfway between these bustling hubs, this city stands roughly an hour south of the Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) and about the same distance north of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). 

Sylvania is a rural enclave, lending to the ample outdoor adventures clustered around town. Dating back to the mid-1800s, there's still plenty of vintage flair today. For starters, the city hugs the historic U.S. Route 301, aka the "Highway of Southern Hospitality." Georgia's very first visitor center — the Sylvania Historic Welcome Center — sits right along the old roadway. Stop by on your way into town to admire the retro midcentury modern design and snag a couple of complimentary treats. 

Architectural heritage is on display around Sylvania's town square, too, which is lined with restored storefronts that house quaint shops and eateries. If you fancy a nostalgic stay, book a room at the Kinchley Place. The beloved bed and breakfast was built in the 1890s, and the rooms reflect the timeless charm of the era. This Victorian-era abode is furnished with period-specific antiques, but still has plenty of modern comforts. As one guest shared in a Tripadvisor review, "Breakfast was healthy with ripe berries and fruit that were deliciously sweet. But the huge king bed was the clincher. It was even more comfortable than our own."

Head over to Sylvania's town square to explore more of the city's storied past. The streets are full of historical gems, much like any of America's most charming and walkable downtowns. The vast majority of Sylvania's earliest structures were destroyed in a fire in the late 1800s, but a slew of old brick buildings from the 1920s and 30s still stand in the district today. 

Admire the architecture as you stroll the town square, which is centered around a small park at the junction of Main Street and Ogeechee Street. The stretch of greens has benches and picnic tables, along with two Civil War-era cannons that were donated to the city in 1913. Just steps away is a patriotic mural commemorating the 1779 Battle of Brier Creek that occurred nearby during the Revolutionary War. Do a bit of shopping as you roam downtown. Vintage finds line the shelves at Antiques and More on Main St., located across from the war mural. "Incredible amount of items to explore!" one shopper shared in a Google review, noting that they carried "a wide variety" of timeless treasures. 

There's a little grocery market on the corner if you need to stock up on any essentials, or you can grab an afternoon pick-me-up at Little Dipper Coffee and Ice Cream. There are a few eateries along the main drag, too. Or you can venture down West Ogeechee Street for homestyle grub at Huddle House, rated among the city's most popular places to eat on Tripadvisor. "Best restaurant in Sylvania!" one review reads. "The food was delicious and came out quick!"

Sylvania is located in the Georgia countryside, surrounded by rural farmland, dense forest, and several scenic creeks and waterways. The Savannah River snakes up the border between Georgia and South Carolina just east of town, while the Ogeechee River winds through the area to the south. There are also several wildlife preserves just a short drive away. The Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area is closest, situated about 12 miles northeast of town along the waters of the Savannah. 

The preserve spans more than 15,000 acres and has several lakes. There are ramps and access points scattered across the grounds if you want to do some boating or paddling. Try to spot wildlife as you go, including deer, turkeys, and dozens of bird species. Swallow-tailed kites, Swainson's thrushes, wood storks, and fox sparrows have all been recorded in the area, per eBird. 

The Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area does allow hunting, so you may want to avoid the wildlife management area during active hunting season. While you're there, be sure to check out the Brier Creek Revolutionary War Battlefield Memorial Site, which marks the spot where the aforementioned 1779 battle took place. If you don't mind driving a bit further, Georgia's underrated lake haven, George L. Smith State Park, is under an hour away. The lakeside campsites could easily rival any of the best spots for camping in Georgia's state parks.