Tuesday, January 2: Arriving and Exploring Atlanta
Start your Georgia adventure in the vibrant city of Atlanta. In the morning, visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, housing a diverse range of marine life. Spend the afternoon at the Children's Museum of Atlanta, offering interactive exhibits and educational activities. Wrap up the day by exploring the Centennial Olympic Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or ice-skating during the winter months.
Children's Museum of Atlanta: Check prices, Approx. 2-3 hours
Centennial Olympic Park: Free admission, Anytime
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Flying Biscuit Cafe in Atlanta, where you can enjoy Southern-style breakfast dishes like fluffy biscuits and savory gravy. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try The Vortex Bar and Grill, known for its unique burger creations and lively atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, visit South City Kitchen, a popular Southern restaurant in Atlanta that serves delicious dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Wednesday, January 3: Exploring Savannah's Historic District
Head to Savannah, famous for its charming historic district. Start your day with a leisurely walk through Forsyth Park, known for its beautiful fountain and stunning oak trees. In the afternoon, take a riverboat cruise along the Savannah River to learn more about the city's fascinating history. In the evening, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Forsyth Park: Free admission, Anytime
Riverboat Cruise: Approx. $30 per person, 1-2 hours
Waterfront Restaurants: Cost varies, Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit The Collins Quarter, a trendy cafe known for its Southern-inspired dishes such as the famous Smashed Avocado Toast. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, a local institution serving up delicious Southern comfort food in a family-style setting. Expect to pay around $20 per person for a hearty meal.
For dinner, head to The Olde Pink House, an elegant restaurant housed in a restored 18th-century mansion. Enjoy classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist, with prices averaging around $40 per person for a memorable dining experience.
Thursday, January 4: Adventure in Helen
Visit the charming alpine town of Helen, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Spend the morning exploring Anna Ruby Falls, a breathtaking double waterfall surrounded by picturesque scenery. Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the town center, known for its Bavarian-style architecture. In the afternoon, go tubing or kayaking on the tranquil Chattahoochee River. Wrap up the day by visiting the Helen Waterpark, a family-friendly attraction offering water slides and pools.
Anna Ruby Falls: $3 per person, Approx. 2-3 hours
Lunch in Helen: Cost varies, Afternoon
Chattahoochee River Tubing/Kayaking: Approx. $20 per person, 2-4 hours
Helen Waterpark: Approx. $25 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Nacoochee Village Tavern & Pizzeria, a cozy spot offering delicious breakfast dishes such as eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Hofer's of Helen, a local favorite known for their mouthwatering sandwiches and homemade desserts. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, indulge in authentic German cuisine at Bodensee Restaurant, where you can enjoy hearty dishes like schnitzel and sauerbraten. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Friday, January 5: Outdoor Adventures in Blue Ridge
Escape to Blue Ridge, a scenic mountain town known for its outdoor activities. Start your day with a hike to Long Creek Falls, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfall. In the afternoon, visit Mercier Orchards for apple picking and delicious homemade treats. Alternatively, explore the town's charming shops and art galleries. Finish the day with a cozy campfire and stargazing in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Long Creek Falls Hike: Free, Approx. 2-3 hours
Mercier Orchards: Cost varies, Approx. 1-2 hours
Shopping and Art Galleries: Cost varies, Afternoon
Chattahoochee National Forest: Free, Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, you can visit The Village Restaurant, a cozy diner serving traditional Southern breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Harvest on Main, a farm-to-table restaurant offering a variety of fresh and seasonal dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, check out Chester's Blue Ridge Food & Brews, a local favorite known for its extensive menu and craft beer selection. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, January 6: History and Culture in Macon
Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Macon. Start your day with a visit to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, home to ancient Native American burial mounds. In the afternoon, explore the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences, showcasing a fascinating collection of art and science exhibits. Wrap up the day with a stroll through the historic downtown district, lined with beautiful architecture and charming boutiques.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park: Free, Approx. 2-3 hours
Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences: $10 per person, Approx. 2-3 hours
Downtown Macon Boutiques: Cost varies, Afternoon
Restaurants
Breakfast: Taste & See Coffee Shop and Gallery offers delicious breakfast options such as avocado toast and homemade pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Lunch: The Rookery is a local favorite known for its gourmet burgers and hand-spun milkshakes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Dinner: Downtown Grill is a fine dining restaurant serving a variety of specialties including perfectly cooked steaks and fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Sunday, January 7: Fun in the Sun on Tybee Island
Head to Tybee Island, a beautiful coastal destination located near Savannah. Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy beaches, enjoying the ocean breeze. In the afternoon, visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views. Take a leisurely bike ride along the island's trails and savor a seafood dinner with oceanfront views.
Tybee Island Beaches: Free, Morning
Tybee Island Light Station and Museum: $10 per person, Approx. 2-3 hours
Bike Rental: Approx. $10 per hour, Afternoon
Seafood Dinner: Cost varies, Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Breakfast Club on Tybee Island where you can find a variety of classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, omelettes, and breakfast sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Grab lunch at Sting Ray's Seafood where you can enjoy fresh seafood like shrimp, crab, and fish tacos. With its casual atmosphere and ocean views, this is the perfect spot for a beachside lunch. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, visit A-J's Dockside Restaurant where you can indulge in delicious seafood dishes like Lowcountry boil, fried shrimp, and crab cakes. Located right on the water, you can enjoy beautiful sunset views while savoring your meal. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, January 8: Family Fun at Stone Mountain Park
Conclude your Georgia adventure at Stone Mountain Park, just outside Atlanta. Start the day by taking the Summit Skyride to the top of Stone Mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Explore the park's various attractions, including the SkyHike treetop adventure course and the scenic railway. In the evening, witness the awe-inspiring laser show projected onto the granite mountain.
Stone Mountain Summit Skyride: $17 per person, Morning
SkyHike Adventure Course: $15 per person, Afternoon
Scenic Railway: $12 per person, Anytime
Lasershow Spectacular: Free, Evening
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to The Village Corner German Restaurant. They offer a variety of German breakfast dishes such as German pancakes and bratwurst. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, check out The Varsity. This iconic Atlanta institution serves up classic American fare like hot dogs and burgers. A meal here will cost you around $7 per person on average.
For a satisfying dinner, try South City Kitchen. This southern-inspired restaurant offers dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. The average cost for a meal at South City Kitchen is about $25 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the charming coastal town of St. Simons Island. Explore the historic lighthouse, relax on beautiful beaches, and visit the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Center to learn about the African-American culture and history of the region. The island offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for family-friendly exploration.