Weekend getaways for Atlanta families (Columbus, Savannah: hotels, home, restaurants)

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by Born 2 Roll

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has some ideas for what they call “unusual” getaways from Atlanta during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The first three getaways listed that lead-off the article are in the mountains and foothills of North Georgia, though there are other getaway ideas listed around the other parts, including on the Georgia Coast.



Close to home: Unusual getaways near Atlanta

Good list but Jekyll isn’t exactly “close” at around a 5 hour drive away.

[Born 2 Roll]

Originally Posted by markjames68

Good list but Jekyll isn’t exactly “close” at around a 5 hour drive away.

True.

But for many metro Atlantans, places on the Atlantic coast (like Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Savannah, Tybee Island, Hilton Head Island, etc.) while exactly close in physical or geographical distance, are and will always be close in our hearts and minds.

[Born 2 Roll]

The Atlanta Intown Paper explores the Northwest Georgia city of Rome as a nearby getaway destination for Atlantans.

Built on seven hills at the confluence of the Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa rivers, Rome is a charming alternative for a quick weekend getaway.

Around 90 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Rome is probably best known as a college town thanks to the presence of Berry College and Shorter University, but there’s also plenty of museums, historic sites, dining, shopping, and beautiful places to stroll along the river.

When In Rome: Picturesque city is perfect weekend getaway (Atlanta Intown Paper)

[Citykid3785]

Originally Posted by Born 2 Roll

The Atlanta Intown Paper explores the Northwest Georgia city of Rome as a nearby getaway destination for Atlantans.



When In Rome: Picturesque city is perfect weekend getaway (Atlanta Intown Paper)

Thanks for posting B2R. We stopped in time on our way to hike George sloppy Floyd state park earlier this year. We were very pleasantly surprised for the following reasons:

Good proximity to the mountains, rivers, etc
2 colleges
Nice historic buildings
Super cute downtown with lots of shops
Slow paced, easy going
Only ~1 hr away
Affordable

In a weird way if I ever got tired of suburban living and craved a slower pace of life near the outdoors with affordability, I could see it being a great place to live

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by Citykid3785

Thanks for posting B2R. We stopped in time on our way to hike George sloppy Floyd state park earlier this year. We were very pleasantly surprised for the following reasons:

Good proximity to the mountains, rivers, etc
2 colleges
Nice historic buildings
Super cute downtown with lots of shops
Slow paced, easy going
Only ~1 hr away
Affordable

In a weird way if I ever got tired of suburban living and craved a slower pace of life near the outdoors with affordability, I could see it being a great place to live

Rome-GA is a jewel.

Rome
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome,_Georgia?wprov=sfti1

[T Block]

Here's a list:

Chattahoochee River NRA, Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, Silver Comet Trail, and Birmingham Race Course simulcast center.

The closest coast is Savannah at 248 miles but a lot of people in Atlanta have condos in Destin at 333 miles. The driving distance to Jacksonville is 345 miles. Don't forget the Suwannee River.

It has occurred to me that the Appalachian mountains are like the East Coast's amazon. Of course there are North Georgia mountains. Also, the water in Atlanta comes from the mountains and not from agricultural areas.

Here is one link: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/explo...sades-east.htm .

[bu2]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

Lost Sea is kind of touristy and chintzy
... But it's also very neat and a lot of fun!

As a side note, I discovered it a few years ago after being disappointed on a visit to Capri, the surf was too rough to let people into the Blue Grotto the day I tried to go. Lost Sea is the second best thing! Lol, I really liked it.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting coated with sticky mud.

[ArmyBrat619]

Albany, GA? They must have been high on something when they included that

[ShenardL]

When I was young I have fond memories of weekend family trips to Chattanooga (Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, Chattanooga Riverboat ride, Rock City Gardens) and walk around the river area and dine at the restaurants.

[Born 2 Roll]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

Albany?!

Originally Posted by bu2

That's what I was thinking! I had to read it to see what they suggested. They had a few kid friendly things.

Its actually kind of nice down there. The pace is slower, cell phone service can be spotty. It really is a place to slow down and get away from it all. But only in limited doses.

Originally Posted by ArmyBrat619

Albany, GA? They must have been high on something when they included that

Yeah, the inclusion of Albany on a list of weekend getaway spots for families does seem to be a bit of a head scratcher.

But in Albany’s defense, the city does at least have 3 notable museums and an aquarium to attempt to serve as modest attractions for potential visitors who probably are more than likely to be in town for a bigger event like the Fall Homecoming football game at Albany State University maybe more than almost anything else. Albany is also the birthplace of famed musician Ray Charles.

Though the inclusion of Albany of a weekend getaway list probably was just a way to bring some needed attention to a part of the Southeastern region that most often gets overlooked and ignored in favor of more appealing and high-profile places like Savannah and Coastal Georgia, Hilton Head Island, metro Atlanta, the North Georgia mountains, Chattanooga, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Western North Carolina mountains, Florida, the Gulf Coast, etc.