Cars whiz by quaint, brick buildings that line the streets. Newer entrepreneurial endeavors are housed inside 1900s-era structures. Among the downtown district, the tallest structures by far are the churches. Statesboro’s downtown provides many examples of how the past can be mixed with the present – take the Planters Cotton Warehouse or the statue erected at the courthouse square.
Although it may not seem like much at first, downtown Statesboro has options for everything from food and retail to the arts and historic spots. However, if you are newer to the Statesboro area, it may be hard to appreciate all of what downtown has to offer. Here is a slice of what all those options are to get you more acquainted with the area.

Food
Statesboro has a variety of fast food and sit-down restaurants in the downtown area. This is even more so with the recent development of the Blue Mile, the area between Georgia Southern University’s campus and the courthouse. If you are craving coffee, cookies, pizza, good ol’ Southern cooking, Chinese cuisine or barbeque, then downtown has it!
Chinese: Chinese Kitchen and Southern Palace
Coffee and sweets: Big Boy Cookies, Cool Beanz Espresso Bar, The Daily Grind, Sugar Magnolia Bakery, Three Tree Coffee
Fast food: Waffle House, Sonic, Captain D’s
High-end: Tandoor and Tap, Bull and Barrel Steakhouse
Pizza and wings: Pizza Hut, A Town Wings, Wingz University
Pub food: Del Sur, Eagle Creek Brewery, Gnat’s Landing

Retail
Shopping options range from the usual to what you may not expect. Boutiques such as Frills and Fancies, Jaxx+Grace and Madame Couture’s dot the downtown landscape, mixed with businesses like Southern Pottery and Art Studio, Pladd Dot Music and Galactic Comics. Also, did you know that Statesboro has its copious share of antique stores? You can find Heirloom and The Mad Potter in the heart of Statesboro.

Historic Sights
One of the most visible reminders of history is the Confederate memorial statue in Statesboro’s courthouse square. However that area as a whole has historic significance. In 1864, while Union General William T. Sherman was marching to the sea, he and his troops burned Statesboro’s courthouse. The downtown area also boasts more recent historical markers-take the Blind Willie McTell trail, which is named after Statesboro’s most famous musician, a blues guitarist who coined the famous song “Statesboro Blues”.

Arts and Culture
One of Statesboro’s most recognizable landmarks is its Averitt Center, which was once home to the Bank of Statesboro. The center now hosts several different art galleries, showcasing anything from student to professional works. As well, the Emma Kelly Theater, open since the 1930s, is attached to the Averitt Center.
The gallery also has a sister gallery, the Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts, located on East Vine Street. As well, the Whitaker Black Box Theater, also operated by the Averitt Center, sits on West Main Street.
Downtown Statesboro also hosts its themed First Friday events every month. These events usually include music and performers, food, retail options and family-friendly activities. Likewise, the Main Street Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from March to November.
If you are interested in more classic entertainment, then you may want to check out the Statesboro Regional Public Library, located on South Main Street. Additionally, the library offers many different club activities for children and young adults, such as Maker’s Monday, Toddler Time, Teen DIY and the Teen Anime and Manga Club.