Some school systems in Georgia soon will be observing a winter break. There’s still time to plan a fun, family getaway in Georgia or nearby — without risking flight delays.
For those Georgia families looking but undecided, here are a few of our favorite options to amp up your winter break:
State Park Staycation
Park destinations are most heavily booked in spring, summer and fall. But it’s easy to find a comfy cabin, funky yurt or a camping spot during winter break. Approximately 40 Georgia state parks offer overnight stay options, including tent and RV sites, spacious and full-featured cabins, and yurts. And several, like Amicalola, Unicoi and others, offer full-service lodges for those who prefer a hotel or resort style experience. Find detailed information on each park’s accommodations and make reservations, on the the Georgia State Parks reservations page.
Mountain Adventures
Beyond state parks, North Georgia offers lots of mountain adventures and exploration opportunities. Four of our favorite winter break destinations include Helen, Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, and Clayton, all offering unique local outings, excellent farm-to-table dining and interesting exploring. For example, in Dahlonega, combine gold and mining history with a tour of the Consolidated Gold Mine. Helen’s German-themed town offers unique shopping and exploration. Plus, there’s lots of scenic adventures by car or by foot around all the mountain towns. Or, perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy a frozen winter wonderland at one of Georgia’s tall frozen waterfalls.
Savannah Sojourn
This historic Georgia riverport attracts throngs of visitors in peak season. But except for St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find fewer visitors and more bargains on hotel stays during winter break. And “winter” in Savannah typically means sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s. Thus, walking the city’s historic squares or taking the open tour carriages are still great options.
Always Atlanta
Yes, Atlanta is always an option when you think of a Georgia destination. Downtown offers a plethora of high-end hotels that deliver on fine accommodations and luxury spa services. Plus, many of the city’s best eateries also are near downtown. Some favorite winter attractions include touring the Carter Presidential Library, visiting the Georgia State Capital under it’s golden dome, and exploring Martin Luther King National Historical Park. Sports fans will enjoy the 90 minute tour of spectacular Mercedes Benz stadium. Just outside the city, scenic and historic Stone Mountain offers spectacular views.
Small Town Charm
Throughout Georgia, the countryside is dotted with charming small Southern towns. Often built around a historic square, these Georgia treasures deliver on relaxing days full of antique and bargain shopping, site seeing, history and hometown favorite foods. Of course, we’re partial to Marietta since we live there. We can walk to the historic square, bike to Kennesaw Mountain or saunter downtown for cocktails and dinner. Some of our other favorites nearby and around the state include Acworth, Kennesaw, Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, Dahlonega, Blue Ridge, Taccoa, Ellijay, St. Simon, Clayton and Pine Mountain. And if you ignore some of the politically-charged commentary, we loved our time in Columbus, too. That’s not a comprehensive list, but consider it a starter for small-town adventures. And given Georgia’s place in the movie industry, don’t be surprised if you stumble across a film site.
Amtrak Adventure
We haven’t done this one — YET! — but it’s definitely on our list. Amtrak’s Crescent line serves Atlanta’s Peachtree Station (ATL), providing daily service on it’s route that runs from New York City and New Orleans. Theoretically, you can make a one-day round-trip southbound journey from Atlanta to Birmingham, leaving Atlanta at 9:08 am and arriving in Birmingham in early afternoon. Then, you can return on the 5:15 pm northbound from Birmingham, arriving in Atlanta around 11:30 pm. BUT, Amtrak’s long-distance trains are notorious for not keeping schedules due to freight train priorities and other track issues. So it may be best to plan an overnight stay — or just make the longer run to New Orleans and stay awhile. Going northbound from Atlanta, be aware that the Crescent departs in late evening. Thus, stops like Charlotte, Washington DC, Baltimore and New York require an overnight journey.
Georgia’s Discovery Trails
Whether you enjoy scenic drives or historical exploration, Georgia’s state tourism department has something for you. Several designated scenic drives cut through regions of Georgia, including the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway through the mountains, the Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway along the Southeastern Georgia low country, and the Enduring Farmlands Scenic Byway in mid-state. More historically-themed exploration “trails” also have been established, with recommended stops and supporting guides. The 200-mile Chieftains Trail in Georgia is a heritage tourism route that highlights key historical sites associated with the Native American Cherokee Nation. Established to honor the legacy and culture of the Cherokee people, the trail takes visitors through significant locations in Northwest Georgia that played a central role in the Cherokee’s history before their forced removal on the Trail of Tears in 1838. The Georgia World War II Heritage Trail is a state-wide tourism initiative that commemorates Georgia’s significant contributions to the war effort during World War II. This trail links historic sites, museums, and memorials across the state that highlight various aspects of the war, including military training, manufacturing, home-front efforts, and the personal stories of Georgians who served.
Caribbean Cruise
For those who want to get a bit farther away, the Port Canaveral cruise port in Florida is one of the country’s best starting points for cruises of all types. During winter, several cruise lines offer three, five or seven day cruises that fit just about any budget. Favorite destinations include the Bahamas, and Eastern Caribbean Cruises. Port Canaveral is less than a one day drive for most Georgians.
