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Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Yahoo
Southern Living says this small Georgia town serves as the Watermelon Capital of the World
Nestled in the heart of Georgia's farm country, lies a small town with a big title, the "Watermelon Capital of the World." Southern Living has just recently highlighted this small town calling it "home to farms, wide-open countryside, and more watermelons than you've likely seen in one place." See where. Located in Cordele, Georgia, there are fields of the iconic summer fruit. From here, watermelons are shipped across Georgia and beyond, feeding a region's appetite for this ultimate warm-weather treat. "'Watermelon Capital of the World, and if you ever taste our home-grown melons, you'll understand why!" the city's website wrote. "Other major crops grown in the area are cotton, peanuts and pecans." Cordele, Georgia is a small city located in Crisp County in south-central Georgia, about 140 miles or two hours south of Atlanta. This town serves as the county seat of Crisp County and is often referred to as the "Gateway to South Georgia." Its central location makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading to or from Florida, and it's best known for its rich agricultural roots, especially its watermelon production. According to World Population Review, this town has a population of just under 10,000. But Cordele is more than just melons. According to Southern Living, here are some things to do in this town: Take a scenic ride on a vintage train car Time your visit with the Watermelon Days Festival Go to the Georgia Veterans State Park Go golfing at the Memorial Golf Course Watch a race at the speedway Visit The Titan I Missile Monument For more information, visit Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Where is the Watermelon Capital of the World? More about Cordele, GA
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
This Small Georgia Town Two Hours From Atlanta Is The Watermelon Capital Of The World
When you think of a small Southern town, Cordele, Georgia fits the bill—friendly diners, historic architecture, and classic summer festivals. But it also brings a few surprises. Just two hours south of Atlanta, this agricultural hub in Crisp County is home to farms, wide-open countryside, and more watermelons than you've likely seen in one place. In fact, Cordele proudly claims the title of Watermelon Capital of the World, thanks to its bustling summer harvest and massive state-run produce market that supplies much of the Southeast. But the town's appeal goes far beyond its famous fruit. Whether you're relaxing on a vintage train ride through President Jimmy Carter's hometown, glamping lakeside at Georgia Veterans State Park, or feeding longhorns on a working cattle ranch, this small town offers big reasons to make the drive. Here are 12 things to do in Cordele. Related: This Small Georgia Town With Its Own French Quarter Is The Perfect Day Trip From Atlanta Any local will tell you the SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a must. This historic rail line lets you take in the Georgia countryside from the comfort of an air-conditioned vintage train car. Your journey begins at Georgia Veterans State Park, crossing the scenic Lake Blackshear before arriving in Plains, President Jimmy Carter's quaint hometown where you can explore local shops and enjoy peanut butter treats. Onboard concessions and themed rides, such as wine-and-cheese pairings or the murder-mystery dinner train, make the journey all the more memorable. 105 9th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-0755 If you want to see the small town at its sweetest, plan your trip during the Watermelon Days Festival, Georgia's oldest festival honoring the workers behind this bountiful industry since 1949. Held every June, this tradition celebrates the year's harvest with a festive parade, classic car displays, live music, and what feels like endless fresh-cut watermelon. And that's just the main event. In the weeks leading up to it, expect a full month of community fun—from geocaching and 5K races to scavenger hunts and kid-friendly contests. 229-273-1668 If you like history, lake views, and quiet time in nature, this park should be high on your list. A memorial to U.S. veterans, the 1,300-acre park features an on-site Military Museum with both indoor and outdoor installations—including jets, tanks, a helicopter, and even a B-29A Superfortress. There's also plenty of opportunities for recreation, so bring comfortable shoes to wander the four miles of hiking trails, head to Lake Blackshear for boating, fishing, and other water recreation, or test your aim at the Archery & Air Gun Range. 2459 US-280 W, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-2371 Located at Georgia Veterans State Park, this 18-hole course designed by golf architect Denis Griffiths features a challenging layout with rolling mounds, water hazards, and sand bunkers. Part of the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club, the course is open from 8 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. And all rounds are accompanied by scenic views and cool breezes coming off the lake. After your game, head to the course's full-service clubhouse for happy hour and a satisfying meal. 2315 US-280, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-2377 You don't have to be a motorsports expert to enjoy the fast-paced fun at Cordele Motor Speedway. Spread across 100 acres, this small-town racetrack hosts weekly Division Trials featuring go-karts, pit stop challenges, and INEX-sanctioned Bandolero and Legends races—giving you a front-row seat to local talent and rising national stars. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and wheelchair-accessible seating. Tickets start as low as $10 for children over six and $20 for adults. 385 Farmers Market Rd, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-938-8814 This retired Titan I missile now serves as one of the most photo-worthy roadside stops in all of Georgia. Located just off I-75, this 98-foot space monument is the real deal—a decommissioned Cold War missile transported from California to Georgia in 1969. It was placed here thanks to local veterans and the Cordele Rotary Club, which wanted to honor the region's military history. As you explore the site, read the informative plaques, enjoy the surrounding park, and snap plenty of photos for bragging rights. 1815 16th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015 Run by native Texan Barry Baskin and his wife Susan, Aussie Acres Ranch is home to a registered herd of Texas Longhorns. Get up close with these majestic animals during the Meet and Greet Experience, where you'll learn their history and feed them treats right from your palm. While you're on the property, explore the lake at your own pace, bring gear for fishing, or pick from their plentiful fruit trees when in season. 1741 Cemetery Rd, Pitts, GA 31072; 423-371-0421 For a satisfying start to the day, head to BJ's Diner, a no-frills spot known for its homestyle soul food—and probably the only place where you can enjoy pancakes alongside smothered pork chops and fried chicken. At lunch, locals line up at Smoakies Bar-B-Que for chopped barbecue plates and Brunswick stew, best enjoyed on the shaded porch. Dinner by the lake comes with breezy views and frequent live music at Cypress Grill, where the menu is casual but satisfying. In town, 16 East Bar & Grill offers steaks and wings inside a revamped warehouse setting, while Daphne Lodge, a 1950s-era favorite amongst locals, leans classic with fried catfish and shrimp served in a charmingly rustic dining room. This isn't your average farmers market. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Cordele State Farmers Market is one of the largest and oldest of its kind in Georgia—and a vital hub for watermelon distribution throughout the Southeast. At the height of melon season, hours stretch from sunrise to nearly midnight. Even outside of peak harvest, you'll find locally grown produce, regional specialties, and a true glimpse into Cordele's agricultural heart. 128 Seedling Dr, Cordele, GA 31015 This working cattle ranch isn't just for touring—you can also stay overnight in the property's 2-story guesthouse overlooking open pastures and a 6-acre pond. Inside, there's nearly 1,500 square feet of space for up to 10 guests, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two full kitchens. Start your morning by the bay window in the first floor kitchen for a view of the fields, and end the day on the private balcony, where the sunsets stretch wide across the farm. Guests are encouraged to wander the wooded trails, paddle across the private lake, wind down fireside beneath the stars, and take in the easygoing rhythm of life on the ranch. 423-371-0421 Live out your boho-chic camping dreams with a stay at Timberland Glamping, tucked along the perimeter of Georgia Veterans State Park. Choose between two air-conditioned tent types—the Deluxe Safari or Double Safari—each outfitted with real beds, mini fridges, electrical outlets, and stylish touches that make 'roughing it' feel anything but. A private bathhouse with showers, restrooms, and laundry is located just a short walk from the tents, along with picnic tables, grills, and hammocks throughout the site. From your tent, it's just a short stroll to the shores of Lake Blackshear, where you can rent kayaks, book a pontoon cruise, or cast a line off the dock. Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 US-280, Cordele, GA 31015; 912-550-4096 For another relaxed lakeside stay, spend a few nights at one of the ten cottage-style cabins at Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Set right along the water's edge, each cabin includes two spacious bedrooms, a large bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy family room with a fireplace—ideal for winding down after a day outdoors. Guests have easy access to the resort's golf course, marina, and on-site dining, plus a screened porch outfitted with rocking chairs and a grill perfect for sunset dinners. 2459-H, 2459 US-280 West, Cordele, GA 31015; 229-276-1004 Read the original article on Southern Living
