Jefferson
Around Jefferson
Photo: Blastoids · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Georgia · 93k people
Jefferson
Locals say Jackson County
Where the foothills meet the fast lane.
UGA RedBlack
Welcome to Jackson County, where the peach orchards meet the racetrack. Enjoy the small-town squares, the local vineyards, and the friendly pace of life. We're glad you're here!
Clubs for Jefferson
No clubs for Jefferson yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Jefferson. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Jefferson. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Road Atlanta Home of Petit Le Mans endurance race
- Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Iconic vineyard with restaurants and a hotel
- Hurricane Shoals Park Swimming holes and trails along the Broad River
- Jefferson Historic District Courthouse square with shops and eateries
- Braselton Historic District Walkable downtown with boutiques and galleries
- Commerce Historic District Classic small-town main street
- Outdoors Hike the trails at Hurricane Shoals
- Outdoors Fish in the Broad River
- With kids Pick your own peaches at a local orchard
- With kids Watch a race at Road Atlanta
- Evenings Wine tastings at local vineyards
- Evenings Live music at downtown venues
- Locals love Historic town squares
- Locals love Wineries and vineyards
Through the year
- Petit Le Mans October Endurance race at Road Atlanta
- Braselton Food Truck Fridays Summer Weekly food truck gathering
- Jefferson Farmers Market Spring through fall Local produce and crafts
- Jackson County Fair Late summer Carnival rides and livestock
- Hoschton Fall Festival October Arts and crafts vendors
Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Best time to be out is spring or fall. Best: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and low humidity.
Getaways
- Athens College town with live music and UGA games
- Gainesville Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River
- Cornelia Gateway to the north Georgia mountains
- Toccoa Waterfalls and state parks
Local flavour
Rooting for Georgia Bulldogs (NCAA Division I, Athens, GA), Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
Eat and drink
- Boiled peanuts A Southern staple, especially popular in Georgia.
- Peach cobbler Georgia is the Peach State; cobbler is a classic dessert.
- Sweet tea Universally served in homes and restaurants.
- Pulled pork barbecue Local 'cue joints' are community gathering spots.
- Pimento cheese A Southern spread, common on sandwiches and as a dip.
Where people go
- Historic town squares Jefferson and Braselton have classic Southern downtowns with courthouses and local shops.
- Wineries and vineyards Chateau Elan and other wineries in Braselton define the area's wine country.
- Motorsports venues Road Atlanta is a famous racetrack, drawing enthusiasts from all over.
- Outlet malls Commerce is known for its outlet shopping, a regional draw.
- Peach orchards and farms Agricultural landscapes with peach trees and farmland.
Heritage and traditions
Jefferson and Jackson County are proud of their small-town Southern charm, deep agricultural roots, and the unique blend of historic downtowns with a growing wine and motorsports culture.
This time of year in Jefferson
- Harvest festivals Fall County fairs and pumpkin patches.
- Church homecomings Fall Annual fall gatherings with potluck dinners and gospel singing.
- Braselton Arts and Crafts Festival Fall A weekend of local artisans and live music in the downtown area.
Say it like a local: “Fixin' to” — About to do something.
Festivals
- Jackson County Historical Society's Tour of Homes Spring A spring self-guided tour of historic homes in Jefferson and Braselton.
- Church homecomings Fall Annual fall gatherings with potluck dinners and gospel singing.
- Braselton Arts and Crafts Festival Fall A weekend of local artisans and live music in the downtown area.
- Christmas parades December Each town hosts its own parade with tree lighting.
Landmarks with a story
- Hurricane Shoals Covered Bridge A 19th-century covered bridge relocated to the park.
- Old Jackson County Jail Now a museum operated by the Jackson County Historical Society.
- Braselton Brothers Store A restored general store in downtown Braselton.
- Jefferson Presbyterian Church A historic congregation with roots in the early 1800s.
Food traditions
- Peach ice cream Local dairies and ice cream shops make fresh peach ice cream during summer.
- Brunswick stew A hearty tomato-based stew with meat and vegetables, often served at community events.
- Church potluck dinners A tradition of bringing covered dishes to share after services.
- Sweet potato pie A holiday favorite made from local sweet potatoes.
Music and arts
- Bluegrass and gospel music Popular at community events and church gatherings.
- Visual arts scene in Braselton Galleries and studios in the historic downtown.
A little history
- 1796 Jackson County created
- 1820s Cherokee removal
- 1870s Railroad arrives
- 1900s Agriculture boom
- 1989 Kim Basinger buys Braselton
Rivalries
- Georgia Bulldogs vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets College football rivalry
- Jefferson vs Commerce Local high school football rivalry
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Local 5K races
- Outdoors Visit the covered bridge at Hurricane Shoals
- Outdoors Watch a race at Road Atlanta
- With kids Attend a Christmas parade
- With kids Visit a petting zoo at a local farm
The accent is a classic Southern drawl, with a slower pace and vowel sounds that are often drawn out. Common expressions include 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'.
Only here
- Road Atlanta is the only road course in the area, hosting major races.
- Braselton was once owned by actress Kim Basinger.
- The Hurricane Shoals Covered Bridge is a rare surviving example.
- You can pick peaches and then watch a sports car race in the same day.
New here? A few tips
- Expect hot, humid summers; stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
- Traffic on I-85 can be heavy during rush hour, especially near Braselton.
- Sweet tea is a staple—try it at local restaurants.
- Learn to love peaches; they're everywhere in summer.
- Attend a local church potluck to meet neighbors.
Make this page better
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Part of Atlanta area
Nearby
Every areaAthensGeorgiaLive music, Southern soul, and Bulldog pride in the Classic City.GainesvilleGeorgiaWhere the lake meets the mountains.CorneliaGeorgiaWhere the mountains meet the apple orchards.ToccoaGeorgiaWhere the falls meet the mountain.North Georgia MountainsGeorgiaHigh peaks, deep forests, and a warm welcome.HartwellGeorgiaWhere the red clay meets the lakeSenecaSouth CarolinaWhere the mountains meet the lakes, and every day feels like a getaway.AtlantaGeorgiaWhere Southern charm meets a modern beat.
Jefferson, GA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.