Khabar Magazine. October 2025 print cover story.
Day trips within the state that feel international, some of them even with Bollywood vibes.
After traveling to over 120 countries and flying for as much as 40 hours a month, sometimes I just want to stay put in my home state. And the more time I spend exploring close-to-home destinations, the more I discover that when you live in Georgia, you don’t always have to travel far to feel like you have been transported to another part of the world.
Weekend getaways within the state can surprise you with cultural pockets, historic architecture, and food experiences that echo faraway places. Whether you’re craving the Scottish Highlands, a Bollywood- meets-Hollywood vibe, or a slice of Greece, you can find it within a short drive or at most a day trip.
Here’s how you can “travel the world” without leaving Georgia.
CLOUDLAND: a feel of the Scottish Highlands
If you have crossed the border of Georgia going toward Chattanooga in Tennessee, you have probably stopped to see the magnificent Ruby Falls or the natural formations of Rock City. Tucked away on Lookout Mountain, near the Tennessee border, Cloudland Canyon State Park offers scenery that feels straight out of the Scottish Highlands, with its misty valleys, hemlock groves, and rugged cliffs.
Tucked away on Lookout Mountain, near the Tennessee border, Cloudland Canyon State Park offers scenery that feels straight out of the Scottish Highlands.
What to do
Hike the West Rim Loop for sweeping canyon views or take the steps down to Hemlock and Cherokee Falls. Also, nearby, there are a few waterfalls (Lula Lake, DeSoto Falls) and Lover’s Leap on Lookout Mountain. In autumn, fiery foliage transforms the landscape into something straight out of a Scottish postcard. In June-July, the fragrant air of lavender fills Lookout Lavender Farm, where you can shop for lavender products.
If you are up for a little dose of adrenaline, book a tandem hang glide or paraglide at Lookout Mountain Flight Park. This is a great aerial adventure for a beginner as you lie flat on the ground (instead of jumping off a cliff) and are tugged into the air attached to a small plane—even kids can do it.
Where to stay and eat
A new golf resort community offers both home rentals and a luxury hotel. Be prepared to soak in breathtaking mountain views as you perch above the clouds at Cloudland at McLemore Resort. The hotel boasts dramatic high ceilings with reading nooks and a library perfect for cozying up by the fireplace. Get a room with a balcony to enjoy views of the Cumberland Plateau and McLemore Cove, soak in the infinity edge pool, and book a spa massage at Selah.
One of the hotel’s four restaurants, Auld Alliance, serves Scottish-French inspired cuisine using all local ingredients, including fresh rainbow trout—a nod to Scotland’s love of river fish. The wine list and steak menu are sure to impress your date.
TRILITH STUDIOS: Hollywood, just outside Atlanta
In Fayetteville, just outside Atlanta, you’ll find Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Forest)—the filming location for blockbusters Spider-Man, Avengers, Ant-Man, andBlack Panther—and its adjoining master-planned town. Despite a slowdown in Georgia’s film industry, the studio is plugging on. With its European-style streets and creative vibe, Trilith feels like stepping into a Hollywood backlot. Walking through Trilith is less like suburban Georgia and more like a stylized European neighborhood built for artists and storytellers.
Artistic sculptures and murals are all over the town.
What to do
Take a self-guided walking tour through Trilith’s colorful streets and plazas. The architecture of the micro- villages, surrounded by gardens, pedestrian walkways, art murals, and sculptures, is worth admiring on a leisurely stroll. Pop into the handful of shops at Trilith Town, get a spa treatment at The Skin Society, then take a backstage tour of North America’s largest film and TV studio outside of Hollywood: Trilith Studios spans more than 700 acres with 1.5 million sq ft of production space that includes 34 soundstages and a cutting-edge virtual production facility called The Prysm Stage. If you are a fan of blockbusters, you may be able to recognize some of the scenes.
The new Trilith Live entertainment complex, featuring theaters, multi-screen cinemas, and an outdoor plaza, is set to host a variety of concerts, performing arts events, sports, movie nights, and more.
Where to stay and eat
Trilith Guesthouse, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, offers stylish lodging with a cinematic atmosphere where you may even run into celebrity guests. Shhh! If you ask any of the staff, they will say they signed an agreement not to reveal the guest list.
Make sure to check out the views from the rooftop bar, Oliver’s Twist. Have a refined Italian dinner at Enzo, and for dessert, walk over to Honeysuckle Gelato for a handcrafted scoop.
MADISON: African Safari in Georgia’s “prettiest small town”
How about experiencing a teaser African safari without leaving the state? The Georgia Safari Conservation Park, located in Rutledge (a short drive from Madison), is an expansive safari where zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, ostriches, and antelopes roam across acres of open land. Offering overnight accommodation, the Park is an immersive way to feel like you’ve landed on the savannas of Kenya or South Africa only an hour from Atlanta. If you haven’t made a journey to the African continent yet, this is a nice teaser to what a real-life African safari experience could be like. It is perfect for younger kids and will not break the bank. I appreciate that the experience at the Park differs from that of a zoo or a drive-through, and yet it has a strong commitment to education and the conservation of wildlife.
What to do
Hop on the Park’s safari vehicle and take a guided tour to see animals up close and learn about conservation efforts. The park allows you to feed giraffes or watch herds of exotic animals grazing together. Families will especially enjoy the interactive encounters and photo opportunities.
Afterward, explore downtown Madison Historic District with its preserved antebellum architecture—a striking contrast to the African-style wilderness just minutes away. During the holiday season, streets in Madison are decorated with Christmas lights and dotted with holiday markets. You can also tour some of the historic homes, join a holiday parade, and carol by candlelight.
Where to stay and eat
Stay in one- or two-bedroom canvas tents at the Park for an authentic African safari–style experience. From your private deck, you can listen to the sounds of wildlife and watch rhinos and zebras roam as the sun sets over the landscape. For something truly unforgettable, book the Giraffe Suite inside the barn—the only one of its kind—where you’ll literally share your stay with giraffes as your neighbors.
Closer in town, the James Madison Inn, a boutique hotel, offers Southern charm with luxury touches. It is very popular for weddings and gets booked in advance.
For dining in Madison, there are a few good options including Hart and Crown Tavern, an English-style pub; The Sinclair, a European-style coffee shop serving light fare; and The Patisserie on Main, which offers some of the best French pastries in the state. The Farmview Market is also great for casual fare and to shop for Georgia-made products. The Market is a popular venue for festivals and farmers’ markets, which are held here on Saturdays.
ATHENS: Experience Greece in Georgia
Athens, Georgia, lives up to its classical namesake with neoclassical buildings, historic landmarks, and a lively cultural scene thanks to the University of Georgia. It’s a Southern college town with Mediterranean echoes where you can choose to indulge in poetry, food, music, or history—whatever your interest may be.
What to do
Starting at the Athens Welcome Center, take a guided walking tour through the UGA North Campus and pose under the iconic Arch, visit the Georgia Museum of Art, and explore the vibrant downtown with its galleries and music venues. I generally find a live book or poetry reading, music, or open-mic nights at places like Hendershot’s, 40 Watt Club, and Nighthawks Lounge. If you love playing cards and board games, The Rook & Pawn is one of the first board game cafes in the Southeast U.S. where you can spend hours creating memories with family and friends.
One of the best-kept secrets near Athens is the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a sprawling 313- acre garden with orchids, palms, and exotic blooms throughout the year, a conservatory and museum. You can also join a yoga class in the Flower Garden.
Where to stay and eat
Dining in Athens is quite affordable and diverse. To sample some of Athens’ top craft breweries, including Terrapin, Creature Comforts, and Athentic, hop on the Athens Beer Trail Trolley Tour with a designated driver. Stay at the boutique Rivet House, a former apparel and denim manufacturing factory that has been converted into a fashionable 50-room hotel. The onsite restaurant, Osteria Olio, has some of the best Italian food I have tasted outside Italy. Across the street, Puma Yu’s is great for innovative Thai street food. Bring back some honeycomb toffee from Condor Chocolates.
SAVANNAH: A European Stroll by the Sea
Savannah’s moss-draped oaks, cobblestone streets, and riverfront promenades recall European port cities. With its preserved squares and colonial architecture, walking through Savannah feels like stepping into another era. Savannah has always been a popular road trip for Atlantans. But if you haven’t visited in the past four years, expect to see a hipper version of the Southern city with many more new and trendy hotels and restaurants.
What to do
For me, the best time to visit Savannah is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and the streets are less crowded. Aimlessly walking around Forsyth Park and the historic district, admiring different styles of architecture, taking breaks in the Spanish-style squares, and browsing Broughton Street for local shops are among some of the must-dos for a more relaxed experience in Savannah. Book a tour at the SCAD Museum of Art to learn more about the famous college and how it is inspiring innovation in art.
The Victorianstyle The Gingerbread House in the Savannah Historic District (Photo: tripadvisor. com)
Where to stay and eat
Stay at the JW Savannah Plant Riverside District near River Street if you want to be in midst of the action, or at the Thompson Savannah, which is a little further along the river but still walkable to most attractions. For food, The Grey is a must. It is an award-winning restaurant located inside a formerly segregated Greyhound Bus Terminal that was featured on the series Chef’s Table. Advance reservation is recommended. I also like the Korean-inspired bagel sandwiches at Big Bon Bodega and freshly made dumplings at Flock to the Wok. For dessert, get a scoop of tutti frutti at Leopold’s Ice Cream. They offer several gluten-free and vegan flavors too.
COLUMBUS: Georgia’s Queenstown, New Zealand
Set along the rushing waters of the Chattahoochee River, Columbus feels like a Southern version of Queenstown, New Zealand— a city where adventure sports and culture blend seamlessly. Just like Queenstown draws thrill-seekers for rafting and bungee jumps, Columbus offers zip lining across state lines, rafting in the longest urban whitewater course, and biking on scenic trails—all without leaving Georgia.
What to do
In Columbus, adventure and culture go hand in hand. You can raft Class II–V rapids on the Chattahoochee River right through downtown, then zip line across the water from Georgia into Alabama, and back again at Blue Heron Zipline Adventure Park. The 15-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk is ideal for biking, running, or just enjoying the scenery; while nearby adventure parks offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and outdoor climbing. Balance the thrills with quirky and cultural stops like the Lunch Box Museum, a nostalgic collection of vintage lunchboxes; or The Columbus Museum, one of the largest art museums in the Southeast that has rotating exhibits. Learn about Columbus’ fizzy past by taking a self-guided walking tour along the Soft Drink Heritage Trail that gave birth to some of America’s most iconic beverages, such as Coca-Cola, RC Cola, and Nehi.
You can raft Class II–V rapids on the Chattahoochee River right through downtown.
Take a side trip to the open-air art murals at Pasaquan in Buena Vista, Georgia, which seems like something Antoni Gaudí, the Spanish architect and designer would have constructed. This obscure blend of cultural motifs was created by folk artist Eddie Owens Martin, popularly known as St. EOM. You will recognize some of the Hindu Gods, mandalas, and temple murals as well as pre-Columbian, African, and Native American motifs.
Where to stay and eat
New accommodation options in downtown Columbus, including Hotel Indigo and City Mills Hotel, offer boutique lodging close to most attractions. Pick up organic and healthy breakfast at the nonprofit, The Food Mill or The Animal Farm; enjoy dinner inside a 100-yearold mill by the river at The Millhouse Kitchen + Bar; or treat yourself at the upscale Miami-vibe, art deco The Goetchius , a historic home that has been converted into a restaurant, bar, and community space.
MILLEDGEVILLE: Oxford Meets
Lakeside Living Milledgeville, Georgia’s former capital from 1804-1868, feels like a mix of a European university town and a laid-back lakeside retreat. The gothic-style Georgia College & State University campus and antebellum homes give it an academic, old-world feel, while nearby Lake Sinclair adds a completely different vibe with
boating, fishing, and swimming. The blend of historic streets and waterfront recreation makes Milledgeville unique—a place where you can step into the past in the morning and relax by the water in the afternoon.
What to do
Take a self-guided walking tour to visit over 40 locations in downtown Milledgeville or hop on board a bright red Historic Trolley Tour to see a variety of architectural styles from across historical periods including Victorian, Greek Revival, and Federal. Tour the Old Governor’s Mansion, a neoclassical gem that once housed Georgia’s leaders, then stroll along the shady boulevards downtown filled with antique stores and boutiques buzzing with students.
In the afternoon, head to Lake Sinclair, a manmade lake, where you can rent a pontoon boat, go kayaking, or simply relax on the shore with a picnic. The Oconee River Greenway is another great option for biking and walking trails.
My personal favorite detour in Milledgeville is Andalusia Farm, the estate home of the literary icon, Flannery O’Connor, who wrote short stories and novels about religion and her experience in the American South. The Interpretive Center exhibits some of her art and goes deeper into women’s literature in the South. If you are unfamiliar with her works, I would recommend the movie Wildcat starring Ethan Hawke.
Enjoy desi vibes at Bollywood Tacos, an Indo-Mexican fusion restaurant.
Where to stay and eat
If you travel with a group, rent out the cozy Inn at Jefferson bed and breakfast, where you will have your own kitchen and pool, and you can walk to nearby restaurants and shops. For unique Indo-Mexican fusion food in a vibrant setting (think murals of Mahatma Gandhi), Bollywood Tacos is a must. Taste lychee and mango margaritas paired with inventive crowd-pleasing dishes like chili paneer tacos and chicken tikka masala quesadillas. Their sister restaurant, Metropolis Cafe, also serves good Indian and Mediterranean food.
MACON: A Taste of Havana in the South
Macon is often called the “Song and Soul of the South,” and it lives up to the name. With its rich musical heritage—home to legends like Otis Redding and Little Richard—and its colorful festivals, Macon feels surprisingly like the Cuban city of Havana, where rhythm, history, and soul are woven into daily life. Both cities thrive on live music, historic architecture, and a laid-back energy that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.
What to do
Visit the Tubman Museum, the largest in the Southeast dedicated to African American art and culture. Head down to the Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House to trace the roots of Southern rock. The downtown Cherry Street is alive with music—from jazz to indie rock—in cafés and small venues. If you visit in March, the International Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the city into a vibrant pink hue with over 300,000 blooming trees, rivaling the famous cherry blossom celebrations in Japan. For a cultural immersion, walk through the Muscogee (Creek) people’s ceremonial grounds at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park where thousands of years of Native American heritage is preserved. You can also join their annual indigenous celebrations, filled with storytelling, dance, and music, held in September each year. Standing on the Great Temple Mound, you feel the same blend of reverence and awe as when you look up at the stupa of Sanchi or climb the steps of a South Indian gopuram.
The Burke Mansion is a Queen-Anne-style bed and breakfast.
Where to stay and eat
Hotel Forty Five in downtown Macon pays tribute to the city’s rich musical heritage and is oddly located at a 45-degree intersection. For a classic stay, the Queen-Anne-style bed and breakfast at Burke Mansion feels like you have been personally invited into the home of a prominent Macon cotton merchant family. I love sitting at the patio overlooking the gardens and wandering through the parlor and rooms admiring the collection of antiques, oriental rugs, ceramics, and paintings from all over the world.
Macon’s restaurant scene is booming with young entrepreneurs showcasing international-inspired concepts married with local fare. This is where you can get a really good burger and a pint of local brew at Piedmont Brewery and Ocmulgee Brewpub as well as goat biryani at Bombay Curry.
Georgia’s small towns and natural escapes let you sample the world without leaving the state. From soaring above the clouds at Lookout Mountain to hobnobbing with the film industry in Trilith, every getaway offers something both adventurous and familiar. Start exploring one weekend at a time.