As travelers continue to seek out safe getaways during the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb hosts are fitting the bill, especially those in remote locales. In summer 2020, hosts in rural areas saw an increase in revenue of more than 25% over the previous year, according to the company. Georgia has many unique standalone Airbnb properties in far-flung places. Here are six notable ones spread across the state, from the mountains to the coast and spots in between where you can find room to roam and easily social distance.
Ellijay
Mountain bikers, hikers, families, and those traveling with dogs are attracted to the Camp Pinhoti cabin at the edge of the mountainous Cohutta Wilderness. The cabin, which sleeps six, was constructed with timber felled on the 37-acre property. Families will find plenty of room to spread out, inside and out. A screened-in front porch runs the entire length of the house and has a porch heater. It’s a pet-friendly place with doggie beds and bowls provided. There’s a master bedroom downstairs and a large open loft upstairs with multiple beds and an entertainment area that kids will love. Being next to the nearly 100,000-acre Cohutta Wildlife Management Area means you may encounter black bears, so it’s important to be “bear aware” and not leave any trash or food outside as attractors.
The cabin gets its name from the nearby Pinhoti Trail, a long-distance trail running 339 miles through the Southern Appalachians with its highest elevation points a few miles away. Fort Mountain State Park and downtown Ellijay are each less than a 10-mile drive from the cabin. Ellijay is considered the mountain biking capital of Georgia with many scenic trails for all skill levels spread throughout the region.
($124 and up, www.airbnb.com/rooms/28841374. Gilmer Downtown Welcome Center. 10 Broad St. 706-635-7400, www.gilmerchamber.com/explore-the-ellijays)
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Good Hope
A remote woodsy escape awaits in the Piedmont region of east-central Georgia in the form of a vintage camper called the Good Hope Airstream. The circa-1962 trailer has been refurbished with modern touches and amenities but retains its retro charm. An attached covered deck allows for grilling out, hanging out and al fresco dining. The Airstream sleeps three in a sofa bed and a twin bed. Digital nomads will appreciate the dedicated workspace and Wi-Fi availability. Amateur astronomers will love the planetarium effect of the setting in a clearing in the woods with a view of the nighttime sky with minimal light pollution. Go hiking on the well-marked trails near the camper and take a paddling excursion on the Apalachee River a short walk away. The host provides kayaks.
Good Hope is a tiny blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town. Watkinsville, 10 miles away, is worth a visit to see historic sites, stroll the charming downtown, and the hiking is good through the urban forest at Harris Shoals Park and Watkinsville Woods.
($49 and up, www.airbnb.com/rooms/45862806. Oconee County Welcome Center. 21 N. Main St. 706-769-5197, visitoconee.com)
Madison
Just outside the Atlanta metro area in Morgan County, there’s a rustic, affordable cabin on an alpaca farm that feels a world away from the city. You’ll also feel like you’ve stepped back in time since the cabin has no running water and the bathroom is an outhouse. It’s not for everyone, but guests rave about the magical quality of a true farm stay. The cabin does have electricity and sleeps two in a comfy queen bed. Old-fashioned touches include a washbasin with gallon jugs of water provided. If you stay more than one night you can take a hot shower in an outdoor stall on the back porch of the main house. Feel free to roam the farm and interact with the alpacas and many other barnyard animals. While there’s an outlet in the cabin to plug in your device, this is a place where it’s best to unplug and enjoy quiet country living.
The town of Madison is six miles away and full of beautiful historic homes. Stop in at the visitors center on the town square to pick up a map of the many notable structures best seen on a self-guided walking tour.
($45 and up, www.airbnb.com/rooms/11432735. Madison Welcome Center. 115 E. Jefferson St. 706-342-4454, visitmadisonga.com.)
Menlo
If you’re thinking about taking the dive into tiny house living, or just curious, try it out with a stay in a tiny house community. Cricket by the Creek is part Little River Escape on the Lookout Mountain Plateau. Surprisingly, the 396-square-foot home can comfortably sleep seven people in a bedroom, a bunk bed, a pull-out sofa and a loft bed. There’s a covered front porch, as well as an outdoor patio space with a grill next to a creek that flows into the east fork of the Little River and Lake Lahusage. Guests can enjoy the same amenities as full-time residents of the 50-acre gated community, including private access to hiking trails, the river and the lake. The homes are situated at a comfortable distance from one another in a wooded area. The community is closer to Alabama than it is to Menlo down the mountain, so you’ll find the best nearby outdoor attractions over the state line. Alabama’s Dekalb County is home to many spectacular waterfalls including Desoto Falls and the falls inside Little River Canyon National Preserve, one of the deepest canyon systems east of the Mississippi.
($101 and up, www.airbnb.com/rooms/41704840. Dekalb Tourism/Visit Lookout Mountain Alabama. 2414 Airport Road West, Fort Payne. 888-805-4740, visitlookoutmountain.com)
Credit: Handout
Credit: Handout
Savannah
Tell time by the tides when staying on this docked, well-appointed boat called Reel Blues. Located in a marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll have a marsh view to complement mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. Look for dolphin pods frolicking in the waterway. The climate-controlled yacht sleeps four in two staterooms, one a queen, the other featuring a bunk bed. There’s plenty of natural light in the spacious interior with blackout shades available to keep out the bright coastal morning light. The aft deck is set up for outdoor lounging with your crew, and the flybridge is accessible for a cozy relaxation spot with a view. The boat is stocked with all the niceties one would expect at a boutique inn such as coffee, creamer, breakfast bread, soft drinks, soaps and shampoo. There’s also free Wi-Fi.
The host will personally on-board guests and instruct them on the particulars of the vessel and staying on the water. The boat remains docked at the marina for the duration of your stay.
Bonaventure Cemetery, one of Savannah’s more legendary scenic and spooky spots, is a short drive from the marina. Skidaway Island State Park and the beaches of Tybee Island are also nearby.
($119 and up, www.airbnb.com/rooms/7415354. Savannah Visitor Center. 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 912-944-0455, www.visitsavannah.com)
Rabun Gap
Situated in a serene mountain valley, this circa-1880s log cabin will appeal to couples looking for a romantic getaway. Surrounded by the pastures of a sheep farm with a view framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the postcard-worthy cabin is made out of hand-hewn timber and sports a red-rusted tin roof. Watch the animals graze in the pasture while gazing at the mountains from the back porch. It’s an old cabin, but expect contemporary comfort with heat, air conditioning, a modern bathroom and a queen bed with luxurious linens. This is a popular property so plan ahead to find available dates. Previous guests’ reviews rave about the bespoke but unfussy decor, a relaxing atmosphere, and responsive hosts who are right next door if you need them but otherwise leave you alone.
Black Rock Mountain State Park is the closest major outdoor attraction. From Georgia’s highest-altitude state park, take in long-range mountain views from overlooks peering into North Carolina and walk the uncrowded loop trail around Black Rock Lake shimmering with pristine emerald waters.
($178 and up, www.airbnb.com/rooms/11965505. Rabun County Welcome Center. 10 Seed Tick Road, Clayton. 706-960-9865, https://explorerabun.com)
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