The Best Weekend Getaways To Escape The Hustle and Bustle of Atlanta

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.

Where can you go for a small town feel close to Atlanta? With Locally owned shops, restaurants boutiques and two Smithsonian recognized museums, Cartersville is calling you. Head to the Ross Diner, Appalachian Grill, Bridge House, and Ate Track for some great meals all under the Church Street Bridge. Take a little trip to Red Top Mountain State Park to get in touch with nature. And of course, Barnsley Resort is just down the road, perfect for a visit to the ruins and gardens or a relaxing overnight stay.

Is there a southern town more charming than Charleston? You’d truly be hard-pressed to find one. Stroll along the storied cobblestone streets, shop along the hustle and bustle of King Street, or spend a lovely day out on Folly Beach. This coastal city has been around for centuries and is filled with historic buildings and attractions to see on every corner. Indulge in the iconic Lowcountry cuisine native (she-crab soup, anyone?)  and be sure to try learn about and try Gullah cuisine as well.

Chattanooga is small mountain town charm nestled in stunning foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts will love this city and its surrounding natural wonders. Get your kayaking on on the Ocoee River or if rock climbing is more your speed, you can partake in world-class climbing on the Tennessee Wall. Stay in downtown to enjoy the walkability or explore Chattanooga’s arts and culture scene in the Bluff View Art District. You’ll also love all of the cuisine Chattanooga has to offer. The monkey bread at State of Confusion is stupid good, and the fried chicken special at the Flying Squirrel also can’t be missed.

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!

Georgia’s very own “Little Grand Canyon” is perfect for a weekend trip if you’re looking to get out in nature and see some crazy cool geography. Erosion from unregulated agricultural practices is the cause of this unusual looking canyons, yet it truly is beautiful to hike and camp at during the night.  Just be aware that it can get quite hot in the summer, so it may be better to visit in the fall months! 

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 comprising of beaches like Rosemary Beach, Miramar Beach, and Sandestin Beach, 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.