When you visit the state of Georgia, you may expect to see moss-draped oak trees, huge front porches on beautiful old Antebellum homes, and Pecan orchards. You also expect to enjoy unforgettable food and genuine hospitality with lots of “how are you doing today” greetings coming your way. I am going to tell you how to find all of that and more.
We are going to take a stroll through some of the small towns in Georgia that offer charm, history, and great food, all set against southern backdrops you were dreaming of. If you live in Georgia, as I do, any of these small towns make a great Day trip.
I was born in Atlanta and grew up in middle Georgia. I know from experience that North Georgia is the place to experience Fall in Georgia, Tybee Island is the most relaxing coastal town you can visit in the South, and Helen is the place to be in October if you want to experience Alpine charm without leaving the country.
Table of Contents
- Madison, Ga.
- Darien, Ga.
- Athens, Ga.
- Plains, Ga.
- Thomasville, Ga.
- Helen, Ga.
- Dahlonega
- LaGrange, Ga.
- Tybee Island, Ga.
- More Places to Visit in Georgia
Madison, Ga.
Madison is just about an hour east of Atlanta. It is a little over an hour north of Macon and about 90 minutes west of Augusta.
The quaint small town of Madison was named one of the South’s prettiest towns by Southern Living magazine in 2023. History tells us that on General Sherman’s march through Georgia, burning everything in his path, he considered Madison too pretty to burn.
Therefore, Madison escaped much of the destruction of the Civil War and is famous for its remarkably preserved historic district. You should plan to take a stroll and enjoy Madison’s architecture.
See and Do in Madison
Besides taking in the sights that include historic antebellum homes, tree-lined streets, and historic churches, there is more to see and do in Madison:
- Animal adventures at the Georgia Safari Conservation Park
- Outdoor adventure at Hard Labor Creek State Park
- Go cycling on the Madison-Morgan Meander
- Stroll downtown and visit charming boutiques
- Indulge in great Southern cuisine at any of the locally owned restaurants
Darien, Ga.
Darien is Georgia’s second oldest city. It is a quaint coastal city where those moss-draped trees can be found in the Deep South. Upon a visit to Darien, you will find a quiet fishing town situated between Savannah and Jacksonville, Fla. Darien is a nice place to visit for history, charm, coastal relaxation, and, of course, good food. If you plan to visit Savannah, you simply must add Darien to your Georgia travel itinerary.
Darien is only an hour’s drive south of Savannah. It is about a 75-minute drive north of Jacksonville, Fla and about a 90-minute drive southeast of Statesboro, Ga.
What does Darien have to see and do?
- Historic attractions
- Outdoor adventure
- Festival
- Restaurants
Athens, Ga.
Athens, Georgia, is home to the University of Georgia. Athens was named the South’s Best College Town by Southern Living in 2020. While Athens is known as the UGA college town, it also has lots more to offer when you visit Georgia. One of the hidden gems in Georgia may be the beautiful gardens to explore in Athens.
Athens gets loads of visitors during the college Football season when there are home games. The drive from Atlanta is just about 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta. It is about a 2 hour drive from Macon in middle GA. It is about a 2 hour drive from Blairsville in north Georgia.
Because Athens is a college town, you will find an abundance of free and cheap entertainment. Athens is a great place to visit for foodies. Bonus points to visitors who enjoy live entertainment and museums.
Athens offers:
- Historic neighborhoods
- Beautiful gardens
- Southern local restaurants
- Music history and Live music
- Museums
- The State Botanical Gardens
- Restored Victorian homes
- Bear Hollow Zoo
- AthFest Music and Arts Festival
Plains, Ga.
Plains is only about a 90 minute drive south of Macon. It is only an hour’s drive from Columbus, Ga., making it a great place for a day trip. Depending on the traffic, it is just over a 2 hour drive north of Valdosta, Ga. Plains is only about 90 minutes from Pine Mountain. I recommend going to both Plains and Pine Mountain for a nice day out exploring Presidential history in Georgia.
Plains, Georgia, is the home of the 39th President, Jimmy Carter. Plains is a quaint small town made famous by its connection to President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. If you are checking off your bucket list of small towns in Georgia to visit, you must include Plains for its historic value.
My favorite way to visit Plains is via the Sam Shortline Excursion Train. They make regular trips to Plains that allow you to disembark the train and explore the small downtown area for about 2 hours before returning to the Cordele depot. The locals especially roll out the welcome mat during the holiday season.
If you want to spend more time and explore all of the historic sites operated by the National Park Service, I recommend driving there. Exploring Plains, Ga., makes a nice day trip. It is only a 30-minute drive between Plains and Andersonville, the Civil War Prison Camp site. You could easily visit both on a Day trip.
What to see and do in Plains:
- The Carter Gardens includes gardens and a burial site
- Plains Historic Inn and Antique Mall on Main Street
- Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue
- Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
- Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail
- Plains Peanut Festival
- Plains Depot
Thomasville, Ga.
If you love to shop boutiques, plan to spend the night in Thomasville. Actually, you should always plan to spend the night in historic Thomasville. History and charm ooze here. Try to take in as much as you possibly can with the time you have.
Thomasville is known as the “City of Roses” because of the more than 1,500 blooms in the Thomasville Rose Garden. Thomasville became known as the Winter Resort of the South during the Victorian era.
Stroll red brick streets in a beautiful downtown as you explore the charming shops and myriad high-end boutiques. Browse antique shops. Enjoy your choice of cuisine at one of the many locally owned restaurants serving authentic Southern fare.
The Victorian Christmas Festival is one to make the trip for. Spend the night in a local B&B. They pull out all of the stops for this two-day festival. It should be on your Christmas bucket list.
Things to See and Do in Thomasville, Ga.
- Thomasville Historic Downtown
- Thomasville Rose Garden
- Thomasville History Center
- Thomasville Food Tour
- Pebble Hill Plantation
- Birdsong Nature Center
- The Big Oak Tree
- Festivals
- Annual Victorian Christmas Festival
- Confederate Prisoner of War Camp
- Architecture Tour
- So much more
Helen, Ga.
Helen is a weekend trip kind of destination. Helen is the third most popular destination for Georgia travelers. It is a 3 1/2 hour drive north from Macon or Columbus. It is about a 3-hour drive from Augusta. You can get to Helen from Atlanta in about 2 hours.
The Chattahoochee River sets the scene for this old-world Bavarian village in northeast Georgia. You most definitely cannot experience it all in one day. Helen oozes charm and splendid fun as you experience the Alpine village. Book a cabin, room, B&B, or even a campsite and stay a few days, at least for the weekend.
Oktoberfest begins in September and continues through the first few days of November. I recommend you book your stay early to get a room if you plan to go during Oktoberfest. Leaf peeping should also be at its prime during Oktoberfest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Helen.
Plan on enjoying lots of good food. There is something for everyone in Helen. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or an avid shopper, there is something in Helen you will enjoy.
Things To Do in Helen, Ga.
- Lots of outdoor adventures
- Culture and Artisans
- Alpine Village Shops
- Restaurants including traditional German cuisine
- Historic sites
- Grist Mill
- Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound
- Mountain coaster
- Game rooms and family fun
- Unicoi State Park
- Babyland General Hospital (Cabbage Patch dolls)
- Panning for gold and gems
- Water Park
- Vineyards and Breweries
- So very much more
Dahlonega
Most folks around Georgia, parts of South Carolina, and Alabama want to spend a weekend in Dahlonega in the Fall, for sure. If you are visiting from Atlanta, it can be a day trip because it is only about an hour drive if you hit the traffic just right. From Macon, it’s almost a 3 hour drive.
Dahlonega is a North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountain hot spot. Experience God’s paintbrush in the Fall at Dahlonega with all of its glory and all of the pomp and circumstance it deserves. The locals will make you feel welcome.
Dahlonega is on the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest, which means lots of outdoor adventure. The lighting of the Town Square the day after Thanksgiving is an event to attend. There will be a celebration, just like the ones you see in Hallmark movies, in a small town. In fact, Dahlonega is the site of a Hallmark movie called Christmas in Homestead!
Things To See and Do in Dahlonega
- Georgia’s first gold rush history
- A picturesque town square
- Walking tours
- Outdoor Adventure
- Restaurants, Coffee Shops, Wineries
- Scenic drives
- Mountain views
- History
- Museums
- Art Galleries
- Live Theater
- Festivals all year
LaGrange, Ga.
LaGrange is a 2 hour drive northeast of Macon. It is about a 75 minute drive from Atlanta. You can drive to LaGrange from Columbus in under an hour. It is only a 90 minute drive from Montgomery, Alabama.
LaGrange is home to the oldest private college in Georgia, LaGrange College plus two more colleges. The city was settled around 1828 with a storied past during the Civil War. History, charm, family activities, outdoor adventure, and more are plentiful in LaGrange. It is also within minutes of Pine Mountain and Warm Springs, which you should also visit while staying in LaGrange.
LaGrange also offers West Point Lake with over 500 miles of shoreline. There are camping, fishing, boating, beaches, nature trails, parks, and more.
LaGrange has no shortage of great places to stay, including a Great Wolf Lodge.
Things to See and Do in and near LaGrange, Ga.
- Historic downtown
- West Point Lake
- Hills and Dales Estate
- Wild Animal Safari
- Biblical History Center
- Museums
- Sweetland Amphitheatre
- Outdoor Adventure
- Skate Park
- Wineries
- Fort Tyler at West Point
- Little White House at Warm Springs
- Callaway Gardens at Pine Mountain
Tybee Island, Ga.
You can get to Tybee from Atlanta in about 4 hours by traveling on I-75 south to I-16. It is only about a 3 hour drive from Macon, Augusta, or Columbus. Tybee Island is only a 20-minute drive from Savannah.
Tybee is my personal favorite coastal getaway in Georgia. The pace is slower at Tybee. You won’t find all the touristy attractions common in beach towns. We consider Tybee to be one of the most relaxing places we have ever visited, which is why we keep going back.
There is a beach and a pier on Tybee. There is a small beachy strip with shops and restaurants too. It is nothing like going to Myrtle Beach or Daytona. It is a much more relaxing environment. We enjoy riding a bike to the lighthouse and Fort Pulaski National Monument. It is always fun to tour both.
Our favorite place to stay on Tybee is a B&B facing the ocean. Our favorite thing to do on the island is ride bikes. The bike trails are wonderful. We have ridden bikes in a light rain to the Lighthouse and Fort Pulaski.
Things to See and Do on Tybee Island, Ga.
- Ride Bikes
- Tybee Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest in Georgia
- Fort Pulaski National Monument
- Marine Science Center
- Tybee Island Museum
- Dolphin Tours
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Quaint shops by crafters and artisans
Make a day trip, plan a weekend, or even stay a few days to explore any of these small towns in Georgia. You’ll be glad you did. The pace is a little bit slower, the history is memorable, the food is fabulous, and the folks are friendly.
