If you've ever driven Interstate 75 through Georgia, you've probably passed by Perry, Georgia. Located in the middle of the state about 2 hours south of Atlanta, millions of people drive past it on their way to and from Florida. As you pass this town, you probably notice the state fairgrounds, as you can see them from the interstate. If you drive by in October, you can see the full state fair set up, with all its lights and attractions.
What you can't see from the interstate is the charming downtown area of Perry. Seriously - how can you resist a downtown with an old town barber shop?
Perry is the county seat of Houston County and was founded in 1823 as "Wattsville." The name was changed to Perry in honor of the War of 1812 hero Oliver Hazard Perry. Highway 41 to Florida was paved in 1920 and went right through Perry. Since that time, travelers have been stopping to enjoy this small southern town. I-75 was constructed in the 1960s and continues to bring visitors to the area.
If you are traveling along interstate 75, Perry is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. The downtown area is small but boasts several shops and restaurants that make it a great place to visit. You can easily park and walk to anywhere you want to go in the downtown area.
Carroll Street is where most of the shops are located. When I am visiting a new town, I love to find a great bookstore and secondhand clothing store! Downtown Perry has both!
Gottwals Books is a locally-owned used bookstore with several locations in the Middle Georgia area. The downtown Perry store has a great selection of new and used books, as well as Melissa and Doug toys for children! They even have out some items for kids to play with while you browse the shelves!
I love shopping for secondhand clothes - whether it is at a thrift store or consignment store - the idea of rescuing a great item of clothing and giving it new life is one that is dear to my heart. Downtown Perry doesn't disappoint with the store Yes, It's Consignment! The service and the selection were great - I will definitely be shopping there more in the future!
In addition to Yes! It's Consignment, there are several other boutiques with new clothing that you can check out while you are walking up and down Carroll Street.
One of the cutest places in Downtown Perry is A Couple of Jerks Soda Fountain Shop! They are open limited hours, but they serve food and old-fashioned milkshakes. It's a great throwback to the soda fountains of the 1950s!
If you turn the corner and walk down Ball Street you will find Bodega Brew. I've been in a lot of coffee shops, but this one is probably one of the coolest. They serve coffee and food, as well as beer and wine. I got the Affogato (my first time having this treat) and it was delicious!!
I hope by now I've convinced you to take some time on your next road trip through middle Georgia and stop in downtown Perry. It just might become your new favorite stop!
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