How To Spend a Weekend in Coweta, the Charming Small-Town County Outside Atlanta

Coweta County, Georgia, offers a blend of Southern charm, Georgian architecture, outdoor adventure, and some of the best restaurants in the South. Located a 40 minute drive from Atlanta, Coweta County is the perfect place to experience the slower pace of Georgia. But don’t let the small-town atmosphere fool you, Coweta County is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, a variety of shopping and dining options, and a number of exciting events throughout the seasons.  

While it’s a great place to visit at any time of year, early summer in Georgia brings warm, sunny days and pleasantly cool nights that are perfect for hiking, biking, fishing or just enjoying a picnic in one of the many parks. And US travelers will find that getting to Coweta County is easy, thanks to its proximity to Atlanta, and the world’s busiest airport.

If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Georgia, here’s how to plan a trip to one of its most underrated counties.

What to do in Coweta County

Explore Newnan

Newnan is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring Coweta. Founded in 1825, it’s home to many historical sites, excellent cafés and eateries, green spaces, and hiking trails. A network of multipurpose trails, call the LINC, make Newnan very pedestrian and bike friendly. The 26 miles of paved paths are also a great place to relax, people watch and soak in the atmosphere. The hub of the city is its downtown neighborhood. There you can enjoy shopping in small boutiques, watch live theater shows, and stroll through local markets.

Newnan also has a vibrant skateboarding scene and is home to a 30,000 square foot skate park. It’s the largest in Georgia and draws skaters from all over the state and country. It also recently hosted the Red Bull Boarding Pass qualifier and prelude to the Red Bull Terminal Takeover.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park

Chattahoochee Bend State Park is one of Georgia’s largest state parks, located in a graceful bend of the Chattahoochee River. It’s a short 30-minute drive from Newnan. The park protects five miles of river frontage and offers many outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park has several facilities and amenities available for visitors, including restrooms with showers (seasonal), picnic shelters with grills (reservable), playgrounds for children and an amphitheater which hosts seasonal events such as concerts or movies under the stars.

Visit Senoia

The town of Senoia is a thriving small business community with excellent restaurants, bars, boutiques, unique furniture shops and antiques — all in a very walkable town. Pronounced “suh-noy,” it is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and appreciate a slower pace.

Senoia’s most famous claim to fame is its role as the filming location for the hit television show The Walking Dead. The town has been featured in many episodes, and fans can even take tours of some of the filming locations. Many motion pictures and television productions have taken advantage of Senoia’s quaint historic locations as a backdrop for filming. Raleigh Studios Atlanta, acquired by AMC in 2017, is the film studio instrumental in redeveloping Senoia into what it is today, a hip little town with a great vibe.

The perfect way to get around Senoia and enjoy the wonderful weather by joining Water Tower Tours. This company offers guided tours of the filming locations for The Walking Dead. They are led by Steven, a knowledgeable and engaging guide who, in addition, was an extra in the popular television series.

Where to eat and drink in Coweta County

Cleaver & Cork

Specializing in artisan food and drink you must stop in to meet Audrey Stine, the owner of Cleaver & Cork. Pop in to browse their locally sourced products and you’ll walk away with the best steak you can buy in town. Don’t leave without getting Audrey’s recommendation for a wine to pair with your steak or seafood selection and top it off with their spinach artichoke dip and a fresh baguette.  

Cleaver & Cork: 9 Lagrange Street Newnan

Foxtail Coffee

A beautiful café where the coffee is made with love, Foxtail Coffee is where you’ll get the best cup in the area. I ordered a beautiful chai latte with oat milk, vanilla and lavender. This is a perfect place to start your day. It has comfortable seating, bar stools and tables coupled with the delicious brews. What’s not to love?

Foxtail Coffee: 160 Glenda Trace, Newnan

Meat N Greet

For lunch, head over to Meat N Greet. The staff are welcoming and the area around the bar is buzzing with activity and aromas that make you want to sample everything on the menu. The burgers are simply amazing, but the voodoo chicken sandwich might quite possibly be world changing. Come hungry.

Meat N Greet: 11 Jefferson St, Newnan

Rock Salt Milk Bar

Don’t miss this family owned and run business that serves first rate ice cream made 100 percent on premises with local ingredients and mix-ins, and delicious waffle cones. To complete the experience, you must try the blackberry earl grey and the lemon sugar cookie.

Rock Salt Milk Bar: 8 E Washington St., Newnan

Knife and Stone

Knife and Stone for dinner in Newnan is a must. The chef perfectly drives the menu at this cozy venue. Start the experience with their Smoked Old Fashion cocktail and then move on to the fried avocado, wild mushroom soup, and then choose from an assortment of unique main plate options.

Knife and Stone: 30 Perry St, Newnan

Lisa’s Crêperie & Café

Lisa’s Crêperie & Café is a Veteran owned business located directly on the quaint downtown streets of Senoia. They use authentic French ingredients, serve specialty coffees, pastries and create masterpiece crepes. The shop has a sweet ambiance, with French décor and the excellent customer service. If your schedule allows, swing by Friday afternoons for the freshest selection of pastries.

Lisa’s Crêperie & Café: 48 Main St #1B, Senoia

Bistro Hilary

Bistro Hilary is an superb choice for lunch or dinner. There are so many great menu options. If you are unable to decide, allow Chef Hilary to take the pressure off and make a selection. She won’t disappoint and her presentation is flawless. Her husband Jim, ensures operations are running with smooth efficiency and that everything is correct and to your liking. Try the French Quarter 75 and leave room for the peanut butter chocolate bar. 

Bistro Hilary: 21 Barnes St, Senoia

Where to stay in Coweta County

Chattahoochee Bend State Park cabins and campsites

The park features a variety of camping options, including campsites and adventure cabins. They are located in the woods near the river and offer amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. For those looking for a more comfortable stay, there are six cabins available that feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms with modern amenities like air conditioning and WiFi.

TownPlace Suites, Newnan

Carla will welcome you into her hotel as if she’s inviting you into her living room. She also has excellent tips to share if you are debating on what local adventures to take in. The hotel offers spacious suites that come equipped with full kitchens, including a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop and dishwasher. Each suite also features a separate living area with sofa bed, work desk and flat-screen TV.