By Blake Guthrie
Weekend Getaway Ideas in Georgia
Whether you're coming in from out of state, or a Georgia resident looking for a quick getaway, the Peach State has a weekend option to suit you. From the
beaches on the Atlantic coast, to the mountains in the north and the heartland in between, there is much to explore when you have a couple of days off in Georgia. This is a state steeped in history, natural wonders and that famous southern hospitality that makes tourists feel welcome at any time.
Helen
A mock Bavarian town set in the north Georgia mountains, Helen is a pleasantly surreal experience for visitors, especially those with children. The town resembles a fairytale-like alpine village, complete with Swiss chalets, cobblestone alleys and lots of lederhosen wearing shopkeepers and street performers. The shopping options are abundant for adults and kids love the Alpine Amusement Park, which features a Go-Kart track, bumper boats and old time carnival rides. During the summer months inner-tubing on the river is a popular pastime. The pink inner-tubes available for rental from Helen Tubing are a common site on the Chattahoochee, the river that runs through town, locally known as "the Hooch."
If you're trying to avoid crowds on your mountain getaway then steer clear of Helen during the month of October, as the town is usually a logjam of tourists and lines of traffic are common on the roads during the annual Oktoberfest celebration. If Oktoberfest is what you're coming for, book your accommodations at least three months in advance.
Alpine Amusement Park
419 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, GA 30545
(706) 878-2306
Helen Tubing
9917 Hwy 75 North
Helen, GA 30545
(706) 878-1082
helentubing.com
Pine Mountain Area
Golfers, nature lovers, hikers and history buffs will love the area around Pine Mountain in middle Georgia. Here they will find what is often referred to as Georgia's own Garden of Eden--Callaway Gardens--a large resort and botanical garden filled with nature trails, lakes and 36 holes of golf. Also nearby is Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, named after the president who spent so much of his time vacationing here. Roosevelt's favorite picnic spot is immortalized on the Pine Mountain Trail by one of the only public statues of the president that references the fact that he was handicapped by the paralyzing effects of polio. The bronze statue sits at a lookout point on the mountain and depicts Roosevelt sitting on the removable car seat he used when visiting this spot. Camping is available in the park and Callaway Gardens has campsites and hotel accommodations.
Callaway Gardens
17800 US Hwy 27
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
(706) 663-2281
callawaygardens.com
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
2970 Ga. Highway 190
Pine Mountain , GA 31822
(706) 663-4858
gastateparks.org
Tybee Island
Georgia's coast is made up of a series of barrier islands and Tybee Island is the most popular for weekenders. About a half hour drive from the city of Savannah, there is a Jekyll-and-Hyde quality to the island. The southern end of Tybee is more developed and crowded, filled with restaurants, bars, hotels and cigarette butts on the ground, while the northern end is less trafficked and more laid back, with it's bed-and-breakfast style lodging and historic lighthouse--the Tybee Island Light Station--and accompanying museum. This disparity exists within just a couple of easy walking miles, by road or by beach, and visitors rarely come away without being charmed by Tybee's natural quirkiness, which seems to float along with the salty sea air.
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
30 Meddin Ave.
Tybee Island, GA 31328
(912) 786-5801
tybeelighthouse.org
About the Author:
Blake Guthrie has been a professional journalist since 1996. His articles have been featured in the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Creative Loafing" and on Travels.com. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Auburn University.
Photo Credits:
Mike Gonzalez
