º£½ÇÉçÇø

The comfort of Georgia lies in its ability to transport you to different eras, both historical and personal. The ancestors of these towns built brick paths and ways of life that radiate both peace and community, while the wonders of decorative events and forest waterfalls have a way of reawakening your inner child. Hayrides, wild-horse islands, and Bavarian traditions are what lie in wait for you should you spare these leisurely villages a moment of your time.

Dahlonega

Tucked into the blanket-like folds of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega is quintessentially guarded from the mania of greater American society by its vigilant host of vineyards and bed-and-breakfasts. Specifically, stays at the Yellow Daisy or Historic Smith House are legendary for their homemade pastries, and Tumlin House or Accent Cellars are a drop in the barrel for Dahlonega’s selection of wineries. For a moment of quiet reflection, which can be ‘enhanced’ by one of those tasting flights, Lake Zwerner is less than a mile away, and it offers timeless bridges and picnic tables against an immaculate landscape. So, for reflection or revelry, this first stop in Georgia might just be the perfect fit for you.

Blue Ridge

Not many towns are bold enough to claim the moniker of an entire mountain range, but Blue Ridge does not disappoint. An ideal day begins under a yellow umbrella in the square outside Tupelo Tea, sipping on candy apple tea and energizing with a fresh mudpie. To rest your legs while still getting a full dose of the Blue Ridge countryside, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway operates both open car and enclosed carriages that gently bring guests across ponds and rivers. On those rivers, you might see boaters joyously floating on vessels rented from the Lake Blue Ridge Marina Rentals Shops, which rests conveniently between the town and Blue Ridge Lake. On the topic of delicacy and leisure, it is hard to find a cozier community than Blue Ridge.

Helen

At the most northern tip of Georgia is a little mountain village by the name of ‘Helen.’ The homes and churches are constructed in a Bavarian half-timber style, which is quaintly medieval in both appearance and ongoing culture. Elegantly decorated horse carriages clop their way through the streets, and drivers are eager to share information about the town. The steeds even have grand names such as ‘Kaiser,’ who, I have heard, enjoy it when you feed them a carrot or two. Some of the traditional Bavarian crafts you might trot across are baked goods like pretzels at Alpine Pretzel Haus or expertly blown glass creations at the appropriately named ‘Glassblowing Shop.’ Finally, for the perfect evening rest, a wicker basket filled with Bavarian treats and a quilt would be eager companions should you plan a picnic at the campgrounds of the Unicoi or Smithgall State Parks.

Madison

Madison is in the epicenter between Atlanta, Oconee National Forest, and Athens, so it is ideal for a brief afternoon road trip. And, given its miraculous Civil War history, Madison is worth seeing. The local lore claims that General Sherman spared the town during the Civil War, which explains the abundance of classic antebellum homes like Heritage Hall or Rogers House Museum throughout its center. These homes even operate garden tours, led by owners, that could not be more ideal if your life has a need to pause and ‘smell the roses.’ On that green streak, check out Gussie’s House of Flowers for º£½ÇÉçÇø-class displays that are known to melt the hearts of beloveds. Now, if you are lucky enough to make a friend from Madison, there is a high chance that the front porch has a hanging swing that neighbors use to stay, well, neighborly; so, give it a try if southern warmth is up your alley.

Thomasville

Aesthetically, Thomasville is an island of suburbs clustered around an old-school downtown that radiates a more nostalgic era. Well-maintained and gardened fountains are found frequently amongst private homes and public structures like the Thomas County Tag Office. Thomasville resists the concrete monotony of modernism elsewhere, too, as evidenced by ‘The Big Oak’ at the junction of North Crawford and East Monroe. This fantastical specimen is famously one of America’s oldest living oaks, and the park is frequently a place for gatherings thanks to its spacious lawn and a romantic gazebo on the grounds. Speaking of southern amour, Thomasville considers itself a ‘city of roses’ and hosts an annual Rose Festival to solidify that fact. To sample those natural hues and more, you would be more than welcome at the Thomasville Farmer’s Market on Smith Avenue.

St. Marys

The land of St. Mary’s has been continuously inhabited since 1787, making it one of Georgia’s oldest communities, and rightfully so: Atlantic coastal access and surrounding waterways guarantee its people both cultural and agricultural enrichment. The strengths of this town are varied, so allow me to rattle them off one by one: the waterfront park hosts free concerts, the public pier is wildly popular for viewing sunsets, shrimp boats supply restaurants with the freshest of catches, and ferries link the town to Cumberland Island which is legendary for free-roaming horses and peaceful beaches. The residents are aware of their blessings, which is why they host structures like the brightly decorated Goodbread House Inn, as well as Gazebos adorned with lighting and flowers. For a breath of coastal air and an endless list of pleasant activities, St. Mary’s is Georgia’s crème de la crème.

Senoia

The perfect day really can be as simple as wandering a brick sidewalk under the Georgian Sun with the taste of Main Street’s Ice Cream Parlor’s best on your lips. The little shop also produces its own fudge if there are those waiting at home for a treat that is a little more melt-proof. Or perhaps your gang can gather on the shore of Marimac Lake with a to-go lunch from Nic & Norman’s grill and then spend the later hours reclining at the Senoia Branch Library, which lies on the opposite shore. If your visit is oriented more towards the fall, festivals hosted by the White Oak Church feature hayrides and a bonfire; these are excellent venues to both warm up and meet the locals. The cookout is a bonus, and nobody is counting the candy apples in the event that several end up with the out-of-towners. Ultimately, Senoia is a place to enjoy yourself.

Blairsville

All four seasons group together in Blairsville, which is far north enough and high altitude enough to experience the occasional forested snowfall. There is a certain magic surrounding the nature of the town’s region, where waterfalls drape over slick rocks at the Helton Creek Falls, and you can imagine your inner child becoming enchanted with the mystery of the wilds. Mountain cabins, Nottely Lake’s fishing and boating, and traditional syrup-making at the annual Sorghum Festival are all hallmarks of a community that has also embraced its youthful sense of wonder. Finally, this pace of life culminates in Blairsville’s Holiday-On-the-Square each December, where a richly lighted festival engages guests with games and concerts right beside a historic courthouse.

To dream is to do, and without rest, one cannot dream. That urge to appreciate the humble moments of each day is a shared trait for the guests and residents of these Southern towns. From porch swing chats in Madison to Helen’s horse-carriage trots, Georgia is ever-inventive in its capacity to relax and comfort. To support this way of life and the communities that uphold it, all you have to do is indulge.