The Ultimate Georgia Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
By Marisa Roman|Updated on May 18, 2022(Originally published May 13, 2022)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
Almost everyone loves a road trip, right? The open road, a good playlist queued up, and the opportunities to stop and explore are seemingly endless. While we have a ton of great road trips featured throughout Georgia, involving food, nature, and waterfalls, this one is taking adventurers to some unique hidden gems. Whether you’re new to the state or you simply haven’t explored enough of the area, this road trip dedicated to hidden gems in Georgia is for you.
The entire trip takes about seven and a half hours in total to drive, so you may want to break up the road trip into a few days. Plus, there is a historic hotel at the end of the trip to complement all the travel! If you’d like to take a look at the whole map in its entirety or keep it on your phone as you travel, you can find the itinerary here. And away we go!
Lake Blue Ridge Marina is the perfect place to kick off this journey as it’s a truly spectacular setting. Nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this beautiful marina is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Rent a pontoon boat or a paddleboard and head out onto the water for a day under the sun. This quintessential mountain town in Georgia has a lot to offer, so be prepared to stay awhile!
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2. Rib Country BBQ - Blairsville, GA
Rib Country BBQ, 2652 US-129, Cleveland, GA 30528, USA
It’s probably important to continue this road trip on the right foot, which means your stomach should be full before continuing on. Rib Country BBQ in Blairsville is an excellent choice for a bite of lunch, as they have some of the best traditional BBQ around. Enjoy a platter of barbecue slathered ribs, a forkful of the famed onion loaf, and of course, a slice of homemade pie. If you're still hungry for more, check out our barbecue trail through Georgia.
Ready to burn off some of that BBQ? Head on over to Ada-Hi Falls Trail in Clayton to get your hike on! At just 0.4 miles out and back, this waterfall hike in Georgia is short and sweet and won’t take all day. Plus there is a waterfall along this trail that is a real hidden gem beauty.
The Hart County Botanical Garden is the perfect hidden gem to add to this trip. While it is one of the lesser-known botanical gardens in the state, it still remains just as beautiful — especially when you visit during the springtime! This is a free-to-enter, volunteer-maintained garden that is worth the stop. It's one of the most popular attractions in Georgia during the spring and summer months and it's no mystery why!
5. Elijah Clark State Park - Lincolnton, GA
Elijah Clark State Park Road, Elijah Clark State Park Rd, Georgia 30817, USA
This state park might not be on the radar for many Georgians, but it sure is a gem! Named after a Revolutionary War hero, the Elijah Clark State Park has tons of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take some time to catch some fish, catch a sunset, and enjoy a swim in the lake! It's among many state parks in Georgia that hold historic keys to the past.
6. Hildebrandt’s Deli - Augusta, GA
Hildebrandt's, 226 6th St #1416, Augusta, GA 30901, USA
Are you getting hungry again? Then we might as well stop at a historic deli in Augusta, Georgia. Hildebrandt’s Deli has been in business since 1879 and is one part historic shop, one part market, and one part deli. Enjoy a plethora of specialty sandwiches, like the Club Louis which is piled high with turkey, bacon, ham, and cheese! Grab a sandwich (don’t forget about the famed mustard) and have yourself a picnic! This family-owned deli in Georgia will not disappoint.
7. SixtySeven Antique Mall - Brooklet, GA
Antique Mall, 583 Grant St, Clarkesville, GA 30523, USA
It’s never the wrong time to take a shopping break, right? Our next stop involves checking out the SixtySeven Antique Mall in Brooklet, Georgia. This hidden gem features a wide variety of tucked-away treasures and vintage goods. While it’s not huge by any means, it still holds a ton of collectibles inside, many of which are unique to the shop. This small antique mall is the perfect addition to the Georgia Hidden Gem Road Trip. If you love antique shopping in Georgia, you'll be glad you made the stop!
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8. The Gastonian - Savannah, GA
The Gastonian, Historic Inns of Savannah, 220 E Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Last but not least on our trip to discover hidden gems in Georgia is the Gastonian. After all that travel, you must be tired, right? Well, it’s time to kick your feet up at the historic beauty known as the Gastonian in Savannah. This classically elegant accommodation offers a wide variety of complementary items with your stay including cooked-to-order breakfast, wine and hors d'oeuvres in the early evening, and homemade desserts and cordials at night! Did we mention the private gardens? Without a doubt, it's one of the most unique places to stay in Georgia.
So, what do you think about this road trip to discover amazing hidden gems in Georgia? Is this something you think you could tackle in a weekend? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section — we’d love to hear from you!
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