Vienna is a farming community with manufacturers
Vienna is a rural community in South Central Georgia with a past rooted in farming. A few miles from the brick buildings and murals in downtown are tilled fields and industrial facilities supporting local agriculture. These facilities include Golden Peanut Co. and Findlay Gin, which processes cotton. A Tyson Foods plant also sits next to Interstate 75. The Georgia State Cotton Museum, located inside a historic schoolhouse, showcases the area's history with artifacts like farm tools and periodicals. Vienna's population is primarily composed of long-term Dooly County residents. Michael Bowens, a Vienna native and the City Administrator, says, "I was born and raised here. Everyone knows everyone."
Bungalows, ranch styles and new constructions are available
Most homes are within Vienna's city limits, and the surrounding area contains long rural roads and cultivated fields. The area has several bungalows with front tapered columns and brick ranch-style dwellings. There are also manufactured homes and a few American Foursquare houses. Many properties show paved driveways leading to carports, while others have simple dirt paths. The Magnolia Landing subdivision has single-story new constructions. Pricing can range from $80,000 to $265,000.
Commerce includes local businesses and industrial facilities
Near Vienna's downtown are municipal buildings, shops and industrial spaces along the railroad. Warehouses, regional storefronts and local businesses are throughout the community. Vienna Hardware Flea Market & Antique Mall sells an array of secondhand items. Locals shop for home goods and groceries at Piggly Wiggly and DG Market. “We have a Mexican restaurant, Tienda Y Taqueria Mi Familia. It's excellent food, we really enjoy it," says Michael Bowens, the City Administrator. Cafe 41, located downtown, opened in late 2024 and serves lattes, soups and sandwiches. Bowens says that the community is anticipating the arrival of a new barbecue restaurant in the future.
The city offers neighborhood parks and easy trips to Lake Blackshear
Walter F George Park sits along Union Street across from the courthouse. The green space has shading trees, benches for downtown visitors and markers commemorating Walter F. George. The area has more neighborhood outdoor spots, like Anthony Bowens Park and George Busbee Park. Lake Blackshear is a popular destination for fishing and boating. Locals can access the waters about 13 miles away at Georgia Veterans State Park. The expansive natural area also has a collection of decommissioned combat vehicles on display as a part of the Military Museum. On-site golfing is available at the Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club.
The area has Dooly County High and nearby schools
The Dooly County School System consists of four academic locations. Dooly County Elementary and Dooly County Middle School have C-minus ratings on Niche. The two schools share a campus, known locally as Dooly County K-8 Academy, off US Highway 41. Bobcat Stadium is next to Dooly County High, which has a C. Only a handful of students attend the public Dooly County Prep Academy.
Locals gather for the Big Pig Jig and Christmas at the park
"Our largest [event] is called the Big Pig Jig. It's a barbecue cooking competition. We usually have over 100 teams. Usually around the first weekend in November," Bowens says. The two-day event has been a tradition for over 40 years, drawing visitors in from across the state. "We have Christmas in the park. When it's cool enough, we have hot chocolate and cookies. There's someone dressed as Santa Claus, and we have a tree decorating contest," Bowens adds.
Trips to local spots and nearby Cordele
The community is home to multiple houses of worship, including Vienna Church of God and Vienna Methodist Church. Vienna is a car-dependent community with quick access to Interstate 75 along the eastern side. Crisp Regional Hospital, in Cordele, is about 10 miles south. Middle Georgia Regional Airport stands roughly 50 miles away in Macon.
Dooly County has some risks of severe weather and wildfires
The region has previously experienced property damage and fallen trees due to high winds associated with severe storms and hurricanes. Dooly County can sometimes experience dry conditions that can lead to a risk of wildfires.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
