A winery, three breweries, an amphitheater and more make for a surprisingly sophisticated getaway to this Southwest Georgia town
Grab your favorite someone and get away to LaGrange, Georgia, easily accessible via Interstate 85, near the Georgia/Alabama line, and within close proximity of Columbus and Atlanta. Whether gathering with friends or slipping away with your significant other, this unassuming destination promises good brews and mouth-watering bites, along with a side of unforgettable entertainment.
Sudsy surprise
It’s not much of leap to guarantee a good time at Wild Leap Brewery (308 Main Street). What was once the Westbrook Service & Tire Co. building is now home to Wild Leap Brew Co., the first brewery in LaGrange. Named by the two founders who left successful career paths to follow their passion of creating a better-tasting craft beer, Wild Leap is also a nod to celebrating that important first step that sets a dream in motion. The founders hope it encourages others in the community to take their own “wild leaps.” While there, refresh with Local Gold or Great Wolf Peach. Wild Leap features a tasting room, large event space and an outdoor beer garden that looks upon a downtown plaza. Open 5-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight, Friday, noon to midnight, Saturday, and 12:30 to 7 p.m., Sunday.
Book your tour and experience Wild Leap behind the scenes while enjoying four, four-ounce beer samples–including beer not available to the general public yet–and receive a souvenir tasting glass only available on brewery tours. Tours are offered Thursday through Sunday.
Another local brewery, located in the Hillside neighborhood of LaGrange, Beacon Beer (700 Lincoln Street) was started by Charles and Chase Hudson steps from the mill that Charles’ great-grandfather founded in 1915. Inspired by a love and knowledge of good food, drink and travel, the pair created a brewery that specializes in Bavarian-style beer and Asian cuisine with Southern flair. Satisfy hunger pangs with tacos, sliders and ramen bowls. At Beacon, you can expect a fusion of unexpected and local flavors, with a generous helping of local lore. Man’s best friend is welcome in the dog-friendly Bavarian beer garden that was made for warm Southern nights. Open noon-midnight, Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday.
Plan to stop at Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse (709 4th Avenue, West Point), America’s first active duty, female-owned brewery. Try American Brown Ale or Southern Red Ale. Open noon to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m., Sunday. There is live music from 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Wine and dine
From scrumptious breakfast treats and fresh-roasted coffee to taste bud-tempting bites and the perfect winery for winding down, LaGrange offers a menu of options with something for everyone.
Start the day at Station Coffee House (100 East Main Street, Hogansville), located in an historic train depot. Warm up with an espresso and start the day right with fresh baked daily treats or staples like Avocado on Toast. Station Coffeehouse’s sole mission is to serve the community and this non-profit coffeehouse donates all proceeds back into the community to support local charitable efforts. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
Venucci (129 Main Street), a restaurant led by Chef Tulla White, is located just off the square and features traditional Italian food and a fabulous ambiance. The eatery is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
For a fancier affair, C’Sons (120 Main Street) sets the scene with its upscale, airy atmosphere featuring a New American eclectic menu and is open 5-10 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Satisfy a carb craving at Mare Sol’s (124 Main Street) where the Mediterranean menu boasts its handmade pastas. The restaurant is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.- 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
Wind down at family-owned and -operated, award-winning River’s Bend Winery and Vineyard (692 Adams Road, West Point). Try the Malbec or a sweet Southern wine–The Naked Peach. Open 12:30-6 p.m., Sunday, and noon-7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
Sound of music
Sweetland Amphitheater at Boyd Park (110 Smith Street), established in 1935 as the City Park, was once the anticipated summer “hangout.” Today, the green space continues to serve as a spot where friends and families to gather–with stadium, table and lawn seating accommodating approximately 2,500 spectators. Lush landscaping, including the bicentennial tree at the front entrance of the park, helps set the backdrop for an intimate venue steeped in beauty and history. Where tall pines sway to the rhythm of a breeze, sits the South’s sweetest stage in the heart of historic downtown LaGrange, serving as an intimate outdoor venue for star-studded performances and community events, all within walking distance of restaurants and shops and near local hotels and attractions.
Sweet dreams
In addition to Great Wolf Lodge’s LaGrange location–the only one in Georgia, guests can also rest easy in the recently opened, Courtyard by Marriott, located on the square in downtown LaGrange and within walking distance of shopping and a variety of locally-owned restaurants. Or, try the new 89-room Home2Suites by Hilton.
If you go
It’s always a great time to visit. Don’t miss special, ongoing events. Visit www.VisitLagrange.com/news-events/events/ for details on happenings.
Don’t miss a single attraction. Download the app for the “Downtown Walking Tour,” or pick up the map by the same name at the LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce (111 Bull Street). To learn more about visiting LaGrange-Troup County area, visit www.VisitLaGrange.com.
Side bar
Lakebound
Seize the day and stop by one of the many parks that surround West Point Lake’s 525-miles of shoreline. Hit up the tennis courts, ball fields, basketball courts or cast a line off the fishing piers. These Army Corps of Engineer parks also have more than a dozen nature and hiking trails. Feel like you are a world away as you navigate tree-laden paths that accommodate hikers of every skill level. Each trail has its own unique feature–like waterfront views, benches, rest shelters and playgrounds. This is also a bird-watching haven. Keep eyes peeled while walking the paths, because this area is home to purple martins, herons, egrets, osprey and several pairs of bald eagles. Had enough excitement for one day? Kick back by digging toes in the sand at one of the three public beaches or reserve a picnic shelter to share a meal together, al fresco.
Visit http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/West-Point-Lake/ for more information.
While in West Point, make trails for American Smokehouse (719 3rd Avenue, West Point). The flavorful, chef-inspired menu is full of hand-crafted signature plates. Come for the broad selection of local beer, stay for the traditional handcrafted cocktails and atmosphere. Try the Smoking Trio, featuring smoked brisket, pulled pork and smoked wings, or choose from prime-cut steaks or seafood like the Shrimp and Grits. Complement the meal with drinks from the bar, offering a variety from staple spirits to rare whiskies, a hand-picked and expansive collection built to please any palate. Open 4:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, and 4:30-10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday.