- Where is Newnan located and what makes it a great weekend destination?
- Newnan is located 40 miles west of Atlanta and serves as the county seat of Coweta County. It's a great place to spend a weekend, particularly for those interested in history and architecture.
- What historical attractions can visitors explore in Newnan?
- The town boasts 6 historic districts with some of the finest historic homes in Georgia. The Male Academy Museum, housed in one of these buildings, contains many exhibits dating back to the Civil War era when Newnan was a hospital town.
- What outdoor activities are available in Newnan?
- Nature lovers can explore the beautiful Dunaway Gardens, covering over 25 acres, or go hiking in Chattahoochee Bend State Park.
- What can visitors do after a day of exploring Newnan?
- Round off the day with a delicious meal at one of the town’s many restaurants.
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1. The Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts
The Nixon Centre for the Performing and Visual Arts is located in an impressive building which is home to a large 2-level state-of-the-art performance theatre which can seat 1000 guests. In addition, there is an elegant and welcoming lobby area, an art gallery, several lecture halls and dressing rooms for the cast. Visitors are invited to come and support up-and-coming young local performers by attending one of the centre’s regular performances. Shows offer something for audiences of all ages and past performances have included a live dog variety show (aimed at younger audiences) and serious dramas like The Diaries of Ann Frank, as well as musicals, comedies and much more. Check their website for details of upcoming shows.
The Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, 1523 Lower Fayetteville Rd, Newnan, GA 30265, Phone: 770-254-2787
2. Dunaway Gardens
Dunaway Gardens were established by famous golden-years actress Hetty Jane Dunaway. Originally, the gardens were used as a training facility for performers, producers and directors and were frequented by the likes of Walt Disney and Minnie Pearl. In those days the gardens contained an amphitheatre which could seat 1000 people and a quaint barn theatre. Sadly, the gardens fell into disrepair and were totally neglected and forgotten for decades until restoration work commenced in 2000. Today visitors can admire one of the largest floral and rock gardens in the south, complete with spring-fed pools, paths, walls, plantings and waterfalls, covering 25 beautiful acres.
Dunaway Gardens, 3218 Roscoe Rd, Highway 70, Newnan, GA 30263, Phone: 678-423-4050
3. The Male Academy Museum
Located in the Old Male Academy, which was a private boy’s school in the 1880’s, the Male Academy Museum is the brainchild of Mrs. Georgia Shapiro of the Newnan Historical Society. The neglected building was carefully restored and has proved to be an ideal home for a collection of interesting artifacts which showcase life in the hospital town of Newnan, both during and after the American Civil War. Highlights of the collection include an authentic restored Civil War flag and an extensive costume and textile collection. There are also several pieces of period furniture and many articles of a medical nature which were used during the Civil War.
The Male Academy Museum, 30 Temple Avenue, Newnan, GA 30263, Phone: 770-251-0207
4. Partners II Pizza
In 1977 the original Partners II Pizza restaurant opened in Peachtree City. Such was the success of that first pizza restaurant that eager customers can enjoy a Partners II pizza at 6 different locations including Summer Grove/Newnan. Some fans will tell you that the secret crust recipe, (developed by the founder of the company Jim Royal) is responsible for the success of the restaurant. Each pizza is hand tossed and topped with your choice of delicious fresh ingredients. Besides a long list of pizzas, the menu also offers a selection of tasty appetizers, several choices of salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. Gluten free options are also available and carb-careful diners can choose a cauliflower pizza crust.
Partners II Pizza, Summer Grove Market Square, 48 Market Street, Newnan, GA 30265, Phone: 770-253-9221
5. Golden’s On the Square
Located in a quaint old building which was built in 1900, Golden’s on the Square has been serving up award-winning southern home cooking since 1972. Golden’s aim to offer each and every customer a delicious home-style meal and everything on the menu is freshly cooked from scratch each day. The food is served buffet-style and the choices changes daily – you may need to visit a few times to find all your favorites on the buffet. Guests can expect authentic southern comfort foods like fried green tomatoes, fried catfish, fried chicken, mac & cheese and broiled fish on the menu. If you would like to order a takeaway meal you can phone in to see what the daily specialties are.
Golden’s on the Square, 9 East Court Square, Newnan, GA 30263, Phone: 770-251-4300
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