Introduction
Welcome to one of the best resources you will find to better acquaint yourself with Thomasville and Thomas County, Georgia. This magazine is a wonderful way for you to feel and understand how we blend the old and the new into southern grace and modern charm.
As you turn the pages, we invite you to become a part of this award-winning community. Read about the people, the thriving businesses and industry, the outstanding schools, the superb recreational facilities and the stimulating environment for living, working and raising a family.
The publication is also an overview of Thomasville’s rich history, quality healthcare, government, diverse housing market and area demographics.
Without losing sight of its strong historical heritage and its commitment to preserve the environment, the city and county continue to move forward in a progressive manner to provide the quality of life its residents have come to expect.
Whether you are looking to relocate or just traveling through, this is a wonderful destination. If you come to Thomas County as a new resident, we are especially happy to welcome you. You will find that we are small enough for one person to make a difference but big enough to offer a wide variety of amenities for a richer life.
The area offers a relaxed lifestyle where people are cordial and honest, adopting a strong work ethic and taking pride in the community. If you are visiting, we know that you will enjoy the experience of our old south charm mixed with new south vitality. Our amenities are only secondary to the friendly and helpful people you will meet.
Residents and visitors all agree that Thomasville and Thomas County are among the most desirable destinations in the south!
Thomasville – Thomas County
Truly a Place Apart!
In the “red hills” region of southwest Georgia, there is an enchanting place. It is a place where time has not quite stood still, but where it has moved forward slowly without leaving behind its grand past. It is a place of great natural beauty possessing a rich and fascinating history. It is a place apart. It is Thomasville, Georgia.
Forged from vast forests of virgin pine, Thomasville has grown from a pioneer village to a glittering winter resort to a cultural and progressive city that offers a variety of attractions and amenities.
Thomasville is a wonderful place to raise a family, work or retire.
Slightly off the beaten path, Thomasville is located just 35 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida via U.S. 319 and just 40 miles east to Valdosta, Georgia by way of U.S. 84. This great location places the city within 30 minutes of I-10 and I-75.
An exciting year-round destination, Thomasville and Thomas County play host to several seasonal festivals, including April’s annual Rose Festival now in its eighth decade. Other popular events include the elegant Downtown Victorian Christmas celebration, sponsored by Main Street, and a flurry of other holiday activities in December for locals and visitors alike.
Outlying communities host their own festivals – including Boston’s Mini-Marathon, Ochlocknee’s Old South Day and Pavo’s Peacock Day Festival. Other events include the annual Fly-In, sidewalk sales downtown, Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival and sporting events galore.
Tourist attractions abound, and history buffs will be in heaven as they explore historic plantations such as Pebble Hill and the Lapham-Patterson House – a Victorian architectural masterpiece. The Thomas County Museum of History offers vast collections of plantation memorabilia and other important artifacts.
The Cultural Center, which is housed in an award-winning renovation project of a 1915 school building, serves as a regional center for the visual and performing arts. Programs include plays, art exhibits, traveling author series and workshops for aspiring artists in an array of mediums.
For the outdoorsman, several hunting preserves in and around Thomas County offer a range of sport hunting – including chukar, pheasant, duck, deer, dove and the elusive and popular bob white quail. Championship skeet is available for those wishing to sharpen their marksmanship skills. Thomasville’s close proximity to Florida’s Gulf Coast will please fishermen and beach goers alike.
Shopping Thomasville’s renowned historic downtown is a prerequisite, offering specialty shops with a delightful assortment of merchants – from fine clothiers to antiques, collectibles, unique gifts, books, children’s apparel and quaint luncheon cafés. Thomasville’s downtown is an award-winning Great American Main Street City, and serves as an example to other cities throughout the country.
The city also boasts of several shopping centers with national chain retailers and locally owned stores, offering everything from apparel and accessories to home décor to a day at the spa. The smaller outlying communities are largely agricultural and grow fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. You can also visit farms who raise free range, all natural pork or a rotational-grazing dairy that produces world-class, award-winning cheeses.
Thomasville is home to several Fortune 500 companies, and its largest employer, John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital, was named one of the top 50 hospitals in the nation by US News & World Report magazine. The economy of the area is strong and varied, and manufacturing and distribution centers make their homes in the city’s two industrial parks.
Recreational facilities are unsurpassed with two YMCAs, tennis courts, public and private golf courses and an outstanding softball, baseball, soccer and football complex. The city also has several private health clubs and a lighted walking trail around Lake Cherokee.
For higher education, Thomasville again is fortunate to have both a private university and a state-supported technical college. Thomas University offers a wide range of degree programs, including master’s programs and classes in art, history, computer technology and other subjects for those who wish to expand their knowledge. Southwest Georgia Technical College is a state-of-the-art institution with many degree and certificate programs in the medical field, service industries and computers. The community is also home to an outstanding public library system and university library.
City, County and private school systems offer children pre-kindergarten programs to college preparatory classes. All schools have active extracurricular programs – from drama to athletics.
There are more than 100 houses of worship in Thomasville and Thomas County, representing just about every religious affiliation. Civic clubs and volunteer organizations figure prominently in the community, and offer individuals the opportunity to be active in service and social organizations.
Neighborhoods in Thomasville range from historic streets lined with Victorian homes to townhouse developments on the fringe of Glen Arven Country Club. There are quiet, family-oriented neighborhoods and developments with retirees in mind. In Thomasville, it is still common to borrow a cup of sugar or engage in friendly conversation with a neighbor.
Thomasville, Georgia is truly a place apart, and it awaits your visit. Prepare to be enchanted by the live oaks, dogwoods, azaleas, roses and – most importantly – the citizens who will prove that southern hospitality is not something you just read about. It is alive and well in Thomasville, and it beckons you.
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2012 PUBLICATION ADVERTISERS
Thomas County Board of Commissioners
www.thomascountyboc.org
Caldwell & Langford
www.caldwellandlangford.com
Shaw Center for Womens' Health
www.shawcenter.com
Commercial Bank
www.bankcb.com
