Last semester my friend’s mom flew down from New York for a college visit. The mother/daughter pair toured campus, met the boyfriend and even had time to see the Tallahassee sights like the football stadium, the capitol building and the football stadium. My friend called me two days into the visit needing something…anything to keep mom occupied. I had a perfect idea: take a daytrip to Thomasville, Georgia.

Thomasville has so much preserved history that you’ll be sure find something that you’re interested in at any of the museums in the city. Thomasville boasts the 20th radio station ever built, a black history museum with over 3,000 artifacts that celebrate Thomasville’s African American achievements and a massive plantation complete with vintage carriages and art collection. One of my favorite attractions in Thomasville is the Big Oak. This Southern Live Oak is over 325 years old and has a trunk circumference over 26 feet.

Downtown Thomasville is in the modern era but tries to maintain its southern hospitality and small town charm. Many of its downtown buildings have been preserved and converted into a variety of antique stores and boutiques. There’s everything from handcrafted earrings and jewelry to local-made wine and honey. Outdoor restaurants and upscale teahouses shops pop up among the stores to give shoppers their legs – and their wallets – a break. Some of the most popular dining choices were Grassroots Coffee for a cool break from the Georgia heat and Jonah’s Fish and Grits, which combines English and Southern cooking.

You could spend a few hours in Thomasville for a teaser of what the city has to offer or enjoy a weekend to thoroughly appreciate the history and charm of this small southern town. Who knows? Thomasville might even help you enjoy spending more time with your mother.

For more information on Thomasville accommodations, attractions and history, visit www.thomasvillega.com.