If you’re looking to get away for a day or two or maybe even an extended weekend – and you’re looking for a distinctive cultural experience – look no further. While Atlanta has much to offer, it doesn’t have anything on these nearby getaways that will leave you with memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Pack a bag, hop in your car and hit the road. We promise you’ll come back with a smile on your face and stories to share.
The Lunchbox Museum
It’s been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute as the world’s largest collection of lunchboxes, featured on NBC’s “The Today Show,” and covered by multiple media outlets worldwide. The museum is owned and operated by Allen Woodall. He’s maintained the massive collection of lunchboxes since the 1980s and is continuously adding to the collection. Metal decorated lunchboxes became a part of American pop culture in the 1950s, with the dawn of the television age. They reached their zenith during the ’60s and ’70s, as film and TV producers became acutely aware that there were big bucks to be made off programming-related accessories aimed at children. “Back when I was a kid,” Woodall recalls, “it was fairly common that we’d beat up our lunch boxes every year just so we’d get a new one for the next. Lots of kids did that. We’re lucky that so many of them have actually survived.”
In addition to the lunchboxes that are on display, some of the collection with multiples are actually for sale. The Lunchbox Museum is located in the Columbus International Marketplace, at 318 Tenth Ave., in Columbus. Travel time is roughly an hour and a half, with most of the trip on I-85 South. For more details, call 706-653-6240 or visit www.lunchboxmuseum.com.
If you’re going:
Accommodations
Columbus Marriott
It’s a large, posh and comfortable international hotel chain.
800 Front Ave.
706-324-1800
The Rothschild-Pound House Bed & Breakfast
Here’s a great opportunity to enjoy history and luxury with modern amenities in a 19th century B&B.
201 Seventh St.
706-332-4075
Dining
Country’s Barbeque
Legendary tradition since 1975. Dine in a 1946 Trailways bus!
1329 Broadway
706-596-8910
Meritage
Upscale fine dining in the heart of Columbus.
1039 First Ave.
706-327-0707
The Tim Hollis Pop Culture Museum
Tim Hollis is a unique individual. He’s fascinated by mid-20th century pop culture history and has collected it all of his life. He’s even constructed a 4,200 square foot climate controlled underground space to display the vast collection, which includes board games, comic books, TV program and commercial action figures, old restaurant menus, antique televisions, bizarre consumable retail goods and much, much more. You can come and see it, all, too. Only thing is, you’ll have to call ahead because visiting the museum is by appointment only. You can reach Hollis via email at hollis1963@aol.com or by phone at 205-674-0101. The museum is located at 81 Sharon Boulevard, in Dora, Alabama, which is a suburb of Birmingham.
If you’re going, the trip to Birmingham and nearby Dora is pretty much a straight shot from Atlanta on I-20 West, coming in at just under two-and-a-half hours. Additional information on Hollis’ museum can be found here:
Accommodations
Sheraton Birmingham
Five star luxury hotel in heart of Birmingham
2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham
800-325-3535
The Redmont Hotel
It’s the oldest hotel in Birmingham, and it offers a taste of the past at a budget conscious price.
2101 5th Ave N, Birmingham
205-324-2101
Dining
Green Top Cafe
Family-owned ol’ style ‘Bama BBQ. Don’t miss it!
7530 Old U.S. 78, Dora, Ala.
205-648-9838
John’s City Diner
Unique blend of old and new traditional southern with nouveau cuisine.
112 Richard Arrington Blvd., Birmingham, Ala.
205-322-6014
The Ava Gardner Museum
Even though Ava Lavinia Gardner was born on Christmas Eve, 1922, in the small rural community of Grabbtown, N.C., it's the somewhat larger nearby town of Smithfield that is home to the Ava Gardner Museum. The story of the collection dates back to the early 1940s when a high school classmate of Ava's learned that she had been offered a film contract in Hollywood. That began Thomas Banks' overwhelming interest in collecting all things related to Ava Gardner. Gardner donated many of her own belongings. Today, the museum is housed in a 6,400 square-foot building in downtown Smithfield. Included in the collection are film posters, clothing and accessories worn by Ava in various films, original artwork created in the image of Gardner and awards she received for performances. She is known for her roles in such classic cinematic titles as "Night of the Iguana," "The Killers," "On The Beach" and "Earthquake," among others. If you're a Gardner fan and you're in the mood for a road trip, pack an overnight bag: the road trip to Smithfield from Atlanta isn't overwhelmingly long, but it's full of twists and turns (mostly on I-20 and I-95) and clocks in right at six hours. It's located at 325 East Market Street. For more details call, 919-934-5830 or www.avagardner.org. Below are additional ideas for dining and lodging:
Accommodations
Best Western Smithfield Inn
Quality and comfort at this affordable national hotel chain.
145 S. Equity Drive
(919) 989-4047
Dining
Eden Vegetarian Cuisine
Even if you’re not a vegetarian, there’s something for everyone at this modern American-fusion vegetarian bistro.
709 S. Third St
(919) 938-3880
Dining and accommodations
Becky’s Log Cabin Motel and Restaurant
Experience a true taste of Smithfield cuisine at this restaurant and comfortable accommodations at the inn.
2491 U.S. Highway 70 Business E
919-934-3323
The Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village
It is part museum, part live performance and for many, a way of life. However you choose to look at it, The Kingdom of Oyotunji African Village is a unique examination of contemporary culture based on the customs of the Yoruba and Dahomey tribes of West Africa. Originally founded in 1970, it boasts statuary, architecture, art exhibits, festivals, a traders market and film and literary presentations. It also offers onsite lodging (by the room or entire African styled housing), which includes dining, as well. You’ll be able to experience the entire Oyotunji experience without ever leaving the grounds or you can experience an hour tour or day excursion.
If the Kingdom sounds like a fascinating experience you'd like to enjoy, visit www.oyotunji.org or call 843-846-8900. The village grounds are located at 56 Bryant Lane in Beaufort, S.C.'s unincorporated Sheldon community – just more than four hours and mostly all on I-20 East. For additional dining and lodging information, check out our list below.
Accommodations
The Rhett House Inn
A former 19th century plantation turned B&B, it offers historic beauty and elegance and has hosted such notable celebs as Barbra Streisand, Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tom Hanks, among others.
1009 Craven St. Beaufort, S.C.
888-480-9539
The Beaufort Inn
For something less costly but still full of old world charm, try the Beaufort Inn – a beautiful Victorian era B&B located in the historic district at 809 Port Republic Street. Check out www.beaufortinn.com for more details, or call 888-522-0250.
Dining
Saltus River Grill
It can be a bit pricey, but their seafood is acclaimed from coast to coast. Well worth the price you pay for the quality you’ll receive.
802 Bay St., Beaufort, S.C.
843-379-3474
Shoofly Kitchen
Another local favorite – specializing in breakfast and lunch American fare with a low-country flare and seafood, all at prices that won’t break your bank!
1209 Boundary St., Beaufort, S.C.
843-379-9061
