Looking for some inspiration for a quick trip from Atlanta? Check out these four weekend getaway picks in the South.
Asheville, North Carolina
About a four-hour drive from Atlanta, Asheville offers a quaint escape in the midst of North Carolina’s mountains. This hip little mountain town is bursting with creativity, which you can experience in the museums, art galleries, coffeehouses, antique stores and sidewalk cafes that line the streets. If that doesn’t sway you to pack your bags for Asheville, don’t forget you can also visit the historic Biltmore Estate and picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive.”
Savannah, Georgia
Although it’s just a four-hour drive from Atlanta, a trip to Savannah feels like you’re stepping back in time into Georgia’s roots. Historic Georgian mansions, oak tree canopies overhead and green public squares everywhere you turn are just a pinch of the southern spirit you’ll find in Savannah. A city best explored on foot, Savannah offers everything from literary landmarks and ghost tours to riverboat cruises and historic forts. While you’re there, don’t forget to head out to Tybee Island to spend some time on Savannah’s beaches.
Athens, Georgia
What started as a college town is now coming into its own as a music, arts and dining destination, and experiencing it for yourself is as easy as taking a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta to Athens, Ga. The hometown of the University of Georgia was the launching point for bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s, and the music scene in Athens is still one that shouldn’t be missed. If nightclubs and old-school record stores aren’t quite your cup of tea, you can always sink your teeth into Athens at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants popping up throughout the city.
Nashville, Tennessee
While you’re down South, don’t miss your chance to check out the world’s country music capital, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta. A must for any music lover, Nashville welcomes visitors with the likes of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can check out a golden Cadillac owned by Elvis himself. At night, every bar and honkytonk comes alive with performances by the city’s best artists. And while country music undoubtedly rules this city, you’ll also find jazz, rock and even rap concerts throughout Nashville.
(Main image: ckramer)
