Downtown Greensboro
Explore Downtown Greensboro Georgia: Shopping, Dining and History
Discover Lake Oconee’s Hometown
Founded in 1786 and named for Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, Greensboro has survived cotton booms, the Civil War and the Great Depression. Today it is a charming community just off Interstate 20 between Atlanta and Augusta. Downtown offers vibrant shopping, unique dining and entertainment, all minutes from the shores of beautiful Lake Oconee. Visitors can enjoy boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, historic sites and a self‑guided walking tour, making it an ideal base for exploring the lake region.
Vibrant Shopping in Downtown Greensboro
Greensboro’s historic district features locally owned shops and boutiques offering handcrafted art, antiques, gifts, home décor, office supplies and even national chain discount stores for everyday needs. Walking along North Main Street and East Broad Street reveals treasures at every turn.
Arts and Antiques
Shoppers looking for antiques in Greensboro GA will appreciate Genuine Georgia, an artisan marketplace selling Georgia‑made art. Across the street, Greensboro Antique Mall bills itself as the biggest and best in the Lake Oconee area. Pinch of the Past specializes in architectural antiques, hardware and estate items. Broad St & Main offers furniture and décor pieces to help make a house a home, while Dawson’s Lake Country Antiques & More combines art, antiques and furniture repair.
Fashion and Boutiques
For women’s fashion boutiques in Greensboro GA, Maggie Lane carries stylish apparel and accessories. La Farmms is a timeless children’s boutique. Budget‑minded shoppers can browse the Christian Outreach Thrift Store or The Clothes Closet for gently used clothing.
Office Supplies and Specialty Shops
For printing services, Custom Printing & Office Supplies provides offset printing, graphic design and digital copies. McCommons Desktop Publishing is described as “a small town Kinko’s”, and Mr. C’s sells electronics, furniture and appliances. Unique specialty shops such as Alligood’s Collector Firearms (by appointment only), Smith Farm Supply for agricultural goods and The Herald Journal print newspaper office showcase the variety found in this small town.
Delicious Dining in Downtown Greensboro
Visitors seeking Greensboro GA restaurants will discover a wide range of locally owned eateries. Whether craving barbecue, Southern comfort food, Mexican dishes or catering for a special event, downtown has something tasty.
Family Ties BBQ & Seafood serves barbecue and seafood at 118 South Main Street; it’s open Thursday through Sunday.
The Chef and The Wife is a catering company that also offers meals from its kitchen on North Main Street.
The Yesterday Café, located in a historic building, provides casual dining for lunch and dinner.
Scratcher Creek City Market features fresh produce, hand‑scooped ice cream and a deli.
Holcomb’s BBQ promises “Taste the South in every bite” at the intersection of Highways 12 and 15.
Los Torres Mexican Grill is known for having the best margarita in town.
China Restaurant offers Chinese dishes on South Main Street.
Catering options include The Chef and The Wife, Family Ties BBQ and The Yesterday Café.
With so many choices, it’s easy to enjoy a casual lunch after shopping or settle in for a relaxed dinner in the evening.
Historic Attractions and Things to Do
Downtown Greensboro isn’t just about shopping and dining. It also offers cultural and historical attractions that make the town unique. Visitors can follow a self‑guided audio walking tour to learn about local history and stories. The town encourages guests to plan trips around annual events, attend a show at Festival Hall, or explore the local craft brewery scene.
Festival Hall – Performing Arts and Events
Festival Hall is Greensboro’s downtown performing arts venue. It hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year and is available to rent for private functions. Whether it’s a musical performance, community theatre or wedding reception, Festival Hall is a centerpiece of downtown entertainment.
The Old Rock Gaol and Greene County History Museum
History buffs can tour the Old Rock Gaol, located behind the Greene County Courthouse. Built with two‑foot‑thick granite walls, this 1807 jail housed prisoners until the 1890s and still retains its gallows and cells. At the Greene County History Museum on North East Street, exhibits examine the lives of notable residents, the area’s agriculture‑based economy and the impact of Lake Oconee’s construction.
Barber House Museum
The Barber House Museum, housed in a craftsman bungalow built around 1925, celebrates Dr. Calvin M. Baber, the second African American doctor in Greene County. The museum highlights the contributions of African American professionals and offers insight into early twentieth‑century life.
Cemeteries and Historic Structures
A short walk away, the Greene County Cemetery contains unique stones and ironwork marking the graves of soldiers, senators, a governor and other notable residents. Many graves date from the eighteenth century and include Revolutionary War soldiers and more than forty‑five unknown Confederate dead. Visitors may also explore the Wyatt Jail, another historic jailhouse, and the Greene County Courthouse, a Greek Revival‑style brick courthouse built in 1848‑49.
Walking Tours and Historical Stories
Downtown Greensboro offers free walking tours that highlight the history behind its buildings. The “Historical Stories” section on the town’s website reveals anecdotes such as the Statham Hotel, the Marble Slab, Greensboro Clocks and more. Each building has a story that guides visitors to understand the town’s heritage. The tours provide an enjoyable way to see murals, public art and architecture while learning about local legends.
Planning Your Stay
With so many things to do in Downtown Greensboro GA, many visitors choose to stay overnight. Lodging options range from historic bed‑and‑breakfasts to modern hotels like Tru by Hilton. Visitors can time their trip to coincide with concerts, art festivals or seasonal events such as the Southland Jubilee. The town’s location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby Lake Oconee, golf courses and other attractions.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan a walking route: Start at Main Street and explore shops, museums and eateries; most attractions are within easy walking distance.
Check event schedules: Festival Hall, local galleries and community organizations host concerts, plays and markets throughout the year.
Call ahead for tours: The Old Rock Gaol and Barber House Museum are open by appointment.
Support local businesses: Purchase art from Genuine Georgia, antiques from the Greensboro Antique Mall, or jewelry from Greensboro Jewelers to take a piece of Lake Oconee’s hometown home with you.
Final Thought
Downtown Greensboro blends small‑town charm with a surprising variety of activities. Travelers seeking shopping in Lake Oconee, dining in Greensboro GA or historic attractions near Lake Oconee will find everything in this walkable district. From antiques and art to barbecue and Mexican cuisine, from historic jails to modern performance halls, Greensboro invites visitors to slow down, explore and enjoy the authentic Georgia hospitality that makes Lake Oconee’s hometown shine.