Explore Georgia's Best Swimming Spots And Ice Cream Shops On This Epic Road Trip
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Summertime in the Peach State means high temperatures and looking for creative ways to cool down. Fortunately, we’ve got just the solution in mind. We’ve put together an epic road trip in Georgia that will take you to some of the most beautiful swimming holes and also some of the tastiest ice cream shops in Georgia. Is there any better combination for a hot day?
The itinerary will take you through over 500 miles of the state, but don’t worry. There are plenty of great places to spend the night right along your route. Spend all the time you want at each stop, because you won’t have to go far to find conveniently-located Best Western properties in Georgia where you can stay in comfort and safety. Ready to get started? Gas up the car and let’s hit the road!
Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA
You'll start your trip at one of the most beautiful beaches in Georgia. Tybee Island is one of the barrier islands, just off the coast of historic Savannah. It's no wonder that it's been a beloved vacation spot for centuries! There's tons of room to play in the sand, lounge in the sun, or go surfing in the waves.
Leopold's Ice Cream, 212 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA
Just 20 minutes away from Tybee is the downtown district of Savannah. Right in the heart of the city, you'll find Leopold's Ice Cream, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor feels like a step back in time!
You'll likely want to spend the evening in charming Savannah because it's such a wonderful city. Luckily, there are some great places to spend the night: check out the Best Western Savannah Historic District or the Best Western Central Inn. Both are located right along the route!
You'll likely want to spend the evening in charming Savannah because it's such a wonderful city. Luckily, there are some great places to spend the night: check out the Best Western Savannah Historic District or the Best Western Central Inn. Both are located right along the route!
Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 US-280 w, Cordele, GA 31015, USA
You'll be feeling rested and refreshed the next morning, so get an early start to the day and drive up to Georgia Veterans State Park. This park serves as a memorial to U.S. veterans. Here, you'll find a museum containing memorabilia from various wars. It also happens to be a great spot to take a dip in Lake Blackshear.
Claystone Park, 6600 Moseley Dixon Rd, Lizella, GA 31052, USA
Drive over to Macon and you'll find a white sand paradise that looks like something out of the tropics. Lake Tobesofkee boasts 35 miles of shoreline. It's easy to forget you're not at the ocean here!
Macon Swirls, 5451 Bowman Rd #230, Macon, GA 31210, USA
After all that fun in the sun, you'll be ready to cool off, and there's no better way than with a sugary-sweet treat. Macon Swirls specializes in frozen yogurt, but you'll find a variety of ice cream and milkshake options here as well.
All that exploring will wear you out, so stop for the night at Best Western Inn and Suites of Macon or the Best Western Riverside Inn. Both are located right on your route, so they won't add much driving time.
All that exploring will wear you out, so stop for the night at Best Western Inn and Suites of Macon or the Best Western Riverside Inn. Both are located right on your route, so they won't add much driving time.
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Cremalosa, UP THE STAIRS TO THE RIGHT OF THE CREDIT UNION!, 2657 E College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030, USA
Drive a few hours north to Decatur and you'll find Cremalosa, home of the best gelato in the Atlanta area. The gelato here is made in small batches daily, so it's always fresh. It will give you just the energy boost you need to head to your next swimming spot.
Sope Creek Trail, Georgia 30067, USA
Your next stop is the delightful Sope Creek Trail. This easy one-mile trail is a great option for kids or novice hikers. You'll get to see the ruins of a Civil War-era paper mill, and take a dip in the creek to cool off.
Frozen Cow Creamery, 2870 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
Head on over to Roswell next for a stop at Frozen Cow Creamery, one of the most popular ice cream shops in the area. The shop is located in an old converted home and serves up ice cream made right in front of you with the magic of liquid nitrogen.
We know you're tired after such a long day, so go ahead and make your next stop the Best Western Plus Roswell/Alpharetta. It's right on the route and will leave you perfectly rested for the last day of your trip.
We know you're tired after such a long day, so go ahead and make your next stop the Best Western Plus Roswell/Alpharetta. It's right on the route and will leave you perfectly rested for the last day of your trip.
Holly Creek Picnic Area, Old CCC Camp Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705, USA
Wake up bright and early the next day for some more adventuring. You won't want to miss the Holly Creek Picnic Area, a wonderful little spot that's just perfect for a picnic lunch and taking a dip in the water. The water here is pretty shallow and perfect for splashing.
MooBears Ice Cream & Hotdogs Trackside, 678 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, USA
Your final stop on this road trip in Georgia is MooBears Ice Cream and Hotdogs, a delightful old train car that's been converted into an old-fashioned ice cream shop. You can also find a dozen different hot dogs to choose from if you're looking for something more filling.
If you'd like to take a rest before heading back home, there's no better place than the Best Western Mountain View Inn in Ellijay. It's just a few minutes away from MooBears Ice Cream and Hot Dogs, making it the perfect resting place.
If you'd like to take a rest before heading back home, there's no better place than the Best Western Mountain View Inn in Ellijay. It's just a few minutes away from MooBears Ice Cream and Hot Dogs, making it the perfect resting place.
How many of these great swimming holes and ice cream shops in Georgia have you visited? Are there any you think belong on the list that we didn’t mention? Share your thoughts in the comments! No matter where your travels take you, remember to look for the closest Best Western property to spend the night while traveling.