One of the many unexpected gems in Griffin and Spalding Counties, Georgia is the Bailey Tebow House. His Greek Revival home, built between 1859 and 1862, was also used as a hospital during the Civil War.
Photo courtesy of Griffin + Spalding Business Tourism Association
Visiting small towns is a tourism trend, with travelers seeking interesting architecture, history, art, and food in less crowded, welcoming destinations. Located just 40 miles south of Atlanta, Griffin, Georgia is a vibrant city with tree-lined streets, small-town charm, stately historic homes, a diverse history and heritage, and a thriving commercial district undergoing restoration and redevelopment. It fits the dining and art scene profile perfectly. -Objective building. It is also the birthplace of Doc's Holiday and the filming location for over 100 movies and television series. From its roots as a railroad boomtown in the mid-1800s, Griffin and Spalding counties evolved into a cotton distribution center, then a major textile manufacturing center, and then an architectural and historical retreat.
This area is a treasure trove for architecture enthusiasts, with styles ranging from Art Deco to Georgian, Gothic Revival to Italianate. The National Register of Historic Places lists 16 buildings and eight city blocks in the Griffin Commercial Historic District, some of which are home to historic societies and thriving arts scenes.
The city has a small-town feel and is easy to get around. A unique and clever urban grid system was established in 1840 by a former military general and railroad builder. This area contains a surprising number of historic buildings designed by notable architects from Atlanta and elsewhere.
Their biographies and works are outlined with many details on these architectural heritage pages. Click through four curated self-guided architectural driving tours that take visitors from the tree-lined downtown Griffin Historic District to the winding country roads and rolling hills of Spalding County. There, the main buildings of the former farm and old residence still stand proudly. . All four tours begin and end at the distinctive central clock tower at the corner of Hill Street and Solomon Street.
Attractions Inside the commercial district is the Gothic church, C. Church. The red-brick Griffin City Hall, built in 1810, and the Spalding County Courthouse, designed in an Italianate style in 1859. It is only one of 15 antebellum courthouses left in the state. Follow the remains of the old mill town and admire the elegant Marian Apartments. Eight of his homes in Griffin and Spalding counties (six are still privately owned) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and there are many more to feast your eyes on.
Several famous buildings are open to the public. Built in 1894, where Enrico Caruso made his debut in the opera, Griffin's Opera House was built by the Odd Fellows and hosted everything from minstrel shows to vaudeville to silent films. Restored to reflect its original décor, it now hosts stand-up comedy, dinner at the Theater, and live music. (102 N. Hill Street, Griffin, GA, 770-688-7188)
Completed in 1862, the Greek Revival Bailey-Tebo House also served as a Civil War hospital and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Griffin-Spalding Historical Society owns and operates the Bailey-Tebo House and continues its mission to “preserve and share the history of Griffin and Spalding counties and promote the preservation and use of historic buildings.” There is. Please reserve your tour at least 48 hours in advance. A $5 cash donation was suggested. (633 Meriwether Street, Griffin, GA; 770-229-2432)
The visitor center is also located in a historic building. Built in 1899 as a grocery distribution warehouse, the Griffin Regional Welcome Center offers ideas for entertainment, dining, shopping, and lodging, along with the Griffin Spalding Art Association's Art Gallery featuring regional works. Upstairs are his Public Archives and Griffin Museum, accessible with his ADA permission, and home to an impressive array of artifacts and memorabilia dating back to the mid-1800s, including Doc's Holiday Museum . (143 N. Hill Street, Griffin, GA, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 770-228-8200)
Doc Holliday Festival Griffin Spalding is the home of western movie character John Henry “Doc” Holliday, a native son of the area. The legendary gunslinger grew up in Griffin, returned for dental school, and then headed west to Texas. Visitors can tour his birthplace, dental clinic, and grave site. If you want to get a taste of the festival atmosphere, make plans to visit the annual Doc Holiday Festival and Barbecue Championship around September 7, 2024. The event will include reenactments, local vendors, family entertainment and more, all at Griffin City Park. The barbecue competition is a Georgia Barbecue Association event. https://dochollidayfest.com
For more ideas for things to do in Griffin and Spalding Counties, visit https://www.exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/list/things-to-do-in-griffin-georgia-doc-hollidays-hometown Please refer to the.
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Beautifully executed murals in downtown Griffin depicting the town's railroad, aviation, and eclectic history add to its charm. Griffin and Spalding counties offer unique shops selling antiques, clothing and gifts, as well as second Saturday events, a summer concert series, and in-park movies. Many of his 20-plus cafes and restaurants in the Arts and Entertainment District are locally owned and offer alcoholic drinks to-go for those 21 and older to stroll the streets from 4pm to midnight every day. There are also over 900 free public parking spaces in the downtown area.
Griffin Spalding has a variety of lodging options, including downtown. From historic lofts to bed and breakfasts to traditional hotel experiences, there are plenty of options to make your trip a memorable one. Among his many area VRBO and Air B&B choices is Historic Brookfield Estates. This 1875 Italian Federal-style home features well-appointed rooms, a villa, a pristine outbuilding and garden, and is the perfect place to recharge for your next day of exploring. is. (1590 Carver Rd., Griffin, GA 30224; 770-851-3714)
The official website of the Griffin Spalding Business & Tourism Association is https://ingriffin.com.
