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Over the years, Georgia has gained fame and acclaim for its capital city of Atlanta, the leading "New South" metropolis that has become synonymous with legendary hip-hop and R&B music, top-tier educational institutions like Emory University and Spelman College, and 麻豆AV-renowned corporate brands like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines. Yet beyond the I-285 Perimeter that rings around Atlanta, there is much more of Georgia to explore and enjoy. Georgia also has quietly beautiful, small towns worth visiting, with wondrous waterfalls, reputable wineries, and 麻豆AV-class resorts.

From quaint villages nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains to soothing seashore towns at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia abounds in authentic small-town charm.

Blairsville

Nestled in North Georgia鈥檚 Appalachian Mountains, about 100 miles east of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Blairsville has plenty of wide open spaces for peaceful exploration and quiet contemplation. It鈥檚 possible to soar to new heights at Vogel State Park, a beautiful stretch of mountains with ample hiking trails and even more stunning scenery at Trahlyta Falls and Lake Trahlyta for fishing, swimming, and paddling. For even more mountain heights, head to Brasstown Bald, Georgia鈥檚 tallest peak at 4,784 feet above sea level.

More recently, Blairsville-Union County has gained recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), and you can taste some fine locally made Georgia wines at Odom Springs Vineyards and Redtail Mountain Vineyard. After taking quality time to wander the mountains and savor the local wines, feel free to kick back and relax at Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa (which also has its own selection of locally made wines).

Tybee Island

Just 17 miles east of Savannah lies the small city of Tybee Island, picture-perfect for escaping it all. Visiting Tybee Island Light Station and Museum is an illuminating experience. This landmark features Georgia's oldest, operating since 1736, and tallest, at 144 feet lighthouse. Nearby, you will find Tybee Island Marine Science Center, a great spot to learn more about coastal Georgia's natural environment.

Here, guided walks and tours are available to meet local wildlife like sea turtles, marsh birds, and fiddler crabs. Book a stay at Beachside Colony Resort for direct beach access and comfy condo-style accommodations.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, Georgia, is named for the Blue Ridge Mountains. For an easy ride through North Georgia's finest scenery, book a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for a 26-mile round-trip train ride along the Toccoa River. When you want to get a little more active while keeping low-key, go to Fightingtown Creek Nature Park for 12 miles of blissful biking and hiking trails at this 190-acre pristine mountain preserve.

For even more natural beauty and simple solitude, the 3,770-foot-tall Springer Mountain is not only a wonderful place to hike and explore on its own, but it鈥檚 also the southern terminus of the 2,197-mile-long Appalachian Trail that extends all the way north to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Whether you are here to hike the Appalachian Trail for a quiet weekend getaway, go ahead and enjoy some respite at the Blue Ridge Inn, an 1890 Victorian home converted to a cozy bed-and-breakfast.

Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Falls, Georgia, is renowned for its stunning and serene natural landmarks. One of the most famous is Tallulah Gorge State Park. This park is home to Tallulah Gorge, a breathtaking canyon that is nearly two miles long and 1,000 feet deep. The park offers several scenic hiking trails, including the rim trails that provide spectacular views of the gorge and waterfalls. Visitors can also cross the suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, offering a thrilling experience and a unique perspective of the canyon.

Dillard

Dillard, Georgia, is a quaint town known for its scenic beauty and historical charm. One of the town's most celebrated landmarks is the Dillard House. Established in 1917, this family-owned inn and restaurant have become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. The Dillard House is renowned for its Southern hospitality and delicious farm-to-table meals. Guests can enjoy the picturesque views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while savoring traditional Southern cuisine. The property also offers various activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, and exploring the beautiful gardens.

Another notable landmark is the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center. This open-air museum showcases the Appalachian way of life through a collection of historic log cabins, traditional crafts, and cultural exhibits. Visitors can learn about the region's history, folk traditions, and pioneer skills.

Washington

Located about 44 miles southeast of Athens and 53 miles northwest of Augusta, Washington is a town that played a critical role during two of the United States' wars. You can begin the historical journey at the Washington Historical Museum, a house built for Revolutionary War veteran Micajah Williamson in 1835 that is chock full of Revolutionary War and Civil War relics. To see where the Revolutionary War was fought, head over to the Kettle Creek Battlefield to see where the Patriots essentially loosened Georgia from the grips of British Loyalists. For a unique library, check out the Mary Willis Library, an ornate Queen Anne-style building where Georgia鈥檚 first public library was established in 1889.

Though Washington is known as the town where the tides turned in the Revolutionary War and where the Civil War ended in 1865, it鈥檚 now a much quieter town that exudes genteel Southern charm. For the ultimate relaxing stay in town, check into The Fitzpatrick Hotel, an 1898 Victorian-era hotel that has been beautifully preserved.

Senoia

Senoia may only be about 37 miles south of Atlanta, yet this town looks and feels like quite the Southern-style throwback. Perhaps this explains why Senoia has long served as one of Hollywood's favorite filming locations. While here, you can head out with Georgia Tour Company to spot a slew of landmarks featured in movies like Fried Green Tomatoes and TV shows like AMC鈥檚 The Walking Dead. If the filming tour leads to a little too much sensory overload, it is easy to settle down and enjoy a quieter exploration of Senoia's backstory at the Senoia Area Historical Society History Museum, which has exhibits that range from Native American life in the region in the early 19th century all the way to Senoia's 21st century Walking Dead fame.

Meanwhile, for plenty of down-home farm-fresh goodness, check out the various seasonal offerings at Beak and Berry Farm, including eggs, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and real Georgia honey. For an even quieter space for exploration and contemplation, go to Starr鈥檚 Mill Park for a historic (1907) cotton gin that is now a public recreational space with a lovely waterfall and pond. After making your way all around town, head down to The Veranda Historic Inn for a 1906 Greek Revival mansion that is now a beautiful boutique bed-and-breakfast.

Jekyll Island

Situated along Georgia鈥檚 Atlantic coast, about 94 miles south of Savannah and 72 miles north of Jacksonville (Florida), Jekyll Island has long held a reputation as a retreat for the elite. You can begin exploring Jekyll Island history at Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, and sign up for a tour of the Jekyll Island Historic District and its remarkable concentration of (late 19th century) Gilded Age era mansions. Then, for special encounters with Jekyll Island鈥檚 other famous residents, go to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to learn more about these charming reptiles and other native wildlife who call this island home.

Since this is an island with direct ocean access, you might as well enjoy quality time at the beach, and there is no better beach to visit than the legendary Driftwood Beach, with ancient driftwood monuments adorning the shore. If you would still like to spend more time at the beach, do a luxurious stay at the Jekyll Island Club for a grand oceanfront resort that鈥檚 welcomed all sorts of industrial moguls and dignitaries since 1886.

Pine Mountain

The quiet town of Pine Mountain is situated about 33 miles northeast of Columbus and 82 miles southwest of Atlanta. Perhaps the best place to explore this unique expanse of hilly terrain is Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, with its 40+ miles of hiking trails through hardwood and pine forests, scenic waterfalls, and natural springs where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought relief from polio.

For a deeper dive into the 32nd President鈥檚 story and his special connection to Georgia, take a drive over to Roosevelt's Little White House State Historic Site to tour the home FDR built for himself in 1932 and spent much of his presidency guiding the United States through the Great Depression and 麻豆AV War II. For a fuller view of the region's rich history, head back to town and visit the Chipley Historical Center for a wide array of cultural treasures housed in Pine Mountain's original city hall.

To complete the ideal Pine Mountain retreat, book a stay at Callaway Resort and Gardens for easy access to one of the nation's largest inland white sand beaches (at Robin Lake), two premier golf courses, the serene Butterfly Center and Discovery Center, and many more relaxing amenities.

The Peach State Is Peachy Keen for Peace and Quiet

Whenever you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday modern living, Georgia has many wonderful towns that provide respite. At Blairsville and Blue Ridge, you can soar to great heights and enjoy North Georgia's splendid Appalachian Mountain scenery. And at Tybee Island and Jekyll Island, it is always an easy-breezy time to kick back and relax at the beautiful beaches of the Golden Isles. No matter how you want to find peace, these quiet Georgia towns are great places to enjoy some much-needed tranquility.