629 State Hwy 11, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
I said antiques, right? Well, Hodge Podge is a unique place packed with beautiful antiques, hand-crafted treasures and items such as vintage to modern decor. That’s what their website says. Their motto is “a little bit of something for everybody.” And they mean everybody. Inside you will find everything from French china to fine linen tablecloths and lace curtains. But they also have rusty gates, primitive jelly cabinets, Goodyear signs and civil war relics. Can’t find what you want there? Well ok, step next door to their sister store - Markets of Monroe Antique and Design Center. Not only do they have an exquisite selection of well-cared-for antiques but they also have an extensive rug gallery. Oh, and they offer custom upholstery. When you are done poking around here, head east on Mears Street so we can explore the Monroe Cotton Mills.
533 S Madison Ave, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Check out the Monroe Cotton Mill. Now, the Monroe Cotton Mill used to be just that - a cotton mill. But today it’s a 250,000 square foot all-purpose building with among other things, two antique malls, a woodshop and even a Crossfit gym inside. By the way, they frequently have Movies at the Mill where you can sit on the lawn, choose your dinner from 10 different food trucks, drink some beer or wine and listen to some live music. Heading north on Madison is gonna take us to another antique store, and to a special surprise activity.
401 S Madison Ave, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
We’ve got another antique store here. That’s Davis Street Antiques. Around the corner we have not another antique store, but surprise! - an Axe Throwing place! Yup. Antiques and axes. Sounds like the perfect combination to me. The Southern Ox Axe Throwing Company offers open throwing, private group events, corporate events and even axe throwing leagues! Of course there are always coaches there to teach safety and throwing skills. Speaking of safety, you can also purchase wine and beer at their bar. Follow Davis west and then turn right on South Broad Street.
215 E Church St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Another aspect of Monroe’s smalltown-togetherness is the Friday concert series put on by Monroe CIty Hall! Right at the intersection of E Church St. and S Madison Ave. is a public town green space owned by the city, and on frequent occasions you can go there to find live music! Artists representing various genres play there, and they all rock!
301 S Broad St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Need a break? Everyone loves a good hammock break! Good thing downtown Monroe has a Hammock Park that you can take advantage of! Around the corner on your right is the Monroe Visitor’s Center! Complete with any brochures, maps, or expert advice you might need during your stay, come on in and acquaint yourself with Monroe’s history at the Monroe Museum inside!
205 S Broad St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Located on the same block as the Hammock Park and Visitor’s Center is the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts (MWCA for short!). The cultural hub of Monroe, MWCA provides classes, events, and galleries filled with vibrant works of local artists of all ages. MWCA also is the home to The Art Guild: a membership group of local artists from blacksmiths to pointillists who work together to promote each other's work!
10 S Broad St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Next up is one of Monroe's most elegant structures. Characteristically southern in its brick architecture and pure white clocktower, the building was designed in what was referred to as the “General Grant Style” due to its popularity during his presidency. The Historic Courthouse that stands today was actually the third iteration of courthouses in Monroe. From the town’s founding in 1818 until the completion of the first Courthouse in 1823, court was actually held in a cow barn! While the state and county courts that were stationed here were moved to the Walton County Government Building upon its completion in 2004, the Historic Courthouse still serves as a public meeting space as well as the home for various county offices.
148 N Broad St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Cookie Monster, Superman, Sea Turtle, Snick-A-Ripple. What do all of these things have in common? They are all flavors of small batch crafted ice cream that you can get here at Scoops! Of course those aren’t the only flavors - there are lots of them. But on top of that you can find handcrafted chocolates, gourmet candied apples, cookies, sodas, gift baskets, gumball machines, and a huge collection of old fashioned, nostalgic candy. Get in there! Our last stop is coming up next. We need to head back down North Broad Street, the way we came. Make sure you stop in at every store that you want to, on both sides of the street! When you get to West Spring Street, turn right.
114 W Spring St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
You turned the correct way. Awesome job. Now keep following Spring Street to the west.
202 W Spring St, Monroe, GA 30655, USA
Everyone loves a small town water tower! A physical marker that looks out over the town, the Monroe water tower is a ubiquitous structure. White legs prop up the giant white bulb lettered with the name of the city it supports! Just off of W Spring St. on your way out of town is a little cluster of fun! The Nowell Recreation Center, Monroe-Walton Library, and a wonderful Children’s Park are all located right next to each other in this corner of town! Whether you’re heading by this area to play a game of basketball, pretend to play it at the Children’s Park, or even to read about the game’s history, you’re sure to find something fun to do here! And just like that, we’ve reached the end of this tour. Which was your favorite antique shop? Did you try out the whole axe throwing thing? Let me guess… you took a quick rest in a hammock at the hammock park. Can you see yourself living here? I can! What a great town! If you have any questions, contact Shirley at 770-354-6323. She would love to talk to you. Or reach out to her through her website: https://www.spwhiterealtor.com Thanks for joining me on this fun UCPlaces Where-to-Live tour of Monroe, Georgia! Have a fantastic day!