Things to Do in Perry
Known as the "Crossroads of Georgia," due to its central location where major highways cross paths, Perry is worth a stop
In fact, this historic heartland town served as a stopping off point for travelers on their way to and from Florida and the Golden Isles of Georgia long before Interstate 75 was constructed. Today, it's also a destination spot for those who like country fairs, fishing, airplanes and down-home Southern cooking. Whatever the reason for your visit, you'll soon discover there's more to Perry than its crossroads.
The Fairgrounds
Fireworks, carnival rides and big-time music concerts—you'll find all this and more at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. The complex is, by far, Perry's main attraction. Every October the fairgrounds become a city within a city due to the hundreds of thousands of revelers who flock to the Georgia National Fair. With headlining acts like Alabama and Rascal Flatts, whirling carnival rides, free performances and fresh local farm fare, it's an affair to remember. Thankfully the fairgrounds are active year-round with special events for all ages.
Go Fish
Georgia is an angler's paradise with its many waterways and lakes, and Perry is the place to learn about it all at the Go Fish Education Center. Located adjacent to the fairgrounds, the facility features many exhibits touting the importance of Georgia's watersheds, aquatic wildlife and conservation of natural resources. Reel in your catch from the stocked pond, tour freshwater aquariums and visit the on-site fish hatchery. The center is a great place to introduce kids to fishing and even get them excited about practicing the sport together.
Take Flight
Discover decades of military aviation history at the Museum of Aviation on Robins Air Force Base. The base is the town's major employer and is also home to a museum that is one of the top tourist draws in the region. Over a hundred aircrafts from all periods of U.S. military aviation history are on display, as well as many interactive exhibits, including a flight simulator. Kids will delight at seeing and climbing aboard airplanes of all sizes and shapes from all eras of aviation. And the museum fits right into the itinerary of families on a budget, since admission is free.
Southern Grub
Venture beyond the interstate exits with their chain eateries to discover authentic home-style cooking in Perry. Downtown you'll find The Swanson (933 Carroll St. Perry), a restaurant in a Victorian-era home. Don't let the elegant surroundings fool you; this is a casual and affordable place serving Southern comfort food such as fried chicken, biscuits, meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Another hot spot for Southern specialties is The Oil Lamp (401 Courtney Hodges Blvd., Perry) near the fairgrounds. Here, locals and tourists line up for home-style dishes like fried chicken and Georgian pecan pie. Grab a slice or take a whole pie for the road.
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