Barnesville combines a history as a carriage-making town with historic buildings, art and recurring events. When planning a stay, it’s worth noting the differences: Some experiences are tied to specific dates, while others offer insights into the town’s architectural and cultural history.
Carriage-Making Tradition and Annual Events
At its peak, Barnesville was known as the “Buggy Capital of the South”; the town made carriages for presidents. Buggy Days, an annual festival in downtown, carries on this tradition. The dates vary from year to year. If you’d like to plan your stay around the festival, check the current dates before your trip.
Peaches to the Beaches is another annual tradition, but it isn’t limited to downtown: It stretches for more than 200 miles along Highway 341, from Barnesville to the Georgia coast. Dates and participating vendors change each year. While Buggy Days takes place downtown, Peaches to the Beaches covers a long route to the coast. This difference in scale is a useful guide when planning your schedule.
Take in the Historic Buildings
The Barnesville Commercial Historic District is a historic commercial district with business buildings, warehouses, institutional buildings, depots and a church. The Barnesville Depot stands out for its architecture: The brick building, listed on the National Register, is designed in the Mission Style. Its defining details include a tile roof, widely overhanging eaves, a curved gable and large angle brackets.
The Carnegie Library of Barnesville also offers a specific point of interest for architecture enthusiasts. Whitfield & King designed the building in the Georgian style. The National Register recognizes the library as significant in the areas of education, architecture and social history. The details about its style, architects and historical context each offer a different perspective on the building: its design, origins and social significance.
Houses and Streetscapes on the Walking Tour
The Barnesville Walking Tour takes visitors past Victorian homes, charming shops and picturesque residential neighborhoods. Some of the houses date back to the 19th century. One especially well-dated example is a house built in 1870 on the corner of Thomaston Street and Rose Avenue. It was built by the daughter of town founder Gideon Barnes. This means the tour can be viewed not only through its architectural styles, but also through specific construction dates and the documented connection to the town’s history.
Barnesville’s visitor offerings also include numerous murals, antique shops and stores in the town center. Individual shops and artworks may change over time. Visitors interested in antiques, local art or historic homes can choose from several themes to shape their visit.
Art and Exhibitions
Lamar Arts generally presents new exhibitions every two months. Cara Studios showcases paintings, poetry and artifacts; its offerings also include a sculpture garden. The studio is located in the restored 1910 Carnegie Library, bringing art and a historic building together in one place. The two subjects complement one another without describing the same experience: The library represents architectural history, while Cara Studios focuses on exhibited art and different forms of expression.
Cara Studios offers historic and garden tours by appointment. If you’d like to plan one of these tours, confirm the date before your visit. It’s also a good idea to check current listings for specific exhibition dates, as exhibitions generally change about every two months.
Plan Activities in Advance
The Gordon State Challenge Course gives the community an opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills. The course includes high and low elements; its official description highlights immersive learning experiences and challenges that push participants beyond their comfort zones. This is a different kind of activity from touring historic buildings or visiting an exhibition.
Reservations are required for the Gordon State Challenge Course. They must be arranged at least four weeks in advance through the Continuing & Professional Education Office. If this activity is important to your stay, plan ahead and confirm the booking details before your trip.
Coordinate Your Arrival and Stay
Barnesville is west of Interstate 75; the drive from the interstate takes about 15 minutes, although actual travel time may vary depending on traffic. This approximate guide can help with arrival planning, but it doesn’t replace checking the current route. The reason for your visit may also affect your choice of hotel: For annual events, whose dates vary, check the dates and participating vendors before planning your trip around them.
For the broader travel overview: Lamar County.
