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DEL.ICIO.USWould you consider a small town vacation?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every so often, I have a Madison moment. When I was in school in Athens, I would hop in my car and drive south on US 441 to Madison, Ga. - often dragging my roommate or my future husband along for the ride.
There, I would walk through downtown, visit the elementary school my father attended (it’s now a museum) and gawk at the beautiful architecture. They would nod as I pointed out the lovely Presbyterian Church on South Main Street. They patiently waited while I stepped into the newspaper office where the publisher still remembered my grandparents and called my father by a nickname he hadn’t used in 50 years.
My father grew up in several small Georgia towns, including Madison, and he managed to “swing by” as many of these little locales on just about every family car trip we took when I was a child. Often we had to veer sharply off of anything that even resembled a path to indulge my dad’s strolls down memory lane. Ever been to Millen, Ga.? (You’ll find it between Augusta and Statesboro.) But Madison is not far off the beaten path. It’s just off of I-20, right before you hit Lake Oconee - which is probably why we visited it most.
A lot has changed in Madison since those family car trips and college getaways. But so much of its charm has remained the same. Today, I still look to Madison when I feel the need to retreat to a smaller, slower-paced place with minimal stress and traffic. I’m not alone. Many people love this small town, and tourism there is growing.
All of this has made me wonder… what makes a small town a good travel destination? What do you look for when you pick a hamlet over a bustling city? Is it a return to nature? An embrace of your roots? A welcome escape from stress?
What makes some small towns stand out above the thousands of others that dot our highways and byways? Finally, where are some of your favorite small town getaways and what are their particular attractions? We welcome names of local inns, eateries and places to see (or avoid).
If you’re interested in a small town road trip, check out this site for some cool and quirky destinations throughout the South.
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By Darin
April 9, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
We took a weekend-getaway trip to Rome, GA recently. Living in the heart of midtown Atlanta, we get our fill of crazy traffic and noisy, busy stores and restaurants, so it was a nice contrast to step into a slower paced old town like Rome for a couple of days.
I loved seeing the well-preserved old buildings in the downtown area as well as the beautiful Victorian-era grand houses that surround it. A nearby old cemetery is built on a steep hill and provided a great view of the city. Two large rivers converge in the heart of the downtown strip and there are nice pedestrian bridges over the water.
We stayed at the Hawthorne Inn, an old factory that has been nicely converted into a hotel. I recommend Bistro 239 — we were able to walk there from the hotel and the food and ambiance were very good.
By ron
April 9, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
When I was working,a vacation meant salt water and small towns.Coastal fishing villages all up and down the Atlantic seaboard.Quaint,picturesque and life is slow.Just the place for a vacation.
By Keith
April 9, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
We took a day trip to Rome not too long ago, and I agree with you Darin —it’s a good visit. Loved the bridges over the rivers and the greenways down by the riverside. The town had a parade the day we happened to be there, so we all enjoyed that. Also, there was a nice ice cream shop/bakery (can’t recall the name) toward the river end of downtown that the kids loved.
Interesting tidbit for history lovers … Rome has a statue in front of its city hall of the mythical brothers, Romulus and Remus, and the wolf who raised them. It’s a replica of a statue that stands in Rome, Italy and was a gift from the Italian government (and its dictator Benito Mussolini) to Rome, Ga. in 1929.
By John
April 9, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
I now live and work in Habersham County. It will be awhile before I need any kind of vacation.
By Chris
April 9, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Warm Springs is a nice place to visit. It is located right north of Columbus.
By Soul Cowboy
April 9, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
There are many hidden treasures throughout Georgia, but I would suggest TOCCOA, about an hour north of Atlanta up I-85. It’s the home of Toccoa Falls, the Currahee Military Museum (home of the Band of Brothers), and Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site.
By Liz
April 9, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
You should visit Savannah, Ga. It’s not a small, small town, but the pace is a bit slower than Atlanta, and it’s got a beautiful historic downtown and a beach only 10 minutes away! Savannah’s only four hours away from Atlanta. Great getaway!
By Dexter
April 9, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
If you are ever in Arizona, I recommend a trip to Williams. SMALL town but it is the terminal for the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. The train offers day trips to the Grand Canyon or overnight trips to the Grand Canyon. The train depot and hotel are about one half mile south of Interstate 40. Historic Route 66 is one of the streets of Williams.
By daryl
April 9, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
i’m kinda prejudiced since i live here, but lots of people make it down to Colquitt, GA. it’s about 90 miles down US 27 from Columbus. lots to do and see. very artsy kind of place. Swamp Gravy, GA’s official folk life play, happens twice a year as well as other fesivals and activities.
By Netta
April 9, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
As a child growing up in South Georgia (Albany), I spent most of my summer vacations in Miller County (Colquitt, Ga), a very small town with a town square and all The scenery was quaint, clean,and beautiful. We had farm animals and grew practically everything we ate. I love small towns and often travel the state roads in South Georgia and Alabama…beautiful countryside with a bed/breakfast here and there. I hope to retire to a small town very soon.
By JC
April 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Washington, Ga. is about as good as it gets — A superior experience to Madison, IMHO. Not quite so trendy.
By AK
April 9, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Asheville, North Carolina is a place I love to travel to when traveling to a smaller city. It has the gettaway of a small city without being so small that I feel like I am in the boon docks. It also has a lot to do if I am up for going out or if I want to do nature stuff. Some activities in a 30 min max distance: Biltmore House (very worth seeing for anyone at any age even if you are not into that kind of thing. There is the Grove Park Inn that is free to see, Sliding Rock which is a nature made rock slide, the blue ridge mountains, smokey mountains and so much more. I think it’s the best or both worlds!
By pat
April 9, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
The Lodge or cabins on the Flint River at Lake Blackshear is a gorgeous place to escape, offering colorful showey Sunsets, evening canoeing, wildlife viewing and excellent food. Exploring the history of our nation in near by towns is very intellectually stimulating. There are many farms brimming with fresh produce, homemade country sausages, melons, grits, flowers and honey. Fields of cotton abound in the Fall with fodder providing feed for wild quail and deer. The ponds, botanicals and wildlife provide an outstanding opportunity for photographers. Alot of Indian artifacts and fossils can still be found. The people are friendly offering hospitality from the heart. Even the wildlife seems to be content.
By David
April 9, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Try the Florida panhandle between Panama City and Tallahassee.
By h ryder
April 9, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
I have experienced big city and small town living(e.g. Houston, Texas/Batesville, Arkansas). Assuming a reasonably close major shopping area and decent public schools if you have children, only an individual with a major psychological problem or career requiring tons of people would prefer the large city.
By Beth Dashner
April 9, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
A really cool small town is Banning Mills, just outside Whitesburg, Ga. and only about 45 minutes from Atlanta’s airport.It is actually a ghost town. Banning Mills has a country inn that is surrounded by the Snake Creek Gorge. It is very beautiful and one feels just like they are in the mountains. There is all kinds of history to learn about but the really cool thing is their Tree Flight canopy tour. It is one of the longest and highest canopy zip line tours in the world and it is right in Atlanta’s backyard. It has really long zip lines and cable bridges and wood bridges. We were 60 to 200 ft high in the air the whole time. The views are incredible! We did the extreme tour which took about 3 hours but they have two other tours too. That was one awesome adventure!!!!
By Mitch
April 10, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this
I would highly recommend Royston, in the foothills of Northeast Georgia. It is the home of legendary baseball player Ty Cobb, and there is a wonderful museum dedicated to him. The main streets downtown are unchanged from horse-and-carriage days and there are many antique shops and excellent restaurants.
By Mary
April 10, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
From Tallulah Gorge to Sky Valley, Rabun County is Georgia’s treasure! Just 90 miles north of Atlanta, this northeast corner of the state is filled with natural wonders: Tallulah Gorge, Georgia’s second highest peak, Rabun Bald, three state parks, five lakes, streams, more than 30 waterfalls and the Wild and Scenic Chattooga It is an artists and photographers dream! Rabun County’s natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for abundant recreational opportunities. The arts are alive, with theatre, music and drama and you’ll also discover many unique finds in quaint shops and galleries scattered throughout the county. Two award winning vineyards are located in Rabun, as well as the renowned Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center, Tallulah Falls Railroad Museum, Hambidge Center for the Arts. A trip to Rabun would not be complete without enjoying true Southern cooking, mountain style, at the famous Dillard House.
By jaymi
April 10, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
The mountains of Georgia are beautiful year round and I live between Cleveland and Helen two very different towns, but my heart is in Tallulah Falls where I have my art at the Georgia Heritage Arts Center. This is a non-profit which is run by all volunteers and has accomplished more for the artists of Georgia along with the Georgia Power Company supporting the arts by letting the artists show their work in the old Terrora Park building. We also organize the “Northeast Georgia Arts Tour” the last week in June that is fast becoming one of the most copied tours in the state. It is a driving tour throughout the small communities of the northeast corner of the state. It is the perfect time to get the fullflavor of a very contented people. Visit http://www.GeorgiaArtists.org to enjoy the full flavor of Georgia’s talented artists.
By Joe Burnett
April 10, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
For a fun day trip, Gainesville has a lot to offer. The downtown is one of the most diverse around with many restaurants and a great Market with a candy/ice cream shop. The Northeast Ga. History Center, the scale model of the solar system leading from the Square to Lake Lanier-2 miles away, are great sites to see along with the Olympic Rowing Venue and the Elachee Nature Center.
By MARIA
April 10, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Dillard is a very favorite place in this country! Visualize this; 40 years ago I ride my red Honda motorcycle to a poker run hosted by John Dillard at the Best Western in Dillard! Driving up from Atlanta the scenery just gets better and better and I find that I start relaxing more and more! After the rally we all ate at John and Earl’s Place, long since gone, so be sure to stop at the wonderful Dillard House Restaruant! Just can’t be beat!
By Katie
April 10, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
If you pick the right (non-football) weekend, Athens is full of cool stuff to do with a very laid-back, small-town feel. I like to hit the Georgia Museum of Art and the local galleries and studios. My mom got back from the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the horticulture trial garden on UGA’s campus just yesterday; she said they are amazingly beautiful this time of year. Lots of funky, unique shops downtown, and fun spots to eat, too. Athens actually has 15 historic districts and four house museums you can tour, too, either on your own or with a guided tour.
By Peggy
April 10, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
I escaped Atlanta in 1983 to the mountains of north Georgia to focus on my artwork in a serene setting. I now have a gallery (Globe in Clayton)and welcome many folks daily who are inspired by the surrounding beauty in Rabun County. My advice is to spend a few days in one area and search for unique local shops and eateries and inns where you can relax, taste and feel the quiet sense of place that invades your whole being and inspires you!
By Pete
April 10, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Whenever I needed to get away from my corporate job and think, I’d take my wife, my bike and head to Rabun County. We’d rent a chalet and just enjoy our time there — unwind and relax — and I would get more strategic thinking done in a few hours there than I ever could in Atlanta. When we were youger, we’d gring the family and camp outside of My Airy or on Lake Burton. Now I live there and get to enjoy the beauty and peace of Rabun County every day (except for the 2 or 3 days a month I have to go to ATL for business meetings!). Don’t miss Downtown Clayton for small town charm!
By Chris
April 11, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
For quick escapes from Atlanta, I’d recommend the Cartersville area of northwest Georgia. There’s lots to see and do. For camping or cottages try Red Top Mountain State Park. They are special events throughout the summer and they have the best Bluegrass music in Georgia each Saturday night. Take the kids to the Booth Western Art Museum and climb to the top of Mound A at the Etowah Indian Mounds. The ladies in your group will love shopping in historic downtown Cartersville. For a splurge on a great dinner try D. Morgan’s. If your budget allows, stay at the nearby Barnsley Gardens Resort. Their magnificent golf course is challenging, but a winner! You can get all the details at www.NotAtlanta.org. This area also has some of the best new hiking trails in the state!
By Chris
April 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
For quick escapes from Atlanta, I’d recommend the Cartersville area of northwest Georgia. There’s lots to see and do. For camping or cottages try Red Top Mountain State Park. They are special events throughout the summer and they have the best Bluegrass music in Georgia each Saturday night. Take the kids to the Booth Western Art Museum and climb to the top of Mound A at the Etowah Indian Mounds. The ladies in your group will love shopping in historic downtown Cartersville. For a splurge on a great dinner try D. Morgan’s. If your budget allows, stay at the nearby Barnsley Gardens Resort. Their magnificent golf course is challenging, but a winner! You can get all the details at www.NotAtlanta.org. This area also has some of the best new hiking trails in the state!
By Barbara Kobacker
April 11, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Rabun County in Northeast Ga. has the wonders of nature, the climate of the Gods, and a “Mountain Maestro” that brings music to the mountains. A summer concert series brings the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, “Big Band” swing, plus a song and dance man and much more to set your toes a tapping. Glorious mountains and glorious music, what more could you ask?
By Hubie
April 11, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
For one of Georgia’s little gems, take a detour off I-75 to the little Georgia town of Tunnel Hill, just north of Dalton, and visit the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center. You can walk through the 150+ year old historic railroad tunnel. I usually make the visit for the Civil War Reenactment every September. Visit the website at www.TunnelHillHeritageCenter.com.
By History Speaks
April 12, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I love visiting tunnel hill. I went last summer and I was amazed with how well preserved it is, and how the battle is easily remembered there. I myself stood in the exact spot where Davey Crocket died. I got chills, and then tears, man.
Oh well, it’s off to Kennesaw Mountain where Lee attacked the yankees who were dressed up as quakers trying to trick the rebs into throwing down their weapons and chasing after the skirts……
By dc
April 14, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Absolutely—
It brings you back down to reality when you are able to go to a town and do nothing at all but relax. We head down to the FL panhandle and visit a little forgotten coast island called St. George Island. It is a place like no other, where you can do, well, nothing. What a life !!!
By Lori
April 15, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this
Our hidden gem retreat lies a short drive north of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta in the North Georgia Mountains. Kingwood Resort, just outside Clayton, Ga offers my husband and I the perfect chance to get away for a couple of days. While he plays a round of golf, I treat myself to the spa. Afterwords, we meet back up and enjoy a wonderful dinner at the resort restaurant to cap off a totally stressless day.
By bill
April 15, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with Lori. My company had a corporate training meeting at KINGWOOD RESORT a while back. Slipping in a couple of rounds of golf was the only thing that kept me from losing my sanity. Three days of corporate compliance meetings is enough to drive anyone insane. Since then, I have played golf there about a dozen times. It is absolutely gorgeous. My buddies and I are planning a multi-day golf outing to *KINGWOOD GOLF CLUB” this summer. I highly recommend it to others. *Maybe this plug will result in a discount at the pro shop
By Geraldine
April 15, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Small towns are the best, there’s no doubt about that. I actually didn’t know it until a few months ago when I read someones blog over at www.trekcafe.com (it’s a travel social network, if you’re not familiar with it, very useful) and he did a “small towns trip”. I was actually amazed with his commnets (and pictures). Since then I make sure to go on such a trip at least once every 2-3 weekend, just for the value of it.
By Geraldine
April 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Small towns are the best, there’s no doubt about that. I actually didn’t know it until a few months ago when I read someones blog over at www.trekcafe.com (it’s a travel social network, if you’re not familiar with it, very useful) and he did a “small towns trip”. I was actually amazed with his commnets (and pictures). Since then I make sure to go on such a trip at least once every 2-3 weekends, just for the value of it.
By Geraldine
April 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Small towns are the best, there’s no doubt about that. I actually didn’t know it until a few months ago when I read someones blog over at www.trekcafe.com (it’s a travel social network, if you’re not familiar with it, very useful) and he did a “small towns trip”. I was actually amazed with his commnets (and pictures). Since then I make sure to go on such a trip at least once every 2-3 weekends, just for the value of it.
By HB
April 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I don’t know that it would make a good destination on its own, but swing through downtown Dublin next time you’re heading to the coast instead of just stopping at the Wendy’s out on I-16. It has a lovely old Main Street. Have lunch at Ma Hawkins and then a little dessert at the new ice cream shop.
By Keith
April 23, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
I like Dublin too. It’s another one of my father’s former hometowns, and one we would visit on those family trips. To do this day, my favorite way of getting to the coast (from north metro) involves a swing over to Madison and down 441 through Eatonton/Milledgeville to Dublin before getting onto I-16.