toni

Hi-
My husband and I are flying into Atlanta the first weekend in April. We're then driving into Alabama for 2 nights for the races at Talladega, but plan on heading back into Georgia for our last 2 nights. We're not usually big city people, but can handle the driving if the sights are worth while. We've never been to this part of the country before, so were thinking instead of going down into the countryside below Atlanta, possibly for a bed and breakfast place, just to explore the state a little more. We like to see countryside, and all this will be new to us. Any suggestions? Any recommended b&b's? Thanks a lot!
Toni

Melanie

Hey Toni! I've lived in Georgia all of my life, it's a wonderful state and I feel I'm pretty qualified to respond. Georgia is beautiful everywhere, however the coast and the mountains are the highlights. The north Georgia mountains are just a 1.5 - 2 hour drive north of Atlanta and are very very pretty. You could drive up I85 north of Gainesville to Rabun county which has some beautiful mountains, gorge, and whitewater river to which you can hike. Also up Ga400 is a old gold-mining town Dahlonega. The Golden Islands are a 4-5 hour drive and are really beautiful with huge old oaks with Spanish moss. Also, if you don't mind a long drive or short flight on a regional carrier such as Air Tran, you could go to Savannah, another jewel in this state. One other place that would be a 2 hour drive north of Atlanta in the mountains is Helen, Georgia. The countryside there is really pretty. Helen resembles a Bavarian village, is built on a river and has lots of shops and places to eat. It's a nice little village in which to stroll around. Hope you have a wonderful time in Georgia! April will be a great time to visit!

kat

Atlanta and the surrounding area will be gorgeous in April--that's when the dogwoods and azaleas are in full bloom. There is not much "down into the countryside below Atlanta" except middle Georgia which is not pretty in my opinion. I would stay in N. Georgia or go to the coast as suggested by the previous poster.

Patrick

How about an overnight at Callaway Gardens below Atlanta? It is simply breathtaking at that time of year, and the inn there is a wonderful place to stay.

xxx

With all due respect to Kat, Middle Georgia is lovely in April - Dogwoods and Azaleas galore. A wonderful place to stay is Henderson Village. It's a 5-star inn and restaurant that uses 100+ year old building for both the lodging and restaurant. It's just south of Perry, GA and has a website. Check it out.

RB

Another vote for Callaway Gardens- the azaleas should be really pretty at that time, and it would be handy for you to drop down from I-20 on your way back from the races. The Day Butterfly Center at Callaway is a beautiful sight. Nearby Pine Mountain has antique shops, etc. If you or your husband play golf, the courses at Callaway are very nice.

Donna

If you are going to the races, Talledega is a good drive from Atlanta and the mountains and seashore are too much driving in my opinion. There are 2 wonderful choices just 30 - 1hr from the city. Lake Lanier Islands (http://www.lakelanierislands.com) is a good choice, close to the city, but far enough to enjoy the countryside which is beautiful in April. You might also try Chateau Elan (http://www.chateauelan.com) which is also very nice. I don't know your budget, Chateau Elan is somewhat pricey. Callaway may not want to spend all your time driving. If you want to stay in Atlanta, then I recommend the Buckhead area for shopping and restaurants - everything else is just suburbs.

jil

I second the vote for Chateau Elan. It is pricey, however, if you want to indulge in "spa services", it'll be worth your money.

If you choose against that, anywhere in north GA mentioned earlier is good. The Rabun County (Clayton) area is beautiful and quaint and there are several B&B's there.

You could always go to Cleveland, GA and visit "Babyland General" - the home of the cabbage patch kids. This is just a 10 minute drive to Helen, GA (mentioned) earlier. You'll feel like you've arrived in a little German town. Definitely worth the drive!

SouthernTraveler

You may wish to visit Perry, GA, which is in the middle of the state. It is absolutely beautiful in the spring with the dogwoods and azaleas in bloom. Try staying at the historic New Perry Hotel. They have a good restaurant and tavern onsite.

OneWanderingJew

Helen, GA? Ick.

I'd never recommend someone go out of their way to visit it. It's a really touristy place--if you're going to be up there anyway, fine (Unicoi Park is nearby), but worth a special trip?? Nah. It's at least a 75 min. drive from the Buckhead area of Atlanta--there's enough to do in the city for a day or two...

I'm not sure about B&B's in Atlanta itself but just 15 min. north in Roswell, GA there are some. I don't know how nice the rooms are but they look cute from the outside. Google Roswell, GA and see what turns up.

Katrn

I agree! Helen is cheeeezy with a capital C! I wouldn't waste my time going to Helen; however, the surrounding area and mountains are beautiful (ie, Unicoi, Anna Ruby Falls, Amicolola Park).