Start your day by heading to Ponce City Market, a massive mixed-use development in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Home to several restaurants and specialty food shops, it's a great place to sample local flavors. Next, make your way to Margaret Mitchell House, the former home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Gone with the Wind." End the day with a visit to Staplehouse, a restaurant where the menu changes regularly based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.
Savannah is famous for its beautiful historic district and delicious seafood. Start your day at The Collins Quarter, a brunch spot with an Aussie twist. Visit Chippewa Square, where the famous "park bench" scene from "Forrest Gump" was filmed, and then wander through the beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. End the day at The Grey, an Art Deco former Greyhound bus terminal turned restaurant.
Athens is a small college town that packs a big punch when it comes to food. Start your day with a biscuit from Half-Shepherd Market & Cheese Shop, and then explore the Georgia Museum of Art. Enjoy lunch at The National, a farm-to-table restaurant that uses fresh ingredients from local farms. Finally, sample some beer at Terrapin Beer Co., one of Georgia's most popular craft breweries.
End your trip with a visit to the charming Alpine town of Helen, known for its Bavarian-style architecture and delicious German food. Start your day at Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, where you can watch candies and other sweets being made by hand. Visit Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful waterfall in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. End your day with a beer and some sausages at Hofer's of Helen Bakery & Cafe.
It is best to rent a car to get around Georgia. Be prepared for some traffic in Atlanta and Savannah during peak hours. Estimated car rental costs are around $50-100 per day. Gas prices in Georgia are comparable to the national average, currently around $2.50 per gallon.
If you have an extra day, consider visiting the beaches on St. Simon's Island, or hiking the trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park. If you have less time, consider skipping Athens and heading straight to Helen for a shorter trip.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the busiest airport in Georgia and located 10 miles south of downtown Atlanta. The airport offers flights to and from destinations throughout the world. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) offers flights to and from cities throughout the United States and is located 9 miles northwest of Savannah.