Are you looking for a way to enjoy Georgia without venturing too far from home? If you live in the state of Georgia and want to know some fun staycation ideas, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of my favorite places to visit for a Georgia staycation.
Historic Banning Mills
Get your adventure on with an eco-friendly zipline tour at Historic Banning Mills. You can enjoy the great outdoors at any of their relaxing cabin rentals and rent an ATV to experience this fun place in Georgia whenever you’re looking to get outdoors and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located in Whitesburg, Georgia only 45 minutes West of Atlanta. Contact them at 770-834-9149
Visit Lake Lanier
This beautiful location is only about a 45-minute drive northeast of Atlanta, GA and offers you a chance to stay at some budget-friendly campgrounds. While there are resorts and hotels in Lake Lanier, they tend to be on the higher end for pricing. Enjoy the waterpark, grilling, and horseback riding lessons while enjoying a staycation here.
City of Columbus
In the beautiful Georgia city of Columbus, you’ll enjoy the staycation of a lifetime. With many cultures and museums to enjoy, Columbus may be a city in Georgia but the prices don’t scream “city prices”. Riverwalk Park is a wonderful way to reduce stress after a busy workweek during your mini vacation here. There’s even an Econo Lodge for budget-friendly accommodations in Columbus, GA. Get more information about things to do in Columbus, Georgia here.
Silver Comet Trail
If you’re into biking then why not take a bike ride on Silver Comet Trail. This is free to use and runs 61.5 miles from the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna to the Georgia/Alabama state line near Cedartown. It’s the perfect Georgia staycation trip for a day away from your home, and if you want to stay in the area there are many places to stay along the route in various towns of Georgia.
New Echota
New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the nation and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began. In 1825, the Cherokee national legislature established a capital called New Echota at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River. During its short history, New Echota was the site of the first Indian language newspaper office, a court case which carried to the U.S. Supreme Court, one of the earliest experiments in national self government by an Indian tribe, the signing of a treaty which relinquished Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River, and the assembly of Indians for removal west on the infamous Trail of Tears. You can enjoy visiting the old buildings, a self guided tour, a film, fishing, and nature trails at New Echota.
Etowah Indian Mounds
The Etowah Indian Mounds was home to several thousand Native Americans in the Cartersville area from about 1000 A.D. to about 1550 A.D. There are six mounds there, which are believed to be used for various purposes. One was used for burial of nobility, along with their belongings that they believed they would need in the afterlife. Another, Mound C, is believed to be used as a home for the priest-chief of the tribe. There are many artifacts on display in the museum. In addition to the museum, there is a gift shop, 6 mounds, picnic tables, a nature trail, and a river walk. Learn more about Etowah Indian Mounds here.
Each of these staycation ideas for Georgia will give you a chance to experience your state without breaking the bank. Traveling on a budget sounds like a difficult option for many families but the reality is travel can be quite inexpensive. Nothing says you can’t enjoy your home state on a staycation as a means to enjoy quality family time together. I hope that my list of fun staycation ideas for Georgia has inspired you to plan a weekend getaway in Georgia soon.