5 Small Town Georgia Getaways Perfect for Families
Georgia's small towns aren't just for grown-ups. They're also great for families and pint-sized travelers with plenty of things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to enjoy.
From the laid-back college town vibe of Athens to the historic brick-paved streets of Thomasville, curious travelers will love exploring the hometowns of generations of Georgia families. Chat with local residents at stores in downtown Clayton for tips on where to find the best waterfalls, savor meals made with locally grown ingredients in Greensboro, and watch the kids play in the park while you relax with a craft brew in LaGrange. Make yourself at home with overnight stays in family-friendly hotels, resorts and campgrounds.
With activities for all ages, dining options and accommodations, these are just some of the small towns throughout Georgia that appeal to the young and those young at heart. Pack up the group for one of these memorable getaways.
Athens
Things to Do
The Classic City is great for families because of the abundance of free and cheap attractions. As home of the University of Georgia, Athens is known for its many attractions that appeal to students and lifelong learners of all ages.
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a 300-acre site with numerous display gardens, including a children's garden. Stroll the five miles of nature trails, looking for birds and other wildlife. Bear Hollow Zoo has 120 non-releasable animals, including bobcats, white-tailed deer, river otters, owls, and a bald eagle. The Tree That Owns Itself is another quirky attraction kids will enjoy.
Places to Eat
Grab a bite at the outpost of The Varsity, the famous Atlanta-based drive-in, for hot dogs and hamburgers with frozen drinks. Mama's Boy is open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, known for its Georgia peach French toast. Set in a former grocery store, White Tiger Gourmet has popular barbecue sandwiches and daily specials.
Where to Stay
Stay the night at the Graduate Athens, located right outside of campus with an in-house spa, coffee shop, music venue, and decor inspired by its college town surroundings. The Hotel Indigo Athens is another favorite, inspired by the area’s covered bridges.
Clayton
Things to Do
The North Georgia town of Clayton is great for outdoors enthusiasts. Your first stop should be Wander North Georgia, a family-owned outdoor store that carries hiking and camping gear but also offers expert guidance on what to see and do in the region. Then, wander the trails of Tallulah Gorge State Park or walk across the suspension bridge. Dillard House Stables offer scenic horseback rides of varying length for all ages.
Places to Eat
Dine in one of historic Clayton's locally owned restaurants. Clayton Cafe has been open for more than 60 years with Southern dishes like meatloaf and sandwiches. Fortify Pi serves Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas with your choice of toppings, ideal for sharing.
Where to Stay
Use your time in town to connect with nature by staying at one of the area's campgrounds. Tallulah Gorge State Park and Black Rock Mountain State Park have campsites where visitors can spend the night. River Falls at the Gorge has RV and tent campsites along the Tallulah River as well as "glamping" in tiny houses and treehouses.
Greensboro
Things to Do
The charming town of Greensboro may not have traditional "things to do," but visitors can spend their days on nearby Lake Oconee. In nearby Union Point, Durhamtown Off Road Resort has outdoor adventures for older kids like fishing, paintball, and ATVs.
Places to Eat
Enjoy homemade soups and sandwiches at Ripe Thing Market, where local produce is always in season and you can also pick up jams, jellies, snacks and more. Only open on weekends, Holcomb's Bar-B-Que is the best place around for chopped or sliced pork plates and sandwiches, Brunswick stew, and coleslaw.
Where to Stay
Camp under the stars at the 55-acre Lake Oconee KOA, with a seasonal swimming pool, clubhouse, and lake access. It has tent and RV sites as well as 23 boxcars where guests can stay, complete with full beds and kitchens.
For a taste of luxury, stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a AAA Five Diamond Resort with more than 250 rooms, a lakefront pool, and activities like kayak rentals.
LaGrange
Where to Stay
The southwest Georgia community of LaGrange is fun for young travelers. Book your stay at the Georgia outpost of Great Wolf Lodge, which boasts an indoor water park, onsite accommodations, character encounters, kids activities, and multiple dining options. Alternatively, the Highland Marina Resort on West Point Lake has RV sites, cottages, cabins, and chalets.
Places to Eat
The kids will love a hot dog and vintage drinks like the lemon sour at Charlie Joseph's, a LaGrange icon since the 1920s. Brickhouse Grille is another favorite in town for its burgers and Southern dishes. Wind down with a pint at Wild Leap Brewery on the outdoor patio that looks over a downtown plaza.
Things to Do
For historical excursions, visit Hills and Dales Estate, once the home of textile magnate Fuller E. Callaway Sr. It offers tours of the historic home, its 1841 gardens, and museum exhibits. At the Biblical History Center, visitors can learn about life in ancient times through artifacts and even share a Biblical meal.
Thomasville
Things to Do
Thomasville, the "City of Roses," allows visitors to connect with nature like at The Rose Garden and The Big Oak, an oak tree that's more than 300 years old. Then, learn about the town's history at the Thomasville History Center, which has exhibits on the Civil War, West Point's first African American graduate, and the Victorian resort town.
Where to Eat
The kids can enjoy grilled Thomasville Tomme sandwiches at Sweet Grass Dairy and Cheese Shop, a local institution. For the parents, there are salads and small plates along with a selection of wine and beer.
Where to Stay
The entire family can spend the night at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Thomasville, which has amenities like free high-speed Internet, free breakfast, a fitness center, and an indoor pool.
