The days are becoming crisp, making it perfect weather for a day trip. North Georgia gives explorers a lot of options, from the unusual, to the scenic, to the educational.
Regina Dyer with the Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau said the economic impact of a day trip adds up for local economies.
She gave an example of a family of four that comes to Gainesville to kayak on Lake Lanier, which could generate anywhere from $500 to $1,200 in local spending on average.
"You think, 'oh my gosh you're gonna go to Gainesville and spend, you know that much?' There's a lot of things that you can do in Gainesville that you don't have to pay for," said Dyer. "But then there are things like the gas, and your items and things like that that accumulate. So just a simple trip, maybe even if you're just going hiking, you're still going to stop and you're going to eat, you're going to grab your snacks and what have you, so it adds up, it really does add up and it benefits the whole community."
The Gainesville Visitors Center on Henry Ward Way is open, and Dyer said they're happy to share different options for a variety of day trips to those looking for things to do, whether its related to art, the outdoors, or something else. She said sometimes, people realize during their first trip what all is available to do in Gainesville.
"When they're walking around, they may pass the History Center, and they might not have time today to do it, but they'll plan something to come back," said Dyer.
Dyer said Gainesville's location made them a good hub for other day trips to and from the mountains or the Atlanta area.
Check out some local options for day trips in the North Georgia area.
In Hall County, spend a day supporting local farmers with trips to Jaemor Farms in Alto, Glo-Crest Dairy Farms in Clermont, or Mountain Fresh Creamery in Clermont. Shoppers can find something unique at Crocker Pottery in Lula or shop and dine on the Downtown Gainesville Square. Nature lovers can enjoy the changing colors on the Midtown Greenway in Gainesville, the Atlanta Botanical Garden – Gainesville, or at the Elachee Nature Science Center, and sports lovers can check out one of the many events hosted at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue. Kids will love the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids museum, kids and adults alike can learn at the Northeast Georgia History Center, and Civil War buffs can tour the Piedmont Hotel, which was owned by Confederate General James Longsteet.
Visit Banks County for some southern charm, as it inspired historical novel Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Get outside at the Wilson Shoals Wildlife Management Area in Alto or find a great deal at Tanger Outlets in Commerce. Fulfill the need for speed at the Atlanta Dragway. Family fun and games can be found at Funopolis. Golfers can enjoy a round at the Chimney Oaks Golf Course.
Dawson County is chock full of natural sites to see, with Amicalola Falls and the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area; support local farmers at Faucett Farms, Burt’s Pumpkin Patch, Uncle Shuck’s, and Jungle Paradise Daylilies. Racing fans will enjoy the Racing Hall of Fame and Atlanta Motorsports Park, while history buffs will like a spirited look at history at the Moonshine Museum, all in Dawsonville. Shoppers can also find a great deal at the North Georgia Premium Outlets and surrounding shopping centers in Dawsonville.
Forsyth County is growing, and it’s also brewing – beer enthusiasts will enjoy Cherry Street Brewing Co-op or NoFo Brew Co. Adventurers can take on the Sawnee Mountain Preserve or the Big Creek Greenway, while shoppers will enjoy The Collection at Forsyth or Lakewood 400 Antiques, both in Cumming.
Gwinnett County has big shopping with the Mall of Georgia and surrounding shops in Buford, with the Gwinnett Stripers just down the road from the mall in Lawrenceville (The Stripers last game of the season is October 3.) Stop by the Eastern Continental Divide in Duluth, a hydrographic divide that separates the Atlantic Seaboard watershed from the Gulf of Mexico watershed, and pour some water to see it flow in two directions as you check out Downtown Duluth. Finish off the night in the fall air at the Buford Corn Maze.
Museum lovers will take to Habersham County well. Athletes and sports lovers can take on the Johnny Mize Athletic Center and Museum; car lovers can put the pedal to the metal at the Miles Through Time Automotive Museum; and Elvis fans can visit Joni Mabe at the infamous Loudermilk Boarding House and Everything Elvis Museum. Don’t forget to stop in the downtown area to see the Big Red Apple and the railroad depot. Nature lovers can explore Tallulah Gorge State Park.
Jackson County boasts the beauty of Chateau Elan and the excitement of Road Atlanta, both in Braselton. The fun continues in downtown Braselton, with shops and eateries, and even a brewing company, Braselton Brewing. In Maysville, Hurricane Shoals Park offers some natural beauty. Other Jackson County nature spots to see are the Shields-Etheridge Farm and Sells Mill Park.
Take a visit to Lumpkin County and celebrate Dahlonega’s history with a little gold. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum or pan for some gold yourself at Consolidated Gold Mine or Crisson Gold Mine. On the downtown square, catch a show at the Holly Theatre after some shopping or dining. Head out into the mountains to tour a winery (or several) with a host of vineyards to visit. If you’re itching to get outside, try the hiking loop at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir.
Head up to Rabun County to watch the leaves turn colors and call yourself an official leaf peeper! While you’re outside, explore Lake Rabun, Black Rock Mountain State Park, and Angel Falls Trail. Get to know some goats at Goats on a Roof in Tiger, and stay in the area for a movie at the Tiger Drive-In Theatre.
In Stephens County, waterfall lovers can visit Toccoa Falls, which stands at 186 feet tall. While you’re in the city, stop by the historic downtown and the historic Ritz Theatre at the Schaefer Center and see what’s playing. Speedsters will get a thrill out of the Toccoa Raceway.
Union County boasts the city of Blairsville, along with Grandaddy Mims Distilling Co., and Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm. Get outdoors at Vogel State Park, Helton Creek Falls, and the TrackRock Archaelogical area. Shoppers might take an interest in Mountain Crossing.
White County hosts a unique list of activities. First, Oktoberfest in the Alpine city of Helen kicking off the month on September 30, with the downtown Alpine town a treat to see regardless of the time of year. In Cleveland, Babyland General Hospital allows you to witness the miracle of the Cabbage Patch Kid, a finalist for this year’s National Toy Hall of Fame; also in Cleveland is the North Georgia Wildlife Park if you’d rather meet some furry and feathered friends. Outdoor enthusiasts won’t be disappointed with a variety of natural beauty, from Yonah Mountain, Desoto Falls, Raven Cliff Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, Smithgall Woods State Park, and the Chestatee Wildlife Management Area all in the county.
