7 Best Towns In Georgia For A Two-Day Recharge

Georgia's best small towns offer the kind of authentic Southern experiences that simply can’t be found in big city destinations like Atlanta or Augusta (as nice as they are). This is especially true if you’re in need of a quiet, restful place to get away to. From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Peach State's lovely coastal areas, countless small communities have succeeded in providing visitors with an authentic taste of that famous Old South hospitality. So buckle up and start planning your getaway itinerary with our take on the seven best towns in Georgia for a two-day recharge.

Dahlonega

The site of America's first major gold rush in 1829, Dahlonega is now one of Georgia's most enchanting mountain getaways. The town's Historic Downtown is where you’ll want to spend the bulk of your time. It’s here, in the old town square, that you’ll find the Dahlonega Gold Museum which tells the fascinating tale of one of the nation's oldest and largest gold mining operations. Housed in the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, it’s wise to visit here first for a better understanding of the town’s mining past before heading out to explore the tunnels at the Consolidated Gold Mine (tours are available).

Dahlonega has also made a name for itself as Georgia's wine capital, with eight local wineries producing reputable vintages. The best include Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, a great place to indulge with a delightful Sunday brunch, and Kaya Vineyard and Winery with its informative tours and tastings. In fact, the best time to visit for a two-day recharge is in May during the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival, topping it off with a stay at the centrally located Dahlonega Square Hotel & Villas, located on the town’s historic square.

Blue Ridge

The charming town of Blue Ridge has much to offer those seeking a fun two-day escape. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and only a two-hour drive north of Atlanta, it’s home to the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, a heritage railroad that offers scenic 26-mile journeys from the town’s historic depot. These four-hour jaunts follow the Toccoa River through some of North Georgia's most spectacular scenery and include a two-hour layover in the towns of McCaysville and Copperhill, Tennessee.

Downtown Blue Ridge is quite unique as the main drag is split down the middle by the rail line, making it even more fun to wander. There are some great eateries here, too, including Harvest on Main, located near the train station and known for its farm-to-table Southern cuisine. Just a few steps away, the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast offers an authentic stay in the Victorian-era former home of the railway tycoon who built the original train line.

Helen

While Helen can be busy, it does offer plenty of opportunities for a fun recharge, especially if that means reconnecting and having fun with the family. This unique Bavarian-themed alpine village wouldn’t look out of place in Germany, right down to its cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, and year-round European festivals, including a must-attend Oktoberfest and Christmas Market.

Its location on the Chattahoochee River also helps. Relaxing water-based activities like tubing (check out Helen Tubing and Cool River Tubing) provide unforgettable and relaxing experiences as you gently float downstream. Other town highlights include the thrilling Georgia Mountain Coaster, the scenic Anna Ruby Falls, and the nearby Smithgall Woods State Park, home to some of Georgia's best trout fishing. One of the town’s best places to stay, The Castle Inn, sits directly on the river above a great riverside patio that sells real German beer.

Madison

Known as "Georgia's Antebellum City," Madison boasts some of the best-preserved antebellum architecture in the United States. All told, some 100 pre-Civil War homes grace its pretty tree-lined streets, all of them spared from destruction during Sherman’s March to the Sea. These and other historic buildings make up the 356 contributing buildings of the Madison Historic District, along with Greek Revival, Victorian, and Federal architectural styles dating from the early 1800s to the early 1900s.

Other highlights that make this a must-visit destination include Heritage Hall, built in 1811 and now a museum (tours are available); the elegant Georgian-period Bonar Hall, constructed in 1839 by a cotton magnate,; and the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, housed in an 1895 Romanesque Revival schoolhouse with exhibits and performances year-round. Top off your relaxing retreat with a stay at the 4-star James Madison Inn, just a short stroll from the town’s architectural wonders.

St. Marys

Georgia's second-oldest town, St. Marys is an ideal spot for a two-day coastal recharge. Located close to Cumberland Island National Seashore and just 45-minutes north of Jacksonville, FL, this charming town was established in 1787, with several original structures from this period still surviving in its Historic District. It’s a delightful place for a stroll, with oak-lined streets, attractive Victorian-era homes, and the picturesque St. Marys Waterfront Park perfect for a sit-down as you enjoy the views over St. Marys River.

Hop aboard the Cumberland Island Ferry which departs from the downtown dock to Georgia's largest barrier island where wild horses roam among ruins of Carnegie mansions. And bring your swimsuit, as the island’s beaches stretch for some 17 miles along the Atlantic. Once back in town, retreat to the charming Riverview Hotel. Located directly opposite the ferry dock, this 1916 hotel features a wraparound veranda overlooking the St. Marys River and a top-notch restaurant known for its fresh local seafood.

Tybee Island

Just 20 minutes east of historic Savannah, Tybee Island has a laid-back beach town vibe that makes it perfect for a relaxing two-day break. Boasting five miles of public beaches, families will want to hang out at the kid-friendly South Beach near the pier, while the quieter North Beach is favored by locals and adults seeking something a little quieter. The Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, built in 1736, is Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse. If you can manage the steep stair climb, the views are simply to die for.

Built in 1891, Tybee Pier and Pavilion hosts festivals throughout the year and provides excellent fishing, while the Tybee Island Marine Science Center is fun to visit for its beach walks, marsh treks, and interactive exhibits about Georgia's coastal ecosystem. If you want to get out on the water, the island's back rivers and salt marshes are fun to explore by kayak, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot dolphins. As for accommodations, shoot for Hotel Tybee, in operation since 1889 and the island's only oceanfront hotel with easy beach access.

Thomasville

Known as the "Winter Resort of the South" during the Victorian-era, Thomasville’s 19th-century grandeur is still very evident in its well-preserved downtown. Must-sees include The Big Oak, a huge tree dating from around 1680 with a span of 165 feet in limb spread, while brick-paved streets lead to April’s annual Rose Show & Festival, held downtown since 1922. This unique celebration of the town’s designation as Georgia's Rose City features displays of over 1,500 blooms in the Thomasville Rose Garden.

You’ll also enjoy a visit to Pebble Hill Plantation, a 3,000-acre estate turned museum. Take a tour of the 1930s main house with its vast Audubon print collection, original Tiffany lamps, and period furnishings. The Thomasville History Center complex includes several historic buildings, while the quirky Lapham-Patterson House, built in 1885 with virtually no right angles, showcases Victorian architectural eccentricity. For a restful stay, the quaint Thomasville Bed and Breakfast is within walking distance of the and other Thomasville attractions.

The Final Word

If you’re looking for somewhere to unwind and relax in the South, these seven Georgian towns are ideal candidates. From Dahlonega's gold rush heritage and wine country sophistication to Tybee Island's barefoot beach culture, they’re each guaranteed to provide the kind of slow travel experience we all need now and then. Plan your next 48-hour escape with our list of the seven best towns in Georgia for a two-day recharge.