12 miles north of I-16, Statesboro (pop. 22,698) was also one of Sherman’s stops on his notorious “March to the Sea.” Here in 1864 his troops torched the courthouse; today’s historic courthouse dates from the late 19th century. Georgia Southern University, with an enrollment of 16,000, dominates the town, especially during the fall football season.
If you’re feeling hungry, generous Southern buffets are served boardinghouse-style (bring your plate to the kitchen when you’re through) at the Beaver House Restaurant (912/764-2821), in a large white-columned mansion at 121 S. Main Street. For one reasonable price, you get massive servings of fried chicken, vegetables, cornbread, and biscuits. For barbecue, head over to Vandy’s (912/764-2444), a local landmark at 22 W. Vine Street; or Boyd’s Pit BBQ, west of town on US-80 at the junction with US-301.
Ten miles south of I-16 at the intersection of US-280 and US-301, the town of Claxton bills itself as the Fruitcake Capital of the World. In the fall fruitcake-making season, the Claxton Bakery (800/841-4211) in the center of town offers free samples of the 3,000 tons of fruitcake they pound out each year.
