These 9 Towns Are Georgia's Best-Kept Secret
In 2023, Georgia set a new tourism record for the second consecutive year, welcoming 171 million visitors and surpassing the previous year by 5 million. So, where do you travel in Georgia if you are hoping to avoid the crowds this year? With fewer than 10,000 residents each, these nine towns, scattered across the Blue Ridge Mountains, barrier islands, and Georgia’s wine country, highlight some of the state's most beautiful landscapes. Many of them also hold great cultural significance, featuring everything from Bavarian Villages to 19th-century architecture and locally sourced seafood. So, skip the big cities this year and get ready to explore the most authentic side of the Peach State!
Helen
In Helen, travelers will feel as though they have left the States and arrived in Germany! This small, Bavarian-style village has a quaint shopping district to explore, with shops like Lindenhaus Imports, which sells gifts like cuckoo clocks and German nutcrackers, and Wildwood, which sells mountain-inspired artisan gifts. For a taste of Bavarian food, grab a bite at the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, which has a menu full of German dishes. If you are up for an adventure, consider floating down the river and renting a tube from an outfitter like Cool River Tubing.
Dahlonega
Dahlonega offers a mountain getaway in the heart of Georgia’s Wine Country, meaning that relaxation is always on the itinerary! Travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature can explore the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers 430 miles of trails and 1,367 miles of trout streams. The famed Appalachian Trail also begins here. Meanwhile, The Etowah and the Chestatee Rivers nearby are great for kayaking and canoeing, offering Class I and II rapids. There are countless vineyards surrounding Dahlonega. Cavender Creek is a great vineyard for wine tasting, featuring a comfortable tasting area and flights of red, white, and sweet wines.
Blue Ridge
About an hour northwest of Dahlonega, in the northern reaches of the Chattahoochee National Forest, travelers will find Blue Ridge, perfect for a weekend nature retreat. Blue Ridge offers numerous hiking trails, including the Ocoee Whitewater Center Trails, which span over 30 miles for hikers and bikers. One trail even features a breathtaking 330-foot suspension bridge. Visitors can also sign up for a zipline tour with Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge, which zips across 165 acres of the north Georgia mountains. After a day outdoors, unwind for the evening at Mercier Orchards, an apple orchard that serves hard cider and wine and offers seasonal U-pick apple experiences.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island has been a popular barrier island vacation destination in Georgia since the 19th century. Travelers who want to spend the day lounging at the beach have five options to choose from: North Beach, South Beach, Mid Beach, Back River Beach, and Little Tybee Island. Kayaking is another beloved activity, with visitors able to rent a kayak from Sea Kayak Georgia, a locally owned outfitter and tour agency. Make sure to visit the Tybee Island lighthouse while you’re in town! This lighthouse is the oldest and tallest in the state, standing at 145 feet tall.
Madison
Ranked as one of the South’s Prettiest Towns by Southern Living Magazine, the history and architecture in Madison are incomparable. As visitors stroll through town, they can admire historic landmarks like the Rogers House, one of the town’s oldest homes built in 1809, and Heritage Hall, which dates back to 1811. The Madison-Morgan Cultural Center is another great place to explore Madison’s history, housed in a historic building and featuring a completely furnished and restored 1895 Schoolroom Exhibition. Travelers can explore the surrounding countryside on horseback with Southern Cross Guest Ranch, which offers small-group trail riding tours.
Darien
Situated along the Altamaha Scenic Byway and Atlantic Coast, Darien is renowned for its seafood, much of it brought in fresh from local fishing boats. Travelers eager to try some of this fresh seafood can dine at Skipper’s Fish Camp, a waterfront restaurant, or B & J's Steaks & Seafood, known for its ribeye, prime rib, shrimp, and fried oysters. Darien also happens to sit on Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail, offering visitors lots of opportunities to spot raptors, shorebirds, songbirds, and a variety of waterfowl. Curious about the area’s history? Make sure to check out Fort King George, a fort that the British built in 1721 to defend the area from the Spanish and French.
Jekyll Island
Travelers craving a beach vacation this year will love Jekyll Island, which offers 10 miles of unspoiled shoreline. Visitors seeking a conveniently located beach will love Oceanview Beach Park, a mid-island beach with gorgeous views of the Atlantic, while St. Andrews Beach Park, on the island’s southern tip, is fantastic for watching migratory birds and dolphins. Those with families, meanwhile, can check out Summer Waves Water Park, opening in May and offering a lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool, among other attractions. There are several waterfront restaurants where guests can grab dinner. Zachry's Riverhouse serves burgers, seafood, and sandwiches in front of Jekyll Creek.
Blairsville
In Blairsville, travelers can slow down and soak up the Blue Ridge Mountain life, even if it is just for the weekend. Visitors can start off their trip by hiking the Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level. Meanwhile, Vogel State Park, one of Georgia’s oldest state parks, offers several hiking trails, including one that leads to the beautiful Trahlyta Falls. Seeking a homestyle southern meal? Consider dining at The Sawmill, which offers a Southern menu with ingredients sourced from local farmers and growers.
Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Falls, named after a series of six cascading waterfalls, is home to some of Georgia’s most beautiful natural landmarks. Located within Tallulah Gorge State Park, travelers are just a mere distance away from the Tallulah Gorge, a stunning 1,000-foot-deep chasm. Several rim trails surround the gorge, offering plenty of scenic overlooks. After exploring the gorge, hungry hikers may want to refuel at The Edge Cafe & Bar, which serves globally inspired cuisine with gorgeous views of the surrounding forest. Just minutes from the state park, Lodging on the Lake offers cozy rental cabins along the shores of Tallulah Lake.
Final Thoughts
Georgia is home to so many different natural landscapes, ranging from mountains to rivers and beaches. As a result, it is no surprise that many of its small towns reflect this same level of diversity. Whether you are looking forward to a mountain getaway or a hot and sunny weekend by the beach, these nine towns offer you the chance to appreciate the state’s variety without the big crowds. So this year, don’t be afraid to step off the well-traveled path and see what these towns have in store!
