5 Great Georgia Destinations
Ready for adventure, relaxation or fun

Ready to hit the road and can’t decide “where to next?”  Here’s a list of five great Georgia Destinations where you can choose – adventure, relaxation, or fun. 

Augusta

Every spring, fans of the “greatest game ever played” descend upon the city of Augusta and, more specifically, the Augusta National Golf Club. While there is fun in watching the celebrities and golfing fans, it’s also a great spot to gobble down one of the famous pimento cheese sandwiches known as a Southern delight. It’s a favorite for those attending the Masters.

James Brown called Augusta home and the Augusta Museum of History  has his memorabilia displayed. It is a spot to visit while in town and learn more about the music genius. Head to Frog Hollow Tavern, Beck’s, and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar for more Southern specialties. They frequently make the “best of” Augusta restaurant lists; now it’s time to add them to your list, too. 

 

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is home to Driftwood Beach, sometimes called Boneyard Beach, because of the massive amount of driftwood along the shore. The erosion of the island’s northern point has resulted in dozens of downed trees left to bleach and dry along the sand. It’s a stunning sight and a favorite of photographers. A little tip, island residents don’t call it a boneyard; it is otherworldly and definitely the spot to spend extra time. 

You’ll want to enjoy the Jekyll Island experience by visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where you can see turtles being nursed back to health after injury and learn more about their fascinating life journeys and the importance of conservation of our ocean waters. Tour the historic district, where wealthy families like the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts built fabulous cottages for a place to call home away from their northern homes. The Jekyll Island Club, a private retreat, is also historic for the gatherings and meetings where important decisions were made for the U.S. economy.  

Jekyll is just north of Cumberland Island and about 45 minutes south of Sapelo Island. When visiting the Georgia coast, it’s a good idea to check out what our coast is famous for: pristine, undeveloped beaches. While you’re nearby, visit St. Simons Lighthouse for spectacular views.

Tip: Check a tide chart before you visit so you can see Driftwood Beach on an outgoing tide. The beach isn’t as accessible or spacious during high tide.

Savannah

I am often asked, “What is your favorite destination?” That’s a difficult question for me to answer. However, Savannah comes to mind as one of my favorite cities in the world.  The architecture of beautiful homes, gardens, and many squares and the not-to-be-missed Forsyth Park with its famous photographic fountain. Savannah is also renowned for its highly walkable Historic Landmark District. Savannah is a rare city that is just as beautiful in person as in stylized, perfectly lit pictures. Pet lovers are welcome to bring along Fido for fun in the park, too. 

It’s a gorgeous city that survived being burned during the Civil War, and we get to enjoy the cobbled streets, tree-lined squares and parks, and gorgeous 18th and 19th-century buildings. My all-time favorite tour remains the Mid-Night in The Garden of Good and Evil, which is about seeking out the local spots from the best-selling novel. There are ghost tours, too. All of the walking will definitely have you ready for a bite of southern flair; my favorite is sitting down for a delicious plate at Chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey.

Special place to visit:  Wormsloe State Historic Site.

Tip for The Grey:  Make reservations a couple of days ahead of your visit for The Grey and choose a table in the main dining area to capture the full experience.

Dahlonega

Are you ready for a bit of wine and dine time? I say yes. Dahlonega is in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, with incredible spots like Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain, and Montaluce Winery & Restaurant.

Plan for a day of wine tasting to discover your favorite North Georgia blend. While you’re there, try your hand sifting and panning for gold. Dahlonega is the site of America’s first gold rush, and each October, you can join the fun for the Gold Rush Days festival.

You’ll only need to drive about an hour North of Atlanta or 40 minutes from Gainesville to reach Dahlonega, the setting of quite a few Christmas movies. The small town lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it’s filled with charm. Shop the many art galleries and boutiques—that’s, of course, after you’ve enjoyed the various wineries and vineyards.
More about wine tasting in Dahlonega.

Lake Oconee

Heading over to a place that’s all about the Lake, having fun and relaxing. It’s the perfect getaway from your busy days.  Lake Oconee is halfway between Atlanta and Augusta, and the man-made Lake offers boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports opportunities. It’s also the backdrop for the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, where you can bring along your pet – they deserve a luxurious vacation, too.  You won’t find a hotel more welcoming than The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee! The resort’s own Labrador retriever, Dooley, spends his days greeting guests and even if you don’t bring your fur baby, there’s one waiting to give you a little puppy love. The Lake Oconee Food and Wine Festival is coming up soon, March 14-16. It’s not too late to plan a trip now. No need to wait for a summer getaway.  

Griffin

It’s time to head South. Griffin is waiting for you. Located off I-75, less than two hours from Gainesville and 45 miles from Atlanta, explore historic downtown Griffin with so many things to do. Take the self-guided Film & TV Marker Tour to learn about more than 100 movies and shows filmed in the area, and along the way, enjoy colorful murals, boutiques, and antique shops. Choose from more than 20 cafes and restaurants, from upscale dining to casual bites. Check out the Arts and Entertainment District, where you can enjoy live music and entertainment on weekends and free summer concerts. Local professional productions and national acts play big here at reasonable ticket prices and without the big-city crowds. Check out the carefully restored Griffin Opera House for intimate and welcoming productions, with free public parking all over town.

The enjoyment doesn’t stop with entertainment; there’s delicious food, too. Find your favorite among Griffin’s casual cafes, southern favorites, and upscale bites.