Tiny Hogansville, GA boasts a population of slightly more than 3000 people but has been called “the prettiest little city in Georgia.” If you are in LaGrange, West Point, Newnan, Columbus, GA or Auburn, Phenix City, AL — in other words, the west Georgia/east Alabama part of the southeast, I believe you’ll enjoy taking a detour and finding downtown Hogansville. After all, it’s only 3 miles off the interstate.

If you schedule a visit for the 3rd Saturday in October, you’ll be among thousands of visitors to the annual Hummingbird Festival, featuring food and crafts vendors, an art contest and a dog parade. I think the tiny, but very industrious, hummingbird, is a very appropriate symbol for Hogansville. Fiberglass hummingbirds, painted by local artists and having a wingspan of three feet, dot the landscape at major points of interest around the town and form what is becoming a fun Hummingbird Trail as visitors try to find all of them. The birds are painted in a theme that matches their location.

Unique antique shops, bookstores and boutiques line Main Street heading toward the railroad track, and a train depot dating back 110 years anchors the whole shopping district with Station Coffeehouse, Great Southern Pub (for burgers, fish/chips, chicken/waffles, etc.) and a large venue space for Market Days, live entertainment and even weddings. Stop into Born Again Antiques. It’s almost like a museum with lots of repurposed furniture. Karvelas Pizza Company is moving to downtown soon. It’s one of those places where you can watch while the dough spins.

Born Again Antiques

I recently had a heavenly cup of hot chocolate and a delicious breakfast sandwich at Station Coffeehouse.

Station CoffeeHouse

Afterwards, I wandered the town with my camera enjoying the painted murals, the shops and the search for Hogansville’s symbols. Families will enjoy the Tower Walking Trail and outdoor classroom, in addition to reading about the painted hummingbirds.

I also spotted a pretty B & B — Hogan House at Rose Hill Bed and Breakfast — a place I’d love to check out further during a future visit.

Hogan House B & B

I applaud the leaders of Hogansville for their efforts to put this remarkable town in the spotlight.