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17 Unique Things to Do in Thomson, Georgia

ByPaige Watts

Thomson, GA has way more going on than you might expect from a small town. Between its blues history, Highland Cows, local festivals, and colorful downtown, there are plenty of unique things to do here.

After a few trips to Thomson, I’ve found that the town has a lot more to offer than its connection to legendary blues musician Blind Willie McTell. You can stay with Highland Cows on a farm, pick up fresh lavender, explore downtown murals and historic sites, and spend time at Clarks Hill Lake.

If you’re planning a visit, these are my favorite things to do in Thomson, Georgia.

A special thanks to Visit Thomson, GA for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions are my own.

The Tom Watson House in Thomson, Georgia, a white Victorian style house with ornate trim and a wraparound porch, stands behind a green lawn. Pink and white cosmos flowers fill the foreground beneath large mature trees.

Best Thomson Activities

1. Stay with Highland Cows at Crawford’s Double O Farm

Paige takes a selfie beside a fenced pasture, with several shaggy Highland cattle resting on the ground behind her at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. A light tan cow with long curved horns lies closest to the fence, while trees and open grassland fill the background.
A white canvas glamping yurt, Dolly's Disco Yurt at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia, sits on a raised wooden platform beside a blue and white striped outdoor structure, colorful chairs, string lights, and pink stepping stones. A sign reads "GROOVY COW YURT" and "STAY FOR THE VIBES", marking the sunny campsite surrounded by dense green woods.
Inside the spacious canvas glamping tent of Dolly's Disco Yurt at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia, a curved sofa with patterned pillows and a shag throw sits beside a large rug featuring a leopard design. A pink cabinet holds a coffee maker, mugs, towels, and other supplies, while warm filtered light gives the tent a cozy, styled interior.
A colorful sign reads "GROOVY COW YURT" and "STAY FOR THE VIBES", with an arrow pointing toward a blue and white striped glamping structure. A private outdoor shower, pink stepping stones, and green grass surround the campsite at Dolly's Disco Yurt at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia.
A large white canvas glamping tent sits on a raised wooden platform in a sunny grassy clearing, with colorful chairs, a picnic table, umbrella, and hammock arranged outside at Dolly's Disco Yurt at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. A small striped structure and an outdoor shower area stand nearby, while dense green forest surrounds the campsite.

One of my favorite things to do in Thomson is staying with the adorable Scottish Highland Cows at Crawford’s Double O Farm! They have two unique glamping yurts — the Cuddly Cow Yurt and Dolly’s Disco Yurt — where you can stay overnight on the farm and wake up to Highland Cows, alpacas, llamas, and Valais Sheep right outside your tent.

This is how I spent my first weekend in Thomson (they had a luxury RV then, but they’ve since moved on to yurts only). You’re right in the middle of the farm pasture, so you open the door and are greeted by farm animals.

The farm is situated on 32 acres surrounded by woods, so you’re in a serene escape that’s just 20 minutes from downtown.

I got to take a look inside Dolly’s Disco Yurt, and it’s so cute! This one has a disco llama theme, while the other yurt has a classic Highland Cow theme. There’s a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, a mini fridge, a fluffy couch and chair, and a lot of cute pink decor that Dolly Parton would love inside the yurt. Outside, there is a bathroom tent with a toilet, an outdoor shower stall, and a ton of outdoor seating around a fire pit.

I will say, that yurt was hot in the mid-day August heat! They told me the air conditioning worked pretty well, but they still recommend not hanging out inside the tent until it gets cooler in the evening, around 5 p.m. in the summer. But there’s plenty more to do in Thomson to keep you entertained throughout the day!

Book your stay at Crawford’s Double O Farm here.

2. Experience Thomson’s Blues Legacy at the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival

Paige at the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, Thomson, Georgia
A large crowd sits in colorful folding chairs on a grassy field facing a live outdoor stage, where musicians perform beneath a banner reading "The Blind Willie McTell Music Festival" in Thomson, Georgia. Tall trees surround the venue, giving the festival a relaxed wooded setting.

The Blind Willie McTell Music Festival celebrates blues and roots music and the legacy of Blind Willie McTell. I visited Thomson for the first time specifically for the festival, and it didn’t disappoint!

Blind Willie McTell, born William Samuel McTier, was a country blues musician who was known for playing the 12-string guitar. He was blind since birth and learned to play the guitar as a teenager. His song “Statesboro Blues” was popularized by musicians like the Allman Brothers Band, and Bob Dylan recorded a tribute song called “Blind Willie McTell“.

The Blind Willie McTell Music Festival is held annually in September. It’s a one-day event, but you’re going to want to stay for the whole weekend because there’s also a bonus free concert the night before the festival, and there are plenty of music history sights around town to see.

The festival is full of music, food trucks, and local vendors. They host musical artists across all genres like blues, ragtime, Dixieland, Cajun, Zydeco, swamp rock, jazz, soul, funk, big band swing, and roots-rock. It’s such an interesting mix, and every band sounded so different.

You can bring your own tent, blanket, and lawn chair for seating. The group I was with brought a 10×10 tent, and it was really the way to go because even in September the Georgia sun can be brutal. You can’t bring in outside food or drinks, but they have some great local food trucks and alcohol for sale onsite.

If you want to build an entire weekend around the festival, I’ve put together an easy-to-follow festival weekend itinerary here.

3. Take a Farm Tour at Crawford’s Double O Farm

Several Highland cattle rest in a fenced pasture at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia, including a cream colored cow with long curved horns lying closest to the camera. A small calf rests nearby, while another reddish brown cow lies beside a muddy patch with trees and grass in the background.
Three cream colored Highland cattle stand close to a wire fence in a grassy pasture at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. The center cow faces the camera with long curved horns and shaggy hair while another stands beside a water trough.
Paige in glasses, a white T shirt, jeans, and white sneakers crouches beside a small tan and white baby alpaca, gently holding it near a wooden fence at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. The alpaca wears a bright green halter and leash in a grassy farm enclosure beneath a cloudy sky.

Even if you can’t stay in their yurts, you can still meet the herd at Crawford’s Double O Farm with a farm tour.

You’ll get to meet the Highland Cows, sheep, llamas, alpacas, goats, and other animals up close. Owner Vanessa will tell you about their history, how the animals came to be at the farm, how they care for them, and each animal’s personality while you get to interact with the animals.

Farm tours are offered on select dates. If you miss the tour, you can also join in other fun events like Story Time on the Farm, Family Movie Time, or their seasonal Festival and Market.

4. Hang Out with Farm Animals at Cowabunga Cafe

Paige in sunglasses pets a shaggy cream colored Highland calf while holding a large bottle for feeding during the Cowabunga Cafe at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. The sunny pasture behind them includes fencing, outdoor chairs, and a striped umbrella, showing a hands on farm animal experience.
Kevin in sunglasses and a navy bucket hat holds a cup of feed while a dark shaggy llama leans in beside him during the Cowabunga Cafe at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. He wears a shirt reading "GEORGIA TECH", and the sunny farm setting includes fencing, trees, and another animal in the background.
A brown goat stands behind a refreshment table, looking toward a clear pastry case filled with assorted baked goods during the Cowabunga Cafe at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. Stacks of cups, paper plates, and a frozen drink machine sit nearby, with folding chairs and a white event tent in the grassy background.
Kevin in a navy bucket hat sits under a green and white umbrella, feeding a small shaggy llama from his hand while holding a cup of feed during Cowabunga Cafe at Crawford's Double O Farm in Thomson, Georgia. The sunny farm setting includes colorful outdoor seating, umbrellas, and other visitors in the grassy pasture.

Another great way to experience Crawford’s Double O Farm is at their Cowabunga Cafe! Since I wasn’t staying at the farm on my second visit to Thomson, we did the Cowabunga Cafe experience instead so we could still hang out with the animals.

This experience lets you step into the pasture and hang out with the animals for an hour. You get to feed Highland Cows, sheep, goats, and llamas. I even got to bottle feed the baby Highland Cow! It’s kind of chaos once the animals notice you have food, and if you’re the only ones at the experience, you’ll definitely get swarmed.

You can also sip coffee in cooler weather and lemonade in warmer weather. And they have a few pastries and baked goods you can enjoy while you sit, surrounded by the farm animals. It can be a little difficult to sit and relax, though, since all the animals think every bite of food is for them!

This is a great way to see the farm if you’re not staying overnight. You’re in the same pasture as the yurts, so you can see what it would be like to stay there and be surrounded by the animals.

5. Find the Giant Guitars Along the 12 String Strut

A large painted guitar sculpture stands outside a brick building as part of the 12 String Strut in Thomson, Georgia, decorated with a musician playing harmonica and guitar beneath floating musical notes. Rocking chairs line the covered walkway behind it, adding to the relaxed music themed setting.

Thomson is decorated all around downtown with McTell’s 12 String Strut, a public art project made up of more than a dozen 7-foot-tall hand-painted Stella guitar replicas. Each one is unique and designed by a different local artist.

The project honors the legacy of Blind Willie McTell, who was famous for his blues music played on a 12-string guitar.

It’s so much fun to see them all, and it’s really easy to work them into a day of shopping downtown, hunting murals, and taking a downtown history tour (subtle foreshadowing: you’ll see all of these come up later in this list!).

Start with #1 at the corner of Milledge St. and Main St. and make your way down Main St. and along Railroad St. You can grab your downloadable map here.

6. Discover Thomson’s History at the McDuffie Museum

Blind Willie display at McDuffie Museum, Thomson, Georgia
A colorful painted guitar sculpture stands in front of a museum wall display at the McDuffie Museum in Thomson, Georgia, titled "REFLECTIONS" and "HISTORY OF MCDUFFIE COUNTY". The exhibit includes a historic map and portrait of George McDuffie, while the guitar is decorated with a painted musician, horses, and flowers.
A local history museum gallery at the McDuffie Museum in Thomson, Georgia displays glass cases filled with documents and artifacts, historic portraits, a reconstructed wooden porch, and a large American flag hanging overhead. A sign reads "U.S. POST OFFICE BONEVILLE GEORGIA 30806", while another display case is labeled "J. EDGAR THOMSON".
A Blind Willie McTell museum exhibit at the McDuffie Museum in Thomson, Georgia displays a colorful portrait, a painted guitar, framed Blues Festival posters, and a seated mannequin holding a guitar. A stone marker reading "EDDIE McTIER 1898 AUG 19 1959 AT REST" stands beneath the memorabilia, connecting the display to the blues musician and his legacy.

My first stop for learning about the history of Thomson is the McDuffie Museum in downtown. My favorite part is that it’s completely free!

Typically, the museum curator is there to also give you a free tour of some of the most important exhibits. I highly recommend getting the tour because we learned so much more about special artifacts that we missed going through the exhibits on our own.

The museum covers everything from the county’s Native American tribes to its Quaker colony of Wrightsboro to its famous musicians and artists. There are treasures of all kinds detailing Thomson’s railroad history, its famous people, Blind Willie McTell’s rise to fame, and even the town’s iconic Belle Meade fox hunt.

7. Step Into Thomson’s Quaker History at Wrightsboro

Wrightsboro Methodist Church in Thomson, Georgia, a simple white wooden church with a metal roof, stands beneath massive oak trees beside a small historic cemetery. A Georgia historical marker in the foreground reads "WRIGHTSBORO METHODIST CHURCH", identifying the site and its long history in the former town of Wrightsboro.

The Wrightsboro Church and Historic District were the southernmost point of Quaker migration in North America and are a really unique part of Thomson’s history. Wrightsboro was settled in 1768 and became a community of homes, gristmills, and meetinghouses.

Wrightsboro Church is the focal point of what’s left of the settlement of Wrightsboro. It was built in 1810 as a house of worship for all Christian denominations. In 1877, the church was deeded to the Methodist Church. Surrounding the church is an old graveyard where many ancestors of prominent Georgia families are buried.

The church is still used today and is open for tours by appointment. Even if you don’t want to see inside, it’s still worth stopping and enjoying the quiet church and its little graveyard

You’ll also find information about the Wrightsboro community in small pull-offs along the road in this area. It’s worth making a few quick stops to read the historical plaques and learn all about McDuffie County’s first community.

8. Explore Historic Thomson on the Downtown Walking Tour

Thomson Depot, a historic red brick building with a broad overhanging roof, stands on a corner in Thomson, Georgia, with rocking chairs and large planters along the covered walkway. A colorful painted guitar sculpture and a sidewalk sign promoting "Calvin Richardson" sit outside, reinforcing the building's music themed connection.
Tom Watson Birth Cabin in Thomson, Georgia, a small historic white wooden house with a front porch and weathered shingle roof sits in a grassy clearing beneath massive mature trees. Dense greenery surrounds the modest home, giving the property a quiet, preserved rural setting.

The Downtown Thomson Walking Tour is one of the best ways to get to know Thomson’s history. This is a 1.35 mile self-guided tour of downtown’s historic buildings, architecture, and the important people of Thomson.

I did the tour on my first visit to Thomson, and it really helped me get the lay of the land. I combined it with the 12 String Strut, murals, and shopping downtown.

It begins and ends at the Thomson Depot. Along the way, you’ll see important sites like the Thomson Depot, the Historic McDuffie County Courthouse, Thomson Memorial Cemetery, the Tom Watson Birth Cabin, and the Bank of Thomson Building.

9. Pay Your Respects at Blind Willie McTell’s Grave

Blind Willie McTell’s gray gravestone stands in a grassy cemetery in Thomson, Georgia, with coins scattered across the grave and a guitar engraved on the marker. The stone reads "BLUES LEGEND BLIND WILLIE McTELL. BORN WILLIE SAMUEL McTIER. MAY 5 1901. DIED AUGUST 19 1959."

Blind Willie’s grave is located at Jones Grove Baptist Church in an area known as Happy Valley. This is a must-visit for music-lovers, and it’s the perfect addition to your weekend if you’re visiting for the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival.

The grave is easy to find: it’s the big one with a guitar on it just a couple rows back from the church.

This isn’t the original headstone for Blind Willie — that’s actually at the McDuffie Museum! So be sure to look for that when you visit the museum.

10. Stroll Through the Thomson Memorial Cemetery

Thomson Memorial Cemetery in Thomson, Georgia is filled with weathered stone monuments and headstones, including several tall ornate markers in the foreground engraved with family names such as "SMITH" and "McCORD". Mature magnolia trees and rows of graves extend across the grassy grounds beneath an overcast sky.

The Thomson Memorial Cemetery was established in 1854, and the earliest marked grave is that of Mary Sutton who died on June 5, 1855. If you’re a fan of cemetery strolls like I am, spooky season or not, then you’ll love this cemetery!

The cemetery was part of the 19th century Rural Cemetery Movement that made cemeteries into a more park-like setting (all the more reason for a cemetery stroll — it’s not weird, y’all!). There are a couple benches in the cemetery where you can sit and relax, and next to the benches is an audio box where you can listen to information about the cemetery’s history.

Notable graves to see within the cemetery include Thomas Edward Watson, the founder of Georgia’s People’s Party; John Lewis King Holtzendorf, the first Mayor of Thomson in 1889; and Clara Elizabeth Stovall, co-author of the book History of McDuffie County, which was responsible for the preservation of much of the county’s history.

11. Hunt for Murals Around Downtown Thomson

Paige takes a selfie in front of a large brick mural in Thomson, Georgia depicting a vintage steam locomotive, with "122" painted on the engine. The mural stretches across the side of a red brick building beside a downtown street, adding a colorful railroad themed landmark to the scene.
Paige stands in front of a colorful mural in Thomson, Georgia showing the blues musician Blind Willie McTell in a cap playing guitar, surrounded by bright blue musical notes and rainbow bands. Partial text across the top reads "woke up this morning".
A colorful Blind Willie McTell mural in Thomson, Georgia covers the side of a red brick building, showing the blues musician playing guitar beside the words "BLIND WILLIE McTELL" and "We Love the BLUES". Text above the mural reads "I woke up this morning. I got them Statesboro Blues", connecting the artwork to McTell and his music.
A large mural in Thomson, Georgia shows local history and culture, including a rider on a white horse, a historic white house, portraits, roses, and a musician holding a guitar. The mural reads "Thomson" and "McDuffie Co. Georgia", connecting the scenes to the community.
A large Coca Cola mural in Thomson, Georgia painted on a red brick building shows a smiling soda fountain character presenting a glass bottle surrounded by ice. The bright blue advertisement reads "Enjoy" and "Coca Cola", creating a vintage downtown landmark.
A large mural in Thomson, Georgia shows a vintage steam locomotive beneath the text "Thomson Ga." with "Atlanta 134 miles" and "Augusta 37 miles" printed on either side. A guitar shaped sculpture stands beside the mural, reinforcing the town's railroad and music history.

I love a city covered in public art, and Thomson is no exception. There are several unique murals in downtown and beyond that highlight the city’s history.

A few of my favorites are:

  • Highrail Mural — on the side of a building on Journal St. that commemorates the building’s previous tenant
  • Blind Willie Mural — a tribute to Thomson’s famed blues singer
  • Community Mural — near the Thomson Depot that highlights the city’s most famous people, places, and events
  • Coca-Cola “Sprite” Mural — y’all know I can’t resist a Coca-Cola mural
  • Railroad History Mural — near the Thomson Depot that depicts the city’s railroad history

It was super easy to add these stops into my 12-String Strut tour, and they’re all marked on that same map.

12. Pick Your Own Lavender at White Hills Farm

A hand holds several lavender flower stems in shades of pale purple, deep violet, and white at White Hills Farm in Dearing, Georgia. Rows of soft green lavender plants blur in the background, keeping the delicate blooms as the main focus.
A rustic shop display at White Hills Farm in Dearing, Georgia features jars of herbal foot soak and bathing salts arranged on painted wooden shelves beside bundles of dried lavender. Small signs read "Foot Soak 10" and "Whip O Bathing Salts 11", highlighting the handmade bath products for sale.
Paige sits at a wooden table, filling a small clear bag with dried lavender buds by hand at White Hills Farm in Dearing, Georgia. Loose lavender is scattered across a floral tray, with shelves and rustic wood decor in the shop behind her.
A hand holds a small sheer white sachet filled with dried lavender, embroidered with a purple lavender sprig and tied with a white ribbon. Rows of lavender plants blur into the sunny garden behind it at White Hills Farm in Dearing, Georgia.
Purple lavender flower spikes rise above silvery green foliage in a sunny field at White Hills Farm in Dearing, Georgia. Rows of lavender blur into the background, emphasizing the blooming plants in the foreground.

White Hills Farm is a small boutique lavender and herb farm out in Dearing, GA that’s an easy 15 minute drive from Downtown Thomson. They grow 14 varieties of lavender, as well as rosemary, thyme, basil, and calamint.

The owner, Amy, is an amazingly friendly person, and she’s such a joy to sit and chat with about her herbs.

During lavender season (June-July), you can pick the lavender for yourself. You can also visit the farm shop to buy lavender bath products, teas, essential oils, and more.

I still haven’t gotten the chance to visit during peak growing season. Some of the lavender varieties are still growing a little in August, and most have stopped by September. But the farm is still worth visiting in the non-growing season.

When it’s non-growing season, you can visit the farm on weekends to take a farm tour, shop the store, and attend events like taking a baking class, making your own spa-grade beauty products, yoga, and high tea. The last time I visited, I made a little lavender sachet for scenting up my home.

13. Stay in an A-Frame Cabin by the Lake

A modern A frame cabin in Thomson, Georgia with dark gray siding, a steep triangular roof, large upper windows, and a second floor balcony stands in a wooded setting. A wide front porch and neatly cut lawn frame the entrance, while tall trees surround the secluded property.
A modern A frame cabin in Thomson, Georgia with a wall of triangular windows and a raised deck overlooks a spacious green lawn surrounded by trees. Four Adirondack chairs circle a large metal fire pit on a stone patio, creating an inviting outdoor gathering area.
Paige sits on a wooden porch swing in a grassy yard, with a large modern A frame cabin rising behind her among tall trees in Thomson, Georgia. The cabin has a steep triangular roof, expansive front windows, and a raised deck, creating a secluded woodland getaway setting.
A wooden deck with a round patio table, chairs, and a closed umbrella overlooks Clarks Hill Lake in Thomson, Georgia through tall trees at sunset. Warm orange light reflects across the water, creating a peaceful evening view from the A frame cabin deck.
A bright modern bedroom inside an A frame cabin in Thomson, Georgia has a large bed with white bedding beneath a sloped wood paneled ceiling and skylight. Warm bedside lamps, dark wood flooring, a ceiling fan, and simple black furniture give the room a clean, cozy feel.
A bright open kitchen and dining area inside an A frame cabin in Thomson, Georgia features white cabinets, a green island with bar stools, and a dark dining table set beneath modern chandeliers. Sloped wood paneled ceilings, large skylights, and a loft railing above the kitchen fill the space with natural light.
A spacious open concept living room in an A frame cabin in Thomson, Georgia features a brown leather sofa and matching ottoman, two cream armchairs, and small side tables on a large woven rug. The kitchen with a green island sits behind the seating area, while black railings and stairs lead up to the open loft above.
Paige in a red and navy swimsuit sits at the edge of a dock looking out over a calm Clarks Hill Lake in Thomson, Georgia. Forested shoreline and soft evening light create a quiet lakeside moment.
A bottle labeled "PAULK VINEYARDS. LAKE DAY. SWEET ROSÉ MUSCADINE TABLE WINE. GEORGIA" sits beside two chilled wine glasses on a deck railing at an A frame cabin in Thomson, Georgia. Trees frame a peaceful Clarks Hill Lake at sunset in the background, connecting the wine to a relaxed lakeside evening.
A calm Clarks Hill Lake stretches between wooded shorelines at sunset, with soft orange light glowing beneath a cloudy sky and reflecting across the water. Covered boat docks sit along both sides of the quiet shoreline.

This LakeFrAme Getaway is another of Thomson’s unique places to stay. It’s an A-frame cabin on Clarks Hill Lake with lake access and some of the most amazing sunset lake views.

Kevin and I stayed here on our second trip to Thomson for a romantic weekend getaway, and it was the perfect stay for it.

This place was huge. I guess I’m used to thinking of A-frames as small and cozy, but this was a 3-bedroom, 2-bath cabin with a huge kitchen and living room space, and even a loft play area for kids. Outside, there’s a large deck, a fire pit, and a private 2-level dock.

We spent some time on the dock, playing board games in the living room, and sipping rosé on the deck at sunset. It was an amazing retreat for a quiet getaway.

14. Have a Lake Day at Clarks Hill Lake

Paige and Kevin take a selfie beside a lakeside dock at sunset, with a small boat moored behind them, at Clarks Hill Lake in Thomson, Georgia. Dramatic clouds and warm evening light stretch across the lake, framing the relaxed waterfront moment.
A wooden walkway with black railings leads down to a dock extending into a wide Clarks Hill Lake in Thomson, Georgia, where a small boat is moored beneath dramatic storm clouds. Soft evening light breaks through near the horizon, reflecting across the water and giving the lakeside scene a moody sunset atmosphere.
Clarks Hill Lake stretches beneath dramatic gray storm clouds in Thomson, Georgia, with small tree covered islands and forested shoreline in the distance. Ripples move across the dark water, while a faint warm glow near the horizon suggests changing weather.

Even if you can’t stay on the lake, you can still have a lake day at Clarks Hill Lake.

If you have a boat you want to take out for fishing, waterskiing, or swimming, you can find boat ramp access at Raysville Marina, the Rousseau Creek Rd Boat Launch, and at Little River Water Trail access points.

If you’re a kayaker, then you won’t want to miss the Little River Water Trail, a 20-mile long trail that takes you along the Little River to Clarks Hill Lake. It’s a great way to discover McDuffie County’s wildlife, like bald eagles, white tail deer, and even river otters.

15. Shop Thomson’s Downtown Boutiques and Antique Stores

Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk's, a rustic antiques shop in Thomson, Georgia, is covered with vintage signs and quirky outdoor decorations, including a large sign reading "ANTIQUES" and a painted "Drink Coca Cola" advertisement. An old Volkswagen Beetle, metal sculptures, planters, and mismatched furniture crowd the yard, giving the storefront an eclectic roadside feel.
A crowded antiques and gift shop display in Thomson, Georgia is filled with colorful jewelry, silk scarves, decorative plates, baskets, mirrors, pillows, and vintage home decor. Necklace stands and small ceramic pieces fill the foreground, while layered shelves and wall displays create an eclectic treasure hunt feel.
A white tea towel hangs in a gift shop display in Thomson, Georgia with the bold text "Bitch, please. I’m from Thomson." Nearby shelves hold matching mugs, Georgia themed souvenirs, and burlap bags labeled "Dr. Pete’s Herbs de Provence Poultry".
A hand holds a worn blue hardcover Nancy Drew book titled "The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk" by Carolyn Keene. A small note tucked into the top reads "1940 Nancy Drew Book", while shelves and vintage decor blur in the background at an antique shop in Thomson, Georgia.

If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, Thomson has some great places, from antique shops to clothing boutiques.

Here are a few of my favorite local shops to check out:

  • Aunt Tique & Uncle Junk’s — for antiques, curated regularly. I managed to find a vintage Nancy Drew book here for my collection.
  • MariBeth’s Books — for new and used. I love this bookstore for finding local McDuffie authors.
  • Alleycats This & That — for antiques, retro video games, collectables, thrifted finds, and locally made products. Kevin made it out of here with an armful of retired Lego sets for a great price.
  • The Saturday Market — for antiques and vintage finds. They also carry their own local jams, jellies, salsa, and sauces.
  • Sweet Annie’s — for boutique clothing, gifts, baked goods, and take-home casseroles. It’s like three stores in one. It’s run by three friends, so you get three different tastes across the whole store.
  • Mane Vault — for boutique clothing, accessories, and hometown and game day outfits.

Most of these shops are walkable within downtown, so it’s super easy to spend an afternoon shopping around.

16. Get a Sweet Treat at The Caffeinated Heifer

Two creamy blended milkshake drinks in clear cups sit on a wooden counter at The Caffeinated Heifer in Thomson, Georgia, with plush Highland cows and a decorative cow figure behind them. Both cups display a logo reading "THE CAFFEINATED HEIFER" and "THOMSON, GA", while the darker drink has "Majestic Milkshake" handwritten near the top.

The Caffeinated Heifer is the local coffee shop in Downtown Thomson. But they’re more than just coffee — they also have ice cream, smoothies, and grab-and-go breakfast.

Kevin and I treated ourselves to a little milkshake date here. He did one with a chocolate and caramel ice cream base, while I did one with a chocolate and coffee ice cream base.

They also do a lot of community events here. When we visited, they were having an 80s-themed ice cream social with discounts for answering 80s trivia correctly, karaoke, and a DJ.

17. Eat Your Way Through Thomson’s Local Favorites

A toasted sandwich cut into halves is filled with melted cheese and thick strips of crispy bacon, stacked upright on a white plate from Emma's Breakfast Cafe in Thomson, Georgia. A mug in the background reads "EMMA'S Breakfast Cafe", placing the sandwich in a casual breakfast setting.

Get a taste of Thomson! There are so many great restaurants in Thomson serving up delicious home-style meals with a side of the friendliest service you’ve ever had.

Here are a few of my favorite local restaurants:

Thomson Activities Map

Ready to explore Thomson, Georgia? Use the map below to find all the fun things to do in Thomson listed here.

I hope you have an amazing time experiencing these Thomson activities!

Thomson, GA FAQ

What is Thomson, Georgia known for?

Thomson is best known as the hometown of legendary blues musician Blind Willie McTell. The town celebrates its music history through the annual Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, the 12 String Strut public art trail, and other music-related sites around town.

Is Thomson, Georgia worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy small-town getaways, local history, music, farms, and outdoor activities. Thomson has a surprisingly varied mix of things to do, from staying with Highland Cows and exploring historic downtown to spending a day at Clarks Hill Lake.

How many days do you need in Thomson, Georgia?

A weekend is ideal for Thomson. Two days gives you enough time to explore downtown, visit Crawford’s Double O Farm, see the historic sites, and spend some time around Clarks Hill Lake without rushing.

What is the best time of year to visit Thomson, Georgia?

Spring and fall are great times to visit Thomson because the weather is generally better for walking around downtown and spending time outdoors. September is especially fun if you want to attend the Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, while June and July are best for lavender season at White Hills Farm.

Can you take a day trip to Thomson from Atlanta or Augusta?

Yes. Thomson is close enough to Augusta for an easy day trip, while it’s better suited to a full-day trip or weekend getaway from Atlanta. If you want to experience the farm stays, lake, and downtown attractions, I recommend staying overnight.

How far is Thomson, GA from Atlanta?

Thomson is about 116 miles, or a 1 hour 40 minute drive, from Atlanta, Georgia.

How far is Thomson, GA from Augusta?

Thomson is about 30 miles, or a 35 minute drive, from Augusta, Georgia.

Where to Stay in Thomson, GA

Find the perfect place to rest your head in Thomson, Georgia.

More Georgia Itineraries

Want to explore more of Georgia? Check out these top posts.

Ready to visit Thomson, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

12 Unique Things to Do in Thomson, Georgia

What are your favorite things to do in Thomson, Georgia? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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