Although recommended guidelines still hold tight to minimizing gatherings, a drive to neighboring small towns might be a cure for growing restlessness. Here is a list of some Southern charm attractions that an in-vehicle tour may help to lessen the homebound blues. Thomson, GA is located just outside Augusta, about 40-minute drive, and offers several historic sites and natural attractions.

ATTRACTIONS

Clarks Hill Lake
On the west side of Thomson, GA, sits Clarks Hill Lake. Kids may be allowed fishing or picnicking. Call for details. Visit www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232551 for more info and rates.

 

Thomas E Watson Birthplace/Watson Brown House
310 Tom Watson Way.
The original birthplace of Tom Watson is a humble depiction of the antebellum South.

 

 

Thomson Memorial Cemetery
212 Tom Watson Way.
The memorial cemetery is host to notable grave sites such as Mary Sutton (1855) and Thomas Edward Watson (1922). Unique iconography is displayed through the gravestones whose symbolism includes: lilies which represent purity and innocence, open roses indicating death in the prime of life and scrolls that speak to the writings of the deceased. For a downloadable self-guided tour: static1.squarespace.com/static/5bdb6dc37c93276b12a60baf/t/5e0e3720027033473c8c9dee/1577989925250/Thomson+Memorial+Cemetery2020.pdf

The Rock House
1455 Rock House Rd.
Modeled after New Jersey stone houses, the Rock House is the oldest stone residence in Georgia. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. There is an audio box located by the house with recorded historic information.

 

The Depot and Thomson Mural
111 Railroad St.
Parts of this historic landmark and community building date to 1860. The Blind Willie McTell historic marker is in front of the Depot, as well as a monument known as the “Women of the Sixties”. This statue is unique in that it honors the women who aided and supported the Civil War effort.

Don’t miss the large mural at the corner of Railroad and Main streets. It is a commissioned mural by Georgia artist John Christian. The piece depicts the history of Thomson and is part of the statewide project headed up by Christian who has painted 8 murals in 7 Georgia cities in the past year.

Photos courtesy of Thomson-McDuffie Convention & Visitors Bureau and www.visitthomsonga.com