From romantic couple getaways and family outings to hitting the road solo, Villa Rica offers visitors engaging history, unique experiences and authentic charm
VILLA RICA, GEORGIA—OCTOBER 2024—Located off Interstate 20, just 35 minutes west of Atlanta, Villa Rica is a quaint west Georgia town offering an abundance of engaging history, authentic early 1900s architecture, eclectic shops, locally owned eateries and a variety of outdoor adventure. Perhaps one of the most interesting things about Villa Rica is its rich gold history, which is reflected in the town’s name meaning “City of Gold” in Portuguese. Whether you are craving a couple’s getaway, a new adventure with the family or hitting the road solo, Villa Rica offers interesting experiences around every corner.
Better together
Escape the hustle and bustle with your significant other and enjoy a secluded experience at Villa Rica Bed and Breakfast. A destination all its own, Villa Rica Bed and Breakfast is a couples-only retreat situated on an expansive 80 acres of pure, untouched beauty. Featuring two meticulously themed rooms, couples delight in the attention to detail from sound machines and intentional lighting to detailed décor and more. Spend the afternoons reconnecting while exploring the property’s lakes, ponds, woodlands and fields. With close access to nearby attractions, couples can easily explore downtown Villa Rica’s shops, boutiques and a variety of culinary experiences. Villa Rica Bed and Breakfast, 2377 South Van Wert Road, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-843-1524
Nothing says couple’s getaway quite like a visit to a local vineyard. Little Vine Vineyards and Winery, owned by Jerry and Sherrie Culver, is bringing back a past tradition of producing fine wines in western Georgia. At one time, west Georgia was a major vineyard and winery center with some 20,000 acres planted in bunch grapes before Prohibition. The grapes at Little Vine Vineyards are the first commercial wine grapes planted in west central Georgia since 1907 and the winery is the first constructed in the area in over 100 years. Sip and see first-hand the history behind wine-making in this part of Georgia. Tastings are offered Friday through Sunday with live music most Saturdays. Click here for more on events happening at Little Vine Vineyards. Cheers! Little Vine Vineyards and Winery, 665 North Hulett Road, Villa Rica, Georgia, 30180; 770-851-4454
Family affair
Load up the family and embark on an adventure through Villa Rica’s gold rush history. Visitors of all ages love the Gold Museum and Scenic Railroad. Taking guests through the rich history of Villa Rica’s gold rush dating back to 1826, this is a must-do when visiting the area. The Pine Mountain Gold Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and is Georgia’s only gold museum located on an actual gold mine. Walk the trails where miners walked, explore the museum, take in the documentary film and finish your tour with hands-on gold and gem panning. Don’t miss the train! Secure your tickets aboard the Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad and circle the base of Pine Mountain to take in the excellent views of the mining station ruins. Pine Mountain Gold Museum, 1881 Stockmar Road, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 678-840-1445
Families also love checking out the Golden City Car Cruisers Monthly Cruise-In. Taking place every third Saturday March through October at downtown Villa Rica’s The Mill Amphitheater, this family-friendly event offers music, door prizes, cake walks and of course, a variety of classic cars. This free event is a favorite among visitors and locals alike! Click here for more information.
All the exploring can work up an appetite. With many family-friendly restaurants to choose from, there’s something for even the pickiest eaters! From barbecue and classic Southern cuisine to seafood and international eateries, families have many dining options. Click here for more on dining in Villa Rica.
Several family-friendly lodging options make exploring Villa Rica with the family a piece of cake. Families love the Holiday Inn Express, a convenient location for those traveling Interstate 20. Comfortable and contemporary, this property is centrally located and is accommodating to families. For a complete list of lodging options in Villa Rica, click here. Holiday Inn Express, 100 Cooley Way, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-462-6071
Traveling solo
Make your visit to Villa Rica your very own. Home to many walking trails, fishing lakes, pickleball courts and more, Villa Rica has an abundance of outdoor recreation for a city its size. Explore Clinton Nature Preserve, a 200-acre preserved park featuring nature trails and open exploration areas. The preserve is also home to Carnes Cabin, a pre-Civil War residence which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more outdoor recreation, click here.
Take in a performance at The Mill Amphitheater, Villa Rica’s 2,500-capacity “green space” amphitheater. The Mill Amphitheater is host to numerous concerts, festivals, classic car and comedy shows throughout the year in addition to many annual events. Located in downtown Villa Rica, The Mill is within easy walking distance of the area’s shopping and dining favorites. Be sure to check the calendar of events for a full list of happenings at The Mill Amphitheater. The Mill Amphitheater, 106 Temple Street, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180
Unwind after a day of exploration at Cinema Tavern. Known for their outstanding burgers, this local favorite offers a casual, cozy vibe with great food, a full bar, plenty of TVs and live entertainment on Saturday nights. Cinema Tavern, 200 West Montgomery Street, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-459-4771