There’s no denying Savannah is a good winter escape, however Georgia beholds extra hidden gems off the standard vacationer path.
Still boasting Southern allure and fairly presumably extra pure magnificence, there’s one lakeside city on the Blue Ridge foothills that is greater than worthy of being your subsequent idyllic getaway.
Perfectly fitted to a brief break or weeklong trip, you’ll be able to fly into Atlanta and be right here in simply an hour.
Known because the ‘Queen City of the Mountains‘, you may have beautiful pure landscapes to discover or old-timey streets filled with boutiques, galleries, surprisingly various eateries and sidewalk cafes to take pleasure in through the area’s delicate winters.
Way Down Yonder On The Chattahoochie
Gainesville (to not be confused with the school city of Gainesville, Florida) is a tranquil escape close to the Chattahoochee River, which led to the formation of Lake Lanier after being dammed.
Country singer Alan Jackson as soon as famously sang, “Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, it gets hotter than a hoochie coochie”.
And that is why winter is likely one of the finest occasions of yr to go to. You’ll have far fewer crowds to take care of and splendid hoochie-coochie-less climate.
Gainesville’s historical past runs deep as a mining group courting again to the 1800s, previously often known as Mule Camp Springs.
Nowadays, Gainesville is finest served as a beloved mountain secret to flee town grind by unwinding lakeside or ample cozy stays by the city heart.
Adding to Gainesville’s fascinating timeline, this storied city was truly an Olympic website within the 1990’s, the place you’ll be able to nonetheless try Olympic Park to study extra about how Gainesville grew to become greater than a blip on the map from a gold rush big to an Olympic website, and again to being a locals’ favourite hideaway.
Lakeside Bliss & Mountain Trails: Enjoy Gainesville’s Natural Attractions
Much of the Blue Ridge Mountains discovered themselves on the fallacious aspect of headlines as Hurricane Helene wreaked unprecedented havoc earlier this yr, inflicting excessive floods, destroying roadways, and primarily wiping small cities off the map.
While North Carolina wasn’t so fortunate, this aspect of the mountains made it by, the place you’ll be able to nonetheless discover quite a few mountain climbing trails, reminiscent of venturing into the Chattahoochee National Forest (test closures first) or Blood Mountain Loop.
Despite being nestled on the Blue Ridge foothills, glimmering Lake Lanier takes lots much less effort to navigate.
There are a wide range of enjoyable water actions for the entire household, however kayaking, jet snowboarding, and renting a pontoon boat are the preferred.
Lake Lanier is lined with upscale resorts too, starting from rustic lodges to wooded cottages for the last word enjoyable hideaway.
Some, like Forest Hills Resort, characteristic a pleasant spa as properly. To get monetary savings, you possibly can at all times keep at dependable chains reminiscent of Hilton Garden Inn or Best Western Plus, however there’s one title you may certainly acknowledge that is synonymous with enjoyable waterfront getaways.
Margaritaville additionally has a ‘lakefront paradise’ right here, however gives a surprisingly distinctive expertise for snow lovers too.
License to Chill Snow Island is a must-visit. Here, you’ll be able to ice skate and zoom down considered one of North America’s longest snow tubing slides, considered one of Gainesville’s family-favorite locations.
A Surprising Foodie Destination
When you consider the South, you would possibly consider easy comforts like barbecue, fried rooster, and home made pies.
Gainesville has the entire above after which some with some shocking delicacies you could not anticipate.
For instance, probably the most in style eating places is Hello Hilo, a Hawaiian restaurant owned by King’s Hawaiian Bakery.
Gainesville has a thriving brewery and vineyard scene as properly. Enjoy peaceable surroundings on the outskirts of city at Mulberry Springs Vineyard and Winery, holding a powerful 4.9-star ranking on Google.
Or mingle with locals at Tap It Gainesville Pints & Growlers with a big selection of craft beer.
But generally, retaining it easy is finest. For traditional southern staples, you’ll be able to take pleasure in savory barbecue at Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern or order the city’s finest cheeseburger since 1947 at Collegiate Grill.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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