Elberton, Georgia, is a hidden gem when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities, offering a wide array of options that cater to various interests and tastes. For those who enjoy shopping, Elberton provides a mix of charming boutiques and well-known retail stores. The Elberton Granite Center, located downtown, features unique shops offering locally made products, antiques, and crafts that reflect the city’s rich heritage. For everyday needs, residents can visit notable grocery stores like Ingles and Bi-Lo, which offer a wide selection of fresh produce and specialty items.
Movie enthusiasts will find entertainment at the Elbert Theatre, a historic venue that showcases both classic films and the latest releases. This beautifully restored theater also hosts live performances and community events, making it a central hub for cultural activities in the city. For live music lovers, the theater regularly features local bands and musicians, contributing to a vibrant local music scene. Although Elberton may not frequently host major touring artists, its proximity to Athens and Atlanta means that world-class concerts and performances are just a short drive away.
Art and history aficionados will appreciate Elberton’s cultural offerings, including the Elberton Granite Museum and Exhibit, which provides fascinating insights into the city's granite industry and local history. The museum showcases impressive granite sculptures and historical artifacts that highlight Elberton’s unique heritage. Additionally, the Elbert County Public Library offers a wealth of resources, including a dedicated children's section with engaging programs and activities for young readers.
For those looking to explore nature and wildlife, the nearest zoo is the Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, just an hour's drive away. This small but charming zoo is home to a variety of native wildlife and offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy several nearby golf courses, although the nearest Top Golf location is a bit farther afield in Atlanta.
Elberton is also known for its vibrant community events and festivals. The annual Elberton 12-County Fair is a highlight, featuring rides, games, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment. Nearby Athens hosts the renowned AthFest Music and Arts Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the region with its lineup of local and national music acts, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Sports fans will find plenty of excitement in nearby Athens, home to the University of Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have a storied history in college sports, particularly in football, where they have achieved national prominence and numerous accolades. Attending a game at the iconic Sanford Stadium is a thrilling experience for any sports enthusiast.
Families with young children will appreciate the numerous playgrounds and family-friendly parks scattered throughout Elberton. McWilliams Park, one of the city's most beloved parks, features extensive playground equipment, picnic areas, and sports fields. This park is a favorite gathering spot for families, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children to play and explore.
Elberton also boasts excellent facilities for pickleball enthusiasts, with several courts available for both casual play and organized tournaments. The popularity of this fast-growing sport has led to a strong community of players, making it easy to find partners and participate in local events.
For a more structured recreational experience, the Elberton Community Center offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages. The center features multi-purpose rooms, fitness classes, and organized sports leagues, fostering a sense of community and active engagement. Whether you're interested in yoga, dance, or martial arts, the community center provides a welcoming space to pursue your interests.
Richard B Russell State Park in Elberton, GA –
Located on a 26,650 acre lake, Richard B. Russell State Park offers some of the state’s finest fishing and boating. The park’s campground and fully equipped cottages are located on or near the water’s edge for a relaxing getaway. Most park facilities are designed for wheelchair accessibility, including the swimming beach. A nature trail follows the shoreline to one of the oldest steel pin bridges in the area, loops through the adjoining woods and returns to the beach.
This park is known for its well-kept disc golf course, where Frisbee-style discs are thrown into metal baskets. This sport is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by all ages. For traditional golfers, the park’s 18-hole Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course offers a pro shop and annual passes. Several Indian sites were excavated near the park in 1980 before the lake was filled, indicating that Paleo-Indians lived in the area more than 10,000 years ago. This area is now called Rucker’s Bottom and lies deep within the waters of Lake Richard B. Russell.
Blue Cielo Vineyards & Winery in Elberton, GA
Blue Cielo Farms, a cherished family-owned winery in Georgia, is nestled on 33-acres of a peninsula along the picturesque Richard B. Russell Lake in Elbert County, Georgia. The vineyard features a variety of grape varietals including Norton, Lenoir, Blanc du Bois, Chambourcin, and Crimson Cabernet.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Less than a 2 hour away, offerimg breathtaking views and hiking adventures for all.
Hartwell Lake and Dam, Hartwell, GA
Hartwell Lake is one of the most popular Corps lakes in the nation. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963 as part of a flood control, hydropower, and navigation project, authorized purposes now include recreation, water quality, water supply, and fish and wildlife management. Hartwell Lake comprises nearly 56,000 acres of water with a shoreline of 962 miles. Over 20,000 acres of public land surrounds the lake. The Corps operates 9 campgrounds, 15 major day use areas, and numerous other lake-access areas.
Granite Bowl Stadium
The Granite Bowl is the off-campus playing venue for the football and soccer sports teams for the Elbert County Blue Devils in Elberton, Georgia, The stadium can hold up to 20,000 people and is made almost entirely out of granite. The Granite Bowl has been listed as an important historic site by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and is considered by many to be the jewel of Elbert County.