Written by Atlanta Eats intern, Emily Rubin 

Every now and again, we all need a quick weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. Whether you’re looking to seek refuge in the mountains or at the beach, check out these nearby getaways for an easy vacation and some great food!

Old Edwards Inn – Peach Salad with Fried Egg

Highlands, NC
For a charming town with incredible food, look no further than Highlands, North Carolina. The mountains are breathtaking, the town is quaint, and – thanks to the local farms – the food is fresh. For a farm-to-table meal, make sure to visit The Old Edwards Inn. Know as a European-style full-service resort and spa, The Old Edwards Inn features six different restaurants – each boasting a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. For an elevated dining experience and, overall, wonderful experience, plan your getaway to Highlands!

South Walton, FL
Also known as Atlanta’s beach on the Gulf Coast, South Walton offers 26 miles of beachside fun. Explore the outdoors, take your semi-annual shopping spree, or dive into the restaurant scene. With 16 award-winning beach communities, South Walton offers an unparalleled and unique dining experience for its visitors. Food truck trailers are a common and delicious sighting, along with fine dining scenes and seafood straight from the sea. With food, fashion, music, festivals, and more food, South Walton is a destination worth the drive down to Florida.

Athens, GA
With such a dynamic food scene, Athens is a great getaway option for all kinds of eaters. Whether you’re looking for grub-style cheap eats or a James Beard nominated dining experience, Athens has the restaurant for you. For some good ole comfort food make sure to stop by Last Resort Grill, and for some good ole craft beer you have to visit Creature Comforts Brewery. When it comes to shellfish and slushie Negronis, Seabear Oyster House has you covered. But no matter what you fancy on this getaway, Athens’ got it!

Baton Rouge, LA
What do you get when you combine French, Spanish, and Native American influence? A darn good gumbo. Road-tripping to Baton Rouge is the perfect excuse to indulge in the drool-worthy melting pot of Creole, Cajun, and Lowcountry Cuisine that is Nawlins. One of our favorite spots is Juban’s, where the “Hallelujah Crab” is stuffed with seafood and served claws up on your plate. Another notable restaurant is Stroubes Seafood and Steaks, serving delectable “upscale down south” dishes in downtown. Whether it’s crab season, crawfish season, oyster season, or even tailgating season, the food is always delicious and the hospitality is always wonderful in Baton Rouge.

Troll Tavern – Bratwurst Platter

Helen, GA
Located just along the Chattahoochee River is the Bavarian village of Helen, Georgia. With adventurous outdoor activities, gorgeous vineyards, an inspiring art scene, worldwide food offerings, Helen is a great option for your next getaway. Big Daddy’s has the burgers, Hofer’s has the baked goods, La Cabana has the tacos, and Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Cafe has… the fried cheese. Enjoy any cuisine in Helen while experiencing the charm of Bavaria, and be sure to enjoy a wine tasting at Yonah Mountain Vineyards before heading back to ATL!