HGTV recently complied a list 0f the 40 best ‘charming small town downtown areas in the United States’ and there are two Georgia towns that made the cut! If you’re looking for a charming little day trip to a nearby town, you’ve definitely gotta check out these awesome small towns!
Which Georgia small towns have the most charming downtown areas?
According to HGTV’s study, the two Georgia towns that made the list are:
- Athens, GA
- Dahlonega, GA
To find these small towns, HGTV “looked for vibrant towns that invite you in and encourage you to stay and explore.” So keep scrolling to learn what the network had to say about these two Georgia towns!
Athens, Georgia
Here’s what HGTV has to say about Athens, Georgia:
Home to the University of Georgia, Athens is a vibrant college town that’s rich in Southern appeal. It’s also well-known for its music scene, thanks to wildly successful hometown bands like R.E.M. and The B-52s. Stroll Clayton Street to pop in and out of eclectic shops like Wuxtry Records and Agora Vintage. Snap photos of restored Victorian-era buildings, then cross over Broad Street to explore the university’s North Campus. You can’t leave Athens without a stop at the historic Morton Theatre on Washington Street. It’s the first and oldest surviving vaudeville theater in the United States, but today it hosts concerts, film festivals and more. Come during football season and cheer for the hometown team, the Georgia Bulldogs, and wear their colors, red and black.
Athens is about an hour and a half drive from the ATL, making it the perfect little weekend getaway! If you want to learn more bout Athens, check out their tourist site here!
Dahlonega, Georgia
Here’s what HGTV says about Dahlonega:
Just one hour northeast of Atlanta lies Dahlonega, Georgia, a charming town nestled into the Appalachian Mountains that feels worlds away from the big city. This mountain escape is known for wine, waterfalls and gold. That’s because it’s not only located in heart of Georgia wine country, with nearly two dozen wineries and tasting rooms, but it was also the site of a major gold rush in the 1820s. The Dahlonega Gold Museum anchors the historic public square and is situated inside the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse, one of the oldest courthouses in Georgia. Savor Dahlonega’s charm and history as you enjoy live music, chocolate shops and local artisan wares.
Dahlonega is just a short hour and a half drive from Atlanta, which also makes it perfect for a little getaway! They’ve got some especially great farms and fruit-picking opportunities–so check out their site here!
Enjoy these charming small towns, just a stone’s throw from the city! Get your charm on, Atlanta!