One day in 1971, an old cotton mill on the Gay family farm completed its last job and was retired for good. The glory days of Gay as an agricultural crossroads for the production of cotton, corn and peaches had come and gone from the little spot 53 miles south of Atlanta.
Just one year later, the town hosted the first Cotton Pickin’ Fair -- an event that may very well mark the birth of agritourism in Georgia.
The twice-a-year festival held in spring and fall on the grounds of the farm is a throwback to a bygone era, designed to give visitors a sense of what family farming was like when cotton was king. Organized by The 1911 Society, a nonprofit supporting sustainable rural development, farm preservation and agritourism in Georgia, the event features old-time entertainment, Southern foods and 300 artisans and antiques dealers selling their wares.
Highlights
Historic farm buildings and machinery
Visitors can tour rustic farm buildings such as the 1891 farm house, a circa 1911 red brick general store and the cotton warehouse, which once stored 500-pound bales of freshly ginned cotton. The old cotton gin remains, housed in a picturesque wooden building with a rusted tin roof. Nearby is the scale where wagons and trucks filled with cotton were weighed. The scale now serves as a stage for musical entertainment. Also on the premises are the peach packing shed and various seed houses where cottonseed was stored before being shipped to cottonseed oil mills around the country.
Entertainment
Several stages through the festival grounds feature bluegrass, gospel and country music. This spring’s musical acts include bluegrass band Due South and country singer Madelyn Patterson. Also providing entertainment will be local line dancers, cloggers, Scottish pipers, magicians and puppeteers.
Shopping and eating
Allow enough time to browse for antiques and crafts made by skilled artisans. Offerings include pottery, baskets, clothing and much more. Come hungry: Concession booths serve all manner of country-style breakfast, lunch and supper foods, including barbecue.
If you go
Where to stay
The Veranda. The B&B in nearby Senoia boasts a large wraparound porch filled with rocking chairs. The story goes that this historic house is where Margaret Mitchell interviewed Confederate veterans while researching "Gone With the Wind." Rates $125-$155. 20 percent discount for visitors to the Cotton Pickin’ Fair. 252 Seavy St., Senoia. 770-599-3905, www.verandabandbinn.com
The Georgian Inn. In Greenville, about nine miles from Gay, this five-room B&B serves a full Southern-style breakfast. Rates $135-$175 (discounts for two-night stays). 566 South Talbotton St., Greenville. 706-977-3566, www.thegeorgianinnbandb.com
Where to eat
Maguire’s Family & Friends. A family-run pub in the original "public house" sense, with traditional Irish fare, finger food and kids’ favorites served in inviting wood-and-stone environs. Entrees $6-$20. 42 Main St., Senoia. 770-727-3020, www.maguiresirishpub.com
Redneck Gourmet. Fast-casual restaurant in Senoia serving sandwiches, wraps, sides and desserts, as well as daily soups and Southern-style specials. Entrees $4.95-$11.95. 42 Main St., Senoia. 678-723-0235, www.redneckgourmet.com
Visitor information
Cotton Pickin' Fair. May 1-2 and Oct. 2-3, 2010. $5 adults, $3 kids ages 4-12. 706-538-6814, www.cpfair.org
-- Provided by Demand Studios
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
