Nation & World News

This Georgia town was named one of America’s best Valentine’s Day getaways

The trip is less than 2 hours from Atlanta
By Stephanie Toone
Feb 13, 2020

Of course, when in love, any backdrop will be ideal come Valentine’s Day. However, if you’re an Atlantan looking for a spot where love is inexplicably in the air, that destination is less than two hours away.

Country Living recently gathered a selection of America's most romantic locales to spend a low-key yet memorable Valentine's Day weekend. The lifestyle publication's "30 Best Valentine's Day Getaways in America" ranking, curates a variety of unique places throughout the country that aren't marquee named cities such as New York. Instead, Country Living gives a nod to the "small town hideaways" that would make for the perfect Valentine's Day weekend road trip.

“We can imagine few things to do on Valentine’s Day dreamier than whisking your lover away to a seaside destination, a quaint Victorian town, or a mountaintop bed and breakfast,” reads an excerpt from the article. “There's nothing more fun than a weekend road trip, particularly if it involves one of the most scenic drives in America!”

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway shows off the trees’ splendor as it chugs along the scenic Toccoa River and into the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway shows off the trees’ splendor as it chugs along the scenic Toccoa River and into the Chattahoochee National Forest. 

A Georgia gem 

Only one Georgia city was named to the list, and its mountainous winter wonderful weather may just feel like you’ve traveled much more than two hours to get there. Blue Ridge, Georgia, was ranked No. 4 on the national list of towns for lovebirds. The city recently got a blanket of snow, and Valentine’s Day weekend might just be a repeat. Country Living editors wrote about the town’s “stunning vistas” and its adorable downtown, which features several bed and breakfasts ideal for a cozy couple’s getaway.

Gay couples may also consider this spot for the holiday because it was recently named one of the country’s top gay-friendly hot spots. The town of just under 2,000 people has held the title for a couple of years due to its influx of LGBT-owned businesses.

Wide-open spaces 

For those outdoorsy couples, Country Living pinpoints a number of top small towns for exploring a nature adventure. In Beaufort, North Carolina, the options range from observing or riding wild horses to enjoying some cool-weather stand-up paddleboard fun.

Telluride, Colorado, also made the list, though it only expands about “eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long,” according to the city’s website.

“It might be on the smaller side, but there’s still plenty to do, including skiing, snowboarding, and sledding on the gorgeous mountains.”

Take a look at the top 5 Valentine’s Day spots for a weekend getaway:

1.  Islamorada, Florida

2. Ellicott City, Maryland

3. Beaufort, North Carolina

4. Blue Ridge, Georgia

5. New Orleans

See the entire list of 30 cities here.

About the Author

Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.

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