State parks offer vacation deals

Winter's the ideal time to slip out of town for a stay in a cozy lodge with your squeeze. Here are a few suggestions to suit any budget.

Rates on the "Romance Made for Two" package at George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines; Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, McRae; and Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge, Cartersville start from $165 for a two-night (Friday and Saturday) stay through March 31. Two glasses of wine and morning breakfast is included. Rates for a two-night stay at Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen start from $175.

Guests arriving on Sundays-Thursdays through Feb. 28 are offered nightly rates of $59 for stays at George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge; Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge and Red Top Mountain State Park & Lodge. Mid-week rates of $69 are offered at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge in Dawsonville and Unicoi State Park & Lodge. Rates are valid for standard double room accommodations and include expanded continental breakfast for two and full breakfast for two at Unicoi. Request these last-minute "Lodge-ical" rates by calling 800-864-7275 or visit online at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

The spectacular mountain resort of Smithgall Woods of Helen also offers a 20% discount on stays throughout February on its "Winter Escape" package. The resort features five fully-equipped cottages -- with two of the one-bedroom cottages having private decks and hot tubs. Guests will even receive free firewood with this offer. A two-night minimum stay required over weekends.

Regular rental rates for cabins start from $149 weekdays; from $179 on weekends.

This elegant 5,660-acre mountain retreat is tucked away in the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cottages are cozy, serene and romantic.