Long Weekend Vacation Ideas for Families in Georgia
Long Weekend Vacation Ideas for Families
In Georgia & other Southern States
Since summer seems right around the corner, we are looking at some possible long weekend trips for our family. Living in the Atlanta, Ga., area has allowed us to explore a lot of great places in the South. We hope to continue to visit new towns and cities every year with our girls.
Long weekend trips are a great way to get out and explore with your family. These trips for the most part only require a few days and a car (and possibly some road-trip patience). Depending on your location, they also might be just a short flight away.
Long Weekend Vacation Ideas in Georgia
It only seems right to start off in my current home state of Georgia. There are so many great spots to visit for a long weekend here it was hard not to include everything!
Ellijay:
Located in north Georgia, Ellijay holds a special place in my heart. This adorable town is where my Grandad and great grandfather grew up and why we named our youngest daughter “Ella Jaye.” Known as the Apple Capital of Georgia, this town is the perfect fall or summer time spot for your family. They have the most stunning views, all the southern hospitality you could dream of, and lots of fun things to do with your family such as visiting an apple farm, hiking, as well as shopping and dining in the quaint downtown area.
Savannah:
Sadly I have yet to make it here BUT everyone tells me it is a must! Savannah is a beautiful historic town with rich history and breath-taking scenery. There seems to be lots of things to do with your family such as visit the children’s museum, tour the historic town, shop and dine to your heart’s content. Beautiful Savannah also prides itself as a city of ghosts and ghost stories. Don’t forget to visit the famous Bonaventure Cemetery, featured in the John Berendt book and movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” about the true story of a famous local murder! It features a lot of elaborate gravestones and has a lovely cliff view. Another perk of this location is you can hop over to the beach for a day if you wish. Georgia’s famous Tybee Island is just a short drive from downtown Savannah.
Atlanta:
From the Georgia Aquarium to spending time outdoors on the Beltline, Atlanta has so much to keep you and your family busy over a long weekend. There is something for everyone in ATL. You can visit the Fernbank Museum, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and dine at the Krog Street Market (just to name a few of our favorites). Not to mention you could spend an entire weekend hunting down the outdoor art by famous artists such as Tiny Door Atl.
Helen:
This Georgia destination will leave you feeling like you spent a weekend in the Alps with its European-inspired architecture and charm. Helen is great for a summer trip when you can float the river and enjoy all the amazing trails near town. They have lots of fun activities for kids, including panning for gold! I have been going to this spot with my family since being a kid! FUN FACT: Any Cabbage Patch Kids fans in your tribe? Cleveland, GA, birthplace of CPK, is just a 16-minute drive from Helen. Here are 6 things to do if it happens to rain during your visit to Helen. You can also wait till fall and celebrate Oktoberfest in this cute mountain town.
Florida Short Trip Vacation Ideas
Fernandina Beach:
If you are looking for a quiet beach town then Fernandina is the spot for you! This beach is beautiful but not as crowded as a few others nearby. It gives off a small-town vibe and has more than just beaches to enjoy. You can spend time on the bay or on the trails hiking or biking nearby.
Tallahassee:
The Sunshine State Capitol gives off all the old southern vibes with its beautiful old oak trees, canopied streets and architecture on the Florida State University and Florida A&M campuses. There are great restaurants and bars in this small town that will surprise any visitor who stops by. You can visit the Museum of Florida History and learn all about my birth state, Florida.
Rosemary (30A):
This is a Georgia residents’ favorite and to be honest anywhere on 30A would make a great beach weekend getaway. If you are looking for something more unique, be sure to check out the little beach town of Rosemary. Like Helen, Georgia, this town has a European flair but instead of the mountain views you get aqua blue Gulf views.
South Carolina Fun Getaways
Charleston:
I have yet to take my kids here but had the pleasure of visiting for a girls’ trip last September and am itching to take my family back! This historic town has so much to offer, from historical landmarks, beautiful water views, ghost tours and more. Charleston is a great spot for a long weekend no matter what your interests!
North Carolina Mountain Gem
Asheville:
Just like Savannah, Asheville is on my list! I have yet to make the trip to this charming place yet but hope to do so very soon. Asheville promises visitors small town charm and a historic family friendly feel. Not to mention the famous Biltmore estate located just outside of town with its famous gardens and artworks. Asheville is an art mecca with many museums as well as performing arts and music of every genre, all backdropped by nature’s art of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Not a place where you will get bored!
Tennessee Getaways
Chattanooga:
To be honest, when we planned our trip to Chattanooga a few years back I had no expectations. However, this little town blew me away! There is so much to do with kids from the Aquarium to the Train and Children’s museums. This has been one of my favorite spots to take my girls for a fun long weekend or as a stop on our way up to Nashville. Good places to eat and definitely family friendly. Choo-choo!
Nashville:
If we are covering Tennessee, we must include Music City—Nashville! This is such a fun city to visit. However, I will say it is more exciting for families with older or school-aged children. We have spent several long weekends exploring Nashville, and there is always something fun and new to discover.
Alabama Getaways
Montgomery:
Now over to Alabama, a quieter Georgia neighbor. Montgomery is a small town but home to the Alabama State Capitol and has lots of things to do for a long weekend. Plan a visit to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, the Legacy Museum, visit the Montgomery Zoo or just spend a day strolling the little shops and enjoying the local restaurants. There is so much history in this town and it is the perfect place to teach your children about the history of our nation's racism and the civil rights movement.
Birmingham:
Similar to Montgomery, Birmingham has a lot of historical relevance for visitors to learn about. Take a Civil Rights tour during the day and a Ghost Walk at night. They also have a Botanical Gardens, Zoo and the McWayne Science Center that are perfect for families to visit.
Mobile:
This Alabama port city is known for having the oldest organized Carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations in the U.S.— even older than New Orleans! Floats, costumes and photos at the Carnival Museum illuminate the city’s centuries-old Mardi Gras tradition. Distinctive architecture and a lot of history abound in this biggest city on the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and St. Petersburg, Fla. The downtown districts are fun to explore, as well as plenty of interesting museums, nature preserves and highly rated eateries. Another perk: despite not having any beaches of its own, Mobile is a great place to base yourself for a beachside vacation. Many excellent beaches are found very close to the city, just a short drive away.
There are plenty of other great spots for a long weekend vacation in the south, but if you are looking for a few ideas to get your planning started, these will not let you down. Do you have a favorite spot to spend a long weekend at? Let me know in the comments!