Your New Weekend Getaway
By Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
Beautiful drives, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history – these are the things that most people associate with Franklin County, and they couldn’t be more correct. Franklin County is stunning and is filled to the brim with a rich and colorful history, but to limit such a wonderful county to these compliments is a disservice to a place that has so many other offerings.
Earning its name from Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, Franklin County boasts deep historical roots in Georgia. Predating the turn of the 18th century, Franklin County was the eighth county created in Georgia. Before modern county lines, the territory covered that of the future Banks, Jackson, Barrow, Clarke, Oconee and Stephens counties, plus parts of Hart, Madison, Hall and Gwinnett counties. Currently, Franklin County provides homes to 22,084 residents in the charming cities of Canon, Carnesville, Lavonia, Franklin Springs and Royston. Because of their welcoming, kind and hardworking natures, these residents serve as the county’s lifeblood making Franklin County such a special place to visit.
While our residents provide more than enough reason to visit, our beautiful parks will make you want to stay. The county is home to two gorgeous state parks: Tugaloo and Victoria Bryant. Both parks are rich with things to do for all members of the family. Tugaloo State Park, is derived from the Native American phrase “place at the forks of a stream,” offering tremendous views of the mammoth Lake Hartwell in every direction. You can catch these views from the comfort of a cottage, tent or even a yurt, as the park conveniently offers all three. For those who need the adrenaline that only competition can provide, the park offers tennis and volleyball courts. Fishing and boating, however, are where Tugaloo earns its fame. Lake Hartwell serves as the perfect venue for both high-level boating and year-round fishing.
Victoria Bryant State Park is equally beautiful and has a lot of similar offerings. Here, one can hike, swim, camp, bike, boat and even participate in geocaching and archery. Events also consume the park on a regular basis, as it has five picnic shelters and a large swimming pool. Highland Park at Victoria Bryant State Park is a challenging golf course and one of several Georgia State Park golf courses known for their diverse terrain and affordable value. If you’re looking for the perfect place for a family reunion, there is no better place than Victoria Bryant.
Franklin County is commonly spoken in the same breath as baseball, and this is rightly so. Ty Cobb, one of the best major leaguers to ever put on a pair of cleats, grew up in Royston and is the first player ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Franklin County takes a tremendous amount of pride in this heritage and has therefore created a museum to honor the legacy of this remarkable man, famously dubbed “The Georgia Peach.” At this museum, they are able to tell his historic and controversial tale through various artifacts and rare photographs.
Franklin County is more than a scenic drive across some scenic rolling hills. The history and sense of community in these beautiful little cities is remarkable, and it is clear why Franklin County is dear to residents’ hearts today. From its well-stocked and picturesque lake to its inviting state parks and historical sites, Franklin County’s active present and valued past make it a relaxing weekend or week-long getaway.
