Some of the Best Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA

Did you know that Atlanta, Georgia is home to over half a million residents? This Southern city is a cultural and economic hub, offering abundant opportunities for business, travel, and leisure. And while many find city life exciting, sometimes you need to escape the hustle and bustle! If you’re looking for a great place to unwind, take a road trip to Western North Carolina and enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway from Atlanta. Here are some of our favorite things to do there.

Learn how to plan weekend getaways from Atlanta, GA when you download our free vacation guide! It’s full of information on great places to visit during your trip.

Top 3 Weekend Getaways from Atlanta, GA

1. ASHEVILLE

Laid-back West Coast vibes meet rugged Appalachian culture in Asheville, North Carolina. (Where else can you can feast on Southern biscuits and gravy while watching a drum circle?) This charming mountain town is unlike anything you’ll find in the southeast and is sometimes described as the Portland of North Carolina. Art galleries, restaurants, and craft breweries abound, and its close proximity to scenic hiking trails make Asheville one of the best places to explore. And it’s less than a four-hour drive from Atlanta!

2. LAKE LURE

If you’re planning a weekend getaway in the summer, take a trip to the town of Lake Lure. Lake Lure encompasses 13 square miles and has a beautiful background of forest-clad hills and mountains. The town’s 720-acre lake is its number one attraction and is the reason so many families visit Lake Lure year after year. Visitors can enjoy its cool water, sparkling clean beach area, and a myriad of water activities. Some of our favorites include canoeing, fishing, boating, and water skiing.

3. CHIMNEY ROCK

Chimney Rock, NC borders Lake Lure and is a mecca for outdoor recreation and adventure. Visit Chimney Rock State Park and enjoy wildlife viewing, rock climbing, hiking, and more. Or spend an afternoon in Chimney Rock Village, one of the coolest small towns in the North Carolina mountains. Located in the valley beneath the Park, this village is packed with a variety of shops, restaurants, ice cream stands, and vintage motels. Guests can walk down Main Street and experience amazing views of the Hickory Nut Gorge that tower on each side.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE ESMERALDA INN & RESTAURANT!

Whether it’s a romantic retreat or fun-filled weekend with the girls, The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant is your ideal homestead in Western North Carolina. Our Chimney Rock bed and breakfast has everything you need for a memorable getaway, and it’s just a short drive from downtown Asheville! Unwind in one of our beautiful guest rooms or cabins, then enjoy a delicious meal at our onsite restaurant. Visit our accommodations page to see what’s available and contact us today to make your reservations. We look forward to having you!

Find out how you can save on weekend getaways from Atlanta, GA with our vacation specials and packages.