Georgia's 6 Most Laid-Back Towns For 2025
Summer has unfortunately been over for a few weeks now, and as a result, you may be feeling that October slump creep in. Now that reality has returned, stress tends to tag along. The good news for those in Georgia is that the state has plenty of towns where you can slow down and recharge. Apple orchards are thriving, vineyards are pouring, and the mountain views have never looked better. These six towns are the perfect places to take it all in and slip into full relaxation mode.
Ellijay
While Ellijay is relaxing to visit year-round, it is an especially beautiful place to visit in the fall, filled with apple orchards and appropriately nicknamed “Georgia’s Apple Capital.” Travelers can stroll through some of the local orchards at farms like BJ Reece Orchards, which offers U-pick apple experiences each fall, and an on-site market and bakery. Other activities to enjoy during autumn include pig races, cow milking, a petting zoo, wagon rides, and a corn maze scavenger hunt, among many others, allowing you to slip into that relaxed fall spirit. Right next door to the orchard, you will find Reece’s Cider Company, which was established five years ago and has a selection of sixteen hard ciders to choose from. Nearly every weekend, you can enjoy live music and food trucks on the premises as well! If you head about a half-hour southwest of town, you will hit Carters Lake, where you can enjoy all kinds of peaceful activities like fishing, boating, picnicking, and camping.
Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Falls is home to one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the state: the Tallulah Gorge. This gorge is nearly 1,000 feet deep and is two miles long, with Tallulah Gorge State Park being the gateway to its exploration. Inside the park, travelers will find over 20 miles of hiking trails that meander past canyon overlooks and waterfalls, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area’s beauty. After a calm afternoon of hiking, head over to The Edge Cafe + Bar for a bite to eat on the peaceful outdoor patio, where you can enjoy a variety of locally and globally inspired dishes. Those who enjoy camping, meanwhile, can unwind for the evening at River Falls at the Gorge, which is set along the Tallulah River and has tent, RV, travel trailers, and pop-up sites on the property. River Falls also has some cozy cabins and treehouses available if you prefer to sleep with a few more amenities!
Dahlonega
Situated in the heart of Georgia’s Wine Country, Dahlonega is the perfect weekend trip for travelers hoping to sit back and enjoy a few glasses of wine. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is a popular spot in the area, known for its award-winning wines, with over 200 honors to its name, that visitors can enjoy while appreciating the estate’s gorgeous scenery. At Kaya Vineyard & Winery, visitors can also admire views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while wine tasting, or even lodge at one of the vineyard’s luxurious cottages. Make sure to check out some of the region’s waterfalls before you leave, such as Amicalola Falls, which cascades over 700 feet into a pristine reflecting pool. Travelers can reach these beautiful falls via a short walkway that leads to a variety of viewing platforms, allowing you to see the cascades at the perfect angle.
Darien
Darien is a small fishing village at the mouth of the Altamaha River with plenty of water recreation and delicious seafood. Those looking to explore the Altamaha River Delta can book an excursion with Georgia Tidewater Outfitters, which offers nature tours aboard the Delta Belle, diving into the region’s wildlife and history. Want to try your luck at fishing in Darien’s waters? Mad Shark Charters has both inshore and offshore fishing charters available. If you enjoy seafood but prefer not to catch your own, you will love Skipper’s Fish Camp, a waterfront restaurant downtown that serves all kinds of seafood classics, including shrimp, flounder, oysters, scallops, salmon, crab cakes, and grouper.
Tybee Island
Tybee Island has been providing a relaxing refuge for vacationers since the 19th century. There are five beaches to choose from during your stay, one of which is located on Little Tybee Island, a nature preserve known for its pristine shores, salt marshes, and sand dunes. Besides sunbathing on the beach, this preserve is the perfect spot to camp, fish, or birdwatch as well. Travelers can also explore the water on a kayak tour with one of the local outfitters, such as Sea Kayak Georgia, which offers kayak, SUP, and canoe excursions. At the end of the day, visitors can relax at the charming Tybee Island Inn, which has been operating since 1995 and has several “seashore fantasy” themed rooms to lodge in.
Hiawassee
Hiawassee is a quintessential mountain town that is located near some of the state’s most noteworthy peaks. If your idea of a laid-back vacation involves some panoramic mountain views, you will definitely want to visit Brasstown Bald, the state’s highest peak at over 4,700 feet. You can even see four states from the peak’s observation deck if the weather is just right! Bell Mountain is another beautiful peak to check out during your time in Hiawassee, which features a viewing deck that hovers at an impressive 3,400 feet, offering unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Those who prefer to spend the day at the lake will love Lake Chatuge, which is just a 10-minute drive north of Hiawassee with 132 miles of shoreline that is popular for fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and camping.
Your Relaxing Georgia Getaway Is Right Around The Corner
In Georgia, the perfect recharge is just around the corner for those who seek it. These towns are some of the best evidence of that, complete with fishing charters, cideries, vineyards, nature preserves, waterfalls, gorges, and everything else in between that you might define as “laid-back.” So put your work on hold for a few days and let yourself slow down and bask in the relaxation that these six towns have to offer!
