Explore North Georgia with 3 Perfect Weekend Getaways
Looking for a quick escape where you can spend more time relaxing and less time driving? North Georgia is closer than you think!
Here are three perfect weekend getaways to enjoy in Atlanta, northwest Georgia and the northeast Georgia mountains.
When most people think about Midtown Atlanta, they think more about business than the perfect place for a weekend getaway. But, the Atlanta neighborhood's location near so many of the city's iconic attractions and restaurants makes Midtown the perfect destination for a cosmopolitan weekend escape.
Make the Loews Atlanta Hotel your home for the weekend. Arrive early Friday, park your car and get your walking shoes on. Take a selfie in front of the colorful new Midtown sign on your way to the High Museum of Art for HIGH Frequency Friday, a party unlike any other. A sample evening includes performances by local musicians, fortune telling, ice carving, a movie screening, and of course, gallery tours.
Wake up after a colorful night with a barre class at the Exhale gym in the Lowes Hotel. Exhale was voted Best Fitness Hotspot in Atlanta by Women's Health. If you’d rather be outside, head east to Atlanta's Piedmont Park for an early morning run.
Take a guided tour through the Piedmont Park Conservancy to learn about the park's colorful history or the local wildlife. Do It Yourselfers can download a tree tour online. If you visit March through December, pick up local produce and gifts at the Green Market at Piedmont Park.
Or, book a food tour through Atlanta's neighborhoods, and taste your way through the city's rich history and divine food scene.
Finish the day with a stop at Park Tavern for a cocktail on the patio and one of the prettiest views of Midtown Atlanta.
There is no better way to fuel your spirit than with a weekend escape in the great outdoors. Cloudland Canyon State Park has regular or backcountry camping, as well as RV sites and yurts!
After getting set up, take a hike around the rim of Cloudland Canyon to get acclimated before dinner and s'mores around the campfire.
The sun comes up early. Take advantage of the morning hours on your full day at Cloudland Canyon to hike into the canyon and view the two waterfalls, Hemlock and Cherokee. Plus since you'll be fresh and rested, you won't mind the 600 steps down and then back up.
Get cleaned up and head into nearby Rising Fawn for a steak dinner at Canyon Grill. You've earned it.
On the final day, pack up your gear and go a few minutes outside the Cloudland Canyon gate to Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Soar through the air on a tandem flight above the mountains.
Spend your afternoon on a little less adventurous path exploring Rock City Gardens, where you can see seven states all from one location. Stay for lunch at Café 7 for a slightly different view of seven states, over a perfectly grilled Seven States burger.
No budget to visit Europe this year? How about a weekend getaway to Alpine Helen instead? Oktoberfest is the most well-known time to visit here, but adventure awaits other times of the year, as well.
Rent your mountain home away from home from Cedar Creek Cabins. They have a variety of cabins to choose from and are experts in the Helen area.
For the active vacationer, purchase a mountain bike experience from Woody’s Mountain Bikes. They'll give you all the gear you need and show you the best trails to ride.
Rather go on horseback? Chattahoochee Stables can fix you up, no matter what your age because even kids 5 years old and younger can go horseback riding with an adult.
Kayaking more your speed? Then contact Wildwood Outfitters and select from four different kayaking trips down the Chattahoochee.
Don't miss the view of Anna Ruby Falls, twin waterfalls that are reached by a scenic half-mile interpretive trail.
For those who would rather break a sweat shopping, Helen has some unique outlets, including the Old Sautee Store & Market, a historic community landmark where kids can still fill a bag of candy from the candy barrels. While children are picking out sweets, parents can get an "adult" grilled cheese for lunch at the Old Sautee Market.
For the adult-only weekend, visit and tour Habersham Vineyards & Winery, located in the Nacoochee Village. While you are there, browse several other shops selling unique mountain wares.
No matter how you get your exercise, you've earned a treat from the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen in downtown Helen. They literally wrote the book on candy making (Candy Making for Dummies, that is). Savor the hand-crafted gourmet chocolates or the world-famous Chattahoochee Snappers.
Leave some time during your visit for a meal at Hofer's of Helen. This AAA-approved, TripAdvisor Hall of Fame restaurant is the place to go for authentic German food. Enjoy Wiener schnitzel and Sauerbraten. Plus it has an ice cream menu for the kids. From May through November take in the gorgeous Helen views and a little German Oompah music in the Biergarten.
