AC repair inDarien, GA

Driving north into Darien, Georgia, on U.S. Highway 17, I pass over a long bridge that crosses the Darien River, an offshoot of the Altamaha River considered Georgia’s wildest and most beautiful. To the right, clustered shrimp boats bob slightly in shimmery water, as if they are curtsying, their riggings capturing the filtered light of a spring day. With dappled clouds in the background, the picturesque scenery is striking.

Darien, at its heart a fishing village, is on the more southerly end of the long quarter-moon-shaped crescent of Georgia coast that curves inland from Savannah to St. Marys. Surrounded by wide swaths of saltwater marsh, in season either as golden as Midas’ touch or as pale green as seafoam, the prairies unfurl into Altamaha Sound, with long fingers of Spartina grass rippling in endless waves. The marsh is a secret garden, a labyrinth of water, mud and peat continually ebbing and flowing and camouflaging a hidden world of terrestrial and marine creatures of herons and wood storks, crabs and shrimp, alligators and otters.

The town proper of Darien, threaded with mighty oaks drizzled with Spanish moss, is the alpha and omega of the Altamaha River, the first community on its journey inland from the Atlantic and the last before it fans out to where the Altamaha Sound laps gently toward the ocean. U.S. Highway 17, the old coastal highway that’s a throwback to romantic road trips, slices through Darien before it runs north to Virginia and southward to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Textured with an amazing depth of history, mesmerizing unspoiled nature and local seafood restaurants, Darien gives you an authentic taste of saltwater with fresh oysters, fish and its most famous denizen, Georgia Wild Shrimp. The shrimp flourishes in the warm waters of the sound, soaking in the nutrients of the rich Spartina grass, related to sugar cane, and a primary reason the crustaceans are so plump and sweet. You won’t need to walk far in Darien to find shrimp fried, broiled or boiled.

The Guale Indians were here first, and then the Spanish in the 1560s. The Spanish built missions along the coast, but only a smattering of colonists and missionaries settled before the British took a foothold in the Georgia soil. Nearly three centuries ago, Scottish Highlanders, under the leadership of Gen. James Oglethorpe, the British general credited with establishing Georgia, meandered down the coast from Savannah to establish a port city. Darien eventually became the second-oldest planned city in Georgia, after Savannah, with its grid-like streets, azalea-lined and shaded, neatly laid out in squares.

The disarming charm of Darien casts a long spell. Darien, beautiful and quiet, has a nice small-town feel as no factories or big businesses exist here. While it was once a thriving port and financial hub, its buildings date only from the Civil War, as the town, with its wonderful old colonial architecture, was burned in 1863 by Union troops.

Today’s Darien, with its population of about 1,500, not only pays homage to its seafaring past but also caters to visitors who come for the history, natural beauty, shrimp and shopping in its eclectic tiny downtown, which included Sugar Marsh Cottage Specialty Confections for artisan chocolates, Vintage Wildflowers Boutique for clothing and Waterfront Wine and Gourmet for a taste of Georgia and international wines.

Most folks, when they think of Georgia eats, think of fried chicken, pork chops and grits. You can certainly get that and more at wildly popular Sweet Tee’s Log Cabin Restaurant or B&J’s Steaks and Seafood. Sweet Tee’s buffet usually includes meats and vegetables but also extras like deviled crab or fried fish, and at B&J’s, also primarily a buffet, you can order off the menu Georgia Wild Shrimp and other bounties of the sea.

Both Skipper’s Fish Camp, on the Darien River, and Mudcat Charlie’s, overlooking the Altamaha, are casual yet a little more upscale and offer indoor and outdoor dining with a selection of cocktails. Local favorites are the shrimp, of course, plus crab, flounder and oysters. If you’re game, go for the gator tail at Mudcat Charlie’s, with its taste a mashup of chicken and fish.

For the quintessential coastal dish of rich, creamy shrimp and grits, I recommend the Oaks Club at the Oaks on the River, a small boutique hotel on the Darien River. It’s the newest addition to the Darien skyline and is the city’s tallest building, commanding three stories. It is posh by Darien’s standards, with upholstered chairs and stunning views of the marsh. The shrimp gumbo and catch of the day are also excellent choices. The showpiece Cedar Bar, adjacent to the restaurant, is carved from one single cedar tree from nearby Harris Neck Island.

While you’re likely to love Darien, it doesn’t take long to see it all, given that it’s so diminutive, so plan for a few days to explore nearby gems as well.

Start with a pedestrian-friendly, self-guided walking tour of the town. Pick up a map at the Darien-McIntosh County Visitor Center and then hit the bricks. Along the way, amble along the waterfront dotted with tabby ruins – tabby is so-called “coastal concrete” made of lime, oyster shells and water – before visiting nearly two dozen points of interest, each marked with a plaque, including the First African Baptist Church, the 1836 St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the Old City Cemetery dating to 1736 and the Grant House, the only residence to survive the 1863 destruction by federal troops.

Round out the history tour with a stop at Fort King George, established in 1721. It was the first English settlement in Georgia before Scottish Highlanders took it over in 1736. Scattred on the site is a museum and replicas of the blockhouse and barracks.

The Oaks on the River partners with Georgia Tidewater Outfitters, or you can book on your own, for cruises aboard the Delta Belle, a 30-foot custom catamaran. Options include a wine tour with wines from Waterfront Wine and Gourmet, nature tours of the Altamaha River sound or private charters that take you to remote beaches, far stretches of the sound or excellent birding sites. The painted bunting and roseate spoonbill are among the coast’s most vibrantly-hued feathered creatures.

Also take a tour on the Captain Gabby, a 42-foot hand-built wooden trawler. With room for up to six guests, the tours can last a few hours or even overnight. The experiences are personalized, including kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, birding and photography, and give you a chance to get close with nature in the swirls of creeks and marshes around the sound.

Within a few minutes’ drive of Darien are Ashantilly Plantation, built about 1820 by coastal planter Thomas Spalding; Butler Island Plantation, dating to the late 1700s and initially owned by Revolutionary War Major Pierce Butler; and Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, a former rice plantation that’s now a state park. Tours of Ashantilly, open only during events, can still be arranged by calling the home, while Butler Island can be explored by foot or car. Hofwyl-Broadfield is open for regular hours.

Sapelo Island, one of the pearls in the necklace of barriers islands that speckle Georgia’s coast, is but 6 miles from Darien. The state-protected island probably hasn’t changed much in a thousand years. The deeply forested island is still unspoiled and uncrowded with mazes of mostly unpaved roads and remains the home of one of the last Gullah communities along the coast. Get to Sapelo only by ferry or private watercraft.

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, about a half-hour’s drive north of Darien, was once a rice and cotton plantation and later Harris Neck Army Air Base. Here, hundreds of once-endangered wood stork come to build their nests and raise their young. Some 350 species of birds visit seasonally, and at the height of its population, the refuge transforms into a chaotic orchestra of avian song.

Cradled by the high bluffs of the Darien River and freckled with ancient oaks, the Oaks on the River, with 53 rooms, is the talk of the town at the moment, having just opened in November. It’s luxuriously appointed with hardwood floors, pretty rugs and a waterfront pool. The resort’s spa, though small, offers locally themed treatments including the Ashantilly Facial and Sapelo Massage.

If waking to the aroma of freshly ground coffee brewing entices you, stay at Open Gates Bed and Breakfast on Vernon Square in the heart of Darien. Shaded by oaks and magnolias, the five-bedroom Italianate inn, beachy, colorful and airy, was built in 1876 and is filled with antiques. A full breakfast is included with Southern goodies like biscuits, waffles and the Darien Shrimp Delight, a panko-encrusted shrimp cake similar to eggs benedict.

The cozy and romantic Darien Dockside Inn, also in downtown, has six individually decorated rooms and suites, all featuring views of the river and marsh. It is housed in a tabby building more than a hundred years old. Nearby, Darien Waterfront Inn offers a welcome cocktail, full breakfast and the use of bicycles, plus a two-bedroom cottage or a riverfront condominium for rent. With a two-night stay on Tuesday and Wednesday, guests are provided a free tour of Sapelo Island.

Every place evolves, but at different speeds. Darien, looking much the same as it did when I first saw it decades ago when I drove over that same bridge, does it more slowly and eloquently. If there is a bigger picture for Darien down the road, the town, respectful of its storied past, isn’t in a hurry to get to the future.

For more information, contact Discover Darien at www.discoverdarien.com or call 912-437-6684. Darien is located about halfway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. Both cities have international airports served by most major carriers. Major roads are Interstate 95 and U.S. 17. Annual events include the Blessing of the Fleet, a spring festival honoring the shrimping and fishing industry; a Fourth of July celebration; and the Darien Fall Festival featuring classic car shows, boat tours and street vendors. Other accommodations include private homes, cottages and cabins, campgrounds and RV parks and several chain hotels.

DARIEN, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Darien has a new feature downtown.

It’s a nearly 100-year-old ship! It was saved from being sold for parts and is expected to be the centerpiece of a new park.

As you drive over the Darien Bridge and in to downtown, you’re now greeted by this ship named the Kit Jones.

“When you come over that bridge, she’s the first thing that you see.”

The wooden ship is a piece of McIntosh County history. Originally built on Sapelo Island in the 1930s, it’s made of materials from the island and served multiple purposes throughout its long life.

“Back then, she was a ferryboat, a tugboat, a freight boat, a mailboat, she would transport people that lived on Sapelo Island to and from the mainland. She would transport supplies. She then went to work as a war boat, a fireboat in the war,” said Laurie Poole, with Friends of the Kit Jones.

After serving in World War II, the Kit Jones became a research vessel, spending almost three decades with the University of Georgia, before moving to the University of Mississippi. “2013, she was dry-docked in Biloxi, Mississippi for no longer being able to be used. The Coast Guard has very high requirements to keep wood vessels, any vessels, in use. It was just too expensive to use her anymore.”

So, McIntosh County locals stepped in and purchased the Kit Jones in 2017 – moving it within the county to be worked on in 2019. As of last week, it now sits on a piece of land right off of Highway 99, donated by McIntosh County.

Moving the Kit Jones into place wasn’t an easy task. It weighs more than 60,000 pounds and stands around two stories high.

It took around seven hours and two cranes to settle the ship into her new home. Poole says with the help of marine transport professionals and volunteers, the move went smoothly.

“They knew exactly how to handle her, exactly what needed to be done and it went off without a hitch. When the large straps went under her belly, right on the ribs, and lifted her up, and set her back down, she didn’t even exhale. She’s super strong and very sturdy and very well-built.”

Next, plans are underway to build a park around the city’s new centerpiece. Restoring and displaying the history of the maritime town for generations to come.

Poole says they hope to host dedication ceremonies for new park benches sometime in the fall.

Copyright 2023 WTOC. All rights reserved.

DARIEN, Ga. (AP) — Descendants of enslaved people living on a Georgia island vowed to keep fighting Tuesday after county commissioners voted to double the maximum size of homes allowed in their tiny enclave, which residents fear will accelerate the decline of one of the South’s few surviving Gullah-Geechee communities.

Black residents of the Hogg Hummock community on Sapelo Island and their supporters packed a meeting of McIntosh County’s elected commissioners to oppose zoning changes that residents say favor wealthy buyers and will lead to tax increases that could pressure them to sell their land.

Regardless, commissioners voted 3-2 to weaken zoning restrictions the county adopted nearly three decades ago with the stated intent to help Hogg Hummock’s 30 to 50 residents hold on to their land.

Yolanda Grovner, 54, of Atlanta said she has long planned to retire on land her father, an island native, owns in Hogg Hummock. She left the county courthouse Tuesday night wondering if that will ever happen.

“It’s going to be very, very difficult,” Grovner said. She added: “I think this is their way of pushing residents off the island.”

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Hogg Hummock is one of just a few surviving communities in the South of people known as Gullah, or Geechee, in Georgia, whose ancestors worked island slave plantations.

Fights with the local government are nothing new to residents and landowners. Dozens successfully appealed staggering property tax hikes in 2012, and residents spent years fighting the county in federal court for basic services such as firefighting equipment and trash collection before county officials settled last year.

“We’re still fighting all the time,” said Maurice Bailey, a Hogg Hummock native whose mother, Cornelia Bailey, was a celebrated storyteller and one of Sapelo Island’s most prominent voices before her death in 2017. “They’re not going to stop. The people moving in don’t respect us as people. They love our food, they love our culture. But they don’t love us.”

Hogg Hummock’s population has been shrinking in recent decades, and some families have sold their land to outsiders who built vacation homes. New construction has caused tension over how large those homes can be.

Commissioners on Tuesday raised the maximum size of a home in Hogg Hummock to 3,000 square feet (278 square meters) of total enclosed space. The previous limit was 1,400 square feet (130 square meters) of heated and air-conditioned space.

Commissioner Davis Poole, who supported loosening the size restriction, said it would allow “a modest home enabling a whole family to stay under one roof.”

“The commissioners are not out to destroy the Gullah-Geechee culture or erase the history of Sapelo,” Poole said. “We’re not out to make more money for the county.”

Commission Chairman David Stevens, who said he’s been visiting Sapelo Island since the 1980s, blamed Hogg Hummock’s changing landscape on native owners who sold their land.

“I don’t need anybody to lecture me on the culture of Sapelo Island,” Stevens said, adding: “If you don’t want these outsiders, if you don’t want these new homes being built ... don’t sell your land.”

County officials have argued that size restrictions based on heated and cooled spaced proved impossible to enforce. County attorney Adam Poppell said more than a dozen homes in Hogg Hummock appeared to violate the limits, and in some cases homeowners refused to open their doors to inspectors.

Hogg Hummock landowner Richard Banks equated that to the county letting lawbreakers make the rules.

“If everybody wants to exceed the speed limit, should we increase the speed limits for all the speeders?” Banks said.

Hogg Hummock residents said they were blindsided when the county unveiled its proposed zoning changes on Aug. 16. Commissioners in July had approved sweeping zoning changes throughout McIntosh County, but had left Hogg Hummock alone.

Commissioner Roger Lotson, the only Black member of the county commission, voted against the changes and warned his colleagues that he fears they will end up back in court for rushing them.

Two attorneys from the Southern Poverty Law Center sat in the front row. Attorney Anjana Joshi said they had “due process and equal protection concerns” about the way the zoning ordinance was amended.

“In our view, this was not done correctly,” said Joshi, who added: “We’re just getting started.”

Located about 60 miles (95 kilometers) south of Savannah, Sapelo Island remains separated from the mainland and reachable only by boat. Since 1976, the state of Georgia has owned most of its 30 square miles (78 square kilometers) of largely unspoiled wilderness. Hogg Hummock, also known as Hog Hammock, sits on less than a square mile.

Gullah-Geechee communities are scattered along the Southeast coast from North Carolina to Florida, where they have endured since their enslaved ancestors were freed by the Civil War. Scholars say these people long separated from the mainland retained much of their African heritage, from their unique dialect to skills and crafts such as cast-net fishing and weaving baskets.

Hogg Hummock earned a place in 1996 on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the United States’ treasured historic sites. But for protections to preserve the community, residents depend on the local government in McIntosh County, where 65% of the 11,100 residents are white.

One of the most scenic of the USA’s Southern States, the list of wonderful places to visit in Georgia is endless. And while some of the Peach State’s best tourist sites are well-known and much visited, such as Savannah and Atlanta, those willing to think a little outside the box will find no end of often overlooked destinations that are worth discovering.

From the Atlantic Coast town of Darien to the Gold Rush past of Dahlonega in the North Georgia mountains, from historic Dublin to the Victorian-era elegance of Thomasville (with a few stops in between), these often overlooked towns offer rewarding experiences for those willing to pay a visit.

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Darien

Darien is an often overlooked gem on Georgia's picturesque Atlantic coast. Located just off the I-95 mid-way between Savannah and Jacksonville, FL, it was founded in 1736 and is one of the oldest planned cities in Georgia. Those who do visit will enjoy attractions such as the Fort King George Historic Site, the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. Originally built in 1721, tours of the fort's remains, along with some reconstructed buildings, offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s colonial past.

Darien also serves as a gateway to the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, an unspoiled natural paradise accessible only by boat. Sapelo Island boasts pristine beaches, the historic Reynolds Mansion, and the fascinating Hog Hammock Community, one of the last remaining Gullah-Geechee communities in the South. The Altamaha River BioReserve near Darien is another natural landmark and is home to some of the most biodiverse habitats in the country; it’s also a great spot for birdwatching and fishing.

Dublin

Named after the capital of Ireland, Dublin is situated halfway between Savannah and Atlanta and was established in 1812. Highlights of a visit include the beautifully restored art Deco Theatre Dublin, opened in 1934 and still in use as a venue for live performances, movies, and community events. Another notable landmark, Martin Luther King Jr. Monument Park commemorates Dr. King's first public speech in 1944 through informative displays and a lovely garden.

Interested in outdoor adventures? Oconee River Greenway Park and Riverwalk provides scenic walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and access to the Oconee River for fishing and kayaking. Dublin also celebrates its Irish heritage with its St. Patrick's Day Festival, a month-long celebration with parades, concerts, and cultural events.

Senoia

Its location just 50 minutes south of Atlanta makes Senoia a great choice for a day trip or weekend getaway when an escape from the big city is needed. While not often included in people’s “must-visit” lists of small towns, Senoia is recognizable from its role as a backdrop for numerous film and TV productions, most notably The Walking Dead. Fans of "the hit TV show can enjoy a tour of the series' filming locations, a unique experience that comes highly recommended.

Downtown Senoia is a focal point for visitors with its many well-preserved old buildings that now house shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as the interesting Georgia Film and Television Production Museum. Located in the heart of the historic district, this fascinating museum provides a glimpse into the state's booming entertainment industry and Senoia's role within it.

Dahlonega

Although better known than most other locations on this list of overlooked small towns in Georgia, Dahlonega still offers a pleasant respite from the city for those wanting to enjoy the picturesque North Georgia Mountains. The site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush in 1828, Dahlonega's mining legacy is preserved in its museums, mines, and architecture, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

A must-visit is the Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, located overlooking the town square in the old Lumpkin County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse in Georgia. Visitors can also embark on an underground tour at the nearby Consolidated Gold Mine. Dahlonega also serves as a base from which to explore the Appalachian Trail and offers numerous hiking trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls such as Amicalola Falls, one of the tallest cascades in the Southeast.

Madison

Located just off the I-20 highway connecting Atlanta to the city of Augusta, Madison is well worth a visit for its well-preserved Historic District. With over 100 antebellum homes and buildings it’s a delight to explore on foot, with walking tours providing a unique glimpse into the town’s rich past. In addition to its beautifully preserved Greek Revival to Victorian-era homes, the huge Heritage Hall is a standout. Built in 1811 and one of the most photographed homes in Georgia, Heritage Hall can be explored via guided tours.

A good time to visit is during the town's annual Madison in May Spring Tour of Homes when visitors can use the opportunity to explore private residences and gardens not usually open to the public. Additionally, the town's proximity to the Oconee National Forest offers outdoor adventures, including hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.

Thomasville

Located close to the state border with Florida, Thomasville’s mild climate has led to its earning a reputation as the "City of Roses" for its more than 500 varieties of rose bushes. This rich bounty can best be enjoyed with a visit to the Thomasville Rose Garden. Situated adjacent Cherokee River Park close to the downtown core, it’s also a focal point of the not-to-be-missed Thomasville Rose Show, held here since 1922.

For history buffs, the Lapham-Patterson House and the Thomas County Museum of History offer fascinating insights into the town's past with collections and exhibits that showcase Thomasville's evolution from its post-Civil War recovery to its becoming a winter retreat for the wealthy. Other popular attractions include the Birdsong Nature Center with its birdwatching and hiking opportunities, Pebble Hill Plantation, a historic estate just outside Thomasville that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the South's agricultural elite.

The Final Word

Georgia's lesser-known towns, from the gold-rich hills of Dahlonega to the coastal allure of Darien, offer a fun opportunity to experience new places. Bursting with charm, history, and natural beauty, these communities invite visitors to be a little more adventurous and explore beyond the usual tourist destinations. Whatever your interest, you’ll find your curiosity satisfied with a. visit to these six 6 most overlooked Towns in Georgia.

Whether you live in Los Angeles, New York City, or Battle Creek Michigan, there is always a time to get away from the hustle and bustle. As traveling from one city to another tends to become monotonous at times, there are many small towns in the magnificent state of Georgia that offer a great escape from the daily grind for the weekend, either with family, friends, or alone. Here are ten of the most amiable small towns in the Peach State, from Darien in the southeast to Chickamauga in the northwest, that cater best to that awesome getaway for the weekend.

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Darien

The quaint town of Darien, located in McIntosh County on the southern coast of the Atlantic and at the mouth of the Altamaha River, possesses many attributes that make it a great place to stop for the weekend. Along with visiting Fort King George and the Old Jail Museum for a taste of historical data, Darien is also home to Georgia Peach World, Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Butler Island Plantation, which was a former rice plantation owned by Major Pierce Butler in back in the nineteenth century. There are also several seafood restaurants, like Skipper’s Fish Camp, and several choices for lodging, including Oaks on the River, which includes free wi-fi and free parking.

Blue Ridge

At the other end of the state, in the Chattahoochee National Forest and next to Lake Blue Ridge, the town of Blue Ridge is an excellent place to stop for the weekend, whether you are on your own or with friends or family. The natural attractions, from Amicalola Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, and the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, to fly-fishing along Noontootla Creek, and stopping by the Bigfoot Museum in nearby Cherry Log, keep people coming back to the town of Blue Ridge year after year. If you do stop by for the whole weekend, check out the Black Sheep Restaurant on Main Street and Orion’s Heart Cabin on White Pine Acres Lane.

Americus

In Sumter County, hidden between Albany and Thomaston, the quaint yet substantial town of Americus is a great place to stop for the weekend with the family. There are several places in and around town, including Koinonia Farms and Southern Dreams Ranch, that cater to the family as a whole unit instead of individually. Southern Dreams Ranch even offers a chance to go horseback riding along seventy acres of wooded trails. There are also several choices for dining with the family, including the Station and Rosemary & Thyme Restaurant, both located on W. Lamar Street, and several choices for lodging, including a Best Western, also on W. Lamar Street, and a Hampton Inn on E. Lamar.

Dahlonega

The town of Dahlonega, at the top of the state in Lumpkin County, is best known for being considered the Heart of the Georgia Mountains. Along with being in close proximity to Lake Zwerner and the Chestatee River, which provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating, Dahlonega is also home to the Chestatee Zoo and Georgia Mountain Falconry, both great for all members of the family. There are also a variety of nice places to taste some local fare in Dahlonega, like Foot Hill Grill and Shenanigans, and several lodging choices, including the Limelight Inn and Dahlonega Resort & Vineyard. Both choices have access to a semi-private garden and free parking while only the Limelight Inn offers free wi-fi.

Tallulah Falls

Just under fifty miles to the east of Dahlonega, the town of Tallulah Falls, located in both Habersham and Rabun counties, is home to Tallulah Gorge State Park and Panther Creek Recreation Area. Tallulah Gorge State Park has a plethora of activities that cater to family, like gallantly strolling across the swinging bridge, suspended eighty feet above the ground, hiking any or all of the rim trails, and checking out each of the five magnificent waterfalls up close. Then, if the choice is to stay in the park, there are options for picnicking and camping for the weekend, if the choice is to stay in town, Tallulah Falls offers fine dining and lodging at Lake Rabun Hotel and Restaurant.

Senoia

Deeper into the state, just below the city of Atlanta, in Coweta County, the town of Senoia is best known for maintaining a laid-back attitude while stopping and smelling the roses. In between Griffin and Newnan, Senoia is a haven for the family from its movie and television tours and the Senoia Raceway. There are also several choices for the family in the range of dining and lodging, like Nic & Norman’s and Bistro Hilary, which are both down the street from the Main Street Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, and the Veranda Historic Inn, Hogan House at Rose Hill B&B, and Urban Lake House, all three of them offering a free breakfast the next morning.

St. Mary’s

In the southeastern corner of Georgia, across from the King’s Bay Naval Base, and Fernandina Beach, Florida, the quaint town of St. Mary’s is a gem in the rough that most people pass by. The Crooked River State Park is just up the road, offering visitors access to the Intracoastal Waterway, picnicking and camping opportunities, and hiking along several trails, including the Palmetto Trail, the River Trail, and the Bay Boardwalk Trail. Plus, in downtown St. Mary’s, several dining and lodging options await the intrepid traveler. St. Mary’s Seafood & More, Missy’s Kitchen, and Pirate’s Point Var & Grill all await to serve delicious local fare, while the Goodbread House, the Riverview Inn, and the Spencer House Inn, all three located on Osborne Street.

Ellijay

At one of the intersections between Blue Ridge and Chatsworth, in Gilmer County, the town of Ellijay may be known best as the Apple Capital of Georgia, due to all the apple orchards, including Panorama, Aaron Family, and B.J. Reece. Less known, Ellijay is also home to several vineyards and wineries, including Chateau Meichtry Winery, Cartecay Vineyards, and Grapes and Ladders. There is also a selection of restaurants in and near Ellijay, including Cajun Depot Grill, Okinawa Restaurant, and Mr. P’s Takeout, and several lodging choices as well, including Ellijay River House B&B, Coosawattee River Resort, and Diamond Lure RV Park, which offers cabin options as well as camping opportunities.

Covington

In the middle of the northern half of the state of Georgia, in Newton County, the town of Covington is a splash of country attitude with a blend of casual, new-age demeanor. From the water activities to be enjoyed at Turner Lake, the hiking trails to explore, like the Eastside Trail, and parks like Academy Springs Park and City Pond Park, to Boost Trampoline Park and the Fly Trap, the town of Covington relates to children and young adults in ways not always seen in other towns. There are also several dining and lodging choices that cater to the family, including the Town House Café on Washington Street, Bradley’s Real Pit Barbeque on Church, and the Twelve Oaks B&B; where the Vampire Diaries was partly filmed.

Chickamauga

The town of Chickamauga, just south of Ft. Oglethorpe in Walker County, is home to the Gordon-Lee Mansion, Crawfish Springs, and relatively close to the city of Chattanooga. The Gordon-Lee Mansion, located on Cove Road, was used just before September of 1863 by the Union army as a headquarters for General Rosecrans and as a field hospital during the Battle of Chickamauga, while Crawfish Springs is best known for calm walks and a peaceful serenity with nature. There are also several dining and lodging options in the town of Chickamauga, including Greg’s Restaurant and Vittles Bbq & Country Fixin’s for food and Hidden Hollow Resort and Mountain Caves Farm Resort for a place to sleep.

In Conclusion

While the magnificent state of Georgia, otherwise known as the Peach State, has a variety of prodigious cities that would easily accommodate a great weekend getaway, like Athens, Macon, and Savannah, some of the time a small town works even better. Away from the hustle and bustle, the ten towns above, and others like them, promise a scenic landscape of everything from the foliage in autumn to the apples hanging from the trees in the summer, as well as a slower, more relaxed, pace.