5 Trips Near Atlanta for Great Food

Atlanta is full of great places to eat, but if you're looking for a change of scenery, just a short drive from the city, you will find yourself surrounded by lush green forests, sandy beaches, organic farms, vineyards and lots of delicious Georgia cuisine. Spend the day or weekend exploring flavors around the state at some of the best restaurants outside of Atlanta.

Serenbe

26 miles southwest of Atlanta

Nestled in a little-known region called Chattahoochee Hills is a community planned around sustainable practices, seasonal produce and living more organically. At Serenbe, you'll find farms raising organic produce and a Saturday morning market where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, honey and cheeses. Plan your trip around a tour of the Serenbe farm or chef-driven cooking demonstrations. Make time to pick up some freshly baked goods from The Blue Eyed Daisy, and make a reservation for dinner at The Farmhouse at Serenbe for delicious farm-fresh meals.

Make it a weekend: Stay at the The Inn at Serenbe.

Dahlonega

90 miles northeast of Atlanta

Dahlonega's red clay soil is similar to that found in the Piedmont region of Italy, making the area a popular place for vineyards. You can sample a variety of the region's wines at seven tasting rooms in downtown Dahlonega. Then, head into the hills to visit the vineyards themselves for beautiful scenery along with your wine.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, arguably one of Dahlonega’s premier wineries, resembles a massive Tuscan villa with sweeping views of its rolling vineyards, wine tastings and a lovely brunch. Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery is owned by a retired Atlanta schoolteacher who makes all the wines himself. Guests can enjoy their wine of choice with local nibbles while listening to live music. 

With four labels and 25 different kinds of grapes, Frogtown Cellars Vineyards & Winery provides a tasting room to try them all! At Three Sisters Vineyards & Winery, you’ll enjoy French-inspired wines, a beautiful mountain view, and even an ice wine made with frozen Vidal Blanc grapes. Don't miss Montaluce Winery & Restaurant, where the award-winning Le Vigne serves up locally sourced menu options and signature wines to create perfect meals in a beautiful setting.

Make it a weekend: Visit for special events like the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival in May. Stay overnight at a winery, cabin or hotel in Dahlonega.

Blue Ridge

93 miles north of Atlanta

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge will help you forget the stress of the big city. Start with a ride aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and end with lunch of Southern classics at Southern Charm. You’ll find deep-fried dill pickles, as well as chicken and dumplings, and all-you-can-eat catfish and popcorn shrimp on Fridays.

For a cocktail and a bite with a view, head to the top of the Hampton Inn downtown to relax at Hook and Eye. Choose from favorites like charcuterie boards, Bavarian soft pretzel bites and pork tacos paired with classic cocktails with a local twist.

For a farm-to-table dining experience, try Harvest On Main. The menu is made of garden-fresh ingredients, as well as seasonal vegetables and local Georgia trout. For dessert, stop into The Sweet Shoppe of the South and see why they were a winner of Food Network’s "Cupcake Wars."

Make it a weekend: Plan your trip during the Blue Ridge Mountain Wine and Jazz Festival or the Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Music Festival (both in September), and book a room at a mountain lodge or rent a cabin in Blue Ridge.

Savannah

250 miles southeast of Atlanta

Savannah is the oldest city in the state, boasting gorgeous scenery and an exciting culinary landscape. Start your day at B. Matthews Eatery, one of Savannah's best brunch spots. You can dine outside or reserve a table inside to enjoy menu highlights like shrimp and grits, burgers, and the crab BLT. 

While you’re exploring the city, be prepared for some serious Southern hospitality from the Hostess City of the South. If you’re interested in a little history with your cocktail, then Vic's On The River should be on your itinerary. Set inside a renovated 1858 warehouse, Vic's has lots of history on display, including a hand-drawn map of General Sherman’s march through Georgia, and Southern cocktail favorites like the bourbon-based Sazerac. 

The Olde Pink House, known as one of the best restaurants in Savannah, should also be on your list of “must-dos.” Located in a colonial mansion in one of the many squares in the city, you’ll experience some of the freshest seafood on the coast. And don’t forget to reserve a table at Savannah favorite The Grey, where you’ll find regional flavors that take on a global spin.

Make it a weekend: Stay at a historic bed and breakfast or a hotel in Savannah’s historic district. Take a food tour with Flavors Food Tours - Savannah or Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours or take a cooking class at Chef Darin's Kitchen Table.

St. Simons Island

312 miles southeast of Atlanta

St. Simons Island is one of a string of islands on the Georgia coast that make up the Golden Isles, which include Little St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island and Sea Island. With the perfect mix of fun and sun, the hard-packed sandy beaches and miles of bike paths through the island make this an ideal road trip destination. Arrive hungry because local fare like Southern Soul Barbeque, called one of the secrets of the Georgia coast, Porch, Georgia Sea Grill and Halyard's are sure to satisfy the biggest hunger.

Make it a weekend: Treat yourself to a stay at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, go kayaking with Southeast Adventure Outfitters and climb to the top of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.