Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Perry, GA

  • Published 2022/03/25

A relaxed vibe, little to zero traffic jam, slow pace, fun activities, delicious food, and warm and welcoming people—these and more await you in Perry, Georgia.

This city is most famous for the Georgia National Fair, an 11-day fair that features a wide range of shows that had attracted 270,000 people when it was first held in 1990.

In recent years, the fair has brought approximately 565,500 visitors for its livestock, agricultural, and horse shows.

In terms of sights and activities, Perry features its diverse aquatic wildlife, live entertainment, historical museums, Dogwood Festival, and a lot more!

Interested to know more about this place?

Here are the 15 best things to do in Perry, GA:

Go Fishing at the Flat Creek Public Fishing Area

Name sign of Flat Creek Public Fishing Area

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bond with your kids or friends by fishing at the Flat Creek Public Fishing Area.

Located in Houston County, the place offers you exciting angling activities in its 108-acre Lonice C. Barrett and several other angling spots around the area.

Fishing pier of Flat Creek Public Fishing Area

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Imagine the excitement when you reel a Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappy, and Bluegill, especially during the summer.

If you’ve had your fill of fishing, you can also relax in the ambiance in its picnic area, enjoy the lakes, or explore the nature trails, making this place a great getaway for the entire family.

Picnic shelter in Flat Creek Public Fishing Area

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Get Active in Rozar Park

If going to a recreation park is your idea of a fun family time, then think no further than Rozar Park, home to Perry’s premier recreational activities.

The place is located on Keith Drive in the heart of Perry and features multiple activities throughout the year, as well as facilities perfect for people of all ages.

From soccer fields, playgrounds, and an outdoor basketball court to an 18-hole Frisbee disc golf course and picnic pavilion, there’s never going to be a dull moment in Rozar Park.

Even the kid in you will love what this place can offer.

Try your hand at fishing at one or both of its fishing ponds, or walk the trail after your meal.

This place is undoubtedly a haven with all its unique species of birds and scenic landscapes.

Taste the Wines of Perry at Historic Downtown Perry’s Wine & Food Festival

Each year, the local merchants of Perry hold the wine and food festival to welcome the summer.

This is every wine enthusiast’s heaven on earth!

Locals and tourists can stroll down Historic Downtown Perry while tastings delicious wines and food.

Imagine having a ticket that lets you stroll down the street and stop at the different establishments to taste their wine!

You can also sit down and enjoy some delicious gastronomic delights from the many participating restaurants in the area.

Just remember that you need to be 21 years old and older to be eligible to join the activity.

Feel the Warmth of Perry at the Perry Welcome Center

Exterior of Perry Welcome Center

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Start your visit to this city with a stop at the Perry Welcome Center, located along General Courtney Hodges Blvd.

The center first opened in September 1991 and is locally operated and recognized by the Regional Visitor Information Center Program of Georgia.

The friendly staff is ready to entertain your questions and provide you with directions on how to get from one stop to the next.

It has a free Wi-Fi connection, clean restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and a fenced dog run, making it a great first stop and welcome destination.

]It’s also convenient for those coming in RVs.

Get your free map of Perry and some important tourist information.

The place sets you up for your stay and exploration of this stunning city.

Explore the Exquisiteness of Historic Downtown Perry

Don’t miss exploring the exquisite Historic Downtown Perry where dining, shopping, and history meet.

Located on Carroll Street, it features tons of food, drinks, and shopping options for both locals and tourists.

It’s also home to the famous Sam Nunn Exhibit and the New Perry Hotel.

Explore the various shops before sitting down for a delectable meal at one of the famous restaurants.

Feel the quaintness of this side of Perry.

Explore Georgia’s Underwater Habitats at the Go Fish Education Center

Exterior of the Go Fish Education Center

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See the different underwater habitats in Georgia all in one cool place—the Go Fish Education Center—located in Perry Parkway.

Both kids and adults will have a great time exploring mountain streams and blackwater swamps, complete with aquatic wildlife, including alligators!

The place is guaranteed safe, but take note of the warnings and follow the park’s safety rules and regulations.

Go Fish Education Center's dedication plaque

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’ve never tried fishing and boating, you can try their interactive fishing and boating simulators that can give you a feel of how it is to reel a trout or a black bass.

Plus, you can watch a movie that features Georgia’s fishing options and traditions at its high-definition theatre.

Completing your options for activities are various nature trails that show you the real outdoor beauty of Perry’s lovely nature.

Exterior of Go Fish Education Center

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Marvel at Perry’s History at the Perry Area Historical Museum

The Perry Area Historical Museum shows you the great beginnings of the city through its extensive collections of memorabilia and artifacts.

Opened in 2010 and located in Historic Downtown Perry, you can explore the Museum’s Resource Room, where photos and family histories abound.

Take the self-guided tours and purchase a keepsake at the gifts shop.

Tickle Your Tastebuds at the Food Truck Fridays

Do you think this is just one ordinary food truck day? Think again because Perry doesn’t take their Food Truck Fridays too lightly.

Located in the Old Courthouse Square, this food truck meetup happens from March through September, filling the streets of Downtown Perry with delicious food and friends coming together.

It’s the best opportunity to taste various food truck offerings as concessionaires from all over Georgia come to exhibit their concoctions.

Complementing the food are spirits, live music, and a kids’ zone.

It’s truly the place for everyone’s discriminating taste.

Be Entertained at the Perry Dogwood Festival Arts & Crafts Show

Happening at Historic Downtown Perry, the Perry Dogwood Festival Arts & Crafts Show is an annual two-day event that features food vendors, crafters, and a youth entertainment stage.

For the event’s highlight, the Ultimate Air Dogs Diving Competition will keep you holding on to your seat.

Later in the day, you can proceed to the Georgia National Fairgrounds to witness the spectacular Hot Air Balloon Rally.

Families can just bring along their favorite blankets and lawn chairs and relax while enjoying the festivities.

There are many dinner options, including a picnic dinner with live music entertainment.

Time spent at the Perry Dogwood Festival Arts & Crafts Show is time well-spent.

Experience the Fun at the Georgia National Fair

people on swing ride at Georgia National Fair

Taylor Gerlach / shutterstock.com

One of the most awaited and attended events in Perry each year, the Georgia National Fair is held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.

This event is almost synonymous with the place’s name.

Happening for 11 days every October, it’s the place where locals and tourists alike come together for some fun and entertainment, featuring live concerts, food, and games.

Popcorn stall near a ferris wheel at Georgia National Fair

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let the kids feel the thrill of the different rides and taste the flavors that are unique only to Perry.

Bringing in an average of more than 500,000 visitors each year, this is one event you shouldn’t miss.

Rollercoaster at Georgia National Fair

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy a Performance by the Perry Players

Let your senses feast on exceptional theatre performances, from one-acts and skits to full-length dramas and comedies.

The Perry Players was envisioned to offer high-quality activities and entertainment to Georgians, as well as provide an avenue for budding artists to maximize their talents.

Watching one of their performances will not only give you a glimpse of the arts of Perry but also a chance to support their growing organization.

Today, their theatre can accommodate up to 170 seats—a huge growth from when the founders just used their own garages to stage their performances.

Take a Peek into the Wonderful World of Soap Making at Mossy Creek Soap

Are you into soaps and soap making?

Why not do something productive while on vacation in Perry?

Visit the Mossy Creek Soap at Mossy Creek Natural for a chance to take a glimpse of the soap-making world.

You won’t be dealing with just any soap maker but with soap makers who have been certified by the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.

You can choose your own scent, and with the guidance of the experts, you can watch how the oils transform into soap as you add in some herbs and flowers.

The result?

You will leave the place with your own double butter soap.

Can you think of a better way to spend your vacation in Perry?

Learn History at the Sam Nunn Exhibit

One of the many must-sees in Perry is the Sam Nunn Exhibit, housed in the Houston County Board of Education Building in Perry, Georgia.

The exhibit honors Sam Nunn, a retired Senator from the city.

It features his life through memorabilia from his early childhood days up to when he became senator of Georgia.

Admission is free, and self-guided tours are available.

It’s not only informational, but it is also educational, especially for the young visitors.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Experience the Local Vibe at the Lane Southern Orchards

Just five minutes away from the heart of Perry—off I-75—is the Lane Southern Orchards, where you can take your family on a fun day of food and sights.

There’s just so much that you can do here that you’d want to spend an entire day exploring the area.

Sit on a rocking chair and enjoy your homemade peach ice cream while letting the kids have fun in the farm-themed playground, complete with real tractors.

There’s also an indoor roadside market that brims with seasonal products, such as pecans, apples, strawberries, craft beers, and local wines.

Go strawberry picking at the 6-acre farm during the summer.

The kids will definitely love bringing their buckets and walking along the path where some of the largest and sweetest strawberries grow.

Not a fan of fresh fruits? No worries!

The roadside market has tons of jarred goods available all year round, perfect for bringing home as gifts to your family and friends.

Play to Your Heart’s Content at Rigby’s Entertainment Complex

Take the kids and feed the child in you by driving less than 30 minutes from the heart of Perry to Rigby’s Entertainment Complex.

You won’t just find ordinary games here but adrenaline-rushing ones, like go-karts, golf, and arcade games.

Spend an entire day hopping from one activity to another.

Prepare to get wet in the water slides and try your hand at bowling—two of the people’s most favorite activities at the complex.

Whether you’re in Perry with your family or friends, Rigby’s Entertainment Complex is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Vacations should be relaxing, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go around exploring the place.

Perry’s laidback atmosphere allows you to go on new adventures and experiences without overwhelming you.

It has offerings that you can’t find elsewhere, and its local people are warm and hospitable.

Perry, Georgia, rightfully takes the top spot on our list of must-see places.

If you haven’t been here already, now is the time to come and enjoy.

Explore Perry, where the people of Georgia come together.

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