11 Best Georgia Towns For A Weekend Trip

Pack the car and turn up the volume. Georgia is calling. Ride the rails in Blue Ridge, hunt for gold in Dahlonega, and raise a stein in Helen. Roam Madison’s historic streets, discover Sapelo Island’s Gullah-Geechee heritage, or follow the coast from St. Marys to St. Simons Island. Toccoa Falls, Clayton’s mountain trails, Thomasville’s Big Oak, and Greensboro’s Lake Oconee luxury give this weekend lineup plenty of range.

Blue Ridge

It should come as no surprise that the town of Blue Ridge is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But even among Georgia's lovely mountain towns, Blue Ridge is special. Blue Ridge is known for its artistic community, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association hosts the annual Plein Air International Paint-Out. Visitors to Blue Ridge can also find inspiration to make art of their own after riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which takes travelers through some of the most beautiful spots in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains themselves. After a ride on the rails, grab something to eat at Blue Ridge's "comfortably unfamiliar" restaurant, The Black Sheep, which serves steaks and seafood in the Historic Butt House, a downtown Blue Ridge landmark dating to 1914. For a cozy night's stay, check out the Blue Ridge Inn Bed and Breakfast, which was built as one of the town's first residences in 1890, and today boasts charmingly decorated rooms and suites, plus homemade Southern breakfasts, just minutes away from Blue Ridge's downtown.

Clayton

The seat of Rabun County, Clayton is a great base for a visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially as it's only a short drive from two state parks: Tallulah Gorge State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and views of the park's five waterfalls, and Black Rock Mountain State Park, the highest-elevation state park in Georgia. In Clayton itself, though, there's still plenty to do, like visiting the Main Street Gallery, which has been showcasing artists from the southeastern United States and beyond, including folk art, fine art, and pottery across three stories since 1985. Or, try a tipple at the Moonrise Distillery, which spans 25,000 square feet and includes a hidden speakeasy; just ask the bartender. Finally, check into the boutique Bridge Creek Inn, which offers 45 rooms in an industrial-chic building right on Clayton's Main Street.

Dahlonega

In northern Georgia, the mountain town of Dahlonega was once the site of a gold rush, but today it is better known for its vineyards and its cozy nineteenth-century charm. Visitors can still learn all about Dahlonega's "golden" past at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, a Georgia State Historic Site in an 1836 courthouse filled with 19th-century artifacts. Visitors can even try a little prospecting for themselves at the Consolidated Gold Mine, which offers not only underground mine tours, but also the opportunity for guests to pan for gold. Or, enjoy the more modern side of Dahlonega, and a refreshing glass of something local, at Wolf Mountain Vineyards, which offers tours of the scenic vineyards, wine tastings in the tasting room, and lunch or Sunday brunch in their onsite cafe. Finally, call it a day and turn in for the night at the Dahlonega Square Hotel, which offers modern rooms in an 1880s building, with optional "Breakfast in Bed" from Q's Place Southern Cafe.

Greensboro

The seat of Greene County, the town of Greensboro is small, with a population of just 3,648 as of the 2020 census. Greensboro's downtown dates back to 1786 and is full of 18th and 19th-century architecture to admire. It's also home to unique shopping opportunities, like the Greensboro Antique Mall, where shoppers can take home vintage and antique treasures from multiple sellers. Or check out the Genuine Georgia Artisan Marketplace, which has been selling jewelry, art, and homewares made by Georgia artists and makers since 2005.

Want to spend a Greensboro weekend in the lap of luxury? Check into The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, which offers guest rooms, suites, cottages, and the four-bedroom Lake House. Guests can also enjoy the onsite spa, pools, and even the opportunity to take a falconry course.

Helen

For a Georgia town with some surprisingly German flair, head on over to Helen. A mountain town, Helen is styled after the villages of the Bavarian Alps, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors to Helen can explore the charming town center and enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities like Alpine Mini Golf and the scenic Georgia Mountain Coaster. Even the Alpine Village Inn, a hotel in downtown Helen, is comprised of buildings styled like ski chalets with an outdoor fire pit, although the guest rooms themselves are simple, with modern amenities. For even more of Helen's German flavor, indulge in some authentic local German-style cuisine. Since 1976, Helen's Hofbrauhaus Tavern has been serving sausages, German-style pork roast, and more in a cozy Alpine-style environment. Or try The Heidelberg (formerly known as Old Heidelberg), which is known not only for its German fare, but also for its extensive draft beer selection and live music in a building that resembles a ski chalet.

Madison

The seat of Morgan County, Madison, is a historic town east of Atlanta. Visitors can stay in the heart of Madison's historic district at the James Madison Inn, a boutique hotel built in 2007 that also serves as a wedding venue. Take a wander through the historic district, which is home to the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, which hosts live music, festivals, art, and historic events throughout the year. For an in-depth look at local history, visit the Morgan County African-American Museum, which occupies the circa-1900 former home of tenant farmer John Wesley Moore. Then, splurge on a meal at The Dining Room, which serves innovative fine dining in the heart of historic Madison.

Hog Hammock

For a truly unique experience found only in Georgia, consider visiting Sapelo Island. This island is accessible only by ferry and is the home of the historic Gullah-Geechee community of Hog Hammock. Gullah-Geechee culture is a unique African-American culture with an extensive history spanning from enslaved people, many from West Africa, and their modern descendants. Gullah-Geechee is a distinct creole language. Visitors to Sapelo Island can learn about it on one of the private tours offered by the island's expert guides. Then, check out the island's natural wonders at the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, which hosts regular educational programs. Or visit the Reynolds Mansion, a historic home within a Georgia state park that offers tours and can even be booked for overnight guests, with a minimum group size of 16 and a maximum of 25.

St. Marys

Located in southeastern Georgia, historic St. Marys is a coastal town just north of the Florida border. To get a real feel for St. Mary's history, consider a stay at Spencer House Bed and Breakfast, which is located in the St. Mary's Historic District and features unique guestrooms in a building built by St. Mary's resident Captain William T. Spencer in 1872. Meanwhile, the coastal connection in St. Marys has led to a distinctive attraction: the St. Marys Submarine Museum, the largest of its kind in the South and fifth-largest nationally. Or, enjoy the nature trails and campsites at Crooked River State Park before stopping at the nearby McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins. Then, enjoy some Georgia seafood at St. Mary's Seafood & More, which specializes in shrimp, crabs, and scallops, served steamed, fried, or even grilled.

St. Simons Island

One of the islands along the southern portion of Georgia's coastline, St. Simons Island, is a perfect spot for a cozy seaside getaway. Visitors can explore the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, which occupies the historic Keeper's Dwelling and traces the development of lighthouse technology. Then, head over to Porch, a casual restaurant featured on the Food Network show "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," which serves hot chicken, fried seafood, and other southern favorites. For a luxurious stay on the island, check in at the Sea Palms Resort, an elegant hotel surrounded by salt marshes, which also features an 18-hole golf course and onsite dining at Sago Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner, plus daily happy hours, Monday trivia nights, and Taco Tuesdays.

Thomasville

The seat of Thomas County in southern Georgia, Thomasville is famous for its historic downtown with red-brick streets and a particular tree. That may sound strange, but Thomasville's Big Oak has stood for over three hundred years and survived vehicle accidents and more, becoming one of the town's most beloved landmarks. The botanical associations don't end at the Big Oak in Thomasville. Designated Georgia's official "Rose City," the Thomasville Rose Garden has over 1,500 rose bushes to smell and admire, and is free to visit all year round. The Best Western Plus Rose City Conference Center Inn offers accommodations near Thomasville's historic downtown and Rose Garden.

Those more interested in historical attractions than botanical ones may want to visit the Lapham-Patterson House State Historic Site in Thomasville. Built in 1885 as a winter residence for Chicago shoe merchant Charles Lapham, the Lapham-Patterson House now offers guided tours through the Thomasville History Center.

Toccoa

The seat of Stephens County, near the South Carolina border in northern Georgia, Toccoa is a scenic city that shares a name with a waterfall. That would be Toccoa Falls, a 186-foot waterfall located on the campus of the University of Toccoa Falls, but accessible to the public for a modest $2 entrance fee. The campus is a short drive from the Simmons-Bond Inn, a bed-and-breakfast in historic downtown Toccoa housed in a restored 1903 residence furnished with antiques.

Another can't-miss attraction in Toccoa is the Currahee Military Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history of Camp Toccoa, where soldiers trained to fight in the Second World War. These included soldiers from the 101st Airborne, as depicted in the TV show "Band of Brothers." There are also exhibits highlighting local veterans in all US wars, and the American presence at the D-Day landings.

That’s the weekend lineup: mountain rails, island history, and coastal views. Pick your stop, pack an overnight bag, and let the road trip roll. Georgia is ready for an encore.