Ready. Set. Georgia.
From the mountains down to the coast and everything in between, Georgia offers well-known and off-the-beaten-path experiences in cities both big and small. From ghost tours to swimming with sharks and from island resorts to hidden gems here are a few can’t miss attractions, stays and towns when visiting Georgia.
Unique Attractions
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta
Dive into all things aquatic at the country's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium. This state-of-the-art facility holds more than 10 million gallons of water and is home to tens of thousands of animals, including beluga whales, California sea lions, horned and tufted puffins, dolphins, and much more. A new saltwater gallery expansion takes you from fear to fascination as you explore the epic views and experience unique encounters allowing you to suit up and get in the water with sharks and rays.
https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
Ghost Tours in Savannah
Taking a ghost tour is one of the most unconventional and iconic ways to visit the hip and historic town of Savannah, Georgia. Hearse Ghost Ride Tours offers visitors a ride in hearses that were used for over 15 years by funeral parlors. The macabre vehicle combined with haunted sights and spooky tales makes a hearse tour one of the best ways to experience Savannah’s haunting past. For a luxury, walking ghost tour, give Genteel & Bard a try! These Savannah locals are known for their informative tours given in style. Visiting some of the spookiest spots in Savannah, Ghost City Tours tells great tales while guests walk down Savannah's most haunted streets.
hearseghosttours.com
genteelandbard.com
ghostcitytours.com
Historic Westville
The closest you'll get to time travel is a visit to Historic Westville in Columbus. This museum recreates a historic village with restored buildings and homes representative of the late 19th century. Besides exhibits, there are demonstrations, hands-on activities, and opportunities to interact with the different types of people who would have called the town home.
westville.org
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island was once a winter retreat for America's richest families, including the Rockefellers, Pulitzers and Vanderbilts. Now a playground for seaside lovers everywhere, Jekyll Island offers a variety of activities ranging from environmental education to plain old-fashioned beach fun. Soak up island history and maybe a game of croquet with a stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. For oceanside lodging, try the Hampton Inn & Suites. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a hospital for ill and injured sea turtles and a perfect place to see these endangered creatures up close. Tidelands Nature Center is low-key with fantastic kids programs, as well as affordable kayak or canoe rentals. Driftwood Beach is a must-see with its weathered trees preserved in grey by the salt air.
jekyllclub.com
hilton.com
jekyllisland.com
georgia4h.org
Southern Stays
Barnsley Resort
The historical southern estate of Barnsley Resort is the ultimate retreat to unplug and enjoy all the pleasures and pursuits you could ever want. With more than 3,000 acres in North Georgia, the resort appeals to the traveler who craves a connection to an outdoor lifestyle, and who is inspired by nature and intrigued by history. Relax in front of the fireplace in a private cottage or get outside to wander the gardens, go kayaking, play golf or ride horseback, get a massage and dine in style. Throw in a spa, shops and more, and you'll understand why Barnsley's authentic, active, genuine lifestyle draws people to the estate over and over again.
barnsleyresort.com
Dublin Farm
Set on 30 acres of countryside outside of town, Dublin Farm features cozy rooms inside the bed and breakfast, an outdoor pool, lounge area and a restaurant. Each guest suite features luxurious bedding, flat-screen televisions and private baths. The farm is also equipped with free WiFi. One of the biggest treats at Dublin Farm is dining on a multi-course Italian feast at Ristorante da Maria, where all the food is cooked by Italian-born chef Maria Runggaldier. While her dishes hail from her home country, many of the ingredients used to create them — including beef, peaches, blueberries, and heritage poultry — are grown in Georgia. And guests can pair their pasta (all hand made by Runggaldier) with Italian wines to round out the experience — all part of living la dolce vita.
Getaway House in Suches
With locations around the country, Getaway House in Suches is Georgia's outpost, located two hours north of Atlanta. The sleek and modern tiny homes are tucked into the forest and encourage guests to lock their phones away and disconnect during their stay. There are 21 pet-friendly cabins of varying sizes with full bathrooms, kitchenettes, and fire pits as well as large windows to soak up nature. Guests can go hiking at the onsite nature trail or head to another trailhead like the Jarrard Gap Trail. Bring the essentials to enjoy a fireside snack, or purchase from the pantry. Or, if you want to have a meal out, Blairsville, Dahlonega, and Blue Ridge are around 45 minutes away. In Blairsville, you can get a bird's eye view of the state from the highest peak in Georgia at Brasstown Bald, see the only place the Appalachian Trail passes through a human-made structure at Mountain Crossings, and go on waterfall hikes like to Helton Creek Falls. You’ll love the scenic views as you drive along curvy mountain roads like Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway.
getaway.house/atlanta
Beachwood Inn
For the ultimate romantic stay, get away to the north Georgia mountains and stay in a luxury suite or secluded cabin at the Beechwood Inn in Clayton. Known for its excellent wine and farm-to-table dining. Book a romance package and enjoy chilled sparkling wine, a seasonal flower arrangement in your room, custom-made chocolate truffles, Southern breakfast for two each morning, and a pair of keepsake champagne flutes. While you're in Clayton, you'll have lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures like hikes to waterfalls, horseback riding and boating on Lake Burton.
beechwoodinn.ws
Small Towns and Hiddden Gems
Waycross
Waycross and Ware County is located in the heart of beautiful Southeast Georgia at the northern tip of the Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife Refuge. Waycross is a nationally-recognized Main Street City filled with Southern hospitality and charm. From the historic downtown district to the swamp lands of the Okefenokee, there is something for everyone. Experience traditional down home cooking at Captain Joe’s Seafood, explore the natural wonders of the Okefenokee by boat at the Okefenokee Swamp Park, or visit the Okefenokee Heritage Center for a journey through local history and art. Whether staying overnight or just traveling through, Waycross will be a place to remember.
captainjoesseafood.com
okeswamp.org
okefenokeeheritagecenter.org
Conyers
Just a half hour east of Atlanta you will find the charming small town of Conyers. Stroll the quaint streets of Olde Town and enjoy unique boutique shopping, delightful eateries, and festivals of this Main Street community. After Olde Town stroll head to The Georgia International Horse Park to explore the world-class facility that hosted equestrian and mountain bike venues for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Today, this 1400-acre horse park is a multi-purpose facility featuring horse and car shows, fairs, festivals, concerts, picnics, and banquets year-round. Just minutes from the Horse Park is Black Shoals Park, a 650-acre reservoir and recreational facility offering fishing, canoeing, boating, picnicking and hiking. South of Interstate 20, renew your spirit at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, home to Cistercian monks for over 65 years, or spend a day at Panola Mountain State Park, Georgia's first conservation park.
georgiahorsepark.com
trappist.net
Fitzgerald
In 1896, only 30 years after the Civil War, northern attorney Philander Fitzgerald, brought together veterans from both sides of the conflict and created the colony city of Fitzgerald. A city that once put aside past differences to live in harmony, is now a must visit for history buffs and boutique shoppers. For a unique historical experience visit Fitzgerlad’s Blue and Gray Museum, with more than 1200 objects, photographs, household items, memorabilia and rare Civil War artifacts displayed. After the museum, venture to the walkable streets of downtown tour local eateries, shops and art exhibits. Don’t skip the Bella Rue Plaza, a unique boutique store in downtown made up of 40 booths carrying everything from candles, to jewelry, home decor and so much more.
fitzgeraldga.org/blue-and-gray-museum
fitzgeraldga.org/shopping
Young Harris
Young Harris, Georgia sits in the most enchanted valley in North Georgia. One of the most beautiful sites in the state is when you drive over the hill from Hiawassee and see the valley below. Spend an evening looking at the stars at the Rollins Planetarium, which offers Friday night star shows. After the show spot your next destination as the observatory for the planetarium sits on a hill overlooking Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa, one of the Georgia's premier mountain resorts. The resort boasts an equestrian center, a restaurant, a spa, a pub, hiking trails, golfing and conference facilities. To complete the enchanting experience, visit Crane Creek Vineyards, a winery offering a delightful wine tasting experience along with breathtaking views of the adjacent mountains and valleys.
yhc.edu/planetarium
brasstownvalley.com
cranecreekvineyards.com
