Day Trips From Atlanta (2025)

Visionary folk artist Howard Finster built this labyrinth of mosaics, mirrored houses, and hand-lettered sermons in his backyard. Still operated by a local foundation, it’s frequently praised by Southern Living and music historians for its REM ties.

Born from Appalachian oral histories collected by high schoolers, Foxfire’s log-cabin village preserves mountain lifeways through hands-on demos and archives. Backed by state tourism and educators, it’s a meaningful, low-key day in Rabun County.

This independent railway rolls along the Toccoa River from a 1905 depot to twin border towns and back. Regularly highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s an easygoing ride with seasonal themes and time to wander in McCaysville/Copperhill.

The band’s former home is now a nonprofit museum packed with instruments, posters, and stories of Macon’s Southern rock heyday. Endorsed by Georgia’s tourism board and music press, it’s a pilgrimage paired perfectly with lunch nearby at H&H.

A Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Cartersville presenting America’s story through Western art, presidential letters, and rotating shows. Frequently cited by arts writers, the Booth is independently run and a standout cultural stop off I-75.

Serenbe’s original cafe anchors a walkable rural arts community with trails and galleries. Lauded by regional food writers and design publications, the Daisy serves from-scratch breakfasts, weekend dinners, and Sunday brunch with small-town hospitality.

An Athens institution since 1976, Wuxtry is where R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe met Peter Buck, a moment noted by national critics. Still fiercely independent, it’s the perfect anchor for a music-themed wander around downtown Athens.

Descend into a real 19th-century hard-rock mine with miner-guided tours, then pan for gold or gems. Endorsed by state and local tourism, this family-run operation brings Dahlonega’s gold rush to life in under an hour from Atlanta traffic.

The Callaway family’s 1916 villa and 19th-century boxwood gardens offer docent-led house tours and self-guided grounds. Regularly recommended by regional travel editors, it’s an elegant, unhurried cultural outing in LaGrange.

Georgia’s breakout indie brewery pours beloved beers like Tropicália in a reclaimed downtown warehouse. Celebrated by Eater and national beer media, the taproom hosts markets and community events alongside meticulously made pints.

Opened in 1959, this soul-food landmark famously fed the Allman Brothers in their lean years and remains a community hub. Featured by Georgia’s tourism board and local critics, it’s the taste of Macon history on a plate.