1. Braselton - Chateau Elan Winery & Resort - 1 hour from Atlanta
With its views alone, Chateau Elan Winery and Resort makes it worth the trip if you want to get away from the city. If you are like me, you'll relax at the spa and forget about everything else for a few hours. Or you can go to the pool, play golf (on 63 scenic holes!) and go wine tasting.
I enjoyed the French country decor plus a huge tub in my room. In addition to guest rooms, they offer fancy suites and even private villas. The winery was a great experience. They host wine tastings, cooking demos and other events. Check ahead of time if you are interested. One downside? Rooms tend to be on the expensive side. Expect to pay $300+ per night.
Address: 100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton, GA 30517, 678-425-0900
2. Savannah - Azalea Inn and Gardens - 3 hours 30 minutes
If you want to explore Savannah on your weekend getaway from Atlanta, historic Azalea Inn & Villas truly feels like the South.
The inn has just 10 rooms. I liked how room decor ties into Savannah's history with personal decor and antique touches. For a romantic getaway, I recommend booking a room with a fireplace or private porch (some have a jetted tub).
You'll be just a block away from Forsyth Park, shops, restaurants and many attractions (I wrote about my favorites here). Savannah's City Market is the place to go if you like shopping. Savannah has many charming city parks such as Chippewa Square where the "life is like a box of chocolates" scene in Forrest Gump was filmed if you like the movie. Rooms start at $190, so it's mid-range cost wise.
Address:
Azalea Inn, 217 E Huntingdon St, Savannah, GA 31401Phone: 912-236-6080
3. Hotel Indigo - Athens - 1 hour 20 minutes
Plan a weekend trip to the university town of Athens to enjoy the city’s youthful vibe, art, outdoor cafes, restaurants, theater and football.
I enjoyed Hotel Indigo Athens with its residential feel. I enjoyed the hardwood floors, big windows for the view, high ceilings, plush bedding, and dual shower heads.
If you love art, you will appreciate The Gallery@Hotel Indigo-Athens. It got me inspired to visit local museums and galleries, especially the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art which is my favorite and I wrote about it here. I also enjoyed dining on the outdoor patio at the hotel's restaurant. Rooms at Hotel Indigo Athens are relatively cheap and affordable, from $137 per night.
Address:
Hotel Indigo Athens, 500 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601Phone: 706-546-0430
Romantic Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA:
4. Hotel Bardo Savannah
I've been recommending Hotel Bardo Savannah (formerly The Mansion on Forsyth Park) for its romantic Victorian Romanesque architecture and decor for decades. If you can't get a room at Azalea Inn, this place is equally perfect although room prices are much higher (over $400 per night).
Address:
Hotel Bardo Savannah, 700 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401Phone: 912-238-5158
5. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain - 1 hour 15 minutes
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is my favorite spot for a nature weekend getaway from Atlanta. It's just over an hour away but you feel like you've traveled much further since you'll be surrounded by 6,000 acres of forest and gardens.
I spent a lot of time at Spa Prunifolia (it's 13,000 square feet in size!), followed by a relaxing nap next to the pool. You can also work out at the fitness center. In the evening, The Piedmont Grille makes it easy to celebrate in style if you are traveling on a special occasion. Just like Chateau Elan, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is on the expensive end. Expect to pay around $280 per night plus the spa treatments.
Address:
The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, 4500 Southern Pine Dr, Pine Mountain, GA 31822Phone: 706-489-3300
6. Forest Hills Resort, Dahlonega - 1 hour 15 minutes from Atlanta
I like the Forest Hills Resort for its quiet, romantic feel and its location in the Georgia mountains. I was able to slow down and unwind surrounded by trees in one of the private cabins, with my own hot tub and a fireplace.
There are so many activities to try if you are a fan of the outdoors, including horse-back riding, hiking, cycling and kayaking. I recommend that you ask for a picnic lunch and enjoy a day out. There is a lot to see and do in Dahlonega which I enjoyed writing about before.
I like it here for affordability with nightly rates starting at $156, though some activities cost extra.
Address:
Forest Hills Resort, 135 Forest Hills Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533Phone: 800-654-6313
Relaxing Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA:
7. The Partridge Inn, Augusta - 2 hours 15 minutes
If you are like me, you will enjoy the historical significance of The Partridge Inn Augusta which was first converted into a hotel in 1892 and is now a Hilton Hotel. Ask for one of the balcony rooms on your romantic getaway!
You get to listen to live jazz music on Friday and Saturday nights, without a cover charge. Definitely stay for Sunday brunch at P.I. Bar and Grill which has hosted presidential banquets.
Rooms start at just over $200 per night (don't forget to ask if you can use your Hilton Honors rewards points!).
Address:
The Partridge Inn, 2110 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904Phone: 706-737-8888
8. Jekyll Island Club - 4 hours 35 minutes
While you need to go on a longer trip to reach Jekyll Island Club Hotel, it's well worth it for a variety of reasons. First of all, it's set on a barrier island so you get to enjoy beautiful beaches and privacy. Secondly, I really like Jekyll Island Club for a family weekend getaway from Atlanta, especially in the summer when the Club Juniors summer program is available. Little ones can go on dolphin cruises, engage in nature exploration and create arts and crafts.
You can also play at Summer Waves Water Park, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Your kids can enjoy swimming, slides and waterfalls (available to kids under 48" tall).
Address:
Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island, GA9. Lucille's Mountain Top Inn & Spa - 1 hour 35 minutes
When you stay at Lucille's Mountain Top Inn & Spa in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you feel like you are staying with a friend who can bake the best Cinnamon Bread and homemade Strawberry Muffins!
The inn has just 12 rooms and suites so it feels very intimate. If this is a special romantic trip, be sure to ask for a room with a fireplace (or whirlpool tub).
Spend your weekend getting massages at the day spa, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountain and exploring the charming Village of Sautee. If you need more adventures, head to nearby waterfalls, go fly fishing or even zip lining.
Lucille's Crow's Nest offers the best (360-degree!) sunrise and sunset views of the mountains and Sautee Valley. I also had fun exploring nearby Sautee Nacoochee. Prices from $300 per night.
Lucille's Mountain Top Inn & Spa, 964 Rabun Rd, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571, 706-878-5055
10. Barnsley Resort - 1 hour from Atlanta, GA
My final suggestion is a dream getaway for garden lovers. Just an hour from Atlanta, Barnsley Resort has incredible gardens (complete with tours you can take). It's a treat watching gardeners at work, sculpting imaginative topiaries, planting and planning. If you've even wondered how those classical gardens come to be, this is the place to visit. I recommend asking for a picnic lunch and enjoying it out here.
Beyond the gardens, Barnsley Resort lets you enjoy a Jim Fazio-designed golf course, 12 miles of hiking trails, biking, hiking, lawn games and even two different paintball fields! Don't miss the Barnsley Museum which houses Civil War artifacts.
Rooms are pretty expensive ($400+) but you can find 3rd night free offers and stay longer.
Address:
Barnsley Resort, 597 Barnsley Gardens Rd, Adairsville, GA 30103Plan Your Trip