Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get outside and explore on the weekends! We love living in Atlanta because Georgia just has so much to offer! Head north, and you’ll reach the Blue Ridge Mountains. Head southeast, and you’ll hit beautiful beaches and barrier islands. There’s something for everyone! Here are a few of our favorite Georgia getaways along with our favorite places to stay and things to do.
North Georgia Mountains
Meagan grew up in Northeast Georgia, right on the lake you see below. Head to the North Georgia Mountains for the Georgia Wine Trail, beautiful lakes, mountain hikes, and the start of the Appalachian Trail.
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina on Lake Chatuge
The Beechwood Inn in Clayton
Hightower Creek Vineyards
Where you should stay: Boundary Waters Resort & Marina and The Beechwood Inn are our all-time favorites.
What you don’t want to miss: Hike to the top of Brasstown Bald for a great view from the highest point in Georgia! Rent a boat on Lake Chatuge for a wonderful day on a lake that is far less crowded than Lanier! Visit the vineyards that are popping up all over the area!
Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga, TN
Head to the other northern corner of the state for Lookout Mountain in Georgia and then cross over into Tennessee for a day in Chattanooga and whitewater rafting on the Ocoee and Nantahala.
The Chanticleer Inn at Lookout Mountain
The 1890 Walnut Street Bridge
Where you should stay: Chanticleer Inn
What you don’t want to miss: Explore all the sites in Chattanooga! See Rock City and the exciting Tennessee Aquarium! Go hiking in Cloudland Canyon State Park and see the waterfalls! If you’re looking for an adventure, go rafting on the Ocoee (or the Nantahala if you’re nervous)!
Athens
We went to Georgia Tech, so that school up in Athens is our biggest rival, and yet we still love visiting Athens! It’s Georgia’s best music scene, home to REM, the B-52s, Widespread Panic, and so many more! Athens also has an amazing restaurant scene, so go hungry!
[image via Athens GA Homes]
[image via Georgia State Parks]
What you don’t want to miss: Spend the weekend bouncing from one restaurant to another before going to a concert at athe Georgia Theatre. We always make sure to grab brunch at either Last Resort or Mama’s Boy! And speaking of covered bridges, take a quick drive out to Watson Mill Bridge State Park for some history and a great photo op!
Madison
The town Sherman refused to burn, historic Madison is only an hour from Atlanta. The small town is dotted with historic homes, a beautiful courthouse, and quintessential Southern charm. It’s a great weekend getaway but makes for an easy day trip as well.
[image via Alocato]
What you don’t want to miss: Be sure to check out the beautiful Antebellum homes all over town by grabbing a self-guided tour brochure at the visitors center. Don’t miss the Madison Morgan Cultural Center at the historic schoolhouse. They have concerts in addition to their great exhibit on the town’s history, and we’ve also seen some great visiting exhibits there as well. Be sure to hunt for some great souvenirs in the antique shops!
Macon
Just like Madison, Macon wasn’t burned during the Civil War, making it home to so many beautiful antebellum homes. The town is also home to some great music history, like Otis Redding, Little Richard, and the Allman Brothers Band. Looking for a little more time outside? Don’t miss the Ocmulgee National Monument, a prehistoric Native American site.
The possibly haunted 1842 Inn – Ghost or no ghost, we loved every minute of our pampered weekend here!
Where you should stay: We had a wonderful time at the 1842 Inn – be sure to request your breakfast in bed!
What you don’t want to miss: A stroll along College Avenue, the Cherry Blossom Festival, Ocmulgee National Monument, and the Allman Brother’s Big House.
Savannah
Georgia’s first capital, Savannah’s grid of public squares are adorned with more of our beloved Spanish-moss covered oaks, monuments to historic figures, beautiful fountains, and park benches where you can relax all afternoon – just ask Forrest Gump!
[image via Kimpton Hotels]
What you don’t want to miss: Buy some pralines on River Street, sit in the shade and watch the fountain at Forsyth Park, buy some art from the local students at ShopSCAD, and take a ghost tour if you’re brave! If you have an extra day, spend it at the beach on Tybee Island.
St. Marys and Cumberland Island
If our previous posts on Cumberland Island didn’t put this natural wonder on your Georgia getaways bucket list, there’s no helping you! Head to the Georgia – Florida line for beautiful scenery and fresh seafood. You’ll know you’ve made it when you see the Spanish moss hanging from the live oaks.
Cumberland Island National Seashore is a treasure! You’ll love exploring the paths through the Spanish moss-covered oaks on your way to the pristine protected beaches.
The darling Historic Spencer House Inn in St. Marys
The Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island – a destination in itself
Where you should stay: Stay at the Spencer House Inn if you’re taking day trips to the island and around the coast or the Greyfield Inn if you’re looking for a real treat on the island.
What you don’t want to miss: Cumberland Island
You’re planning your weekend away already, aren’t you? Have you been to any of the places? Tell us about your experiences in the comments! Which places did you just add to your travel list?
