From walking trails and fishing to golf, a vineyard and a gold museum, Villa Rica offers visitors unique outdoor adventures just 35 minutes west of Atlanta
VILLA RICA, GEORGIA—March 2025—Located off Interstate 20, just 35 minutes west of Atlanta, Villa Rica is an interesting small town offering visitors a variety of outdoor adventure, engaging history, one-of-a-kind shops and so much more. Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about Villa Rica is its rich gold history, which is reflected in the town’s name meaning “City of Gold” in Portuguese.
Home to many walking trails, fishing lakes, pickleball courts and more, Villa Rica has an abundance of outdoor recreation for a city its size. Visitors to the area love exploring Clinton Nature Preserve, a 200 acre preserved park featuring nature trails and open exploration areas. The preserve is also home to a playground as well as Carnes Cabin, a pre-Civil War residence which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another jewel of Villa Rica is The Mill Amphitheater, the city’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
No visit to Villa Rica is complete without embarking 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-experience attraction 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
Hit the links with three outstanding clubs to choose from. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to find a haven of lush fairways and well-maintained courses in Villa Rica that cater to players of all skill levels. Mirror Lake Golf Club features 36 holes spread across two distinct courses—the Lake Course and the Mountain Course. Both courses provide top notch golfing experiences with their own unique game challenges, scenic beauty and immaculate conditions. After a day on the course, golfers can enjoy a relaxing visit to the clubhouse where dining and pro shop facilities are offered. Mirror Lake Golf Club, 1000 Canongate Parkway, Villa Rica, Georgia, 30180; 770-459-5599
The Frog Golf Club is an award-winning course designed by legendary golf course architect, Tom Fazio. This course is recognized among the top courses in Georgia and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and serene landscapes, The Frog is known for its meticulously maintained greens, strategic bunkers and picturesque views, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. The Frog has also attained status as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The Frog Golf Club, 2699 Georgian Parkway, Villa Rica, Georgia, 30180; 770-459-4400
Fairfield Plantation Golf and Club is a Willard Byrd designed course offering the perfect layout to challenge golfers of all skill levels. Featuring Bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways, this course is well-maintained and offers tee times year-round. Non-members can book a tee time up to seven days in advance. Fairfield Plantation Golf and Club, 265 Fairfield Road, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-832-2360
For a non-traditional outdoor adventure, explore Little Vine Vineyards and Winery. Owned by Jerry and Sherrie Culver, Little Vine Vineyards and Winery 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
For more on outdoor recreation in Villa Rica, click here.
If you go
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 and groups. Holiday Inn Express, 100 Cooley Way, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-462-6071
For something a little more secluded, escape the hustle and bustle with your significant other and enjoy a relaxing experience at 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. Villa Rica Bed and Breakfast, 2377 South Van Wert Road, Villa Rica, Georgia 30180; 770-843-1524
For a complete list of lodging options in Villa Rica, click here.