Plains, Ga., provides a peek back in time

The giant peanut statue is a roadside photo attraction in Plains, Ga. (Myscha Theriault/TNS)

The giant peanut statue is a roadside photo attraction in Plains, Ga. (Myscha Theriault/TNS)

On the back country roads of southwest Georgia, you’ll find the small town of Plains. With few streets and plenty of historic buildings, this tiny dot on the map provides a living time capsule for travelers wanting a taste of an earlier time. Factor in the presidential history and the winding routes you’ll need to take in order to get there, and you’ve got a seriously concentrated slice of Americana at your road trip disposal.

Activities: While it's a sleepy destination to be sure, it's also one that played a huge role in American history. President Jimmy Carter grew up in Plains, ran his campaign there and continues to reside in the town to this day. It should come as no surprise then, that most of the town has been turned into a national historic site.

The old Plains High School is the perfect spot to start your tour, and serves as a park museum and visitor center. You’ll find restored classrooms from when Carter was a boy, a re-created Oval Office for picture posing, a short documentary film and more. Another place to visit is Carter’s boyhood farm, which has been restored to its appearance prior to the installation of electricity in 1938. Audio stations, walking paths and other exhibits are part of the experience.

If you feel like including a bit of nature photography during your visit, be sure to check out the Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail, which has eight different sites throughout Plains. Not only will it give the kids a chance to romp a bit, you’ll have ample opportunity to break out the zoom lens and snap some colorful souvenirs.

Sights: The downtown train depot was pressed back into service as a campaign headquarters during Carter's presidential run. It is open to the public at no charge, and houses a number of pieces of political memorabilia. While the current Carter home is not open to the public, it is a favorite place for visitors and locals to drive by to see the Secret Service folks and try to catch a glimpse of the Carters themselves.

Consider it the rural Georgia version of celebrity watching.

If kitschy photo opportunities are on your list of favorite travel activities, search out the giant peanut statue. It’s a classic roadside attraction that will give you a chance to stretch your legs one last time before hitting the road. It’s also a fun snapshot for your digital scrapbook or Instagram account.

Appetites: It wouldn't be a road trip without a great snack stop. And in Plains, that place is Bobby Salter's Plain Peanuts. A retro, small-town general store with plenty of goodies, it's located across the street from the historic train depot. This makes it an easy stroll to take after experiencing yet another piece of presidential history. If you try nothing else, be sure to get a dish of their peanut butter ice cream, which is above reproach. Other fun treats include their fried peanuts and peach butter. While you're there, scan the shelves for a peek at some of the last remaining cans of Billy Beer, named after the president's more rambunctious brother who was known for grabbing a few headlines of his own.

It’s important to note that the majority of the historical sites and activities in Plains are free to experience, making it a getaway you can take for the cost of gas, snacks and a hotel room or campsite. Be sure to make your way to the visitors center on arrival. Here, you’ll find information about the various things to do in the area, including a schedule for the Sunday school classes Carter still teaches several times per month. It’s also a great place to see some geese, grab some rocking chair time on the porch and watch the locals fish.

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(Myscha Theriault is a best-selling author and avid traveler. Having just finished a yearlong trip throughout the United States with her husband and Labrador retriever, Theriault is busy planning her next long-term adventure. Readers can follow her adventures on Twitter by following @MyschaTheriault)