Located just 45 minutes northwest of I-95 and Savannah, is Statesboro, Georgia, home to Georgia Southern University and known for its eclectic dining, rich history and authentic Southern hospitality. This charming small town offers a plethora of unique experiences alongside history and culture. But that’s not all—Statesboro is also perfectly situated along Interstate 16, making it the ideal homebase for exploring other nearby destinations. Extend your visit to Statesboro and take in these noteworthy nearby daytrip destinations. Here are a few not to miss experiences in Statesboro and the surrounding area.
Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market
Open every Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., April through November, the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market is a local treasure. Shoppers will find some of the freshest foods available in the area at this ever-popular market. The farmers market features fresh from the farm produce, meat and eggs. In addition to delicious food, shoppers can also browse one-of-a-kind handcrafted items, sip fresh coffee or homemade lemonade all while enjoying live music. Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market, 222 South Main Street, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-259-9555
Blackwater Preserve
Get out on the water at Blackwater Preserve and kayak or canoe your way through the area’s pristine wetlands. Explore miles of waterways and land trails ideal for outdoor adventure. Fish, paddle and observe numerous birds and animals in the unspoiled nature preserve. Camping is also available. Reservations required. Blackwater Preserve, 780 McElveen Pond Road, Register, Georgia 30459; 912-690-1241
George L. Smith State Park
It doesn’t get much more serene than the peaceful natural beauty of George L. Smith State Park. Visitors are invited to explore the Cypress-filled water of the mill pond and enjoy an unspoiled atmosphere providing both recreational and historical experiences. A perfect South Georgia retreat, this secluded park offers lakeside camping and cozy cottages for those wishing to stay overnight. Don’t miss the refurbished Parrish Mill and Pond, a combination gristmill, saw mill, covered bridge and dam built in 1880. Be on the lookout for beaver dams, gopher tortoises (Georgia’s state reptile), blue herons, white ibises and other wading birds. George L. Smith State Park, 371 George L. Smith State Park Road, Twin City, Georgia 30471
A year full of special events
From annual races and parades to football games and live performances, there’s always something fun happening in Statesboro. Put these upcoming events on your “must do” list!
Join Southern Cruisers on March 25, 2023, for the Southern Cruisers Car Show at Statesboro’s Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Spectator tickets are just $5 and can be purchased at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Gates open at 8 a.m., awards are at 3 p.m.
Check out Motones & Jerseys on March 30, 2023, for an evening of fun and nostalgia at Georgia Southern University’s Performing Arts Center. Join a stellar lineup of vocalists, complete with a live backing band as they sing and dance their way through nearly 50 of the greatest songs from the mid-20th century, paying homage to iconic vocal groups such as the Four Seasons, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. The performers engage in a playful sing-off, giving audience members the chance to vote for their favorite group via their smartphones. Click here for ticket information. Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern University, 847 Plant Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-478-7999
Catch Nashville’s rising star, Megan Moroney with Logan Crosby as she performs at Statesboro’s premier entertainment venue, The Blue Room, on Friday, April 14. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. For more information including tickets, click here. The Blue Room, 1830 Chandler Road, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-243-9161
Patrons are in for a real treat with a local performance from the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra as they present “On the Road” at Georgia Southern University’s Performing Arts Center on April 14, 2023. Show starts at 7 p.m. For more ticket information, click here. Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern University, 847 Plant Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-478-7999
See a live theater production of ”Bright Star” at the Averitt Center for the Arts, April 20-23, 2023. Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s “Bright Star” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption in the south during the 1920s and 1940s. For ticket information, click here. Averitt Center for the Arts, 33 East Main Street, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-212-2787
The rodeo is coming to town! Don’t miss this fun for the whole family event taking place April 28-29, 2023, at the Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo Fairgrounds. Tickets available here. Statesboro Kiwanis Rodeo, 44 Arena Boulevard, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-681-2202
Mark your calendar for April 15, 2023, to experience ArtsFest, an event to celebrate the arts with a family-friendly artist market, live performances and more throughout the day.
Prepare to be entertained at Hypro: Improv Under Hypnois! Improv comedy legend Colin Mochrie and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci have created an original, mind-blowing and wildly hilarious show. This interactive show is a unique and unforgettable experience happening at 7:30 p.m., May 4, 2023, at the Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern University. Purchase tickets here. Performing Arts Center at Georgia Southern University, 847 Plant Drive, Statesboro, Georgia 30458; 912-478-7999
Grab your sunscreen and head to Splash in the ‘Boro for opening day, May 20, 2023. One of the most unique water parks around, Splash in the ‘Boro features over a million gallons of water! Kids (and grown -ups too!) love the wave pool, exhilarating slides, relaxing lazy river and Georgia’s only dual Flow Rider. Make a day out of it by spending the afternoon under a rented cabana and nosh on goodies from the onsite concessions. Splash in the ‘Boro, 1388 GA-24, Statesboro, GA 30458; 912-489-3000
If visiting Statesboro in the fall, plan to attend the Brooklet Peanut Festival. Now in its 34th year, the 2023 festival will kick off with a parade followed by live entertainment, tractor races, arts and craft vendors, food vendors, amusement vendors and a closing concert. The Brooklet Peanut Festival will take place in downtown Brooklet, just outside of Statesboro, September 16, 2023. For more information including a full schedule of events, click here.
Don’t miss the 61st annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair happening in October. This agricultural fair brings carnival rides, midway games, local food vendors, live entertainment and agricultural history to the fairgrounds. Money raised from the event goes right back to the local communities served by the fair. This event is wholesome family fun at its best!
Kick off the holiday shopping season with the Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market Shopping by Lantern Light. This hometown favorite will take place the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
Daytrip destinations
One hour east of Statesboro is Savannah, a charming Southern escape where art, period architecture, trendy boutiques and haunted stories are all set under enchanting trees draped with Spanish moss. Known for outstanding culinary experiences, a magical waterfront, culture, picturesque parks and fascinating history, Savannah is a delightful destination within very close proximity to Statesboro. For more information on what to see and do in Savannah, click here.
Just outside historic Savannah is Skidaway Island State Park, which borders Georgia’s intracoastal waterway. Park trails wind through a maritime forest and past salt marshes leading visitors to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors are likely to see deer, fiddler crabs, racoons and egrets among other wildlife that call Skidaway Island home. Make a stop in the park’s interpretive center for binoculars, reference books and a window for viewing migrating species such as the Painted Bunting. Looking to camp? Skidaway Island State Park offers a scenic campground nestled under live oaks and Spanish moss. For more information on Skidaway State Park, click here.
Located due east of Statesboro, just beyond Savannah, is Tybee Island, Georgia’s most northern barrier island. This popular vacation spot has been a favorite among visitors since the late 1800s. Best known for its laid-back, close-knit community, fresh seafood, historic sites and wide clean beaches, Tybee Island is the perfect escape for those seeking a nearby beach destination just an hour and a half from Statesboro. Insider tip—don’t miss Tybee Light Station, Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse. Visitors love climbing to the top of this operational lighthouse for stunning panoramic views of the island. For more information on Tybee Island, click here.
If you go
Statesboro offers traditional lodging options as well as inns, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, all of which offer easy access for exploring nearby destinations. Experience Statesboro like a local and stay in a unique Airbnb such as this cozy, well-appointed loft located in the heart of downtown, right above Bull and Barrel Steakhouse and just a mile and a half from Georgia Southern University. Guests enjoy coffee shops, restaurants and shopping, all of which is in walking distance. Looking for something with enough space to sleep your whole crew? This spacious cabin located on Cypress Lake is the perfect spot to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors with fishing, kayaking and more in the back yard. It’s just minutes from Georgia Southern University’s Paulson Stadium and the cabin was once home to country star Luke Bryan. For more Statesboro lodging options, click here.
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