If you’re looking to get away, but not too far away, go no further than these amazing cities and counties across the South to make your exciting, romantic and restful weekend dreams come true. 

 

Nothing Ancient about Rome and Northern Georgia 

Founded in 1834, Rome, Georgia is bustling town full of history, award winning museums and developed trails.  

One of Rome’s Seven Hills, the historic Jackson Hill, is home to several historical artifacts, like long-since-used Cotton Gins, log cabins, and canons, as well as the popular Labyrinth. Follow the path of this repurposed 1930s amphitheater while clearing the mind with this sacred and meditative way to walk away the stresses of everyday life.  

Fully embracing the history of the city’s namesake, a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf, which depicts the legend of the ancient city’s founding, sits outside Rome’s City Hall. While at Porto Futurus, visitors marvel at giant archways depicting the man-made engineering feat that was the ancient Roman aqueducts.  

The Downtown Heritage Trail System takes visitors 13.5 miles through the historic downtown and along Rome’s three rivers. Climb the 107 steps up iconic 1870s Clock Tower’s spiral staircase for the best sights in the whole city. Discover the history of downtown Rome and the riverfront with Rome’s Scavenger Hunt – all from the convenience of your smart phone.  

Outside Rome, in nearby Cartersville-Bartow County, Barnsley Resort is the rewarding retreat you’ve been searching for. There are plenty of outdoor activities on the historic Southern estate’s 3,000 acres. With the feeling of a pedestrian—friendly English village, the Barnsley offers a variety of lodging accommodations to create the perfect, and private, North Georgia retreat. See the ruins of an Italianate villa at the Manor House Ruins and Gardens or test out your precision shooting skills with the High Adventure Company’s Swarovski 1,000-yard Challenge at the Berretta Shooting Grounds. Whether squeezing in an early morning round of golf, crossing the foothills on horseback, or brushing up on your archery skills, the Barnsley offers guests the freedom to explore.   
visitcartersga.org 
romegeorgia.org 

  

All Good in and Around Athens, Alabama 

A quick car ride from Montgomery and Nashville, and minutes from Huntsville, Athens and the surrounding communities offer history, hometown hospitality and not-to-be-missed nature.  

Nestled between the Tennessee and Elk Rivers, Athens and Limestone County are home to amiable and progressive communities filled with history. Guided tours weave visitors through the 1820s Robert Beaty Historic District highlighting iconic architecture and local lore. Friendly local businesses stretch far and wide over this portion of Alabama, like Belle Chevre Cheese Shop and Tasting Room offering creamery tours with advanced reservations, hometown favorite for women’s fashion, Boutique Bliss, and Preston’s Western Wear with a splendid selection of boots, denim, and 10-gallon hats.  

At the Jesse Owens Memorial Park in Danville, learn about the man who, in under one hour, set four World Records in 1935. In 45 minutes, to be exact, Owens tied the 100-yard dash, and broke the records for 220-yard dash, 220-low hurdles, and the long jump, the latter of which he held for 25 years. Museum patrons discover the man behind the medals as they stroll the 300 acres property, past the Eternal Flame stainless-steel replica of the 1936 Olympic torch, the Gold Medal Tree, and even attempt to match his 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics Gold-Medal winning jump of 26 feet, 5 and 5/16-inches at the long jump pit.  

Enjoy a scenic evening cruise on Wheeler Lake, or hike along the shoreline of the Tennessee River’s second largest lake. Swing by The Railyard for some farm-to-fork Southern comfort food in historic downtown Decatur.  

Stunning sights, history at your fingertips and the great outdoors to cleanse the spirit, Northern Alabama – where quality of life is about shared experiences.  
visitathensal.com 
lawrencealabama.com 

 

Tastefully Tyler 

Located between Shreveport, Louisiana and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Tyler, Texas is a terrific Texas town to dust off those boots and take a load off.  

Known as the Rose Capital of Texas, Tyler is home to historic attractions, interactive family fun, and outdoor experiences. The Village at Cumberland Park is one of Tyler’s premium shopping and entertainment centers. Test your skills of deduction and logic at Escapology, Tyler’s top escape game experience. With a variety of interactive scenarios to choose from, players work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and decipher riddles – all in hopes of escaping before time runs out.   

Discover the wide world of wildlife at the Caldwell Zoo, home to more than 2000 animals – including the newest addition, Amali, a reticulated giraffe. With a children’s petting zoo, two aquariums and special animal encounters, a day at the zoo is more than just a walk in the park.  

At the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, learn about the importance of aircraft and aviation technology in modern American history. The real-life flight simulator puts guests in the front seat, letting them see military aircraft from a whole new vantage point. With sixteen aircrafts in the museum’s hangar, visitors will be captivated with the magnificent machines of aviation.  

Once a booming capital of oil, Lake Tyler’s Petroleum Club offers visitors those one-of-a-kind amenities only reserved for the most elite of guests. The jaw-dropping sunset views over the water, the luxurious and bright cabin rentals, and the grandeur of the Lakeside Clubhouse make the Petroleum Club the ideal venue for a destination wedding or special event.  

Striving to connect community through cooking, The Grove Kitchen and Gardens is beautiful, bright, and bold addition to the Tyler culinary scene. The sprawling historic farm, nestled in the heart of Tyler, has been wowing guests with its innovative cuisine, inspired service, and emphasis on farm to table ingredients.  

A terrific time for all can be found in the Texas-sized experiences, the Piney Woods panoramas, and the down-home feel of Tyler. 
visittyler.com 

 

Feeling Fine in Fredericksburg 

Discover the friendly folks of Fredericksburg, Virginia and embrace the joy of the city’s future while learning about its unique past.  

Explore the 40-block historic district, while being swept away on horse-drawn carriage ride or getting some exercise with a historic walking tour. The area’s rich heritage and modern influences create a transcendental escape, just moments outside the greater District of Columbia Metropolitan, Charlottesville, and Richmond. With notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, and many more, having graced the streets, inns, shops, and restaurants of Fredericksburg, visitors discover history around every corner.  

Be inspired by the works of Gari and Corrine Melcher at the Gari Melcher’s Home and Studio. The 18th century Belmont mansion was where the American portraitist, landscape painter, impressionist, and muralist resided during his later years. One of America’s best-preserved homes, the collection and estate include over 1600 works and 27 acres of wondrous gardens and walking paths.  

At Historic Kenmore, visitors wander the brick mansion, built by local merchant, Fielding Lewis and his wife, Betty Washington Lewis, George Washington’s sister. This grandiose Georgian style mansion highlights the family’s wealth before the Revolutionary War. Located in the heart of Fredericksburg, and steps from the Rappahannock River, Historic Kenmore is available for public tours, and to allay any safety concerns from patrons, private tours are available with advanced reservations, making it a great way to encounter history firsthand, while staying healthy.  

After booking a safe and sober group ride through the family-owned Fredericksburg Limousine, or snagging a spot on the Spotsylvania Wine Trolley, visit a handful of the area’s 15 different wineries, distilleries, and breweries while enjoying an inebriating and tasty tour of the county. 

From history to wine, a fine time is to be had by all in Fredericksburg. 
visitfred.com 

With these quaint communities, legendary landmarks, outdoors adventures, and amenity-filled stays, all conveniently located to major cities across the South – a weekend getaway just got a little easier.