Georgia Days: Spring Break Daytrips from Athens

Spring break doesn’t have to be all about going to the beach and getting air-brushed t-shirts.

For students remaining in Athens, there are plenty of options nearby for daytrips.  During the busy school year, with studying and seasons of sports, most don’t have the opportunity to escape on the weekends.  Now is the perfect time to explore Athens’ neighboring towns for a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery.

1.  Madison

Hop on the Loop 10 and take old Highway 441 across to historic Madison.  A living picture postcard of the old South, antebellum homes and moss-draped trees line the borders of one of Georgia’s oldest towns.  There are plenty of antique stores, historic sites and tempting dining options in the downtown area to keep visitors busy for the day.  If you want to plan ahead for a unique experience, check out nearby Hard Labor Creek State Park for outdoor fun, Bruce Weiner’s Micro-Car museum or Southern Cross Guest Ranch for horseback riding in Madison’s scenic rural countryside.

2.  Elberton

Just up Highway 72 is the “granite capital of the world,” but don’t let the rocks fool you.  This sleepy Southern town is full of captivating stories and friendly faces. Elberton is home to two of Georgia’s best state parks, Richard B. Russell and Bobby Brown State Parks.  Lake Russell was the stage for Olympic rowing in 1996 and has remained a place for rowers to practice.  Bobby Brown’s lake also has a history – on a clear day, the remains of one of Georgia’s first sites, St. Petersburg, can be seen at the bottom of the lake.  Either park is a great place to stretch out on the beach by the lake and work on your spring break tan.  And don’t forget to visit the Georgia Guidestones, “America’s Stonehenge” of the South, before you leave town.

3.  Washington

Continuing a theme of history, Washington remains one of Georgia’s spotlight Southern belle towns.  A living piece of history, Washington is home to gingerbread-trimmed restored residences and old plantations, most notably the 3,000-acre Callaway Plantation.  Washington is also known for its gourmet cuisine and Southern comfort restaurants.  For good eats and historic treats, spend a day in Washington exploring what life was like when Jefferson Davis walked the streets.

4.  North Georgia Mountains & State Parks

Almost any destination in the North Georgia Mountains is accessible from Highway 441.  Whether you want to tube down the Chattahoochee River in Helen or expand your fitness level by hiking Tallulah Gorge, any town or park in the Northeastern corner of Georgia will provide a cool, refreshing escape from the daily grind.  Likewise, check out a listing of Georgia’s state parks to see if one fits your wilderness fancy.  From pedal boats to mini golf to horseback riding, state parks provide outdoor fun at a small price.

5.  Atlanta & Stone Mountain Park

Ready to move the party to another city?  Get out of Athens and if you haven’t before, explore downtown Atlanta.  The shopping, cuisine and entertainment scene is endless.  Stop by Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium or catch a concert or game at Philips Arena.  Looking to sidestep the busy city streets?  Drive out to Stone Mountain Park and climb or ride the Skyride to the top of one of Georgia’s most beloved landmarks.

Ashley Strickland is a senior majoring in magazines from Alpharetta, Ga.  She writes the Georgia Days travel column for Grady Journal.