THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomasville restaurants are once again making news statewide. For the fourth consecutive year, several area restaurants have been named to the state’s culinary guide, “Georgia Eats,” recognizing that Thomasville is a destination for fresh and flavorful dishes. 

Two downtown Thomasville restaurants were awarded the distinction of being listed as “100 Plates That Locals Love” by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division as part of its annual list of favorites. 

In addition, two downtown restaurants were also featured as part of Georgia’s “Flavor Tour.” 

“There is no better way to immerse yourself in Georgia’s history and culture than through our unique food and dining offerings,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). “Whether you’re looking for local favorites or finding the best food festival for a weekend away, “Georgia Eats”is the perfect guide to delicious experiences you can’t find anywhere else.” 

Thomasville Tourism Director Bonnie Hayes agrees. 

“This is great news for Thomasville, as the fourth annual digest-sized guide features the wildly popular “100 Plates Locals Love” list, as well as 10 flavor tours that showcase inspiring dining options,” she said. “The guide also includes a gallery of the state’s most Instagrammable foods, unique festivals, delectable recipes from a few of Georgia’s celebrated chefs and more. People love to find unique and fun places to eat when they travel, and this guide helps visitors find some of the best places to eat across the state of Georgia.”

Hayes said Thomasville has been gaining a reputation as the place to visit for delicious cuisine. 

“It’s not surprising to anyone who lives in Thomasville that our city has become known as a destination for amazing food that is not just fresh and delicious, but also creatively inspired.” she said. “We meet visitors daily that have heard about Thomasville’s food scene and have made experiencing it their primary reason for coming to Thomasville.” 

Selected to be featured this year in the “100 Plates Locals Love” is a restaurant that is deemed to be a local tradition, and another that is busting onto the culinary scene. 

“The Plaza has celebrated its 100th year in business and is recognized as one of Georgia’s oldest restaurants,” Hayes said. “It was their legendary Greek Salad that put them on the list. As a mainstay of their daily buffet and available on the menu, the Greek Salad is one that is easily a favorite at the The Plaza.” 

SoHo’s pimento cheese dumplings were also recognized on this year’s list. “This dish has become the “must-try” sensation on SoHo’s menu,” Hayes said. “They serve ‘Southern food looking east,’ and what better way to blend these two flavors than to take the truly southern staple — pimiento cheese- and cook it in a wonton for a palate-pleasing fried dumpling.”

Hayes believes that the variety of great quality restaurants available in downtown Thomasville attracts not only visitors, but also locals who are making downtown their choice for great dining. 

“Where else in this area can you find as many independent restaurants that are truly delicious and this successful?” she said. “It’s hard to travel anywhere, even to larger cities, and find food that’s locally sourced and as artfully prepared. It’s no wonder that most downtown restaurants have lines outside their doors waiting for a table.” 

The “Georgia Eats” guide also lists standout dishes from across the state in what it calls their Flavor Tour. 

“We always see one of our local restaurants make this list, which has categories this year ranging from barbecue to craft brew to coffee shops,” Hayes said. “It’s no surprise to us that Grassroots Coffee made the list for Coffee Shops and another local favorite, Sweet Grass Dairy, made the Flavor Tour as a Georgia Grown producer.

“Grassroots Coffee is a popular location in the downtown area, and this shop sees customers of all ages who are able to make selections of not just fresh roasted and brewed coffee, but also hand-made juices smoothies, breakfast items, and even lunch choices,” Hayes said.

No stranger to the “Georgia Eats”guide, Sweet Grass Dairy continues to be a local favorite with their award-winning artisanal cheese. 

“While its handcrafted in Thomasville, and sold in their downtown location, their cheeses are also shipped to 49 states and even to the United Kingdom,” Hayes said. “This year, they are recognized in the guide as a Georgia Grown producer, but they have been recognized previously with their SGD Burger with Pimento Cheese and Bourbon-Bacon Jam. They were also awarded with a Small Business Rock Star designation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development.” 

Since the inaugural issue of “Georgia Eats,” Georgia Tourism has designated the “100 Plates Locals Love” as a way to provide visitors with locally sourced suggestions. Nominations from around the state are gathered via ExploreGeorgia.org and evaluated by a panel of judges who curate the list down to the final designees. The list has been likened to recommendations that Georgians would share with family and friends, and it has received rave reviews from visitors as well as restaurant owners. 

“With thousands of restaurants across the state, we are always honored to see Thomasville gain the notoriety from the state level for our unique award-winning eateries,” said Hayes. 

The Georgia Eats culinary guide is available at the state’s 12 Visitor Information Centers across the state and on the state’s consumer tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org. Visitors to Thomasville can pick up their copy of “Georgia Eats”at the Thomasville Visitors Center located at 144 E. Jackson Street.