For those who are sick of the city, take a step outside of Atlanta and try some day trips around Georgia. Atlanta and the areas near it are a source of many days’ worth of entertainment. Spend the day exploring one of these five locations to find the best things to do outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Day trips are reachable primarily by car, but some also have buses that can be taken to reach the location.
1. Andersonville National Historic Site/Camp Sumter
Camp Sumter is the site of the largest Confederate military prison established during the Civil War. It held over 45,000 prisoners while it was operative. Today, Camp Sumter is a national park and serves to commemorate prisoners of war. Visitors can get here by driving south from Atlanta on I-75 until you reach GA-26 Exit 127. Turn right onto GA-26 and 20 miles later turn left onto GA-49. Signs along the roadside will guide you until you reach the sight of Camp Sumter. The journey should take a little over two hours in a car. Visitors can watch a video in honor of various prisoners of war, have a picnic, or educational groups can camp at the site. The site and museum are free and open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
2. When in Rome…
The city of Rome, Georgia is located roughly an hour from Atlanta. Heading north on I-75, turn off on US-411 to reach the city of Rome. Rome received its unique name due to a coincidence of geography. The city consists of seven hills with a river slicing through it, conjuring up images of its Italian predecessor. Because of this, a statue commemorating the founders of Rome-Romulus and Remus- can be found within the town. A top spot to go to is the Chieftains Museum. Long ago this museum was actually the home where the Cherokee Chief, Major Ridge, lived. It has since been listed on the Cherokee Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and serves as a museum memorializing Cherokee life and culture.
3. Athens
Athens can be reached by Highway 316 from Atlanta. This quaint college town is often the sight of regional musical festivals. The eclectic cluster of stores in the downtown is the place to be in Athens. High end luxury food, bar food, ethnic shops, and great shopping stores really round out this shopping experience. Due to being a college town, this area also has a very liberal, alternative feel and is great for those families who just want to take a stroll through alternative, unique stores.
4. See a River Dyed Green
If you are lucky enough to be in the area around Saint Patrick’s Day, stop by Savannah on one of your day trips. Atlanta may be a significant drive from this gem, but try taking an early morning bus and sleeping during your journey. Savannah, Georgia is the quintessential example of a sleepy eyed southern town, but they go all out on Saint Patrick’s Day and dye the river green! A well-known eatery along the river walk also sells delicious Louisiana and French style food. I enjoyed a plate of French pastries and fried green tomatoes on my stay. The river walk is also a great place to go for the many candy shops that dot the picturesque scene. Take an Amtrak bus from Atlanta, but do not arrive too early or the shops along the river will not be open yet!
5. Augusta Museum of History
Augusta Museum of History rounds out our list of day trips from Atlanta, Georgia. Augusta is about two hours away from Atlanta- take I-20 east to reach it. This museum contains nuggets of interesting information for the historian buff among you and an area is actually set up for interactive history for children. Kids can try to fly a pretend airplane within the museum and play with a variety of toys that keep them engaged. A full sized trolley is located inside the transportation section of the museum that is great for pictures. Augusta Museum of History is $4 to enter and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday to Saturday. On Sunday it has limited hours and only runs from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Getting out of the city is the first step towards having a series of exciting day trips. Atlanta, Georgia is a beautiful place to behold, but make sure to visit surrounding areas to fully understand the great history, culture, food, and shopping that Georgia has to offer. Day trips from Atlanta, Georgia are an excellent way to get to know the surrounding country side.
Sources
August Museum of History Website
Contributor’s own experience
U.S. National Park Service
City of Savannah Home Page
