Blake Walsh

17 Best Things to Do in Newnan, GA

  • Published 2021/10/10

Newnan was a prosperous town in the 1800s that supported a variety of manufacturing industries during the Civil War; this city is known to be the City of Homes.

The city continues to preserve and develop historically significant surviving structures in the area to serve as a historical remembrance for future generations to come.

Travel back in time surrounded by beautiful architecture in a bustling city of history and culture because this city is a tangible link to the past filled with unique experiences and significance in America’s heritage.

Now let’s look at the 17 best things to do in Newnan, Georgia:

See the Astounding Architecture of Coweta County’s Historic Courthouse

View of Coweta County's Historic Courthouse

Jud McCranie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 1904 Coweta Courthouse is located in Newnan downtown displaying the 1904 Neoclassical Revival architecture.

The historic courthouse was designed by Italian architect Andrea Palladro and English architect Christopher Wrenn, both contributing cultural influence to the structure.

The notable feature of the historic courthouse is its dome rising more than 100 feet above street level, and it features clocks on all four sides.

View of Coweta County's Historic Courthouse

Stephen Matthew Milligan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Coweta County Visitors Center is also located on the east side of the courthouse, where you can check out tours and events arranged by the city.

Head out to this place and get a closer look at the tiny details that make this structure beautiful and unique.

Experience What Life Was Like During the World War II at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum

The McRitchie Hollis Museum is like a trip to the past, with its original furnishings still intact and exhibits focusing on the life of Newnan residents during World War II.

The house features a two-story foyer with a beautiful curved staircase, a charming garden with a gazebo, and vintage furnishings.

This historic structure was once a home for the Hollis family during the 1930s; it is now renovated back to its original glory, where elegance and history abound.

Make sure to keep an eye on unique architectural details surrounding the interior and enjoy the elegant historic atmosphere of the museum.

Visit the Coweta County African American Heritage Museum

The Coweta County African American Heritage Museum and Research Center houses African-American artifacts, records, and photographs.

There is so much to learn about the history of black people who resided in the city of Newnan, the exhibits in the museum may be unsettling for some. Still, it displays the realistic experiences of some dark days in American history.

You may also want to check out the Farmer Street Cemetery adjacent to the museum known to be the largest slave cemetery in the South, the burial ground for African-Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries.

A visit to this place is enlightening if you have an open mind and want an eye-opening tour experience.

Stroll Around the Historic Downtown Newnan Square

A visit to Newnan wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the historic downtown square, a town square that stands to live the history of Newnan.

Shop in buildings with astounding architecture mostly built between 1895 to 1900 and preserved to house establishments to meet the needs of the locals and visitors alike.

The downtown is surrounded by fantastic historical architecture built with charming intricate details preserved and intact for over a century.

Expect a wide array of specialty shops and unique restaurants; the town square has everything for everyone.

Join Community Gatherings at Greenville Street Park

Just a few minutes walk from the Historic Downtown Newnan is Greenville Street Park.

Head out to the park for a picnic day out, watch musical concerts at night, or join other festive events of the community of Newnan.

This park is a community gathering space featuring a small amphitheater, water fountain, brick plazas, covered pavilion, secluded benches, and beautiful landscaping.

The park also features two sculptures representing the community, family, and nature.

You can get a glimpse of Newnan’s local lifestyle to appreciate the wonderful community of people in this city.

Have a Magical Experience at Dunaway Gardens

View of Dunaway Gardens

Justin Torres / Shutterstock.com

If you are looking to escape the bustling city scene and walk around in a relaxing place of beauty, then Dunaway Gardens is the hidden treasure you are looking for.

Dunaway Gardens features lovely sitting areas along the lush grassy meadow, enthralling floral displays, and soothing sounds of water in a cascading waterfall.

View of Dunaway Gardens

Justin Torres / Shutterstock.com

The garden bears the name of the talented actress Hetty Jane Dunaway, the creator of the floral rock garden who initially built the place to serve as a theatrical training center and nurture theatrical arts in the area.

Pack some snacks, and don’t miss out on a magical day at Dunaway Gardens.

View of Dunaway Gardens

Justin Torres / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Historic Oak Hill Cemetery

Oak Hill Cemetery is a 60-acre cemetery founded in 1833 which covers over 12,000 gravesites and serves as the final resting place of 269 Confederate soldiers.

You can join a walking guide tour to know more about the notable landmark or wander through the grounds to discover the history of locals in Newnan.

The cemetery is filled with intricately designed historical monuments, and every gravesite has a story to tell.

Explore the Brown’s Mill Battlefield Historic Civil War Site

For history geeks and outdoor junkies, a trip to Brown’s Mill Battlefield Site should be added to your list.

This historic place was opened to the public on July 27, 2013, 149 years after the Brown’s Mill Battle was fought.

Brown’s Mill Battlefield is now a well-kept space for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

There are a few monuments and posted stories along the trail to commemorate the historical significance of this place.

Make sure to visit this place for an active day out with a bit of history lesson about American heritage.

Go on a Picnic at Carl Miller Park

If you are visiting Newnan with children, don’t miss out on Carl Miller Park for a fun experience for the whole family.

Carl Miller Park is one of Newnan’s best-kept treasures dedicated to providing family-friendly facilities for everyone to enjoy.

The park features a Kids’ Castle Playground where imagination can wander and two splash pads for a refreshing day under the sun.

There are picnic tables and charcoal grills in the park so the whole family can all enjoy an excellent bonding time in the park.

Delve Deeper Into Newnan’s History at Male Academy Museum

The museum is originally a private boys’ school founded in the 1880s; it is now a repository of historical objects and exhibits to document the history of Coweta County.

This quaint museum houses some Indian artifacts, Civil War artifacts, photos of early families in Newnan, and a collection of the famous Alan Jackson’s items.

Some of the place’s original furnishings are restored and preserved for future generations to travel back in the past.

Make sure to call ahead if you plan to visit this museum to plan your tour’s schedule.

Pitch Your Tent at Chattahoochee Bend State Park

View of Chattahoochee Bend State Park

Eric Vaughn from Rome, Ga, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore one of Georgia’s largest state parks for an exciting outdoor trip on your visit to Newnan.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park houses a spectacular tract of wilderness with more than six miles of wooded trails and five miles of river frontage.

This park is a haven for outdoor junkies for hiking, paddling, and camping.

Chattahoochee Bend has an accessible observation platform to give you a panoramic view of the river and the forest.

Campers can choose from different campsites within park boundaries; you can even rent out their Adirondack-style shelters for a cozier camping experience for families and groups.

Whether you are looking to camp overnight or relax for a day, the state park has all the facilities to get your needs covered.

Chill Out at Abide Brewing Company

Visit the first brewery in Newnan, Georgia, for a chill day out with friends and family.

Abide Brewing Company is a microbrewery founded by three locals of Newnan; they are dedicated to producing the best-tasting beers.

If you want to take a look at the behind-the-scenes of brewing, the staff offers regular tours in their facility to give you a closer look at the beer brewing process.

The brewery offers a chill ambiance and family-friendly hang-out place where you can play some games, listen to live music, and grab some snacks in their food truck.

Shop for Trendy Items at Ashley Park

If you don’t like the traditional closed spaces of malls, check out this premier open-air shopping center in Newnan, Georgia.

Ashley Park is a regional lifestyle center located along Highway 34, a great hang-out place for friends and families with a cozy atmosphere perfect for a day out of shopping and dining.

The park features more than 60 upscale shops offering a wide array of trendy items, a 14-screen regal cinema, and a variety of gourmet cuisine.

You can spend a great afternoon stroll in this relaxing open space mall to shop, dine, and stop by for a movie.

Appreciate Local Talents at the Donald W. Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts

The Donald W. Nixon Centre for the Arts, known as the “pearl of the community,” features an elegant lobby, art gallery, lecture halls, and a 1000-seat state-of-the-art theater.

This building is home to provide a place for artistic expression and involve its patrons in art appreciation.

You should definitely catch a show in the Nixon Centre and be amazed by the artistic community of Newnan.

If you want to watch amazing local performances and get to know the community of Newnan, plan to make The Donald W. Nixon Centre for Arts a stop on your visit to Newnan, Georgia.

Visit Recycling the Past Antiques

Get yourself a well-loved vintage item to commemorate your stay at Newnan, Georgia.

The city is filled with history, and its structures from the past remain intact to preserve the beauty of history, so you might as well stop by an antique shop for an item to match the memories you’ve made in Newnan.

Recycling the Past, LLC. is a family-owned antique shop with a wide collection of vintage furniture, pottery, and collectibles.

They also offer other services like custom repairs, furniture repairs, and more.

You should definitely check this place out for the finest selection of vintage items.

Have a Friendly Competition With Your family and Friends at Junction Lanes Bowling Center

Drive to Junction Lanes Bowling Center if you’re searching for a fun place to spend an evening with friends or family.

There will never be a quiet moment during your stay at this resort because of the exciting features.

Playing arcade games, 3D golfing, and, of course, bowling is just a few of the activities available at this entertainment facility in Newnan, Georgia.

The Junction Lanes Bowling Facility, which opened in 1998, is an entertainment center with a bowling alley, arcades, and even 3D glow golf.

Play a friendly bowling competition with your friends to see who can hit the most bowling pins.

Other than that, 3D glow golfing is an additional alternative.

Go Shopping at Fashion Ten Newnan

If you are looking for trendy clothes and pieces of jewelry for yourself or haven’t found any present for someone yet, then this place has everything for you!

Fashion Ten and Trends, previously known as Kendra’s, provides highly adorable contemporary boutique products at a low price, and we are the originator of the $10 Sale.

For every woman of all ages, this fantastic place is perfect for you.

What’s best about this store is that they help a local nonprofit supply customized duffel bags to foster children across Georgia, so they don’t have to lug their belongings around in garbage bags.

Other than purchasing their products, you are also helping other people!

Why miss the opportunity to have them both?

Other Things to Do Nearby

After your tour around the historic city of Newnan, try stopping by these attractions near the city.

Explore Sea Life at Georgia Aquarium

View of Georgia Aquarium

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Nothing beats old-timey fun on a trip to the aquarium with the family.

Georgia Aquarium is a 46-minute drive away from Newnan; this public aquarium is home to hundreds of species and more than 10,000 animals.

They have a variety of exhibits, and they also organize shows that are fun for all ages.

View of Georgia Aquarium

f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Interesting Barbie Beach

Located 12 miles away from Newnan is the famous Barbie Beach in Senoia; this place is just 20 minutes away from Newnan.

This tiny roadside delight is a perfect stop-over for an interesting experience.

The Barbie Beach is an art installation created by Steve and Linda Quick; the barbies are arranged to match current events.

While some find this attraction tacky and unsettling, it is undeniably a whimsical delight to the community.

Final Thoughts

Newnan is a quaint city surrounded by the beautiful scenery of preserved historical structures and rich historical backgrounds.

This is a must-go place if you want to experience a connection between the past and the present; it’s the perfect place to appreciate history.

Whether you are a history buff or you simply want a relaxing vacation in a historic city, Newnan is the perfect place for you.

Don’t forget to reference this list on your future trip to Newnan, Georgia.

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