3 Popular Weekend Getaways from Atlanta

Time to pack your bags and head out of Atlanta for a quick trip with the family. If you’re wanting the cooler temps of the mountains, the sandy beaches of the coast, or shopping and dining in a quaint historic town, Georgia has a weekend getaway for you. These three destinations are so fun you might want to stay the whole week!

St. Simons Island

5-hour drive from Atlanta

At 18 square miles in size, St. Simons is the largest barrier island of the Golden Isles. It may sound small but don’t let its size fool you.  From sunrise to sunset, this island captivates visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor adventure.  Bring or rent a bike to explore miles of grand oak trees, salt marshes full of wildlife, historical sites, and wide, pristine stretches of shoreline. Other activities include golf, deep sea fishing, kayaking, and napping on the beaches.

There’s no shortage of culinary options on this island. Fresh local seafood is a staple, especially the Wild Georgia shrimp. One place to check out is Southern Soul Barbeque known for their 12-hour smoking process and distinctive homemade side dishes. If the sweet Wild Georgia shrimp has piqued your palate, then Iguanas Seafood Restaurant is where you will find the freshly harvested shrimp cooked to your liking.

The island offers a variety of accommodations for your beach stay.  Take a step back in time and stay at the cozy Strachan Carriage House or be a guest at The Inn at Sea Island with three championship golf courses and award-winning spa. One of the most popular places to stay is the historic King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. Villas, multi-room houses, and ocean view rooms can be rented.  The island’s only oceanfront restaurant is located at this resort.

Serenbe, Georgia

30 minutes from Atlanta

What was once rural farmland is now 1,000 acres of a New Urban village. Just off I-85, Serenbe is a wellness community that oozes farmhouse charm but maintains a nationally known eco-friendly imprint. Developed around the values of nature, creativity, and passion, Serenbe focuses on healthy living and community sustainability. A broad range of architecturally distinguished homes sets it apart from typical suburban developments. Farmhouses with metal roofs to townhomes to large estates appeal to its diverse residents.

There are renowned restaurants, retail shops, bakeries, schools, festivals and more within each of the four hamlets that make up the Serenbe village.  Explore by renting a bike from Peachtree Bikes and tour the charming hamlets with 15 miles of trails complete with two waterfalls. The community revolves around open fields, natural forests, and farmland so grab a book and a blanket and settle in under a shade tree.

Known for its eateries, Serenbe has an eclectic selection for the foodie. One restaurant in particular, The Farmhouse at Serenbe, specializes in a farm-to-table menu that features locally grown organic ingredients. If you are wanting to make a full weekend out of your visit, The Inn at Serenbe has several different accommodations to choose from, including the main house, guest house, charming cottages, and village suites.

For the theater buff, The Serenbe Film Society frequently hosts film events, and the Serenbe Playhouse has workshops, video classes, and live interviews covering a range of topics in the theatrical arts.

For a more comprehensive look into the serene, artsy village of Serenbe, read the article on Dwell.com.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

1.5-hour drive from Atlanta

Soak up the fresh air and gorgeous mountain vistas with a trip to Blue Ridge. The North Georgia mountains provides a respite from the chaos of city life. Hike the trails of the Chattahoochee National Forest and be sure to bring your camera to take pictures of the scenic waterfalls. If hiking is not your thing, then explore the many other activities and adventures.

Spend the day basking in the sunshine and rent a pontoon boat on Lake Blue Ridge or grab your gear for a guided weekend of trout fishing or leisurely kayak or raft down the Toccoa River. You’re sure to spot the native wildlife.

The town is known for attracting artists of all types, from musicians and potters to metal sculptors and contemporary painters. The Georgia Council for the Arts has recognized Blue Ridge as one of the top art towns in the state which draws thousands of tourists every year.  The Firefly Music concert series brings extraordinarily distinguished musicians to the area for the benefit of local charities.

No one should spend the weekend in Blue Ridge without seeing a movie at the legendary Swan Drive-In Theater. First-run movies are shown every night at this family-friendly establishment with reminders of days gone by.

Explore local eateries, vineyard wines and microbreweries by booking a tour with Blue Ridge Mountain Food Tours. It is a fabulous way to discover new foods and beverages and indulgent desserts. You get a behind-the-scenes look at restaurants and their chefs as well as an opportunity mingle with local merchants and store owners. It is a fun afternoon packed with food, drinks, and laughs.

From hotels to tents to yurts and B&Bs, one has numerous choices for accommodations. A few favorites are the Serenity in the Mountains Spa and Luxury Suites/Condos, the Blue Ridge Treehouse at Bear Claw Vineyards (built by the Treehouse Guys from the DIY Network), and the Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast which is in town and one of the oldest residences.  There are also mountain cabin rentals, RV and tent campgrounds with hook-up amenities, and rustic campsites for the more adventurous.

Georgia has so many wonderful vacation/weekend destinations, and the best part is they are all less than five hours from Atlanta. Get to packing!

The team members of Sherry & Co. Real Estate love to travel around Georgia and enjoy new experiences. Do you have some destinations that you’d like to share with us and our readers? Leave a comment!