Need a lakeside retreat or small-town escape in Georgia? Head to Greensboro! Located between Atlanta and Augusta, Greensboro offers classic Southern charm, historic architecture, and the shimmering shores of Lake Oconee. Whether you're teeing off at a luxury golf resort or strolling through antique shops downtown, this town is full of relaxed elegance and hidden gems.
Greensboro, GA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Go boating or paddleboarding on Lake Oconee – Rent a kayak, take a pontoon cruise, or enjoy watersports in Georgia’s second-largest lake.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Old Gaol (Jail) Museum – Tour one of the oldest standing jails in Georgia, dating back to 1807.
- For Shoppers: Explore Downtown Greensboro – Browse antique stores, artisan boutiques, and charming local shops along Main Street.
- For Couples: Relax at The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee – Pamper yourselves with lakeside massages, saunas, and serene views.
- For Families: Spend a day at The Lake Club Marina – Swimming, paddleboarding, and boat rentals for a fun day on the water.
When I like to visit Greensboro, GA
The best time to visit Greensboro is during spring and fall (March–May, September–November) when the temperatures are pleasant for golfing, hiking, and lake activities. Summers are great for water lovers, and winters are mild but quieter.
Tips for getting to Greensboro, GA
- If you are traveling by car: Greensboro is just off I-20, about 1 hour from both Atlanta and Augusta.
- By Air: The closest airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), approximately 90 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: Greyhound and local transit options run through the nearby cities of Madison and Athens.
Where I like to stay in Greensboro, GA
- Recommended for Families: The Lodge at Lake Oconee – Family-friendly accommodations right on the lake, with a pool and complimentary breakfast.
- For Couples: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee – Upscale lakeside resort with golf, spa, fine dining, and luxurious rooms.
- For a Historic Stay: Jameson Inn - Greensboro – Comfortable and affordable stay close to downtown and local attractions.
Best Things to Do in Greensboro, GA
1. Oconee Brewing Company
The Oconee Brewing Company, located near Lake Oconee in the historic town of Greensboro, produces craft beer within a former cotton mill warehouse. Inside this renovated building is a tasting room where visitors can sample an array of craft brews and a retail production facility. The brewery also offers public tours of the brewing facility. The Oconee Brewing Company tasting room is open from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday and Friday, as well as from noon until 10:00pm on Saturdays. The brewery also includes a 3,600-square-foot Event Center features an outdoor patio and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall.
202 N West St, Greensboro, GA 30642, Phone: 706-920-1177
2. Greensboro Antique Mall
The Greensboro Antique Mall is the place in town for all of visitors’ antique needs. This unique shopping destination was established by Charles Davis back in 1860 and offers an expansive, quality selection of antiques in Georgia’s Lake Oconee region. Noted on the National Register of Historic Places, the Greensboro Antique Mall is the region’s largest antique store and features more than fifty dealers selling a wide array of items. The sprawling antique store, measuring approximately 11,000 square feet, is typically open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am until 5:30pm and on Sundays from 1:00pm until 5:00pm.
101 S Main St, Greensboro, GA 30642, Phone: 706-453-9100
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Reynolds Lake Oconee
The gated community of Reynolds Lake Oconee, as the name might suggest, is located along the shoreline of Lake Oconee. The property includes six excellent golf courses across the grounds, crafted by people like Nicklaus, Engh, Cupp, Jones, and Fazio. Accommodations here range from inn guest rooms to condos to cottages, offering access to a wide variety of amenities and an ideal place for a romantic getaway, golf retreat, or family vacation. Reynolds Lake Oconee also offers several options for dining, full-service marinas, pedestrian trails, and swimming pools. There is also an award-winning Tennis Center at The Lake Club Wellness Campus.
5741 Lake Oconee Pkwy, Greensboro GA 30642, Phone: 706-467-3151
4. Genuine Georgia Sells Handcraft Art
Situated in the heart of Greensboro’s historic downtown, Genuine Georgia is a unique shop showcasing art from the minds and hearts of artists from Georgia, as well as the occasional artist demonstration.
Customers are greeted with a warm welcome upon entering the shop, soft piano music playing and the smell of Gooseberry candles.
Lamp-lighted artwork is creatively displayed on pieces of antique furniture throughout the store, aiming to make visitors feel like they “have come home.” Many of the handcraft art found in the Genuine Georgia shop have their own stories, and the friendly staff love to share these stories with customers.
102 S Main St, Greensboro, GA 30642, Phone: 706-453-1440
Where I Like to Eat in Greensboro, GA
- Recommended for Families: Yesterday Café – Southern comfort food and famous buttermilk pie in a cozy, nostalgic setting downtown.
- For Casual Dining: The National Tavern at Reynolds – Lakefront pub-style food with a view and a refined rustic vibe.
- For a Quick Bite: Holcomb’s Bar-B-Que – Classic Georgia BBQ joint with hickory-smoked meats and casual atmosphere.
My favorite local events:
- For Music & Arts: Southland Jubilee (April) – Family-friendly street festival with live entertainment, food vendors, and crafts.
- For Holiday Cheer: Greensboro Christmas Parade (December) – A festive celebration with holiday lights, music, and local floats.
- For Fall Fun: Lake Oconee Fall Festival (October) – Crafts, food trucks, and seasonal fun at the lake’s edge.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Greensboro, Georgia:
- For Nature Lovers: Hard Labor Creek State Park (30–35 min) – Hike trails, play golf, or swim in the lake at this beautiful wooded park.
- For History Buffs: Madison (20–25 min) – Explore antebellum architecture, historic homes, and quaint downtown streets.
- For Wine Tasting: Oconee Cellars or Boutier Winery (15–45 min) – Sample local wines with scenic views of vineyards or Lake Oconee.
- For Art and Culture: Athens (55–60 min) – Visit art museums, trendy shops, and live music venues in this vibrant college town.
- For a Scenic Drive: Georgia’s Antebellum Trail – Take a picturesque road trip through historic towns like Eatonton, Milledgeville, and Madison.
Plan Your Trip