perry georgia visitors guide

Welcome to PerryNestled in the heart of Georgia lies the quaint, but thriving city of Perry. Founded in 1821 through a treaty with the Creek Indians, Houston (pronounced “Howston”) County extended from the Ocmulgee River on the eastern boundary to the Flint River on the western boundary. Incorporated in 1824, Perry received its name from Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry for his triumph at Lake Erie in the War of 1812.

Originally called “Wattsville,” Perry is now known to many as the “Crossroads of Georgia” because of its location at the intersection of Highways US 341, US 41, GA 127, and I-75. This prime location has encouraged tourism throughout Perry’s history, and has been instrumental in making it the area’s number one industry. The New Perry Hotel still portrays a vital part of the city’s heritage as it has served travelers since it was known as the Cox Inn dating back to the early 1800s. Perry’s rich history and architecture can be further explored through our walking/driving tour of significant sights which begins at the New Perry Hotel.

Today, Perry remains a vibrant community offering its visitor many exciting options of things to see and do in the area. Since 1990, Perry has been the home of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter which hosts over 900,000 visitors a year through its vast array of events including the Georgia National Fair held every October and the Georgia National Rodeo held every February.

We invite you to visit our community and spend some time getting to know us. We know you’ll enjoy your visit and leave feeling like part of the Perry family.

Stop, Shop, Stay & Play!

Welcome to Perry

Stop, Shop, Stay & Play!

CLIMATE Perry’s favorable climate makes it an ideal place to stop, shop, stay, and play a while. Perry’s warmest month on average occurs in July with highs in the low to mid 90s and lows in the low 70s. The average coolest month is typically in January with highs in the upper 50s and lows in the low to mid 30s. July is on record as the month with the most precipitation with Janu-ary through March following closely behind. The highest recorded temperature was 103°F in 1986 and the lowest recorded temperature was -5°F in 1985. Snow and ice are a rarity but have on occasion occurred between January and March.

GETTING HEREGROUNd TRANSPORTATION Groome Transportation Offering shuttle service to and from the Atlanta Airport • 478-471-1616 www.groometrans.com Local Taxi Service Callaway Cab • 478-955-0740

Enterprise Rent-A-Car (G8) 16OO Macon Rd. Suite 9 478-988-4008 • www.enterprise.com

AIR TRANSPORTATION Perry Houston County Airport (A2) Public airport for private and corporate aircraft up to 30,000 lbs. 478-988-3699

Middle Georgia Regional Airport Located about 20 miles north of Perry, this small but modern airport offers daily connecting flights to and from Atlanta. 1000 Terminal dr. Macon, GA • 478-788-3760

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Located 105 miles north of Perry in Atlanta. 404-209-1700 www.atlanta-airport.com

Getting Here

MILES oNE wAy To PERRy

GEORGIA Atlanta 110 mi./177 km Savannah 196 mi./319 km Valdosta 120 mi./193 km Macon 30 mi./48 km

FLORIdA Jacksonville 239 mi./385 km Orlando 334 mi./538 km Tampa 348 mi./560 km Panama City Bch 289 mi./465km

ALABAMA Birmingham 253 mi./407 km Montgomery 185 mi./298 km

TENNESSEE Gatlinburg 300 mi./483 km Memphis 489 mi./787 km Nashville 356 mi./573 km

SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston 296 mi./476 km Charlotte 335 mi./539 km Mrytle Beach 415 mi./668 km

Photo courtesy Stephen Jones/creative-pro.net

Things to DoHISToRIC DowNTowN PERRyOld Perry is a must see! The renovated downtown area is a charming Williamsburg village setting with specialty shops and a down-south, restful atmosphere. A perfect place for a stroll; enjoy the year-round flowers with benches and shop windows designed to lure you inside where any shop owner will be happy to tell about Perry’s rich history.

HISToRIC wALkING/DRIvING TouR AND THE SAM NuNN ExHIbITEnjoy a casual day of discovering Perry’s architec-tural and historical treasures with our self-guided walking/

driving tour. The tour begins at the New Perry Hotel (listed on the National Register of Historic Sites) at 800 Main Street, and tour brochures can be picked up at the Perry Welcome Center or the New Perry Hotel. Located on the tour in the historic Board of Education Building is an exhibit honoring Perry’s favorite son, retired Senator Sam Nunn.

GoLF Perry offers three great golf courses. Perry Country Club, (E11) (478-987-1033), offers an 18-hole champion-ship golf course. The Houston Lake Country Club, (d14) (478-218-5252), is Middle

Georgia’s premiere golf facility and offers a 6,700 yard, par 72, 18-hole golf course. Houston Springs (D2) (478-988-8200) is Perry’s newest course and is an 18-hole course.

FLAT CREEk STATE PARk This public fishing area is located on Hwy. 41 south of Perry and is scheduled to open in Summer 2008.

Photo courtesy Stephen Jones/

Things to DoGAMELANDS AT HENDERSoN vILLAGEThe Gamelands is a fine quail, dove, white-tail deer, wild boar and wild turkey hunting preserve. 5 stand sporting clays with 6 traps also available. For more information, visit www.hendersonvil-lage.com or call 478-988-8696.

CoMMuNITy THEATERThe Perry Players offer high-quality entertainment and cultural activities several times a year. Visitors and locals alike enjoy these dynamic and profes-sional quality performances. To find out if there is a show scheduled during your visit to Perry visit www.perryplayers.org or call 478-987-5354. (I7)

MuSEuM oF AvIATIoNVisit the fastest growing military aviation museum in the Southeast. Situated on a beautiful 43 acre site, there are over 85 historical aircraft in its collection. Exhibits of aviation memorabilia date from World War I through modern times. There is no admission fee to the museum. For more information visit www.museumofaviation.org or call 478-926-6870.

Go FISH GEoRGIA CENTERThe centerpiece of the State of Georgia’s efforts to promote fishing and increase participation is the new Go Fish Georgia Center. Plans include a visitors center with aquaria and other exhibits, public fishing ponds, interpretive trails and outdoor classrooms. The facility is expected to open in late 2010 and is located at Exit 134 on the southeast end of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.

Photo courtesy Henderson Village

Photo courtesy GDEcD

Things to DoANNuAL EvENTS

Georgia National Rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA and held every February.

Peaches to the beaches Annual yard Sale passes through Perry for over 200 miles of yard sales held annually the second Friday and Saturday in March.

Perry Dogwood Festival held an-nually in April features entertainment, food, and craft vendors.

Mossy Creek barnyard Festival was voted “Favorite Arts and Crafts Festival in Georgia” and features nationally acclaimed artists, craftsmen & entertainers. This semiannual event is held on the 3rd weekend in April and the 3rd weekend in October of each year.

Georgia National Fair is held annually 11 days in October, and features livestock and horse shows, youth exhibits, home and fine arts competitions, family entertainment, midway rides and games, fair food, and major concerts.

Christmas at the Crossroads is an array of holiday activities planned during the month of december.

AREA ATTRACTIoNS

Lane Southern orchardsLocated about 12 miles north of Perry, Lane Southern Orchards farms over 4,000 acres of peach and pecan trees. Begun in 1904, this fourth generation family farm, is open daily year round. From mid-May through mid-August, you can find sweet Georgia Peaches in season. Visit the five acre “you pick or we pick” strawberry patch in April and May. From October through January, Georgia pecans are harvested. Stop by and take home some of the best peaches,

Photo by Stephen Jones/creative-pro.net

strawberries, and pecans you’ll ever taste! 50 Lane Road • Fort Valley, GA478-825-3362 • www.lanepacking.com

Massee Lane GardensStroll along brick pathways through nine acres of camellias under towering pines at the home of the American Camellia Society. Enjoy the garden greenhouse,

the Japanese Koi pond, and the rose gazebo. Massee Lane features azaleas, dogwoods, narcissus, iris, daylilies, roses and of course...the most beautiful camellias in the world. Also featured is the Edward Marshall Boehm porcelain collection - the largest of its kind in the world. Open Tuesday - Saturday. Admission $5100 Massee Lane • Fort Valley, GA 478-967-2358 www.americancamellias.org

Macon’s Museums & MansionsOnly 30 miles north of Perry, tourists can explore the many museums of Macon which include the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Tubman African-American Museum, The Hay House, Ocmulgee National Monument and the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

Andersonville National Cemetery and Historic SiteAbundantly rich in history, the site includes 13,669 graves in the Andersonville National Cemetery,

Prisoner of War Memorials, a partial reconstruction of the prison stockade of the Confederate “Camp Sumter” and a Civil War Museum. Also, be sure to visit the Civil War Village of Andersonville, Pioneer Farm and drummer Boy Museum. Open year-round 8:30am - 5pm. 496 Cemetery RoadAndersonville, GA • 229-924-0343 www.nps.gov/ande/

For a list of other nearby regional attractions visit

www.historicgeorgia.org or www.exploregeorgia.org

Photo by Stephen Jones/creative-pro.net

Photo courtesy GDEcD

Photo courtesy Warner Robins CVB

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America’s Best Inn / E6110 Perimeter Rd • Exit 136 • 478-987-4454 / 800-237-8466Best Western / J3205 Lect Drive • Exit 135 • 478-218-5200Comfort Inn / D41602 Sam Nunn Blvd.• Exit 136 • 478-987-7710 / 800-642-7710Comfort Inn & Suites / K3201 Lect Drive• Exit 135 • 478-987-8777Country Hearth Inn / F5102 Valley Drive• Exit 136 • 478-987-2142 / 800-325-2525Great Inn / E61006 St. Patricks Drive• Exit 136 • 478-987-5600Hampton Inn / G5102 Hampton Court• Exit 136 • 478-987-7681 / 800-426-7866Holiday Inn / F5 (Includes free full breakfast)200 Valley Drive• Exit 136 • 478-987-3313 / 800-465-4329Howard Johnson / G5100 Marketplace Drive • Exit 136 • 478-987-8400Jameson Inn / G5200 Marketplace Drive • Exit 136 • 478-987-5060Knights Inn / E5704 Mason Terrace • Exit 136 • 478-987-1515 Microtel / 110 Fairview Drive • Exit 134 • 478-987-4004New Perry Hotel / I7800 Main Street • Exit 136 • 478-987-1000Passport Inn / D41519 Sam Nunn Blvd. • Exit 136 • 478-987-9709Red Carpet Inn / L3105 Gen. Courtney Hodges Blvd. • Exit 135 • 478-987-2200Relax Inn / K4103 Marshallville Road • Exit 135 •478-987-3200Rodeway Inn / E51500 Sam Nunn Blvd. • Exit 136 • 478-987-1345Sandman Motel / K5400 Gen. Courtney Hodges Blvd. • Exit 135 • 478-987-2393Scottish Inn / I6405 Gen. Courtney Hodges Blvd. • Exit 135 • 478-987-3622Super 8 / F6102 Plaza Drive • Exit 136 •478-987-0999Swan Motel / I7744 Main Street • Exit 136 • 478-987-1811Travelodge / K3100 Westview Lane • Exit 135 • 478-987-7355 / 888-988-9080Villagio Inn & Suites / F5202 Valley Drive• Exit 136 • 478-987-2585

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HC=Handicap NS=NonSmoking MtgRm=Meeting Rooms O=Outside I=Inside B=Both • Use Alphanumeric indicators to locate property on Perry Map on page 12.

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Lodging

To find specific locations of local dining and lodging locations, refer to alphanumeric indicators on each listing.

Camping & Other OptionsCAMPGRouNDSBoland’s Perry Overnight Park (F6)800 Perimeter Rd. • Exit 136478-987-3371

Crossroads Travel Park (E4)1513 Sam Nunn Blvd. • Exit 136478-987-3141

Fair Harbor RV Park (K2)515 Marshallville Highway • Exit 135Toll Free 877-988-8844

Twin Oaks RV Park305 Hwy 26 East • Exit 127478-987-9361

RESoRTHenderson Village Country Resort is a collection of superbly preserved, century-old homes with sprawling verandas and white columns which recall the beauty and romance of the old south while providing today’s modern comforts of a luxury resort. Visit www.hendersonvillage.com or call toll free 888-615-9722.

b&bThe Green Bell Bed and Barn offers clean, comfortable accommodations nestled in a natural pocket of shady woodlands. Visit www.greenbellbedandbarn.com or call 478-952-4640.


Area AttractionsCamping & Other Options

The Road Less TraveledPerry is a proud partner with three scenic Georgia trails. While staying in Perry, visitors can enjoy daily excursions along the roads less traveled and explore our region’s beautiful scenery and attractions.

PEACH bLoSSoM TRAILMany peach orchards can be found along Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail in Central Georgia. The trail parallels Interstate-75 along state highway 341 from Mcdonough to Perry. This region produces about 100 million pounds of peaches each year and is home to nearly 1.6 million peach trees. It’s no wonder that this area is the state’s largest commercial peach-growing region. Visit www.historicgeorgia.org/trails for more information or request a brochure at the Perry Welcome Center.

GEoRGIA’S ANTIquES TRAILAre you a relic hunter? do you like aged collect-ibles? If so, then Georgia’s Antiques Trail, a loop through 16 picturesque communities in Georgia’s Historic Heartland, is the journey for you. Visit www.historicgeorgia.org/trails for more information or request a brochure at the Perry Welcome Center.

ANDERSoNvILLE TRAILThe Andersonville Trail is a scenic, historic 75-mile loop off I-75. Travel through quaint Antebellum and Victorian towns, as well as through the picturesque rural countryside filled with pecan and peach orchards. From Perry, travel Highway 224 to Andersonville and Plains (home of former US President Jimmy Carter). The trail actually begins in Warner Robins and continues to Perry, Marshallville, Montezuma, Andersonville, Americus and Plains.


Dining Local Eateries

China House (F6)Walmart Shopping Ctr478-988-9703

China King (E13)Publix Shopping CtrNorth Perry Pkwy478-987-9988

El Jalisiense (F6)1365E Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-0675

Grillmaster (E4) Bar-B-Que1509 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-218-7427

Hong Kong Buffet (F6)1406 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-988-8838

Jalisco Grill (F6)1023 St. Patrick’s Dr.478-988-9001

Judy’s Sandwich Shop (G8) 1201 Sunset Ave. 478-987-2428

Leta’s on the Square (I7)807A Carroll Street478-988-3337

My Sister’s Cafe (F6)107 Perimeter Rd.478-987-3131

New Perry Hotel (I7)Restaurant & Tavery800 Main St.478-987-1000

Oil Lamp Restaurant (K4) General Courtney Hodges Blvd.478-988-2643

Peggie’s Place (I6)704 Carroll Street478-988-9867

Skipper John’s (G8)1210 Hwy. 41 North478-987-3192

The Langston House 125 S. Langston Circle888-615-9722

The Swanson (I7)933 Carroll St.478-987-1938

Fast Food and Chain Restaurants

American deli (F6)1365 Sam Nunn Blvd478-224-3354

Applebee’s (E5)100 Valley dr.478-988-0076

Arby’s (F5)101 Hampton Ct.478-987-9798

Burger King (E5)1000 St. Patrick dr.478-987-5971

Captain D’s (F6)1414 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-3636

Chick-Fil-A (F6)1363 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-988-8188

Cracker Barrel (K3)101 Lect drive478-987-2242

dairy Queen (K4)353 Gen. Courtney Hodges Blvd.478-987-5562

Dominos’s Pizza (H7)1113 Washington St.478-987-4877

Green derby (F4) 200 Valley drive478-987-8877

KFC (F5)1416 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-0255

Krystal (F5)1415 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-0057

Longhorn Steakhouse (F5)100 Hampton Court478-988-1500 McDonald’s (F6)1413 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-9587

Papa John’s Pizza (E12)322 N. Perry Parkway478-987-7272

Pizza Hut (F6)1344 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-0359.

Red Lobster (F6)1359 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-988-8612

Sonny’s BBQ (F6)1001 St. Patrick’s Dr.478-218-2100

Subway (F6 & L3)105 Iffe Rd. 478-987-6869 and1412 Sam Nunn Blvd. 478-987-4242 Taco Bell (F6)1340 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-7365

Waffle House (F6 & K3)1426 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-1252 and102 Lect drive478-987-9986

Wendy’s (F6)1428 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-5260

Zaxby’s (F4)1425 Sam Nunn Blvd.478-987-1020

Dining

Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is a state-owned, multipurpose 1,100+ acre rental complex which is open year-round. It is specially designed for conferences, livestock and horse shows, concerts, rodeos, RV rallies, and trade shows. Since its opening in 1990, the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter has attracted exhibitors, visitors, and vendors to public and private livestock and commercial events. This beautifully landscaped site, with fountains and lakes, hosts multiple events every week; many of which are free and open to the public. For 11 days in October, the award-winning Georgia National Fair, held the fifth Thursday after Labor day, features livestock and horse shows, youth exhibits, home and fine arts competitions, family entertainment, midway rides and games, fair food, and major concerts. The Georgia National Junior Livestock Show in February highlights Georgia’s 4-H and FFA students competing for statewide championships. The Georgia National Rodeo, also in February, is sanctioned by the PRCA.

Photo courtesy Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

For more information visit www.gnfa.com or call 478-987-3247

Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter



Photo courtesy HQHA


For more information visit www.gnfa.com or call 478-987-3247

ShoppingHISToRIC DowNTowN DISTRICTPerry is known for its unique shopping experience in Historic downtown Perry. A variety of uncommon locally-owned shops are waiting to be discovered along Carroll Street, the Village Shops, and the surrounding blocks of the historic district. (H7, H8, I7 & I8)

PERRy MARkET PLACELocated on Sam Nunn Boulevard at Exit 136, this shopping center, also referred to as the Kroger Shopping Center, hosts a variety of retail chain outlets, clothing, hardware, and more. (F6)

PERRy CRoSSRoADS SHoPPING CENTERLocated on Sam Nunn Boulevard at Exit 136, this shopping center, also referred to as the Walmart Shopping Center, hosts shops such as sporting supplies, electronics, clothing, shoes and more. (F6)

PARADISE SHoPPES oF PERRyLocated on North Perry Parkway, this shopping center, also referred to as the Publix Shopping Cen-ter, hosts shops such as eateries and salons. (E12)

ANTIquESCArrIE LyNN’S ANTIQuES (G8)1137 Macon Rd. • 478-218-7754www.carrielynns.com

EASy LIVING GARdEN & ANTIQUES (C11)400 Perry Parkway • 478-218-7754

ShoppingPerry Made, Perry GrownGooDIESPrIESTEr’S PECANS & GIFTS (N2)Be sure to stop by this fabulous gift and candy shop to enjoy sampling a large variety handmade candies. Located at Exit 134. Call 478-987-6080.www.priesters.com

SMITH GOURMET FOOdSSmith’s Gourmet Nut Cake is a family recipe handed down since 1943, a traditional Christmas cake that can now be enjoyed throughout the year. Shipped fresh to you, visit www.smithgourmetfoods.com for more information.

ARTwoRkPerry is proud its many accomplished artists. Local artwork can be found for sale in Historic downtown Perry at several of the shops on Carroll Street and at the New Perry Hotel. A variety of works are also on display at the Perry Arts Center (H8) located at 1121 Macon Rd.

HoMEGRowN PRoDuCE & MoREFarm fresh produce, homemade baked goods, jams and jellies, fresh flowers and plants. Organic produce too! Open Saturdays from 8 am till Noon from the second Saturday in May through the second Saturday in October. Located on Meeting Street in beautiful downtown Perry. (H8)

Photo courtesy Perry DDA

Community ResourcesCITy HALL (H7)1211 Washington St • 478-988-2700www.perry-ga.gov

CHAMbER oF CoMMERCE (L3)101 Courtney Hodges Boulevard 478-987-1234 www.perrygachamber.com

PERRy HoSPITAL (I12)1120 Morningside drive • 478-987-3600www.hhc.org

HouSToN LAkE MED-SToP2510 Highway 127 • Kathleen, GA478-988-1865 • www.hhc.org

PERRy PubLIC LIbRARy (H7)1201 Washington Street • 478-987-3050

PoLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT (H7)24hr EMERGENCy: 91124hr Non-emergency: 478-988-2800

HouSToN HoME JouRNAL (H7)478-987-1823 • www.hhjnews.com

HouSToN CouNTy CouRTHouSE (F13)201 N. Perry Parkway www.houstoncountyga.com

HouSToN Co. boARD oF EDuCATIoN 1100 Main Street (I8)478-988-6200 • www.hcbe.net

THE wESTFIELD SCHooLS (M2)2005 US Highway 41 South478-987-0547 • www.westfieldschool.org

LoCAL CHuRCHESPerry offers over 40 churches of various denominations. Please contact the Perry Welcome Center at 478-988-8000 to inquire about specific locations.

Community Resources

Planning a Meeting, Event or Reunion in Perry?

The Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is ready to help you plan your next meeting or event! Perry is the perfect place to hold your next event. Our central location allows for great side trips to exciting venues around central Georgia, and our meeting facilities are the best you’ll find anywhere! Whether you are planning a meeting for 10 or 10,000, we can certainly accommodate your needs and exceed your expectations.

Contact the Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 478-988-8000 or log on to www.perryga.com and click on Meeting Planners. Let us help you make your event in Perry the best it can be.


Atlanta

PERRYI-75

I-85

I-20

I-16

I-75

I-85

I-20

Macon

Valdosta

Columbus

Savannah

Augusta

Perry is situated in Georgia’s Historic Heartland and is centrally located

along I-75 at Exits 134, 135, 136 and 138.

Perry is a featured stop along Georgia’s

Antiques, Peach Blossom, and Andersonville Trails. Perry is the perfect place to

stop, shop, stay, and play. We invite you to stop by our beautiful welcome center at located at Exit 135 and say hello! We offer free wi-fi, an off-leash dog

park, free RV dump station, covered picnic pavilion, clean rest rooms, fresh coffee, state-wide travel

information, and friendly smiling faces.

For more information contact:Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

101 General Courtney Hodges Blvd. • Perry, GA 31069478-988-8000 / fax 478-988-8005

www.perryga.com

WELCOME CENTER HOURSMonday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm;

Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pmOpen Sunday Memorial Day - Labor Day

1:00pm - 5:00pmClosed major holidays

Tune 1610AM in Perry for more information

Printed May 2009. Information subject to change. Check website for updates.

perry georgia visitors guide

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