From its beginnings to present day, the town of Villa Rica celebrates it rich gold history and heritage through the Pine Mountain Gold Museum and the annual Gold Rush Festival
VILLA RICA, GEORGIA—JANUARY 2025—Located off Interstate 20, just 35 minutes west of Atlanta, Villa Rica is a charming west Georgia town steeped in rich gold history, authentic early 1900s architecture, eclectic shops, locally owned restaurants and a variety of outdoor adventure. From its mere beginnings, gold has played an important role in the area’s history and is even reflected in the town’s name meaning “City of Gold” in Portuguese. From the Pine Mountain Gold Museum to the annual Gold Rush Festival, it’s easy to see how the area’s gold history and heritage has shaped the community Villa Rica is today.
The area that was to become Villa Rica was originally settled in 1826 and not long afterwards, gold was discovered. Although it didn’t evolve into the large gold rush that would strike Georgia a few years later, the small gold rush in Villa Rica in the late 1820s put the area on the map and served as the beginning of Georgia’s gold history. By 1829, the Georgia Gold Rush took hold and most of the Villa Rica miners moved northeast to the Dahlonega, Georgia, area. However, mining continued in Villa Rica with several hundred men employed in the area’s mines. With 19 commercial gold mines operating in and around Villa Rica at its peak, prospectors continued to flock to the area but by 1860, Villa Rica’s gold supplies had largely been exhausted. While Villa Rica’s gold rush was somewhat short lived, the community continues to celebrate its gold history and heritage in many ways. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum showcases the area’s history and is Georgia’s only gold museum located on an actual mine. Additionally, the museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers visitors the opportunity to walk the trails where miners walked, explore the exhibits, take in the documentary film and get a hands-on experience panning for gold and gemstones onsite. Museum goers are also encouraged to take in views of the mining ruins by way of the Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad. Pine Mountain Gold Museum, 1881 Stockmar Road, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 678-840-1445
In addition to the Pine Mountain Gold Museum, the community honors its gold history in a special way through the beloved Gold Rush Festival. This year’s festival will take place on September 27, 2025, and marks the 47th annual event. A favorite among visitors and locals, this year’s event will include a 5k run followed by a parade leading to the traditional vendor marketplace showcasing arts and crafts, food and more, taking place at the Mill Amphitheater. For more information on this year’s festival, stay tuned to this site for developing details.
If you go
Whether traveling solo, with a significant other or with family, Villa Rica offers several lodging options suitable for your party. The Holiday Inn Express is a convenient location for those traveling Interstate 20. Comfortable and contemporary, this property is centrally located and is accommodating to families. Holiday Inn Express, 100 Cooley Way, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-462-6071
For a more secluded lodging experience, check out Villa Rica Bed and Breakfast. A destination all of 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. For a complete list of lodging options in Villa Rica, click here. Villa Rica Bed and Breakfast, 2377 South Van Wert Road, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-843-1524
Don’t leave hungry! With many local and family-owned restaurants to choose from, there’s something for even the pickiest eaters. From barbecue and classic Southern cuisine to seafood and international eateries, visitors have many dining options. Click here for more on dining in Villa Rica.