Georgia > Northwest Region > Carroll County > Whitesburg

More than a Bed & Breakfast, Historic Banning Mills is a multi-use family, corporate and adventure venue 45 minutes west of Atlanta.

Welcome to the new lodges at Historic Banning Mills! A Bed and Breakfast, Country Inn and Retreat Center, only 45 minutes west of Atlanta, but an undiscovered Georgia lodging and multi-venue that seems a million miles away.

From the moment you get out of your car, you will know you have found a unique place. Historic Banning Mills rests among 1,000 beautifully wooded acres, overlooking the scenic Snake Creek Gorge in Whitesburg, Georgia. You’ll not only enjoy the warm Bed and Breakfast romantic getaway atmosphere, but Banning Mills is a perfect family get-a-way place and corporate retreat. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Northwest Georgia Mountains > Gilmer County > Ellijay

Roadside stands filled with apples are a good reason to head to Ellijay in Gilmer County, but you will also find numerous outdoor activities to enjoy on a family vacation. 

The North Georgia Mountain town of Ellijay in Gilmer County is a perfect place to visit in the fall when the trees are in full color, area orchards are open for apple picking, and roadside stands overflow with fresh, local Granny Smiths and Rome Beauties to name a few.

But Ellijay is a great location for a Georgia family vacation anytime of year. Within a few miles of the lovely town, you’ll find several state recreation areas with fishing, hiking, breathtaking waterfalls, and trails for biking and horseback riding. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Coastal Georgia > Glynn County > Brunswick

Sailing through Sidney Lanier’s “Marshes of Glynn” is just one of the recreational experiences you can have on a family vacation to Brunswick and the Golden Isles. 

Any time of year is a good time to visit the coastal town of Brunswick and the four Georgia barrier islands that are known as the Golden Isles – St. Simons Island, Little St. Simons Island, Sea Island and Jekyll Island.

Take a Georgia family vacation to Brunswick and the Golden Isles for beaches, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, biking, deep sea fishing, dolphin cruises, historical tours, golf, camping, dining, shopping, museums, galleries and much, much more.

Below are some of the places you can visit on a trip to Brunswick and the Golden Isles.

• Brunswick’s Old Town Historic District
• Georgia Sea Turtle Center
• Jekyll Island Club Hotel
• King and Prince Resort
• Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
• The Cloister at Sea Island

Links:

• Read more about Brunswick and the Golden Isles.
• Read more about all of Georgia’s major barrier islands.
• See an interactive maps showing the Golden Island and all of Georgia’s major barrier islands.

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Georgia > Northeast Georgia Mountains > Rabun County > Dillard

Riding horses in the Northeast Georgia Mountains is just one of the many activities – besides eating – that you can enjoy at the Dillard House in Rabun County.

Eating at the Dillard House is a true Southern culinary event. But did you know there are a number of activities that you can enjoy at the Dillard House before or after your meal?

Since the 1930s, the Dillard House Stables has offered trail rides through the beautiful and tranquil Northeast Georgia Mountains. Experienced Dillard House guides will take all levels of riders along well-maintained trails, with breathtaking scenic overlooks, lush forests and majestic waterfalls.

Try your hand at fly fishing in one of the area’s mountain streams, lakes or rivers with a Dillard House pro, who will teach you how to “cast the line and land your fly with a gentle touch” in your very first lesson. Take a half-day or full day Wild Trout Safari, a fly-fishing guided package designed to provide you with a great experience, or sign up for the two-day Dillard House Fly Fishing School. (more…)

By SHERRI SMITH BROWN

Kids, adults and horses enjoy the adventure of mountain riding at Adventure Trail Rides in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. 

If riding a horse along trails in the North Georgia Mountains sounds like a true adventure and a great way to spend a day with your family, consider Adventure Trail Rides in Blue Ridge.

This family-owned business offers guided trail rides, with “bum level” factors ranging from 1 to 3. All trails come complete with an abundance of Fannin County’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and wildlife! The Valley Trail is enjoyable for children and adults alike, the Cashes Trail covers more advanced riding terrain, while the Sam Callihan Excursion Trail allows for a little cantering for the more experienced rider. (more…)