Since its founding in 1858, Banks County has carved out a unique position in the heart of north Georgia. Sitting at the gateway to the Blue Ridge mountains and linked to Atlanta and Athens via main arteries – I-85 and GA-441, so many have made their way to and through Banks County.

And those who have taken the time to stop and look around, may have noticed plenty worth lingering over.

Banks County has produced well-known natives such as Georgia governor Allen D. Candler and baseball legend Ty Cobb and was once home to the world’s largest easter egg hunt (a 50-year tradition in the county seat that, at one point, included 80,000 eggs), but there is plenty more worth knowing about this county.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five reasons to give Banks County a closer look:

Excitement

While many may pass through Banks County on their way to a sporting event – like those that take place just down the road at Sanford Stadium in Athens or Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta or even up the road at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. – we have our own major sporting landmark right here. Built in 1975, Atlanta Dragway has hosted some of the racing’s biggest events and will continue to do so – including the annual NHRA Southern Nationals. Come see, hear, and literally feel the excitement as top fuel dragsters rip down the track in Commerce on numerous weekends. And if you want to get even closer than that, the track even hosts amateur racing nights in which any interested driver can register his or her car or motorcycle and test themselves against other speed addicts in a safe and controlled environment.
Atlanta Dragway: 500 E. Ridgeway Road, Commerce

Recreation

Great golf courses dot the landscape of north Georgia, but Chimney Oaks Golf Club may just be the hidden gem of the region. Boasting a world class, 18-hole championship course, Chimney Oaks is focused on providing golfers with a first-class experience, and, following major renovation work on the greens in 2018, the course was recognized by GOLFADVISOR.com as the fifth most improved golf course in the nation for 2019. Located just eight miles from Interstate 85, Chimney Oaks Golf Club offers an unforgettable experience that’s sure to bring you back for another round.

Chimney Oaks Golf Club: 148 Chimney Oaks Drive, Homer

While it is hard to please everyone in your family, Funopolis Family Fun Center offers adventure, smiles and laughter for just about all ages and interests. Located in Commerce, Funopolis is a veritable playground for anyone looking to capture a special day out. You name it, Funopolis offers it. There are go karts, bumper cars, a climbing wall, escape room, miniature bowling, laser tag, inflatable zone, 19-hole miniature golf course and even amusement park rides. Funopolis also specializes in youth birthday parties and offers group rates.
Funopolis Family Fun Center: 40155 Hwy 441 S, Commerce

Shopping

Just because you want top-name brands and the latest styles and looks does not mean that you need travel all the way to the big city. Thanks to Tanger Outlets, Banks Crossing offers everything you could find in the hottest shopping districts of any major metropolitan setting – without the hassles involved in travel, traffic and prices. For years, Banks Crossing’s wide range of retail options have made us a destination spot for discerning shoppers, and our current retail offerings continue that tradition, as world-famous brands such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Gap, Levi’s, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Southern Tide, Under Armour and more all feature retail stores at Tanger’s Banks Crossing shops. Located immediately off Interstate 85, come for the day and find everything you need for a complete shopping experience.

History

Banks County features tradition and a well-preserved past, allowing visitors to get a great feel for the rich history of our location in north Georgia. That includes places such as The Fort Hollingsworth–White House. A frontier fort built in the late 18th century, the former outpost turned farm residence has passed through generations of owners and is now operated as a non-profit open-air museum. Visitors can get a taste for rural life through the decades as well as some beautiful and invigorating scenery.
Fort Hollingsworth–White House: 2367 Wynn Lake Rd, Alto

The Hyder Bridge, also known as Blind Susie, is a covered bridge that was built in 1915 by W. M. Thomas over Grove Creek in Banks County. At 34 feet, this bridge has the distinction of being the smallest covered bridge in Georgia and one of the smallest in the United States.
Hyder-Bridge: 6055 Main St, Lula

Great Eats

No matter your culinary tastes, you can find something to satisfy here in Banks County – and a few options that may even surprise you. We have a wide variety of local and nationally-known, restaurants as well as unique choices such as the Jaemor Banks Crossing market, which offers locally grown produce and goods including peaches, strawberries, green beans, squash and fruit trees as well as numerous jams, jellies, soups, sauces, fried pies, homemade ice creams and more. Opened in 2013 by the Echols family – owners of regional produce leader Jaemor farms since 1912 – the Banks Crossing market also features a deli where customers can pick up handmade sandwiches or place a catering order. But no matter what your desire, you’re likely to find exactly what you need in Banks Crossing.

Jaemor Banks Crossing market: 40071 US Highway 771, Commerce

Banks Crossing is home to so many unique and interesting options that make it one of the gems of north Georgia. So, whether you are simply driving through or are looking for something different for a day out, consider stopping by and seeing for yourself just what Banks County has to offer.