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If you love a good day trip that revolves entirely around food, the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour needs to be on your list. Thomasville is just over the Georgia line in South Georgia, close enough to Tallahassee to make an easy day out of it, and the whole town leans into its history, its charm, and a downtown food scene that genuinely punches above its size. The tour walks you through some of the best eateries in town while a local guide fills you in on the stories behind each stop, and it is honestly one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday.
It is not a secret anymore, either. USA Today named Thomasville the #2 Best Small Town Culinary Scene in the country, and Fox News recently featured the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour as one of the best in America. Once you taste your way through it, you understand why.
Discovering Thomasville, GA
Thomasville is more than a food destination, though the food alone would be worth the drive. Known as the City of Roses, the town is full of beautiful gardens, historic homes, and a downtown packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants. It is a short drive from the Tallahassee area and makes a genuinely great day trip from Tallahassee when you want to feel like you got away without spending your whole day in the car.
A Little History
Thomasville was established in the early 1800s and became a popular winter escape for wealthy Northerners looking to trade the cold for warmer weather. A lot of the grand homes and estates from that era are still standing, which is part of what gives the town its character. If you love a little history with your trip, the Thomas County Museum of History and Pebble Hill Plantation are both worth adding to your day.
Outdoor Spots Worth a Stroll
There is plenty to do outside, too. The Rose Garden and Cherokee Lake Park are perfect for an easy walk, and the Birdsong Nature Center gives you a quieter, more natural pace if you want it. You will also want to see the Big Oak, one of the largest oak trees east of the Mississippi and a bit of a town icon. These are the kinds of stops that fill in the gaps nicely before or after your food tour.
Shopping and Downtown Charm
Downtown Thomasville is where you will spend most of your time, and it is easy to see why. There are more than 100 locally owned shops packed into the historic streets, from boutiques and antique stores to art galleries. The Thomasville Center for the Arts hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year, so there is usually something happening if you time it right.
Taste of Thomasville Food Tour After Hours Details
The Taste of Tallahassee After Hours tour is the evening version. It is a walking tour through downtown, so you are on your feet strolling from stop to stop, which is honestly part of the fun. The route is an easy stroll of less than a mile and the whole thing runs about three hours, so you have plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
The tour is designed for adults, and here is how the pricing breaks down. Drinkers 21 and over pay $70, and non-drinkers ages 18 to 20 can join for $65. That covers all the food and drink tastings along the way. Public After Hours tours run on Saturday evenings starting at 5:30 PM, and private tours can be booked on Wednesdays and Thursdays if you have a group.
Your guide meets you in the courtyard between Liam’s and Jonah’s, and you will want to wait on the Liam’s side. Come hungry. You are not sitting down to full meals, but the tastings add up to a light dinner by the end, plus a drink at nearly every stop.
Where the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour Takes You
The After Hours tour is a proper little culinary adventure, hitting some of the most beloved spots in town. Here is a closer look at the restaurants you will visit on this Thomasville food tour.
Liam’s
Your evening starts at Liam’s, home to the South’s largest collection of cheeses from around the world. If you are a cheese person, this is a dream first stop. You will sample several different cheeses paired with a wine, and it sets a genuinely lovely tone for the rest of the night. Whether you know your way around a cheese board or just enjoy a good one, this stop delivers.
AJ’s Moonspin Pizzeria
Next up is AJ’s Moonspin Pizzeria, where the pizza comes from a 200-year-old sourdough starter. That kind of history in the dough adds a depth of flavor you can actually taste. Here you get a slice of their Florida Georgia pizza with caramelized Vidalia onion and Bradley’s sausage, breadsticks with pesto and marinara, and their fun twist on a poor man’s Sangria called the Spodie Odie. It is one of those stops that surprises people, and it was a favorite of mine.
Hubs and Hops
Hubs and Hops is not your typical bar. This spot specializes in bikes and beer, which makes it a genuinely fun stop on the tour. You get to choose from a list of IPAs with unique flavors, and the Ace Pineapple Cider was my pick and a great one. The laid-back vibe and the eclectic drink list make this one of the more memorable stops of the night. Worth noting, if Hubs and Hops is not available on your tour date, the tour features Tvelo Brewing Company as the alternate stop instead, so you are in good hands either way.
Empire Bagel and Deli
No food tour would be complete without a taste of New York, and Empire Bagel and Deli brings just that to Thomasville. John, the owner, is a true New Yorker who takes pride in serving authentic NYC-style sandwiches. At Hubs and Hops, you’ll enjoy these sandwiches that capture the essence of New York in every bite. This stop is a testament to the diverse culinary offerings found on the Taste of Thomasville food tour.
The Plaza
The Plaza holds the title of the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the state of Georgia, and dining there feels a little like stepping back in time. This stop always features an oyster dish along with two other dishes, like their Greek salad, plus a cocktail. Between the history and the food, it is easily one of the highlights of the whole tour.
Farmer’s Daughter Wine Tasting Room
The final stop is the Farmer’s Daughter Wine Tasting Room, and it is a sweet way to end the night. You will sample an award-winning grape wine from a local vineyard, perfectly paired with chocolate. It is the kind of finish that leaves you full, happy, and already thinking about when you can come back.
Tips for Your Taste of Thomasville Food Tour
To make the most of your Taste of Thomasville After Hours tour, here are a few tips:
- Book in Advance: The tour is popular, so it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance to ensure availability.
- Arrive Hungry: With so many delicious stops, you’ll want to come with an appetite. You won’t be eating full meals, but you will have enough samplings of different options along the way to fill you up.
- Dress Comfortably: The tour involves some walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Bring an Open Mind: Be prepared to try new flavors and dishes that you might not encounter every day.
Why Choose the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour?
The Taste of Thomasville Food Tour is more than just a dining experience; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of Thomasville’s culinary landscape. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the best things to do in Thomasville, GA, while indulging in some of the finest food and drink the town has to offer.
A Fun Night Out for Adults
The After Hours tour is designed specifically for adults 21 and over, providing a sophisticated yet relaxed evening out. It’s an ideal way to unwind, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a night out with friends. The combination of carefully curated food and drink pairings, along with the chance to explore different venues, makes this tour a standout choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Thomasville’s nightlife.
Supporting Local Businesses
By participating in the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour, you are also supporting local businesses. Each stop on the tour showcases the creativity and dedication of local restaurateurs, brewers, and artisans. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community while enjoying an evening of exceptional food and drink.
A Blend of History and Modernity
Thomasville is a town rich in history, and the food tour reflects this unique blend of the old and the new. From the historic Plaza to the contemporary flair of Hubs and Hops, each stop on the tour offers a different perspective on the town’s culinary evolution. This blend of history and modernity is what makes the Thomasville food tour truly special.
Other Taste of Thomasville Food Tour Options
While the After Hours tour is a fantastic choice for adults looking for an evening out, the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour offers other options to suit different interests and schedules.
Classic Daytime Tour
The Classic Daytime Tour is perfect for all ages and provides a wonderful introduction to Thomasville’s culinary scene. This tour runs for approximately three hours and includes stops at several local eateries, offering a diverse range of dishes and drinks. It’s an excellent choice for families, food enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore the town during the daytime.
Victorian Sweet Treats Tour
Discover the charm and flavors of yesteryear with the Victorian Sweet Treats Tour with Taste of Thomasville. This delightful journey takes you through historic downtown Thomasville, where you can indulge in a variety of delectable desserts. Perfect for history buffs and sweettooths alike, this tour offers a unique way to experience the rich heritage and culinary delights of this charming Southern town.
Children’s Food Tour
Embark on a fun and educational adventure with the Children’s Food Tour by Taste of Thomasville. This engaging tour is designed specifically for young food enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to explore the flavors and history of downtown Thomasville in a kid-friendly way. Along the way, children will enjoy a variety of delicious bites from local eateries, learn about the town’s rich culinary heritage, and participate in interactive activities that make history come alive. It’s the perfect family outing that combines tasty treats with a dash of learning, ensuring an unforgettable experience for kids and parents alike.
Planning Your Thomasville Food Day Trip
If you are looking for a day trip that feels like a real getaway without a long drive, the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour is an easy yes. Between the food, the history, and a downtown that is genuinely charming to walk through, it is the kind of day that reminds you how much fun a small town can be. Whether you go for the After Hours tour like I did or bring the whole family for the daytime version, you will leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit. Gather your people, book your spot, and get ready to eat your way through one of the best little food towns in the South.
