Located just 40 miles south of Atlanta, Griffin boasts small town charm, diverse history and heritage, interesting architecture, quirky cafes, leisure sports and recreation, a thriving art scene and more. Founded in 1840 by General Lewis Lawrence Griffin, the once railroad boomtown has evolved into an ideal destination for getaways, offering visitors a myriad of adventure. As the birthplace of Doc Holliday and the film site of over 100 movies and shows, there’s something around every corner to pique the interest of visitors and locals alike.
Historic downtown Griffin is the heart of the community featuring many locally owned restaurants and cafes serving up Southern favorites, beautiful murals depicting the town’s history and unique shops offering antiques, apparel and gifts. Be entertained at the annual Doc Holliday Festival, explore the Griffin-Spalding Sports Hall of Fame and participate in a variety of leisure recreational activities, from skeet shooting to pickleball. Griffin is no doubt a must-see small town gem exuding a uniqueness like none other.
Fast Facts
- More than 100 movies and shows have been filmed in Griffin Spalding including “Fried Green Tomatoes” in 1992 and “The Walking Dead” TV series in 2011.
- John Henry “Doc Holliday,” a famous gunslinger best known for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and the storied gunfight at the OK Corral, was born in Griffin.
- The City of Griffin owns and maintains 125 acres of cemeteries with markers dating back to the early 1800s.
- There are eight homes on the National Registry in Griffin Spalding, six of which are privately occupied.
- Griffin is the hometown of Janet Harmon Bragg, the first African American woman to hold a commercial pilot’s license.
- Many famous athletes call Griffin home including three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Wyomia Tyus and Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee Rayfield Wright.
- Griffin is one of a few cities in Georgia built on a unique grid system, designed and implemented in 1840 by General Lewis Lawrence Griffin.
- The University of Georgia’s 65-acre Research and Education Garden facility is located at the UGA Griffin Campus.
- Griffin has 18 pickleball courts, four of which are covered, making it a premier destination for pickleball tournaments. Griffin’s pickleball courts are located at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park.
Annual Events
- Second Saturday, every other Saturday
- Doc Holliday Festival, September
- Griffin Christmas and Shrine Parade, December
Photo Gallery
Reenactments at the Annual Doc Holliday Fest. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
One of Griffin’s 18 pickleball courts. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Griffin Regional Welcome Center is home to the Griffin-Spalding Chamber of Commerce, History of Griffin Museum, Griffin Archives, Griffin-Spalding Art Association Gallery, and Griffin’s General Store & Gift Shop. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Downtown Griffin, located 40 miles south of Atlanta. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
The Bailey-Tebault House, a Greek Revival home built between 1859 and 1862, was used during the Civil War as a hospital. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Several hundred Confederate soldiers and one Union soldier are buried at Griffin’s Stonewall Confederate Cemetery. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Mural honoring Griffin’s own Janet Harmon Bragg, the first African American woman to hold a commercial pilot’s license. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Family-owned and operated, Griffith’s Drive-in has been proudly serving the Griffin community since 1975. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Griffin’s Safehouse Coffee Roasters named one of Buzzfeed’s 24 U.S. Coffee Shops to Visit Before You Die. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Founded in 2013 as Broad Street Mill, the building was originally built in 1908 as the Norman Buggy Company. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Antiques shops abound throughout the area. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Outdoor adventure awaits on Griffin’s many nature trails. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Pickleball courts at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church, named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Train mural located on South Hill Street. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
The Grind skateboard park. | Credit: Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association
Local professional productions and national acts are big tickets at reasonable ticket prices, and without
the big-city crowds. A favorite venue is the elegantly restored Griffin Opera House. Photo courtesy of
Griffin Opera House
Reenactments of Shootout at the OK Corral, food and fun are part of the Annual Doc Holliday Festival
and BBQ Championship the weekend after Labor Day. | Photo Credit: Eric Klein for Griffin + Spalding
Business and Tourism Association
June Jam Beach Party is just one of many events that make Griffin, Georgia such a fun and welcoming
destination. Photo credit: Jay Daniel Photography for Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism
Association
Slices Pizzeria has been owned and operated by Griffin local Scott Chapman for more than 17 years in Historic Downtown Griffin. It’s one of more than 30 area dining choices, from Southern favorites to global cuisine. Credit: Jay Daniel Photography for Griffin + Spalding Business and Tourism Association