Driving into
Newnan, Georgia (30 miles south of Atlanta on I-85) you discover that there are
actually two towns - the one from the past and the one representing the future.
The future has all the vices of modern society; from dozens of trendy and not
so trendy restaurants to major shopping and medical centers. And the accompanying
problems of a modern growing city - most notably traffic congestion. It is the birthplace
to, among others, Alan Jackson, who’s first job was working in Spayberry’s BBQ,
a local iconic restaurant.
The past
dates back to 1828. It was originally slated to be the capital of Georgia before
Atlanta. The heart of which is the downtown square surrounded by businesses
and restaurants. However, they are mostly tired. And it looks tired. It is not
distressed like some of the older southern cities; rather, it feels like most
of the establishments are happy the way they have been and content to keep them
that way.
There are
exceptions, most notably the coffee shop which serves everything from lattes to
homemade Reese’s peanut butter cookies..
On the
whole, the old part of Newnan feels transitional - not new, not old. Much like
I suspect my new home town Fairhope, Alabama felt in the 1960’s, before Mayor Sims
decided to take actions that resulted in the rebirth of our wonderful little
city.
There appears
to be no Mayor Sims in Newnan with the same vision.
However, the
city is not without it’s positive attributes. Most notably the arts. There are little
trains placed throughout the downtown area painted by artists that are both whimsical
and truly works of art. A few years ago they provided the same program with
horses. It adds color and charm to an area that needs a smidgen more of both.
It was also
enlightening to walk around the central courthouse square (think back to the
future) and read the signs about this citie’s past, a testament to the courage
of its citizens and the community.
All in all,
it was a fun visit. And although we could see the potential of this town (based
on our living in Fairhope), it has not yet been realized.
Our hope is that
someday it can be transformed into a vibrant and magical destination that is
deserving of its heritage and place in history.
In the
meantime, it is a nice place to visit.
John O'Melveny Woods is an author and publisher living in Fairhope Alabama. He can be reached at johnwoods7@hotmail. His web site is located HERE.
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