Excursions
See and experience regional, cultural, and historical sites with the Thomasville History Center through our Excursions series. These guided day trips typically include transportation, behind-the-scenes access to historic places, and a semi-private tour of our destination.
We’re going on a road trip!
See and experience regional, cultural, and historical sites with the Thomasville History Center through our curated Excursions. These guided day trips explore the communities, landscapes, and stories that shape the Red Hills region and beyond.
Participants enjoy behind-the-scenes access to historic buildings, churches, homes, and cultural sites—often with special interpretation or access not typically available to the public. Excursions travel by bus from the History Center, with the option for participants to drive separately if preferred.
Excursions are open to both members and non-members and typically include transportation and a semi-private tour of the destination. A stop for lunch is usually included in the schedule; however, meals and additional purchases are not included in the ticket price.
A detailed itinerary is provided to registered participants prior to each excursion.
Each year’s excursion schedule features several destinations throughout South Georgia and North Florida, offering participants the opportunity to explore the history and culture of our region alongside fellow history enthusiasts.
To make these excursions possible, each requires a minimum number of participants. We encourage interested guests to register early to help ensure the trips move forward as planned.
Things to Know
Tours meet at the Thomasville History Center at 9:30 a.m. to load onto the bus. Separate drivers can meet the group at the first tour stop by 10:00 a.m. The bus will arrive back at the History Center by 4:00 p.m.
Guests are asked to wear comfortable walking clothes and closed-toe shoes. Some ventures may involve wandering off the beaten path. Water will be available, but it is recommended to bring a water bottle. Lunch and additional purchases made during the Road Trip are not included in the ticket price.
Upcoming Excursions
Ochlocknee, GA
Saturday, July 25, 2026
The community of Ochlocknee was first settled by American citizens as early as the 1810s but wasn’t chartered until the 1870s. Named after the river of the same name, the town sits just below the Ochlocknee Following the Civil War, more and more people moved to the area to start small farms. When the railroad line came through town, settlement drew in and formed the downtown we see today. Today, the town boasts a population of around 700 with aneconomy focused on agriculture and industry.
Boston, GA
Saturday, September 12, 2026
While Boston may be the second oldest town in the county, it’s current location was not where its founders originally started. In the 1860s the community shifted the town two miles down the road to be closer to the railroad station. Formally incorporated in 1870, Boston has since remained a bustling town complete with a Carnegie Library that still serves the community’s appetite for literacy. The town supports not only a strong agricultural community but also a thriving business sector in their historic downtown.
Past Excursions
Quitman, GA
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Quitman is currently the county seat of Brooks County, our neighbors to the east — but that wasn’t always the case. Originally this half of Brooks County was part of Thomas County and included early villages and towns like Tallokas, Quitman, and Grooverville. In 1858, this section of the county and a piece from Lowndes County were brought together to form Brooks County. Many of the original families from this area are still around today.
Participants traveled to Quitman for a day to explore the area’s history, architecture, and community landmarks. The trip began with a tour of the Brooks County Courthouse, followed by a guided visit to West End Cemetery. After time downtown during 2nd Saturday and lunch at Camellia Coffee and Creamery, the group continued with a riding tour of historic neighborhoods and buildings before concluding the day with a guided tour of the Henry Gray Turner House.
The Thomasville History Center extends its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who helped make this excursion possible. Special thanks to Teresa Hodum and the Brooks County Museum and Cultural Center; Jeremy Petrella; Ingrid Hoerman and Elka Mykolaishyn; Kim Daniels of Brooks County Human Resources; Captain Mike Smith of the Brooks County Sheriff’s Department; John Romine; Mike and Cyndy Stiller of Camellia Coffee and Creamery; Brett Copeland; and Robert Young and Velincia Hadley of Thomas County Schools. Their generosity, hospitality, and willingness to share their knowledge and community made this excursion a memorable experience for all who attended.
Metcalfe, GA
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Metcalfe was incorporated in October of 1889, just one year after the Thomasville-Monticello Railroad came to town. This area was the perfect spot for local farmers and agriculturalists to bring their goods, from timber to watermelons, to be shipped throughout the country. The downtown took shape around this time, and several beautiful homes were built to move the owners closer to their businesses.
Participants explored the historic community of Metcalfe through a guided walking tour of downtown and the restored Metcalfe Depot before visiting the Metcalfe Farm Day Market. Following lunch at Mary’s Kitchen, the group toured Metcalfe Methodist Church, where Randy Rhea shared the story of the town’s namesake, Dr. Metcalfe. The afternoon continued with visits to Friendship Baptist Church, Friendship Cemetery, and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church before concluding at the Metcalfe Community Center, where Annie Abrams discussed her writing and the Black experience in Metcalfe, alongside a display of artwork by Kay Cromartie.
The Thomasville History Center extends its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organizations who helped make this excursion possible. Special thanks to Theresa and Joe Brown; Dr. Christine Ambrose; Barbara Cohenhour; Randy Rhea; the team at Mary’s Kitchen; Robert Porter; Annie Abrams; Kay Cromartie; Lois Mason; Ron Nalley and Augusta West; Jon Bozeman and Nicole Murphy; Pastor Kevin MacIntyre and Sister Carol Davis of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church; Metcalfe Methodist Church; Friendship Baptist Church; the Metcalfe Heritage Society; the Metcalfe Community Association; and Robert Young and Jamarree Walker of Thomas County Schools. Their hospitality, expertise, and generosity in sharing the history and stories of Metcalfe made this excursion a memorable experience for all who attended.
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