8 Perfect DestinationsFor A Long Weekend In Georgia
Ranging from the lofty Ridge-and-valley Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north to the low-lying Atlantic coastal plains in the south, Georgia - the southernmost of the initial Thirteen Colonies and a bewitching American Southeast state, spellbinds holidaymakers not just with heterogeneous topographies but also with vibrant cultures and strong American heritage. Although the enlivening offerings of the Peach State’s bustling urban conurbations including the state capital Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and Columbus, make them the highest tourist drawers all year round, the numberless picture-perfect teeny communities dotting this Empire State of the South, are equally worth discovering on your weekend breaks.
Tallulah Falls
A tiny community next to the Tallulah River having less than 200 inhabitants, Tallulah Falls spans across Rabun and Habersham counties along the Georgia-South Carolina state line. Other than functioning as an entryway to Tallulah Gorge State Park, the town is praised for its attractive must-see places including the Tallulah River Gorge and a string of waterfalls (Hurricane Falls, Oceana Falls, L’Eas d’ Or Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Tempesta Falls). Supplementarily, traverse the Tallulah Gorge Rim Trail, cross the 80ft-high suspension bridge on top of a rocky bottom, learn about the region’s past and the protected species in the state park at the Jain Hurt Interpretive Center, purchase souvenirs at The General Store, feast on mouthwatering foods at Tallulah Adventures & The Edge Cafe, and slack off at The Lodging On The Lake.
Helen
Home to 531 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, this one-time logging town baptized after a lumber official’s daughter, is situated in Northeastern Georgia’s White County on the Chattahoochee River banks. Revamped as a Bavarian-style mountain community, Helen lures holidaymakers to take part in unnumbered outdoor recreations such as embarking on a horse-drawn carriage ride around Downtown Helen; touring the Anna Ruby Falls at Unicoi State Park; fishing, birdwatching, ziplining, and mountain biking at Unicoi State Park & Lodge; kayaking down the Chattahoochee River; and checking out the neighboring Hardman Farm State Historic Site. Have an enjoyable stay at The Castle Inn and free time to make an appearance at periodic events like the Winterfest Art Tour, Downtown Christmas Parade, and Oktoberfest.
Blue Ridge
Fannin County’s biggest city and administrative capital, this whimsical hillside hamlet, is situated on the divide between the Tennessee River (to the north) and Alabama River (to the south) watersheds, about 93 miles north of Atlanta. Exhibiting 300 miles of hiking trails, more than 867,265 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, and 100 miles of immaculate trout streams, Blue Ridge is a wonderland for adventure seekers. Each year, from late spring to early fall, outdoorsy types can spend an afternoon swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding on the see-through Lake Blue Ridge or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, awarding unparalleled vistas of the conterminous region. Moreover, view the exceptional cascades (Sea Creek, Falls Branch, Long Creek, and Jack River Falls), go fruit picking at Mercier Orchards, and admire Main Street’s plentiful art galleries like High Country Art Gallery, clothing boutiques like The Ridge Boutique, antique stores like Blue Ridge Antique Mall & Consignment, Inc., diners like Harvest On Main, and boarding houses like Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Darien
The state’s second-oldest planned settlement and the shiretown of McIntosh County, Darien is located alongside the Atlantic coast in southeastern Georgia, close to the Altamaha River’s mouth, around 17 miles north of Brunswick and 62 miles south of Savannah. Originally named ‘New Inverness’ and set up by Scottish Highlanders hired by James Edward Oglethorpe - a British army officer, the settlement, later rechristened ‘Darien,’ deftly fuses natural beauty with antiquity. Do not miss a survey of the Butler Island Rice Plantation, Ashantilly Center, Fort King George State Historic Site, the Old City Jail Art Center & Museum, and two historic districts: West Darien Historic District and Vernon Square-Columbus Square Historic District. Furthermore, walk down Darien’s aesthetic Waterfront Park, peruse antique stores like Broad Street Antiques, seafood restaurants like Skippers’ Fish Camp, and B & J’s Steaks & Seafood, rest in Oaks on the River Boutique Hotel, and show up at any of the yearly events like Blessing of the Fleet and Darien Fall Fest.
Pine Mountain
Spread across the Harris and Meriwether counties in western Georgia; this hypnotizing community is at the Pine Mountain Range’s northern base. Located approximately 78 miles from Atlanta, Pine Mountain served as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s well-liked haunts for decompressing. From the town, visitors can quickly reach other tourist magnets like Chipley Historical Center, Callaway Resort & Gardens, Wild Animal Safari, and F. D. Roosevelt State Park’s over 40 miles of recognized hiking trails. Also, take note of the majestic statue of FDR at Dowdell’s Knob, go for a swim in the undefiled Liberty Bell Pool, inspect the Little White House State Historic Site & Museum, taste yummy smoky barbeque sandwiches at Moore’s Whistling Pig Café, and unwind at Chipley Murrah Bed & Breakfast.
Washington
Founded in 1774 and labeled ‘Heard’s Fort’ after American planter Stephen Heard, this administrative center of Wikes County situated in east-central Georgia’s Piedmont region, is often called ‘Washington-Wilkes’ by residents to individuate from other Washington-named towns. When visiting this 3754-inhabitant town, drop by the noteworthy landmarks such as Cherry Grove Baptist Church Schoolhouse, Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum, Wilkes County Courthouse, Mary Willis Public Library, and Robert Toombs House State Historic Site. Heritage buffs must not miss the Callaway Plantation, Kettle Creek Battlefield, Resthaven Cemetery, and Washington-Wilkes Industrial Park. After a frenzied day, satiate your hunger at La Cabana Mexican Restaurant or The Hot Box, and stay comfortably at The Fitzpatrick Hotel.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega - derived from ‘Dalonige,’ a Cherokee term which means ‘gold,’ and set on the northern extremity of Georgia State Route 400 at the North Georgia Mountains’ foothills, is famed for being America’s prime Gold Rush site. Overflowing with countless gift shops like Dahlonega General Store, art galleries like Bleu Gallery, women’s clothing stores like Pink Alley Boutique, entertainment venues like Holly Theatre, top-notch restaurants like Bourbon Street Grille, and accommodations like Dahlonega Inn On Main, the Dahlonega Square is the most preferred spot for holidayers vacating in this Lumpkin County administrative capital. Some of Dahlonega’s awe-inspiring attractions include Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, the idyllic Dahlonega campus of the University of North Georgia, and the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site housed in the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse. Annually, try to attend the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, Independence Day festivities, Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, and an outmoded Christmas celebration.
Toccoa
Stephens County’s seat of government, Toccoa, is set in Georgia’s farthest northeastern corner, at the Blue Ridge Mountains’ base, roughly 90 miles northeast of the state capital and 50 miles north of Athens. Enveloped by the Georgia woodland, the 186ft tall staggering Toccoa Falls on the grounds of the Toccoa Falls College is one of the most acclaimed attractions of the town. Numerous antique stores like Cornerstone Antique & Craft Market, women’s clothing stores like Madison’s on Main, gift shops like Troup’s Studio & Gifts, as well as the revamped Stephens County Courthouse, the Ritz Theatre, the Stephens County Historical Museum, and the Currahee Military Museum inside the initial Toccoa Depot, fill Toccoa’s inviting Downtown. Addedly, trek the Tugaloo River Water Trail and Henderson Falls Park, savor appetizing cuisines at Brother John’s Sub & Sandwich, sample wines at the Currahee Vineyard & Winery, partake in outdoor recreations at Lake Hartwell and the adjacent Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site, de-stress at Simmons-Bond Inn Bed & Breakfast, and be there at any of the annual festivals like the Currahee Military Weekend, Summer Movies at the Ritz, Ida Cox Music Series, and Christmas Parade.
From Darien’s unblemished coastal allure to Dahlonega - the ‘Gold City,’ the charismatic small towns of the country’s 8th most populous and 24th largest state are waiting to welcome globetrotters of all ages. Boasting breathtaking natural settings, fancy downtowns, surplus recreations, colorful seasonal celebrations, welcoming ambiance, and homey accommodations made warmer by the generous hospitality of the friendly folks, these treasured close-knit communities of Georgia are ideal getaways for a weekend trip.
