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Richmond Hill is a Must-See Cultural Stop

We enjoy a culture in Coastal Georgia unlike anywhere else, and Richmond Hill has plenty to experience. A rich history, a thriving arts scene and great live music combine to make heading for the hill a must-do on everyone’s Coastal Georgia bucket list. Here are a few things to look for when planning your trip to soak up the arts and culture we have waiting for you.

Art Galleries

Richmond Hill is home to several art galleries, each with its own distinct personality.

At Arts on the Coast the nonprofit arts association promotes drama, music, visual arts, culinary arts and dance. The organization hosts exhibitions at galleries in the area and hosts events throughout the year and is in the Richmond Hill Visitors Center at 10750 Ford Ave. Learn more at www.artsonthecoast.org.

Photopoint Gallery is where the garden meets art. The gallery is adorned with original paintings, photographs and sculptures and sells prints and other art from local artists, providing them an outlet to display their work. Learn more at www.deepsouthphotopoint.com.

The Leahy Art Gallery is a great stop for fine art and custom framing. It features oils, watercolors, drawings, etching and prints by local artist Jim Leahy. Some of his favorite subjects are coastal scenery, nightscapes, and life in the South. Learn more at www.leahyartgallery.com.

Midnight Star Pottery is more than just a pottery studio. It is where you can become the potter. Pottery painting classes and events are available as well as wet clay classes and glass fusing. Midnight Star is a place to relax and be creative and a place where beginners can build their confidence and transform their visions into reality. Learn more at www.midnightstarpottery.com.

The Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival

Culinary arts are the cornerstones of a thriving local culture. Here in The Hill, we are fortunate to have a rich history of foodways that have built our reputation as a destination for gastrophiles. It’s no surprise, given our geography, that seafood is king in Richmond Hill. We have the freshest fish, shrimp, and other bounty from the sea you will find anywhere. That will be on full display Oct. 15-17 at JF Gregory City Park during the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival. More than 25,000 people are expected to head for the hill that weekend to savor the flavor of the most decadent, elegant, and downhome seafood in the world. Enjoy dishes from some of the most renowned restaurants in the South, have a blast at the accompanying fair and groove to some great live music on Friday and Saturday night. Southern rock stars Blackberry Smoke will headline the Saturday show and keep Richmond Hill rocking until 11 p.m. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Go to www.goseafoodfestival.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Richmond Hill History Museum

We weren’t always called Richmond Hill. When automobile magnate and assembly line pioneer Henry Ford first came to town in the early 20th century, the area was known as Ways Station. Ford made a second home here and he and his wife, Clara, quickly began making their marks. The kindergarten building the Fords built in 1940 is now home to the Richmond Hill History Museum. At the museum you will learn about the Ford’s contributions to the area, the long human and natural history of Richmond Hill dating back to the Guale Indians, Gen. James Oglethorpe, Gullah-Geechee Culture and Gen. William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea during the Civil War that ended in Richmond Hill. Click here to learn more.

Fort McAllister Historic State Park

Civil War history comes alive at Fort McAllister, which features the most well-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy. The fort was attacked seven times by Union ironclads but didn’t fall until 1864 when Gen. Sherman’s March to the Sea culminated there. During your visit you can explore the grounds and see Civil War cannons, a hot-shot furnace, bombproof barracks, palisades and more. Check out the Civil War Museum and Gift Shop as well. Click here to learn more.

Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail

Embark on a journey to the 30 most significant historical sites in Bryan County on the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail. Gas up the car and hit the road. See rice fields from the days of rice cultivation on the Georgia Coast. Visit places Henry Ford built or frequented. See the ruins of the Clay family’s 18th century home in Bryan Neck. Visit the Greek revival architecture of Folly Farms, and much more. Click here for a digital guide to the Heritage Trail.