6 Best Georgia Towns For A Weekend Trip
With varied landscapes ranging from the beautiful Atlantic Oceans to the south and the rugged Appalachian to the north, Georgia has something to delight every traveler. Even with all of the natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic landmarks that Georgia offers, the biggest draw for travelers is the state's small, charming towns. If you're booking a weekend trip in this sweet Southern state, consider picking one of its interesting hometowns to use as a cozy base. Decide on what you want to see during your visit, such as a beach or a specific museum, and choose a small town conveniently located near it.
Darien
Situated on the shimmering Altahama River under live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, Darien is the quintessential small southern town. Since Darien is the second-oldest planned settlement in Georgia, it has an abundance of historical attractions, including the Old City Jail Art Center & Museum and the Fort King George State Historic Site. Darien is also a great weekend getaway destination for beach lovers and anglers since it's located on the Atlantic Ocean, about 60 miles south of Savannah. Spend some time meandering through the town's two distinct historic districts: Vernon Square-Columbus Square Historic District and West Darien Historic District. Darien's scenic Waterfront Park is another idyllic spot to take a stroll, as is the Butler Island Rice Plantation. If you're visiting the town during autumn, don't miss the Darien Fall Fest; when it comes time to sleep, you can't go wrong with a stay at the Oaks on the River Resort, which is located downtown.
Dahlonega
Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, picturesque Dahlonega is known as being the country's top Gold Rush site. No matter what type of experience you're looking to have during your weekend getaway, such as an exciting outdoor adventure or a laid-back day at a winery, you'll find it in this small, charming town. Start your visit with a trip to Dahlonega Square, which is the heart of the community. While strolling the historic streets, check out its collection of unique boutiques, cozy cafes, casual and gourmet restaurants, and antique shops. Adults can sip locally produced vintages at both the Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery and the Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery. History buffs will delight in the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site and the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse. Depending on what time of year you visit this welcoming community, you may run into an annual event, including Gold Rush Days and the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival. For accommodations, you can't beat the Dahlonega Inn on Main.
Blue Ridge
Beautiful Blue Ridge is a charming alpine town known for its thriving creative community and arts scene. It's also located on both the Alabama River and the Tennessee River, making it the perfect getaway spot for water lovers. Blue Ridge is also home to miles of trout streams, more than 300 miles of hiking and biking trails, and Lake Blue Ridge. Spend a day at the breathtaking Chattahoochee National Forest, or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to get an up-close look at the region's stunning landscape. You can rent a canoe, kayak, raft, or other type of watercraft from a local outfitter, such as Toccoa River Kayak Rental, or bring your own to spend your weekend floating on one of the area's pristine waterways. If you're visiting during the fall, don't miss apple picking and other fun autumn activities at Mercier Orchards. One of the town's most popular accommodations is the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, which is conveniently located on Main Street.
Tallulah Falls
Although the tiny town of Tallulah Falls has just over 200 residents, it still tops the list of weekend getaway options due to its abundance of natural beauty, spectacular parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and unique, locally owned shops and eateries. Tallulah Falls is the gateway to Tallulah Gorge State Park, which is home to the famous Tallulah River Gorge, a dramatic 1,000-foot-deep cavern that was carved out by the Tallulah River over the centuries. The area is also known for its cascading waterfalls, including Hurricane Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Tempesta Falls, Oceana Falls, and L'Eas d'Or Falls. If you're feeling adventurous, take a walk across the swaying 80-foot-high suspension bridge sans the Tallulah Gorge Rim, providing jaw-dropping views of the landscape below. Before deciding on what natural attractions to explore during your weekend trip, stop in at the Jain Hurt Interpretive Center to gather information on the area. After a day of exciting outdoor adventures, call it a night at one of the comfortable cabins at The Lodging on the Lake.
Moultrie
Charming Moultrie is located in the center of Georgia's agricultural country and is known to be a warm and welcoming community for both locals and tourists alike. Moultrie is the ideal vacation destination for those who are looking to get away from it all while still having access to fun attractions, delicious eateries, and abundant shopping. If you're visiting during the spring or summer months, head over to Country Meadow, a plant nursery known for its varied selection of herbs, cut fresh flowers and arrangements, dried arrangements, decor, and locally made gifts you can take back home to friends and family. If you're lucky enough to be in town when the Moultrie State Farmers Market is taking place every second Saturday, stop in and stock up on local, seasonal produce such as watermelon, corn, collards, and pumpkins. Browsing the market is the best way to connect with the community and get a taste of Georgia's best fresh fruits and vegetables. Check into the Barber-Tucker House, which features historic furnishings and a stunning Southern landscape, for a peaceful night.
St. Marys
Stay in sweet St. Marys if you're craving a weekend getaway filled with plenty of Southern charm on the water, as the quaint town is situated directly across from Florida's Fernandina Beach and the King's Bay Naval Base. Nature lovers won't want to miss a trip to the Crooked River State Park, which gives you easy and direct access to the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. While you're at the park, have a picnic and go hiking along the rustic Palmetto Trail, the River Trail, or the Bay Boardwalk Trail. You can even stay overnight at one of the park's campsites if you want to stay close to nature during your trip. If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious, check into the Riverview Hotel or the Spencer House Inn, which are both located on the river and offer stunning waterfront views.
Whether you crave a laid-back weekend getaway in the mountains or an exciting beachfront two-day stay, you can find both and everything in between in the Southern state of Georgia. In addition to a breathtakingly diverse landscape, Georgia offers more than its fair share of sweet small towns filled with family-owned shops and eateries, as well as enough outdoor, cultural, and historical attractions to keep you busy throughout the duration of your stay. In addition, these small towns offer a varied list of annual special events to keep you coming back every year.
