How To Spend A Day In Statesboro, Georgia

If you’re headed to Statesboro for school, are in town visiting family, or find that you’re just passing through on your way to somewhere else, let yourself linger awhile in this fun college town. (But don’t be surprised if you get hooked on this community and all there is to do here.) Located in the eastern part of the state less than an hour’s drive from Savannah, Statesboro has a big personality and plenty to entertain you on a weekend trip. It’s home to Georgia Southern University, a public research university that can always be counted on to keep the atmosphere in Statesboro lively and filled with sports, arts, and culture events. Start your day here, and have a great trip to this classic college town.

Grab A Coffee

You’d expect a college town to have great coffee shops, and Statesboro is no exception. When you’re on the hunt for some caffeine, stop into Three Tree Coffee Roasters, where you’ll find specialty coffee and a business with a focus on the community, or The Daily Grind, where you can order an iced coffee and stay awhile or, if you visit later in the day, peruse the big lunch menu for sandwiches and salads. 

Take A Walk

There are several breezy spots to take a walk in and around Statesboro. Set your sights on the S&S Greenway Walking Trail for a morning saunter. According to Visit Statesboro, “The S&S Greenway is a 2.75 mile paved walking/biking trail that runs on the former Savannah & Statesboro (S&S) Railroad right-of-way.”

Explore A Park

When you want to see the natural beauty of the area, head to a greenspace. Blackwater Preserve in nearby Register, Georgia, has great spots for fishing and camping as well as kayaking and canoeing. George L. Smith State Park in nearby Twin City, Georgia, is a great place to get out in nature. It features seven miles of trails and opportunities for birding, hiking, boating, and fishing.  

Dig Into Classic Barbecue

When in Georgia, go for barbecue. After your morning adventures, hunger is likely to strike, so head over to Vandy’s Bar-B-Q Downtown, which has been a local favorite since 1929. You can’t go wrong with the BBQ Rib Special (available on Tuesdays) or the Vandy’s BBQ Plate, which comes with their famous Brunswick stew.  

Do Some Shopping

Downtown Statesboro is the place to go for shopping. The historic corridor known as Blue Mile is filled with locally owned shops and boutiques as well as restaurants and arts and cultural destinations. Southern Pottery and Art Studio; Stella, a boutique; and Board & Brush are all located nearby.

Explore Outdoors

If the weather is nice, you won’t need to think twice. Make a beeline for the Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University, where you can wander trails, see native plants, and marvel at blooming azaleas and camellias. According to Georgia Southern, “The Garden features over 11 acres of gardens on the early twentieth-century farmstead of Dan and Catharine Bland. Wander the trails, paths, and courtyards and explore the intriguing natural and cultural wonders of the southeastern coastal plain [...] Discover a significant and growing collection of native and heritage plants, including over 20 of the state’s protected species.”

Learn About Local Fauna

A great stop for families, the Center for Wildlife Education at Georgia Southern offers opportunities for walking and wildlife watching. According to Explore Georgia, “The Center features a 12-acre wetland preserve that includes a small pond and capture basin that houses a beaver lodge, a cypress pond and a waterfowl pond. Resident species of birds of prey include eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, kestrels and vultures. [...] On Saturdays, see flighted raptor demonstrations (weather permitting), or stroll along our self-guided nature walks, and visit the Children's Discovery Trail.”

Take An Ice Cream Break

A mid-afternoon ice cream break is always welcome, and you can stop by Rolling Monkey to get a taste of rolled ice creams made with all of the ingredients you crave. Select your ice cream base and mix-ins, then watch the experts get to work mixing, spreading, and rolling–what results will be icy and delicious.

Grab A Local Brew

Statesboro’s favorite spot for a beer is Eagle Creek Brewing Company, which puts out IPAs and Blondes as well as specialty beers like River Street Praline, a brown ale inspired by the sweets on Savannah’s River Street; Tea Party Amber, a sweet tea amber with a rich flavor profile; and Southern Winters Warmer, a winter warmer ale with tasting notes of bread, plums, dates, and raisins.

Sit Down To Dinner

You’ll have your pick of places to enjoy dinner around town. Bull and Barrel Steakhouse has an upscale menu of small plates and entrees like crab cakes and hand-cut steaks, while Sugar Magnolia Bistro serves a big menu of specialty pizzas, soups, salads, pastas, and flavorful entrees. Beaver House Restaurant provides a sit-down, family-style “Sunday dinner everyday.” You can find homestyle cooking at Fordham’s Farmhouse and cantina fare at Del Sur Taqueria. Try Gnat’s Landing for a big menu of “sammies” like the Fried Green Tomato Club and Po-Boy or The Saucy Shrimp for seafood. 

See A Show

Because Statesboro is a college town, there’s always entertainment to be found. Georgia Southern University Performing Arts Center hosts touring shows and other cultural events among its big calendar of programming, while the Center for Art and Theatre is a place to see student productions and art galleries filled with interesting work. The Averitt Center for the Arts is also a great downtown destination for performing arts events.

Enjoy A Cocktail

Wind down with a glass of wine at Vino 1910 on West Main Street. Here, you can find glasses or bottles of whatever strikes your fancy: Rieslings from North Carolina, sauvignon blancs from France, and moscatos from California are just a few of the wines on offer here. Charcuterie and dessert boards will finish off your day with a flourish.