7 Incredible Georgia Day Trips You Can Take By Train
By Marisa Roman|Updated on June 09, 2023(Originally published June 06, 2023)
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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.
Our little state is littered with train tracks, as we’ve already discovered how rich and fruitful the railroad history in Georgia is. But what’s so wonderful is the fact that there are still trains chugging along to this day that take passengers and families on day excursions throughout Georgia and even beyond. Here are a few of our favorite day trips in Georgia by train for some inspiration for planning your next railroad adventure! Check them out:
With the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, you can take the train all the way to McCaysville, Georgia, and spend the day eating, shopping, and crossing over the Georgia/Tennessee border. Also, take a stroll down Toccoa Avenue, and wander through some of the local shops in order to explore the town fully. Check out the Blue Ridge Scenic Byway's official website for more information, including ticketing and hours.
While the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes you to McCaysville, you can actually wander into Copperhill, Tennessee, too, and keep the day trips coming. Once Toccoa Avenue turns into Ocoee Street, then you're officially in Tennessee, so you might as well wander a bit. Explore a variety of shops and art galleries, or grab a delicious lunch at The Copper Grill, fit with belly-filling sandwiches, fries, and burgers.
The SAM Shortline Excursion Train is a popular train in Georgia to take day trips throughout the state. The last stop of this train line winds up in Cordele, Georgia, a city with a unique and intriguing military history. Known as the watermelon capital of the world, you can travel to Cordele via train and spend the day at the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, or grab a bite at any one of the legendary local restaurants. Make sure to check out the official SAM Shortline website for more details.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad has a round-trip adventure from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chickamauga, Georgia, and back. You can explore everything the beautiful mountain valley city offers, including loads of cultural and weekend events. Explore the Tennessee Aquarium, or snag some scrumptious Southern food at Public House Restaurant. Take a look at the official TN Valley Railroad website for information about tickets, hours, and more.
The SAM Shortline also heads to Lake Blackshear, where you and the family can spend the weekend fishing, hiking, camping, or staying at the lakeside resort. This day trip can easily turn into a much-deserved weekend getaway. Relax and unwind on the banks of the lake, and enjoy the magical sunsets and sounds of lapping waves. Visit the official SAM Shortline website for additional information, and to plan your trip.
Did you know you can get to Tampa, Florida, in about eight hours by train? That's right folks, for as low as $50 one way, you can take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Tampa. Soak in the sun and the warm temps, while also exploring one of the most relaxed atmospheres on the east coast. Make sure before you head back to Georgia, you grab a sizzling plate of pad Thai at Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple.
If you're looking for a fun day-trip with the kids filled with history and learning, then take the SAM Shortline and stop at Leslie, Georgia for The Rural Telephone Museum. This museum features one of the largest collections of antique telephones and telephone memorabilia in the world. Take a trip back in time and bring the entire family! Visit the Rural Telephone Museum's official website for additional information.
Have you been on any of these trips yet? Do you think you’ll take any of these day trips in Georgia anytime soon? How about by train? Let us know what you think in the comments!
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