Events Coming Up!
Pig O'Cache - Geocaching Special Event!!
Every weekend in July a Pig O’Cache will be hidden in McDuffie County. The caches are painted pigs – they don’t talk like Hamm in Toy Story, but they do hold a special surprise for the finder! GPS coordinates will be posted on Fridays on the Hickory Hill Facebook page AND on the Explore McDuffie Facebook page, also listen to WTHO for the coordinates. There is a first to find prize in each Pig O’Cache. When the new cache is placed the previous weeks cache will be removed; so, you only have one week to search and find each cache! On August 7 a final Pig O’Cache will be placed, coordinates and clues for the final cache must be picked up at the Watson-Brown table at the Tom Watson Watermelon Festival, they will not be available online.
What’s your pleasure? Thomson-McDuffie has it all: boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, golfing, geocaching—even gem panning and cattle drives! And with some two dozen festivals and events crowding the annual calendar, you can be sure there is always something fun going on in Thomson.
10 Fun Things To Do in McDuffie County!
Have lunch at Ivery’s Restaurant
Southern buffet eating at its best with fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole—all those down-home
delicious dishes that are everybody’s comfort food favorites.
Search for the oldest graves in the Wrightsboro Cemetery
Several veterans of the Revolutionary War and some who died at Gettysburg, Shiloh and Fredericksburg in the
War Between the States are buried in this historic churchyard cemetery.
Hiking the easy yet surprising beautiful boardwalk Beaver Trail at the McDuffie Public Fishing Area
A variety of trails await the avid nature lover. Paths such as Blackwater Swamp Trail, Beaver Pond Trail and
Longleaf Pine Trail offer a variety of geographic characteristics for their followers to enjoy. Spectators frequently
see wildlife such as whitetail deer, fox squirrels and Canada geese.
Discovering new places and learning a bit of local history while geocaching
Grab your GPS and go on a treasure hunt! There are now over 60 caches hidden in and around McDuffie County, some
at historical sites.
Wakeboarding and water skiing on Clarks Hill Lake
Covering more than 70,000 acres of water, Clarks Hill Lake is the largest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project
east of the Mississippi River and one of the largest inland bodies of water in the South.
Fishing one of the ponds at the McDuffie Public Fishing Area
McDuffie PFA ponds are managed for bass, bream and catfish angling, some ponds are supplementally stocked in
the fall with harvestable size channel catfish.
Wagon rides across the countryside during the Belle Meade Hunt
Ride along on a Tally-ho wagon through historic sites and beautiful rolling countryside of McDuffie County, following
scarlet-coated hunters and well-trained hounds on a simulated fox hunt. This is truly an unforgettable McDuffie County
tradition!
Pick up some spicy, cheese straws from Chinaberry Foods
Taste a Southern tradition: spicy, cheddar-rich cheese straws, freshly baked wafers that simply melt in your
mouth, are a must at any Southern gathering.
Antiquing at Aunt Tique’s and Uncle Junks
Specializing in unusual antiques, stained glass, iron fencing and lots more. We welcome everyone to come to our
store and enjoy southern hospitality while antiquing in the heart of Downtown Thomson.
Take an African American History Audio Tour of the area
Self guided audio tour will take you through sites of historical note in McDuffie County with particular emphasis
on the stories of African-Americans who lived and worked here, making McDuffie County the fascinating place it is today.
Thomson is a great hub from which to explore the East Central Georgia region. Our area is a convenient 20 to 45 minute drive to several picturesque small towns, vast lakes, scenic rivers and historic state parks. Here are suggestions for a Classic South adventure!
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Enjoy history, recreation, & wildlife-viewing along this 160- year-old National Landmark waterway. Augusta Canal boat
tours depart from the Interpretive Center located in picturesque 19th Century Enterprise Mill. Outdoor activities include
hiking and biking trails, fishing and paddling.
Laurel & Hardy Museum & Festival
See memorabilia of the comedy duo at this museum in the small town of Harlem Ga., where Oliver Hardy was born.
On the first Saturday in October, Harlem balloons to more than 20 times its size when 40,000 people arrive for the annual
Oliver Hardy Festival, which has become one Georgia’s best known events.
Beautiful Downtown Washington
Even shopping and dining in Washington seems to be from another era - you’ll find timeless treasures, shopping
with a personal touch, and all at a nice small town pace. Amble around the town square - tree shaded, brick-paved,
walker friendly - and you’ll find gift stores, antique stores, art galleries, specialty shops, and unique
dining experiences.
Georgia’s Lake Country
A truly unique area rich in offerings for both residents and guests. With award-winning golf courses, pristine
lakes, historic towns, southern art and entertainment, fabulous shopping, antiques and world renown accommodations.
Elijah Clark State Park
Located on the western shore of 70,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake, this park is named for a frontiersman and Georgia
war hero who led pioneers during the Revolutionary War. A recreated log cabin museum displays furniture, utensils and
tools circa 1780 and is open on weekends April through November. Cottages are located on the lake’s edge, and the spacious
campground is nestled into the forest.
For more information on these areas, please visit www.classicsouth.org or www.exploregeorgia.org