Discover Sylvania: History, Architecture, and the Market

Sylvania combines local history and architecture with a seasonal farmers market, as well as connections to roads and the landscape along the Savannah River. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sylvania, these varied themes can help shape your trip.

Architecture and History

The Sylvania Historic Welcome Center was built in 1961 and officially dedicated on January 20, 1962. It is designed in the Mid-Century Modern style, with features that include barrel-vaulted ceilings and an aluminum-and-glass facade. The construction year and dedication date mark two successive milestones in the building’s history.

Behind the Welcome Center is a park with ten picnic tables and two grills, where visitors can take a break from traveling. At the center, visitors receive free Coca-Cola products and Georgia peanuts.

An act of the General Assembly designated Sylvania as the county seat of Screven County on December 24, 1847. Two 12-pounder Napoleon cannons from the American Civil War are on display in Old Courthouse Park. A Georgia Historical Society marker for Sylvania stands in the median at the intersection of Ogeechee Street and Main Street. Near Sylvania is the Brier Creek Battle Site, associated with the battle fought on March 3, 1779, during the American Revolutionary War. The historical connections therefore span local government history and two different wartime periods.

Farmers Market and Seasonal Dates

The Market on Maple Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. from May through September at 117 Maple Street in Sylvania. The market offers fresh produce from local growers and goods from artisans. These include homemade, homegrown, and locally sourced vegetables, fruit, and other goods. As the market is seasonal, check the specific market dates before your trip.

Along the Savannah River

East of Sylvania, the state-owned Tuckahoe Wildlife Management Area is located on the Savannah River along Brannen’s Bridge Road. The area covers 15,100 acres and is used for hunting and fishing. Four boat ramps are available there for access to the Savannah River (as of September 5, 2026). Check the current condition of the ramps before setting out.

Roads and Other Local Connections

Historic U.S. Highway 301 branches off Interstate 95 and runs from Sylvania through Statesboro, Claxton, Glennville, Ludowici, Jesup, and Folkston to the Florida border. If you’re planning a drive along this route, check the current route and road conditions, as they may change.

Eight miles south of Sylvania on East Highway 21 is Robbins Grist Mill. It is the only water-powered grist mill currently operating in Georgia. Shannon Vineyards is a vineyard and winery in Sylvania.

For the broader travel overview: Screven.