Craft, Culture & Community

Perfect for creatives, culture lovers, and anyone who believes a good story makes a great souvenir.

There’s a heartbeat to small-town South Georgia—and it’s handmade. From quilted art and porch music to mural-lined streets and fresh-baked cookies, this journey takes you through the backroads and boutiques that define the soulful, creative spirit of the region. Whether you’re shopping, sipping, or crafting something of your own, this itinerary is all about slowing down, soaking it in, and taking a piece of the South home with you.

Day 1

Perry & Ocilla

Morning – Perry

Start your day in Perry, a town with a creative spirit rooted in both Southern tradition and global influence. Begin with a handcrafted latte and fresh pastry at Morning By Morning Coffee Co., where small-batch roasting meets made-from-scratch hospitality. Their house-made syrups—crafted with seasonal flavors and local ingredients—add a unique touch to every cup.

Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee to go or settling in for a slow start, Morning By Morning offers a welcoming atmosphere with a drive-thru for convenience and ample outdoor seating, including a rooftop patio that overlooks the charm of Historic Downtown Perry.



Afterward, stroll through Historic Downtown Perry, where each storefront invites you in. Browse artisan-made bath and beauty products at Mossy Creek Natural and find curated cookies and more by Food Network Chef Cory Allen Jones at Sweet Evelyn’s. For something especially unique, check out the mural on the side of Sweet P’s Restaurant—a bright, Instagrammable artwork that honors the city’s roots.

Afternoon – Stripling’s & Lunch

Stop at Stripling’s General Store for a taste of old-school Georgia: think jerky, hoop cheese, smoked meats, and a friendly hello from behind the counter. Then enjoy lunch at The Oil Lamp, a cafeteria-style restaurant with southern homestyle cooking in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Evening – Ocilla

From Perry, head about 1.5 hours south to Ocilla. Here, you’ll find Shoppes at Fourth & Cherry, an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, handmade goods, and Southern charm. If you're traveling in late October, time your visit for the Sweet Potato Festival, a community celebration featuring crafts, baked goods, and one very beloved root vegetable.

Stay overnight in a cabin at Miller Family Farms, where rustic lodging meets local hospitality—including a scenic canoe ride on the lake or a golf cart ride down the trails.

Day 2

Tifton & Georgia’s Living History

Morning – Tifton

Wake up and make the short drive into Downtown Tifton, filled with small-town energy and artistic soul. Visit Plough Gallery, a thoughtfully curated space that features pottery, art prints, and Southern makers you won’t find anywhere else. Just down the street, grab a coffee at Espresso 41, then head to the Tifton Farmers Market if it coincides with your visit—perfect for finding local produce, handmade goods, and so much more from locals themselves.

Afternoon – Georgia Museum of Agriculture

A few minutes away sits the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village, a hands-on heritage site that showcases life in the rural South through live demonstrations, blacksmithing, quilting, woodworking, and cooking. This is not a museum where you stand behind ropes—here, you churn, hammer, or spin with your own hands. It’s especially group-friendly and offers immersive, interpreter-led experiences. Wrap up your afternoon with a bite at Mi Lady Bakery, open since 1959 and known for fresh loaves, nostalgic sweets, and generations of love baked into every bite.

Evening – Music & Makers

For a unique souvenir, consider stopping by one of the many vintage stores downtown. If you're visiting during First Friday or another seasonal festival like Rhythm & Ribs, enjoy live local music, street art, and the community spirit that defines this region. 

Travel Tips

Fun Fact

Perry was once home to Georgia’s first school bus, made from a Blue Bird chassis—there’s even a commemorative plaque downtown.

Travel Tip

Most towns host monthly art nights or markets, so check local calendars before planning your route.

Group-Friendly Stops

Georgia's Museum of Agriculture (large groups welcome), Downtown Perry (ample bus parking), Plough Gallery (offers private group sessions)

Drive Times:

Perry → Ocilla: 1.5 hrs

Ocilla → Tifton: 30 mins

Made in the South isn’t just about the products—it’s about the people who pour their hearts into them. In every paintbrush, biscuit, or hand-lettered sign, you’ll find a deeper connection to a region where creativity isn’t curated—it’s lived.