Well, fellow Georgians, it’s been a wild year. One for the books actually. We’ve shared a ton of new and exciting places to visit in our great state, plus shed a deserved light on those tried-and-true destinations. As we prepare to close another chapter in our lives and wish 2016 well, we want to bring a bit of excitement to the year ahead. Let’s kick off 2017 with an ultimate bucket list—and name this year one for exploration and wanderlust. Here are 19 places in Georgia that deserve to be added to your adventure bucket list in 2017.
1. Coastal Georgia
Named one of the top destinations to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet, it's time to kick off the new year with a reminder of why this part of Georgia is simply magical. Between the sunsets, fresh seafood, and sweeping views, Coastal Georgia is the place to be this year.
2. Doll's Head Trail— Atlanta, GA 30316
This unique, and sometimes terrifying trail just outside of Atlanta is one of the strangest hikes you'll ever take. With doll parts scattered about, re-imagined into art pieces, make sure to take your camera for some one-of-a-kind snaps.
3. Old Sautee General Store—2315 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Besides the tremendously rich history and the beautifully vintage ambiance, Old Sautee Store is probably most known for their famous Farmers Cheese and fresh baked goods. These products have been hand-selected by the owners for everyone who visits to fall in love with.
4. Frogtown Cellars— 700 Ridge Point Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533
Georgia does wine right. You may not have known. While everyone places attention on California for their wine fix, we have an incredible wine vineyard and cellar right in our own backyard.
5. The Southern Scratch—106 E Court St, Washington, GA 30673
Southern Scratch is oozing with Southern charm and unassuming décor. But if you're going to visit this hidden gem for anything, make sure it's the baked goods. Loaded with ooey gooey, sugary sweet goodness, bring on the cinnamon rolls and Southern pies for the perfect start to you new year.
6. Unicoi State Park—1788 Highway 356 Road, Helen, GA 30545
Unicoi State Park is the perfect place to spend a weekend away in this new year. It's the type of under-the-radar park where people can go to disconnect and embrace the beauty of Georgian nature.
7. The Farmhouse at Persimmon Creek—3093 Blue Ridge Gap Rd Clayton, GA 30525
Fresh, farm-to-table food? Yes, please. The Farmhouse at Persimmon Creek is not only filled with delicious, good-for-you meals, but it also is located on a stunning, sprawling farm that will make any dining experience complete.
8. The Golf Cart Town of Peachtree City, Georgia
This city in Georgia has been integrated with a 100-mile network of multi-use paths that allow the resident's golf carts to travel to and fro. Visiting this small town will not only allow for a peek inside this eco-friendly golf cart community, but maybe even convince you to go golf cart, too!
9. Minnehaha Falls—Bear Gap Rd, Lakemont, GA 30552
One of the many waterfalls near Tallulah Gorge, and absolutely one worth visiting in 2017 is Minnehaha Falls. These beautiful falls cascade down the 100-foot rock outcropping for a truly mesmerizing view.
10. Tunnel Hill—215 Clisby Austin Dr Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
Tunnel Hill, Georgia seems to pique the interest of many visitors and residents in the state of Georgia. Not only does this particular tunnel have a fascinating and rich history, it also is deemed one of the most haunted tunnels in the country. Do you dare explore?
11. Brasstown Bald Trail
The Brasstown Bald trail isn't extremely strenuous, but it does provide some incredibly worthwhile views of Georgia which cannot be missed. You'll hike from the parking like on a paved trail to the summit, and there you can feast your eyes on everything this beautiful state has to offer. Bring it on, 2017!
12. Amicalola Falls State Park—Dawsonville, Georgia
Amicalola, which is Cherokee for "tumbling waters," has more than seven falls in the State Park, including the tallest in Georgia at over 700ft. Climb the staircase for a perfect bucket list photo showcasing your adventure.
13.The Beach at Clayton County International Park—Jonesboro, Georgia
This man made spot in Jonesboro is the PERFECT place to disconnect from city life and dip your toes into some refreshing water. There are tons of things to do at this beach, it’s hard to get your fill after just one day here.
14. North Georgia Canopy Tours—5290 Harris Road Lula, GA 30554
You can easily knock two things off your 2017 bucket list with North Georgia Canopy Tours—overcoming your fear of heights with their insanely fun zip line tours AND staying in a killer teepee. 2017 is the year of stepping out of your comfort zone!
15. Ann's Snack Bar—1615 Memorial Dr Atlanta, GA 30317
Once upon a time, there was a burger in Georgia that was deemed the "Best in America" by The Wall Street Journal. The Ghetto Burger from Ann's Snack Bar is said to be a true gem of the state, and a MUST for 2017.
16. Tallulah Gorge State Park—338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
2,689-acres of pure Georgia beauty. There is hiking, camping, scenic vistas, and sunsets galore. We have one of the most beautiful parks in the country right at our fingertips, and it should be enjoyed to the fullest in 2017.
17. Radium Springs, Georgia
Radium Springs is simply amazing as far as natural wonders in the state of Georgia go. The springs pump 70,000 gallons of clear, 68-degree water per minute from an underground cave. It's the largest natural spring in Georgia and one of the easiest additions to your 2017 bucket list. Photos cannot do this special place justice.
18. Wormsloe Historic Site—7601 Skidaway Road Savannah, GA 31406
Many Georgians have seen or even planned to see the Tunnel of Trees in Wormsloe Historic Site. But really, this one road in Georgia should be experienced every year. It's a beautiful drive, shrouded in Georgia nature that deserves recognition in 2017.
19. Seabear Oyster Bar—297 Prince Ave Suite 10 Athens, GA 30601
Seabear Oyster Bar has been named one of the top restaurants in the world by Conde Nast. So it's only fitting that you visit this spot in 2017 before it blows up big time. Go for a happy hour of fresh oysters and a cold beer and start planning the year ahead.
Feel like adding anything else to your 2017 bucket list? Share with us! Let’s make this year an exciting one for everybody!
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Featured Addresses
2315 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
700 Ridge Point Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533
106 E Court St, Washington, GA 30673
297 Prince Ave Suite 10 Athens, GA 30601
7601 Skidaway Road Savannah, GA 31406
1788 Highway 356 Road, Helen, GA 30545
3093 Blue Ridge Gap Rd Clayton, GA 30525
215 Clisby Austin Dr Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
5290 Harris Road Lula, GA 30554
1615 Memorial Dr Atlanta, GA 30317
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573