Thomaston offers a range of ways to spend your stay: culture and film, historic sites and nature experiences. Lakeside Park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. As operating information can change, check the hours before your visit. For current films, there is the Art Deco Ritz Theatre; as the program may change, it is worth checking the showtimes. The Thomaston Upson Art Council and Gallery is located on the square. This puts film and art side by side as distinct cultural highlights.
Local History and Historic Sites
The Upson County Courthouse was built in 1908. Tours are offered by appointment only; if you would like to see the building as part of a tour, plan your visit in advance and arrange an appointment. The Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge was completed in October 1892 and is not open to traffic. These dates give both structures a specific historical connection, while their access conditions differ.
Andrews Chapel also tells a story about Upson County history: Of the 47 schoolhouses that stood in the county before 1941, it is the only one-room schoolhouse still standing. This statement refers to Upson County and reflects the building’s regional significance.
The Thomaston-Upson Archives preserves historical records dating back to 1821. Visitors can get assistance from a full-time archivist, professional staff and volunteers. As staffing can change, it is advisable to confirm what assistance is available before your visit. Those exploring historical questions will find a different approach here than on a tour of a single building: The focus is on documents spanning a long period.
The Pettigrew-White-Stamps House Museum dates from around 1833. Its interior has been redesigned as a typical home from the World War II era. If this presentation is important to your plans, confirm before traveling whether it is currently on display. The museum thus combines an early date of origin with a later, themed interior design.
Nature and Active Experiences
Sprewell Bluff Park offers hiking opportunities, which may vary seasonally. The landscape is characterized by steep slopes, ridges and narrow gorges. The park is home to deer, foxes, otters, turtles and bald eagles. The landscape and the animal species mentioned give the park a different character from the historic buildings and collections: Here, nature and activity take center stage, without guaranteeing sightings of any particular animals.
Another active option is Skydive Atlanta, which offers tandem and AFF skydives from 14,000 feet. Check operating days before your trip. Hiking in a dramatic landscape and skydiving offer very different experiences, so your choice may depend on whether you would rather spend time outdoors on foot or in a jump.
Planning Your Visit
Different conditions apply when planning your schedule: Lakeside Park lists daily hours from sunrise to sunset, while tours of the courthouse are by appointment only. It is worth checking current information on the film program and Skydive Atlanta’s operating days. This helps you distinguish regular park hours from activities for which a specific appointment or up-to-date schedule is important.
For an overview of the wider trip: Upson.
