Discover Peach County

Around Fort Valley, the landscape is covered in peach blossoms every spring. The area is also home to gardens with a remarkable variety of camellias and the Georgia Peach Festival, held every year in June. In Peach County, you can choose between seasonal scenery, garden visits, local history, and culinary offerings. Which of these interests you most can help shape your trip plans.

Camellia Gardens and Peach Blossoms

The collection at Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley includes more than 1,000 camellia varieties, according to the International Camellia Society. The Abendroth Japanese Garden is also part of Massee Lane Gardens. Peach blossoms are another explicitly seasonal attraction: they transform the landscape around Fort Valley every spring. If you plan your trip for this time of year, your itinerary can include not only the garden collection but also a striking landscape in full bloom. Each has its own character: camellias and the Japanese garden on the one hand, and the surrounding blossoms on the other.

The Georgia Peach Festival

The Georgia Peach Festival takes place every year in June and is split between Fort Valley and Byron. Its annual traditions include the “World’s Largest Peach Cobbler,” measuring 11 feet by 5 feet. The festival organization describes it as the only state-sanctioned food festival. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking the dates for that year’s June festival in advance. The event’s presence in two towns is a specific part of the festival format, not merely an excuse to try the peach specialty.

Historic Places in Byron and Fort Valley

The Byron Historic District is Byron’s historic business and residential center. Another historic attraction is the restored Byron Depot, a railroad depot with a caboose dating to around 1870. The old jail in Byron was built around 1875. Together, these places represent different aspects of local history: the historic business and residential center, the railroad, and the old jail.

In Fort Valley, you can discover the area’s history at other specific sites. The Austin Theatre was created by restoring the former Peach Theatre. The Blue Bird Body Company Museum displays the original Blue Bird Number One. Anderson House, the oldest building at Fort Valley State University, houses the Biggs Collection of historic furniture and other historical objects. Each building, collection, and exhibit has a different focus: theater history, the university’s past, and the original vehicle.

Campus, Walking Tracks, and Golf

Fort Valley State University offers personal campus tours led by student ambassadors; reservations are required. If you want to include the campus in your itinerary, be sure to account for this booking step. If you reserve in advance, the tour is a specific way to get to know the university during your stay.

North Peach Park in Byron is one of Peach County’s two parks; both parks offer walking tracks, among other amenities. For golf, Fort Valley has the Pine Needles Country Club, with a regulation nine-hole golf course. Alongside historical and botanical attractions, you can choose between two clearly defined activities: a walk on the walking tracks or a round of golf. Walking tracks are available at both parks; the golf course is in Fort Valley.

Wine Tasting and Soft-Serve Ice Cream

The culinary offerings also differ. GeorgiaBob’s Uncorked in Byron is a wine tasting room that offers wine tastings. Barbour Farms in Byron serves peach and strawberry soft-serve ice cream. Byron’s culinary options therefore range from wine tastings to peach and strawberry soft-serve ice cream.

Getting to Byron

Byron is located at Exit 149 on I-75 and on Highway 49. When traveling to Byron, use Exit 149 on I-75 and Highway 49 as landmarks.

Discover More Destinations

Fort Valley, Byron, Gilmer County, Polk County, Union, Decatur County, Bryan, Habersham County

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