9 Affordable Day Trips for a Georgia Getaway
With so many school vacations, it's difficult to plan a trip for each one. Or maybe you don't have kids, but can't steal away for a full week's vacation. Instead of traveling for an extended visit, why not plan some awesome day trips? Here are nine great one-day outings that will have you exploring all the regions of Georgia.
Alpharetta
American Girl Package at Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta
Alpharetta is the perfect place for a shopping holiday. Girls of all ages will enjoy the American Girl Boutique & Bistro at North Point Mall. Make it extra special by spending the night at the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta with the American Girl package.
Rutledge & Hard Labor Creek State Park
Mountain Bike Trails at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia
On your way to play golf, go mountain biking or swim at Hard Labor Creek State Park, make a pit-stop in historic Rutledge. You can eat lunch in an authentic train caboose and pick up some locally made honey as well as some local history at the Rutledge Hardware.
Harlem
The Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem, Georgia
Relax with a classic comedy at the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem, Georgia. Afterward, visit Madison and Milledgeville to see the other towns where Oliver Hardy grew up in Georgia.
Statesboro
Center for Wildlife Education in Statesboro, Georgia
Get back to nature at the Center for Wildlife Education on the campus of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. This facility is known for birds of prey, so be sure to catch the flight show during your visit.
Sapelo Island
Nanny Goat Beach on Sapelo Island
A day trip to Sapelo Island is the perfect way to escape the world for a few hours. Board a boat in Meridian, near the town of Darien. Take the day tour of Reynolds Mansion, or book a private tour of the small community of Hog Hammock and the natural side of Sapelo Island.
Cartersville
Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia
No time or money to visit the Old West? Then head to Cartersville to The Booth Museum instead. In addition to cowboys and Indians, you'll also find a gallery of American presidents. Best of all, the Booth is free the first Thursday of the month after 4 p.m.
Cleveland
Sue and a friendly camel at North Georgia Zoo and Petting Farm, Cleveland, Ga.
Get up close and personal with camels, wolves and more at the North Georgia Zoo in Cleveland, Georgia. For a really wild time, spend the night at the zoo.
Thomasville
Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville
Visit the grandeur of the Old South at Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville. Afterward, come back to modern times with lunch at one of Thomasville's many restaurants.
Plains
Stops on the SAM Shortline include the Georgia Veterans State Park and the Telephone Museum
The best way to see this area of Georgia is by train. Take the SAM Shortline to the Plains Depot with a stop in Leslie at the quirky Rural Telephone Museum.