Georgia's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
Boasting the majestic Appalachian Mountains in the north and the low-lying Atlantic coastal plains in the south, Georgia enthralls holidayers not only with its varied landscapes but also with its lively cultures and rich American heritage. Even though the exhilarating offerings of the state’s populous urban metropolises such as Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, and the capital city Atlanta lure thousands of vacationers every year, the countless small towns of the Peach State must not be overlooked. So, if you plan to spend a memorable weekend with your dear ones away from the hubbub of crowded cities, these Georgia towns are worth adding to your itineraries.
Darien
The administrative center of southeastern Georgia’s McIntosh County and the second-oldest planned settlement in the state, Darien is located along the Atlantic coast near the mouth of Altamaha River, approx. 62 miles south of Savannah and 17 miles north of Brunswick. Founded by Scottish Highlanders recruited by the British soldier James Edward Oglethorpe and primarily named ‘New Inverness’ the town, later renamed ‘Darien,’ aptly amalgamates history with natural splendor. The Fort King George State Historic Site, two historic districts: Vernon Square-Columbus Square Historic District and West Darien Historic District, the Ashantilly Center, Old City Jail Art Center & Museum, and Butler Island Rice Plantation are must-visits for heritage enthusiasts. Sightseers can take a stroll through Darien’s beautiful Waterfront Park apart from checking out the scores of landmark properties, gas stations, a small outlet mall, theaters, and world-class restaurants. Enjoy your stay at Oaks on the River Resort - Darien’s premier hotel, and find time to attend any of the town’s annual events like the Darien Fall Fest, Fourth of July celebrations, and Blessing of the Fleet.
Dahlonega
Situated at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains and Georgia State Route 400’s northern edge, Dahlonega - derived from the Cherokee term ‘Dalonige’ which means “gold,” is famous for being the country’s leading Gold Rush site. The Dahlonega Square brimming with innumerable gift shops, artist studios, galleries, eccentric boutiques, entertainment venues, high-class restaurants, and bed & breakfasts like Dahlonega Inn On Main is a favorite spot for tourists visiting this Lumpkin County seat. The University of North Georgia’s blissful Dahlonega campus, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Achasta Golf Course, Holly Theater, Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site in the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, etc., are some remarkable attractions which are not to be missed. A variety of local festivals like Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, Gold Rush Days, Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, Fourth of July festivities, Dahlonega Literary Festival, and an old-fashioned Christmas celebration are held annually.
Madison
Forming a part of Metro Atlanta - the state’s most populous metropolitan statistical area, this 4,447-resident town serves as the administrative center of Morgan County. The National Register-listed Madison Historic District is the most extensive and painstakingly maintained downtown historic district with 100 antebellum buildings and other significant structures like the Morgan County Courthouse, Joshua Hill House, Heritage Hall, Carter-Newton House, Bonar Hall, Rogers House & Rose Cottage, etc. Vacationers visiting this welcoming weekend retreat must inspect the abundant independent stores, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, eating establishments like Crowe’s Open-Air Bar-B-Que, Town 220 Restaurant, and bed & breakfasts such as the Brady Inn B & B. Keep some time from your busy schedules to tour the Morgan County African-American Museum, Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, the discrete Madison city parks, and hiking trails in the Oconee National Forest.
Blue Ridge
Fannin County’s seat of government and its biggest city, Blue Ridge is a quaint alpine town placed on the divide between the Alabama River (to the south) and Tennessee River (to the north) watersheds, approximately 93 miles north of Atlanta. Having over 867,265 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, 100 miles of pristine trout streams, and 300 miles of hiking trails, Blue Ridge is a paradise for outdoor lovers. From late spring to early fall every year, travelers can spend an afternoon boating, canoeing, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking on the crystal-clear Lake Blue Ridge or take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway providing unrivaled vistas of the encompassing region. Also, admire the town’s thriving art scene, go apple picking at the Mercier Orchards, observe the unique waterfalls (Sea Creek, Long Creek, Jack River Falls, and Falls Branch), and have a look at the diverse clothing boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, entertainment spaces, wineries, craft breweries, diners, and hotels like Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast lining the Main Street.
Tallulah Falls
Having fewer than 200 residents, this teeny community close to the Tallulah River is situated across Habersham and Rabun counties along the Georgia and South Carolina state boundary. Aside from acting as a gateway to Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls is acclaimed for its spectacular sites of interest including the Tallulah River Gorge and the series of cascading waterfalls (Hurricane Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, L’Eas d’ Or Falls, Tempesta Falls, and Oceana Falls). Hiking the Tallulah Gorge Rim Trail or crossing the swaying 80ft high-suspension bridge above a rocky bottom are ideal ways to witness the gorge and soak in the wonderful charm of the encircling landscape. The Jain Hurt Interpretive Center provides tourists with various information regarding the state park’s protected species as well as the history of the region. Shop for souvenirs at The General Store, relish the delicious dishes at the Main Street Grill & BBQ, and stay comfortably at the well-furnished cabins of The Lodging On The Lake.
Helen
An erstwhile logging town, Helen, called after the daughter of a lumber official is located on the shores of Chattahoochee River in White County of Northeastern Georgia. Redeveloped as a Bavarian-inspired alpine community, Helen invites vacationers to participate in myriad outdoor recreations such as floating down the Chattahoochee River; taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around Downtown Helen; surveying the adjacent Hardman Farm State Historic Site; visiting the Anna Ruby Falls at Unicoi State Park; riding the Georgia Mountain Coaster; playing mini-golf at the Alpine Mini Golf; zip lining, fishing, mountain biking, and birding at Unicoi State Park & Lodge. Book your stay at The Castle Inn on Main Street, and try to be present at any of Helen’s yearly events like Oktoberfest, Winterfest Art Tour, Helen to Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival, and Downtown Christmas Parade.
Pine Mountain
This fascinating town at the northern base of Pine Mountain Range is spread across western Georgia’s Harris and Meriwether counties. Situated approx. 78 miles from the state capital, Pine Mountain served as one of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite locales for unwinding. From the town, visitors can easily access some widely known tourist destinations like the Callaway Resort & Gardens, Chipley Historical Center, Wild Animal Safari, and more than 40 miles of established hiking trails of F. D. Roosevelt State Park. Do check out the grand statue of FDR at Dowdell’s Knob, tour the Little White House State Historic Site & Museum, and swim in the immaculate Liberty Bell Pool. After an eventful day, fill up on mouthwatering smoky barbeque sandwiches at Moore’s Whistling Pig Café, and de-stress at Chipley Murrah Bed & Breakfast.
Covington
Christened in honor of the US Army Brigadier General Leonard Covington, this administrative center of north-central Georgia’s Newton County sits in the eastern portion of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area (Metro Atlanta). Often referred to as the “Hollywood of the South,” Covington’s high-spirited downtown has been a stupefying backdrop for over 140 television shows and movies such as “The Vampire Diaries,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “The Walking Dead,” and many more. Downtown Covington is packed with landmark structures like the Newton County Courthouse, Nation Register-listed sites such as the North Covington Historic District, Covington Mill Village, and Salem Campground, apart from multiple boutiques, antique shops, eateries like Mystic Grill Restaurant, and accommodations like Hampton Inn Covington. Aboard the Main Street Trolleys for a two-hour tour of the notable filming locations, take a self-guided tour of the elegant old homes, watch a free concert at Legion Field, discover the multi-use Cricket Frog Trail, and try some fishing at the Turner Lake Park.
Toccoa
Toccoa, the Stephens County seat is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state’s extreme northeastern corner, roughly 50 miles north of Athens and 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. Ringed by the Georgia woodland, the mind-boggling 186ft tall Toccoa Falls on the Toccoa Falls College campus is one of the town’s most popular attractions. Toccoa’s appealing downtown has several specialty shops, national and local stores, art galleries, the Stephens County Historical Museum, the renovated Stephens County Courthouse, the Currahee Military Museum inside the original Toccoa Depot, and the Ritz Theatre. Additionally, holidayers must visit Henderson Falls Park, traverse the Tugaloo River Water Trail, savor wines at the Currahee Vineyard & Winery, taste delectable dishes at Brother John’s Sub & Sandwich, engage in adventures at Lake Hartwell and the adjoining Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site, relax at Simmons-Bond Inn Bed & Breakfast, and participate in yearly festivals such as the Currahee Military Weekend, Costume Parade, Summer Movies at the Ritz, Christmas Parade, Taste of Toccoa, the Ida Cox Music Series, and Harvest Festival.
Washington
Originally labeled Heard’s Fort after its first settler the American planter Stephen Heard; this Wikes County seat of government situated in the Piedmont region of east-central Georgia is often called Washington-Wilkes by residents to differentiate it from other Washington-named communities. Home to 3,754 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, the town has many noteworthy landmark structures including the Wilkes County Courthouse, Robert Toombs House State Historic Site, Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum, Mary Willis Public Library, and Cherry Grove Baptist Church Schoolhouse. History buffs should stop by Kettle Creek Battlefield, Washington-Wilkes Industrial Park, Callaway Plantation, and Resthaven Cemetery. After a hectic day of explorations, satiate your taste buds at La Cabana Mexican Restaurant and rest for the night at the wonderfully restored Fitzpatrick Hotel.
From the coastal mystique of Darien to Covington - the “Hollywood of the South,” there is no dearth of charismatic towns in the 24th largest and 8th most populous state of the nation. Each of these friendly close-knit communities with its fanciful downtowns, profuse unforgettable natural sights, colorful festivals, and home-like accommodations made warmer by the magnanimous hospitality of the hosts, are perfect locales to quieten down after a hectic work week in the Empire State of the South.
