Business Marketing Minnesota takes a closer look at one of the South’s most charming and historic destinations.
Nestled in the heart of Plains, Georgia — a town best known as the birthplace of President Jimmy Carter — lies a hidden treasure that combines Southern charm, American history, and vintage shopping: Plains Historic Inn and Antiques.
A Stay That Feels Like Stepping Back in Time
The Plains Historic Inn offers a truly unique lodging experience. Rather than a standard hotel, the inn invites guests to travel through time. Each of the inn’s seven rooms is decorated in the style of a different decade — from the 1920s through the 1980s — giving visitors the feeling of sleeping inside a living museum.
Imagine resting your head beneath vintage wallpaper from the Roaring Twenties or enjoying morning coffee in a room styled like a 1950s American home. Each suite is carefully curated with period furniture, colors, and textures to reflect the mood and lifestyle of its respective decade.
What makes it even more special? The entire renovation of the inn was personally overseen by former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who helped select the furniture and design themes. It’s not every day you sleep in a place touched by a U.S. President.
Antiques That Tell Stories
Directly beneath the inn is the Plains Antiques Mall, a dream destination for lovers of Americana, collectors, and curious travelers. This is no ordinary antique shop. It houses dozens of booths filled with vintage treasures: from Southern folk art and retro kitchenware to Civil War relics and old vinyl records.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare collectible or just browsing for inspiration, the atmosphere here is welcoming and relaxed — and the staff is always ready to share a story or two about the town’s history.
A Town Steeped in History and Hospitality
Plains, Georgia, may be small — with a population of under 1,000 — but it’s big on character. The town’s main street feels like a movie set from the 20th century, complete with local shops, peanut-themed souvenirs (a nod to Carter’s peanut farming roots), and warm Southern hospitality.
The inn is located just a short walk from other local landmarks, including the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, the Carter boyhood farm, and the Plains Depot — a historic train station turned museum. Staying at the inn places you at the center of it all.
Why Visitors Love Plains Historic Inn and Antiques
- Authentic Southern Experience: It’s not a themed hotel — it’s a deeply personal tribute to history, crafted with care and authenticity.
- Presidential Connection: Few places in the U.S. offer the chance to stay in a hotel restored by a former President and First Lady.
- Small-Town Charm: Guests often describe their stay as peaceful, nostalgic, and heartwarming — a perfect break from modern life.
- Affordable and Cozy: With reasonable prices and beautifully decorated rooms, it’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, and history buffs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a road trip through the American South or simply want to escape to a quieter place filled with meaning and memory, Plains Historic Inn and Antiques should be on your list. It’s more than just a bed for the night — it’s an immersive journey through time and tradition, lovingly preserved in one of Georgia’s most historic small towns.