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DEL.ICIO.USTake the mid-winter travel challenge
Where's your best cheap winter getaway in Georgia?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
These are the times that can try a traveller’s soul…It’s mid-winter, and we’ve had both snow and balm over the past few weeks. Early Spring or no, I always feel a little wanderlust in the barren days of February. But my post-Christmas bank statements scream at me to just sit at home and eat cheese sandwiches for a while.
The big challenge for me is to find a quick, interesting getaway that will break the winter doldrums without breaking the bank. Add to the mix the uncertainty of the southeast’s weather this time of year (will we have freezing rain or temps in the 70s?), and it’s an even bigger challenge. This needs to be a trip that can be taken at the last minute, whenever a good weekend comes along.
Charles Seabrook’s list of Georgia’s 35 natural wonders offers an enjoyable solution. (See photos) One reason I like it is because I’ve been to several of these sites already and my favorite part of the state - the coast - is heavily represented. But a major plus is that many of the places are daytrips from Atlanta, making them easy and inexpensive last-minute ideas. Even the most far-flung destinations are a comfortable drive and a short hotel stay from town.
Some, like the Okefenokee Swamp (#1) and Cumberland Island (#3), require a bit more planning or an advance reservation, but many places can be enjoyed on the cheap and at the spur of the moment.
For locales where a hotel stay would be necessary, I would look for other things to do in the area while you’re there. For example, I feel at home the minute I see the Marshes of Glynn no matter the season or the weather - but I’m not going to drive five hours down to spend my entire weekend out there staring.
Are you up to this challenge? Would you consider any of these destinations a place for a quick mid-winter pick-me-up? Can you think of other spots in Georgia that would do the trick? What’s your favorite locale on Seabrook’s list? And can you offer other things to do/places to stay in the area?
Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: Last-minute travel, Quick getaways, Southeast travel
Comments
By Jules
February 6, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
I like to take the kids to Dauset Trails near Jackson, Georgia when it’s not raining. We love looking at the animals. We also go right down the road to Indian Springs to play on the playground and maybe take in a picnic or eat at the little cafe in the Big Chief on Hwy 42. You can also spend a little time in Juliet GA in Monroe County near Forsyth. Eat lunch at the Whistle Stop and go see Jarrell Plantation.
By Scotus
February 6, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
The Varsity
By Ron
February 7, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
The best trips for me are the ones with no planned destinations.Simply get in your vehicle and go.Preferably down a road you haven’t been on before.I’ve seen a lot of great things and met some fantastic people this way.
By Ray
February 7, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
A trip to Andersonville is a must for those who have not been. A sobering place.
By Kristin B.
February 7, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
The lodge at Amicalola State Park -the perfect, inexpensive Mountain respite.
By Tom Doyle
February 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Hooters!
By Tom Doyle
February 7, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Hooters!
By georgia peach
February 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
If you head Northbound on 75 towards Chattanooga you can go to Cloudland Canyon. It has beautiful views off the canyon walls and plenty of hiking trails down into the gorges. It is well worth the drive.
By Megan Spears
February 7, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I like to take the family to Cuscowilla golf course in Eatonton. It is a little quieter and their cabins are nice and cozy in the winter. The fishing is great.
By Cindy
February 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Madison is favorite town of ours! The downtown is “authentically southern” but there is still a good bit of dining and shopping, and the architecture in the historic district is amazing. It’s online about an hour’s drive from Atlanta off I-20. Great daytrip, and even better if you stay the weekend.
By Cindy
February 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Madison is favorite town of ours! The downtown is “authentically southern” but there is still a good bit of dining and shopping, and the architecture in the historic district is amazing. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Atlanta off I-20. Great daytrip, and even better if you stay the weekend.
By Cindy
February 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Madison is favorite town of ours! The downtown is “authentically southern” but there is still a good bit of dining and shopping, and the architecture in the historic district is amazing. It’s only about an hour’s drive from Atlanta off I-20. Great daytrip, and even better if you stay the weekend.
By Robert Dubiel
February 7, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
The best deal on a day trip from Atlanta is the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. Only 90 minutes down I-75 and it’s free! If you’ve been there before, you probably want to come again — several new planes like Gen Schwartzkopf’s EC-135, an F-4D with 2 MiG kills in Vietnam, and an A-10 “tank killer. The Motion Simulator Ride the “Transporter” is also a hoot!
By Keith
February 7, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Cindy — Madison is one of my favorite towns too. My father lived there for a few years when he was a child, and he took us there to visit many times when I was growing up. When I was in school in Athens, I would often drive down to Madison for the afternoon, walk around, look at the houses, etc. Maybe we’ll do a blog on the best small towns in the Southeast soon…
By Florida bound
February 7, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Hotwire and Travelocity both have great deals that won’t break the bank for a last minute long wknd getaway. FL is warm enough to allow you to unthaw for a few days and is closer than you think. Savannah is also warmer than Atlanta and is only 4 hours away. Locally, I go to the movies and hit end of season sales at the mall and have a nice lunch on a Saturday. It beats the winter blues! If we can get thru February, we are on our way to Spring in March!
By boots
February 7, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Two fun places for our family are Blue Ridge, GA and Brasstown Valley. Another out of the way place that is really worth it for a family is to go to Lumpkin, GA and visit Westville, Callaway Gardens and the Pine Mountain Animal Park.
By Doofy
February 8, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Amsterdam…Every time I go there I have a smokin’ good time. Also favorite Spring, Summer and Fall getaway.
By tom
February 8, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
We like to rent a cabin on beautiful Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee and spend the weeked relaxing.
By Jess
February 8, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Madison is great! Visits used to be somewhat limited to day trips (since the only hotels were lower-end chains near the interstate) but now Madison really is a destination location since a great boutique inn opened right off the old square. The James Madison Inn is beautiful and luxurious and the staff is great. Check it out: James Madison Inn. As of a couple weeks ago they were offering special winter rates so maybe it could qualify as a favorite “cheap winter getaway”. Either way, I highly recommend it!
By Aurora
February 8, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
We usually head to the Bahamas for a week in late February……