Best Weekend Trips From Atlanta
Even if you live in one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the South, you'll still find yourself needing to get away from time to time.
Weekend and day trips from Atlanta offer everything from mountains and streams to urban hot spots—all within driving distance. So pack up your car and get ready for the best weekend getaways in Georgia and beyond.
Athens, Georgia
Athens is a prime example of how appearances can be deceiving. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, this college town offers a ton of things to see and do, including one of the most thriving music scenes in the country. It was Athens that gave rise to major bands like R.E.M, the B-52s and Widespread Panic, and you can still find great up-and-coming acts at The Foundry and the 40 Watt Club. Athens also serves up some real no-nonsense barbecue courtesy of Butt Hutt BBQ (480 Macon Highway, Athens).
North Georgia Mountains
Some of the best weekend trips from Atlanta seemingly take you into the middle of nowhere. In the mountains north of the city, you'll find a collection of state parks and national forests that are basically one big playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. Check out the stunning canyon at Tallulah Gorge State Park, hike to the top of Brasstown Bald—the highest point in Georgia—or visit Toccoa Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi.
Georgia Wine Country
Scoot over, California—Georgia is home to a wine-producing region that gives you plenty to sip and savor. At the heart of it all is the little town of Dahlonega, just a short drive north of Atlanta. Surrounded by vineyards, the town is home to several local wineries, including Frogtown Cellars (700 Ridge Point Drive, Dahlonega) and Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery (439 Vineyard Way, Dahlonega). Make your first stop the Dahlonega Visitors Center to pick up a Wine Walk Passport, your ticket to wineries and tasting rooms all over town.
Lake Hartwell
This vast manmade lake on the South Carolina border is one of the great destinations for water sports in the South. Lake Hartwell is perhaps best known for its bass fishing, and you'll find two state parks—Tugaloo State Park on the Georgia side and Lake Hartwell State Park on the Carolina side—that offer easy access to the water, along with docks, hiking trails, picnic areas and swimming. Boat rentals are available at Hartwell Marina in Hartwell, Georgia.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Head across the state line to Chattanooga for family fun of every kind, from the Chattanooga Zoo to the carousel at Coolridge Park. Train buffs will get a kick out of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, while the Chattanooga Aquarium gives aspiring deep-sea explorers a thrill. Of course you can always simply stroll along the city's Riverwalk, a 13-mile path along the Tennessee River with countless shops, parks, restaurants and bars along the way.
Summerville, Georgia
Summerville is a tiny town that has a lot going for it. It's the home of Howard Finster's Paradise Gardens, a dazzling folk-art sculpture garden that includes more than 46,000 works of art, along with a historic train depot that hosts festivals and events throughout the year. Nearby James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park is a great place to have a picnic and do some canoeing and kayaking. Get your barbecue fix at Armstrong's Barbecue (10480 Commerce St., Summerville) or head to Jerry's Drive-In (676 Highway 114, Summerville) for classic burgers and fries.
Ready to travel? Find your hotel in Athens, Atlanta, Hartwell, Chattanooga, Summerville.
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