We Invite You To Visit Harlem, Georgia

Harlem, Georgia, founded in 1870, is a charming small city about half an hour west of Augusta, Georgia . In Harlem, you will experience precious small-town life and abundant southern hospitality .

Harlem is the birthplace of comedic pioneer Oliver Hardy . Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel paved a path for comedians with their historic careers, which bridged the gap between the silent era short films into “talkies” or sound films culminating in full-length features . The city celebrates Oliver’s comedic legacy throughout its quaint downtown . You will find a fun Laurel and Hardy mural beside the railroad tracks, the historic water tower is crested with Oliver’s jolly smile, and inside the Harlem Museum and Welcome Center located in the historic Columbia Theater, you will discover The Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem, GA . The latter is the only museum dedicated to the careers of Laurel and Hardy in The United States . Each year on the first Saturday in October, Harlem hosts tens of thousands of guests at the Oliver Hardy Festival dedicated to celebrating the heart of creativity of the dynamic duo by inviting craft vendors, entertainers, look-alikes, and more .

The museum also contains a deep dive into the rich history of Harlem, Georgia . Discover why the city was developed, how it was named, how the city became a summer haven for surrounding cities, and how Harlem pioneered entertainment and innovation for Columbia County . As the first city in the county, Harlem had a significant impact on the local area and the State of Georgia . Let the museum take you on a journey through both time and entertainment .

In Harlem, you can enjoy an afternoon filled with shopping downtown, feasting on superb cuisine in one of the local eateries, treating yourself to some yummy ice cream at our local ice cream parlor, or even appreciate a walk through the town to experience the beauty of an eclectic blend of historic architecture . Of course, you are also encouraged to stay the evening at Columbia County’s only bed and breakfast, The Red Oak Manor .

Harlem is ripe with activity as the city, the Harlem Merchants Association, and others routinely host fun-filled, family events throughout the town . So many of Harlem’s three thousand plus residents are young families, growing and nurturing the small-town with class and southern charm, making Harlem an extraordinary and welcoming place . Add us to your itinerary for any trip through Georgia and the South to get an authentic taste of both the past and present of a vibrant, growing, small southern city .