JImmy CaRtER Road tRIP through the downtown butterfly garden, one of the stops on the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail , the former First Lady’s project to provide habitats for pollinators. Next hop on Highway 280 for a few short minutes to tour the third spot in the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, The Boyhood Farm . You’ll find tomatoes, corn and peanuts still growing there today. Carter’s boyhood home is preserved as it was in 1937, and the farm is still home to all manner of animals, including charming goats, clucking chickens and the buzz of honeybees. You can even take a self-guided audio tour narrated by Carter himself. Book a room at the Plains Historic Inn to immerse yourself fully in the small-town, presidential experience. The hotel’s seven suites are each furnished from a specific decade between 1920 and 1980, the eras of Carter’s illustrious political career. Finally, drive by the Carters’ modest ranch home on Woodland Drive— the only home he and Rosalynn ever owned—where you can imagine him digging its fly-fishing pond and relaxing under a magnolia tree transported from the White House lawn. Say farewell on your way out of town by snapping a picture of the smiling peanut statue , a whimsical art installation of the town’s favorite legume adorned with Carter’s signature grin. Americus Known for its charming historical downtown, this small city just east of Plains is dotted with shops and restaurants. It’s also the operational headquarters of Habitat for Humanity, one of President Carter’s favorite charities. Power up for your day exploring this slice of southwest Georgia with a fruity blueberry muffin or decadent mini coffee cake from Sweet Georgia Bakery & Cafe . They serve java—including coffee by the pound—from Cafe Campesino Coffee Roastery , a 100% Fair Trade, organic roastery based in Americus, too. Ask for the Carter Butterfly Trail Roast, named for the former First Lady’s passion project. Then drive east to nearby Georgia Veterans State Park on Lake Blackshear to climb aboard the Presidential Flyer SAM Shortline Railroad , a two-hour journey between the region’s most notable Carter landmarks. Soak in the scenery in the comfort of vintage, climate-controlled rail cars with large viewing windows. The ride includes stops in Plains as well as the site of his boyhood home. After the trip, venture back to Americus for a shopping excursion, starting at The Kinnebrew Co . Founded in 1947, this landmark shop is loved by Southern ladies and gentlemen for its custom clothing and deep Americus ties, including to Georgia Southwestern State University (an alma mater of Carter’s). Spend the afternoon strolling the city’s antique shops and boutiques— many of them stocked with Carter-era memorabilia—and then grab dinner at Rosemary & Thyme , an elegant restaurant housed inside the majestic Windsor Hotel . A favorite of President Carter, the five-story, Victorian-era hotel boasts luxurious guest rooms, including the Carter Presidential Suite. Book a room to freshen up in after dinner before catching a show at the Rylander Theatre , a 1920s-era venue that hosts live music, theater and other performing arts. It even has an auditorium that bears Carter’s name. 106 #EXPLOREGEORGIA RYLANDER THEATRE, AMERICUS/CALEB JONES
Official State Travel Guide 2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 106
