This small Georgia town is home to the country’s largest fairgrounds—and a charming historic downtown
This past October, a record-breaking 612,706 people flocked to the Georgia National Fair for their fill of carnival rides, concerts, livestock, fried foods, blue ribbon-award-winning pickle pizza, homegrown produce, and fun. Held at the sprawling 1,100-acre Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, located about halfway between Atlanta and Savannah, the annual fall tradition is one of the largest in the country.
Much lesser trafficked, however, is the 200-year-old city just beyond the country's largest fairgrounds. And while only 27 square miles in size, the small city of Perry, Georgia, packs in plenty of charm. Best of all, a new generation of foodies and artisans is making Perry a destination worth visiting beyond the tried-and-true staples. (After all, this is the place that design extraordinaire James Farmer calls home.)
Where To Eat
Start the day at Morning by Morning Coffee Roasters, located inside a 1950s-era Pure Gas Station on Main Street. The beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in-house, and the tables of regulars fill up quickly inside and on the covered patio. Beyond caffeine fixes, the counter serves fresh pastries, like Banana Nut Sticks (banana bread baked in madeleine pans so every bite is browned to perfection) or heartier fare, like grits bowls and breakfast tacos on the weekends.
Just down the street, Ghost Runner Pizza is Perry’s hippest spot after 5 p.m. Co-owned by brothers Wade and Cody Walker, this place may not appear to take itself too seriously, from the quirky illustrated logo to the colored lights strung inside the pared-back interiors. However, the sourdough pizza is seriously delicious, with a rotating list of inventive topping combinations, like the spanakopita or the celery root puree, bacon, and chives. Wash it down with a frozen cocktail made with Murrell’s Row Spirits that would rival any big-city bar.
If a more formal occasion is in order, consider The Swanson. Housed in the Cox-Swanson residence that dates back to the 1790s and named after a notable local educator and musician, Norine Swanson Jones, this restaurant opened in 2002 and is well-known for its plates of fried chicken and biscuits, and a long list of sides.
Or, for a more modern experience, head to Oliver Perry’s Fine Dining & Bar. While this newer addition to downtown was established in 2021, it takes inspiration from a different historical figure: the city’s namesake, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who is remembered for his role in the War of 1812.
Where To Shop
No other shop captures the creative imagination of Perry quite like that of interior designer Massey Gordon. Well-stocked with women’s apparel and accessories, home decor and gifts, the boutique also boasts an exclusive collection of colorful works by local artists like Perry’s own Janea Spillers and Macon-based Kathleen Jones.
Before you leave, take a taste of Middle Georgia back home with you, thanks to Aces & Oak Kitchen. This storefront specializes in handcrafted, pre-made, ready-to-go casseroles, party dips and cheese straws, and sweet treats, like caramel iced bundt cake.
What To Do
For outdoor enthusiasts, the 45-acre Rozar Park offers wide open spaces to walk the dog, watch for birds, plein air paint or try your hand at one of the fishing ponds or on the 18-acre disc golf course.
In the summer months, Perry is also a short drive to pick up fresh peaches from some of the state’s favorite farm stores, like Pearson Farms and Lane’s Southern Orchards, in nearby Fort Valley.
Historic Downtown Perry perhaps shines the brightest, however, during the month of December, when shop-lined Carroll Street looks like a scene out of a holiday movie. On the first Saturday of the month, festive floats and performers parade at 10 a.m., heralding the start of the Christmas season. Check the city’s calendar of events for a full list of more seasonal happenings, from the outdoor movie screenings and Food Truck Fridays to themed block parties and farmers markets.
