Every Georgian Should Visit Here

Explore Jimmy Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia

Every Georgian should visit the town of Plains Georgia at least once. There is so much history here from the unassuming train depot that became Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign headquarters in 1976, to the boyhood farm where he grew up, the high school he attended along with his wife, Rosalynn, and the small church, where he taught Sunday school up until 2020.

It's inspiring to see how a farmer from a small rural town in Georgia became President of the United States.

Stop 1: Visitor's Center

763 US-280, Plains, GA

The first stop on your tour of Plains should be the Visitor Center where you can pick up maps of the area, a bag of Georgia peanuts and take a selfie with the town’s most famous resident.

Stop 2: Boyhood Home & Farm

402 Old Plains Hwy, Plains, GA

Visiting Plains is like walking through a living museum and there is no place more evident of this than Jimmy Carter’s Boyhood Home & Farm which is part of the National Park Service.

Here you can wander the property at your leisure and get a glimpse into Carter’s early life.

Stop 3: Downtown Plains

It’s amazing that a person with such humble beginnings can rise to be President of the United States.  The small-town rural atmosphere of downtown Plains serves as a testament to the idea that anything is possible.

Stop 4: Campaign Headquarters

107 Main Street, Plains, GA

An unassuming train depot housed the 1976 campaign headquarters and now provides a glimpse into the grassroots movement that propelled Jimmy Carter to the presidency.

Stop 5 (Add-on Option): SAM Shortline

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider the SAM Shortline Presidential Flyer which takes you by vintage rail from Georgia Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear to Plains, GA.  Get more information here.

Stop 6. Political Memorabilia

124 E. Main Street, Plains, GA

The Plains Trading Post, is the country's largest dealer of political memorabilia. Here you will find almost every pin from every campaign! It’s an incredible collection not to be missed.  A recent visit to their website shows that the business is currently for sale, so please check they are open before visiting.  I hope someone buys this gem and keeps it open!

Stop 7: Jimmy Carter's Residence

209 Woodland Drive, Plains, GA

Visit the modest ranch house that Carter built in 1961 ( Zillow estimates the current value at $242,000). President Carter currently resides inside in hospice care as of this writing. The house itself is not open for tours but you can pay your respects at a special walkway area built for visitors.

Also, make a point to stop by Maranatha Baptist Church (122 GA-45, Plains, GA) where Jimmy Carter taught Sunday school up until 2020. And, if you have time, the high school where both Jimmy and Rosalynn attended is now a museum.

Plains, Georgia is an experience that holds a special place in both Georgia’s and America’s story.  Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, you won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy your adventure and let me know if you have any questions!

xoKerry