Mountains, Museums & Small-Town Southern Charm
After a few days in the capital of the South, you may want a bucolic escape. The city’s location puts you within easy reach of mountains, charming small towns, historic sites, and places that just feel different in the best way.
Whether you’ve got a rental car and a free Saturday or you're playing tour guide for your out-of-town guests, these six destinations are close enough for a day trip but packed with enough personality to make the drive worth it.
Most are under two hours away, and each one offers a completely different experience. So, whether you’re yearning for clean (cool) mountain air, live music, or a slower pace, there’s something here to match the mood.
1. Dahlonega: Gold Pans and Wine Glasses
Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dahlonega has a little bit of everything, including gold rush history, mountain views, and enough wineries to keep the afternoon flowing. You can still try your luck at striking it rich, panning for gold, or taking a tour of the old Consolidated Gold Mine, which goes right underground.
Once you've had your history fix, head into town for lunch and some casual shopping. If the weather’s nice, hit one of the local vineyards nearby. Wolf Mountain and Montaluce both have great views, good wine, and plenty of outdoor seating.
Heads up: If you’re going in the fall, get there early. The leaf-peeping crowds descend during peak fall.
2. Athens: Music, Art, and a Laid-Back Downtown
Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Athens is the cool kids college town — this is where REM got their start. There’s great live music, art galleries, and a downtown that’s easy to walk and even easier to love.
You could start your day at the Georgia Museum of Art, then grab a bite at Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint, for Southern fare at its mouth-watering finest. After that, just wander. There are plenty of local shops, record stores, and cafés to duck into as you go.
Don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than planned. This is one of those towns that’s easy to settle into.
Worth a stop: The 40 Watt Club. If there’s a show, catch it. This legendary venue helped launch punk rock and new wave music in the country and still attracts really interesting up and coming acts.
3. Chattanooga, Tennessee: Big Adventure in a Compact City
Drive time: 2 hours
Yes, it's technically in Tennessee, but Chattanooga is easy to get to and— with its lively riverfront, outdoor activities, and surprisingly cool art scene— worth crossing state lines.
Walk across the Walnut Street Bridge for scenic views of the Tennessee River, or pop into the Hunter Museum of American Art. Head to the Tennessee Aquarium, which is consistently ranked among the best in the country. Afterwards, grab lunch at a riverside café and let the day slow down a bit.
Pro tip: If you’re traveling with kids, Rock City (a cluster of ancient rock formations) and Ruby Falls are classic stops that are still crowd pleasers.
4. Serenbe: A Planned Community That Actually Works
Drive time: 45 minutes
Serenbe is what would happen if Pinterest built a town. It’s a sustainable community tucked into the countryside of Chattahoochee Hills, where wellness, art, and slow living are all part of the design. But it’s not just for residents; visitors are welcome to explore the walking trails, shop the boutiques, or book a table at The Farmhouse, a season-driven restaurant that prepares delicious dishes right from the on site garden.
There’s usually something going on (farmers markets, art shows, trail rides,) so check the calendar before you go. No matter, it’s a peaceful spot to spend a few hours.
Heads up: It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your return ticket and Google real estate listings.
5. Pine Mountain: Nature, Animals, and a Giant Garden
Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pine Mountain is where you can bike through forest trails, stroll through a butterfly house, or just relax by the lake. On your way in or out, make time for a visit to nearby Wild Animal Safari. It’s a drive-through animal park where zebras might poke their heads through your window. It’s weird and wonderful, and kids absolutely love it.
Best time to go: Spring, when the gardens are in full bloom, and the weather’s just right for being outdoors all day.
6. Madison: Small-Town Georgia with Serious Charm
Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes
If you’re craving something quiet and scenic, Madison delivers. Known for its antebellum architecture, magnolia trees and quaint downtown, it’s no wonder the town wins accolade as being one of the country’s prettiest, small towns.
There’s history here: Madison was famously spared during Sherman’s March to the Sea, and you can see it in the beautifully preserved homes and the heritage museum downtown.
Slow travel at its best: This is the place to take your time, grab a coffee, chat with shop owners, and just enjoy a slower pace for an afternoon.
Ready to Roll?
You don’t have to leave Atlanta for long to feel like you’ve gotten away. Whether you’re sipping wine in the mountains, exploring a quirky college town, or strolling through a perfectly planned community in the woods, these quick trips offer a change of scenery just a short ride away.
Pack some snacks, make a playlist, and hit the road. Sometimes, all you need is a change of view and a few good hours off the grid to come back feeling recharged. Georgia (and a little bit of Tennessee) is full of surprises.
And if you decide you want a getaway right here in Atlanta, book your stay at FORTH!