A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
The end of summer always brings about mixed emotions. On one hand, you’re excited about autumn—pumpkins, apple orchards, Halloween, beautiful Georgian fall foliage. But on the other, another season of warm weather, blue skies, and sunshine is coming to a close. We hate having the end-of-summer blues, which is why we went ahead and created the best Georgia road trip yet: The Ultimate End-of-Summer Road Trip. If you’re looking for one last hurrah with your friends, or maybe want to take a solo trip through the state and enjoy one final summer celebration, then this is the road trip for you.
The entire trip takes about 4.5 hours travel time, but there are a TON of awesome stops to make along the way, even a few overnight accommodations if you’re feeling frisky. You can find the entire road trip map here, along with exact addresses for each stop along the way. Who’s ready for an adventure?
Nothing like starting off this road trip with a good stretch. Sweet Escape Yoga holds classes outdoors, where you can enjoy the cool breeze while you're finding your zen. But be warned, these classes are most definitely seasonal. Nobody wants to downward dog while snow blankets the ground.
Boy, did that yoga work up a sweat! Time to cool off with a delicious, refreshing Popsicle from King of Pops. Their flavors are so unique, so different, it's hard to decide which pop to pacify your palate. Go the creamy route, or stick with the tried-and-true fruity; no matter the choice, this road trip stop will be worth it.
Since summer is ending quickly, you might as well get in a few more drive-in movies while the weather is nice. There's nothing like pulling up to Starlight Drive-In, rolling down the windows, and watching a flick with the cool breeze just rolling through.
The PERFECT way to end this first road trippin' day is with an overnight stay in a treehouse. Located in Buckhead, you'll find AirBnB's #1 reserved spot, a beautiful, Bohemian treehouse, with twinkling lights and open windows and doors. It's a magical wonderland in the middle of nature.
Start off the morning right on this next road trip stop at Amicalola Falls State Park. While you may still be able to get in some good hiking once the autumn and winter roll around, you certainly won't enjoy the spray of the waterfall quite as much as you would now.
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6. Snag Yourself a Glass of Wine at Three Sisters Vineyards
Here's a little fun fact before your next road trip stop: This vineyard is Dahlonega's first family farm winery. How cool is that?! Three Sisters Vineyards is an awesome place to sit back, enjoy the beautiful weather, and try any of their award winning blends from their 184-acre land.
7. Sleep in a Shipping Container at the Hiker Hostel
After a day like that, you probably need some rest. Why not cozy up in one of the most unique overnight spots in Georgia? Hiker Hostel is an adventurers wonderland, catering to cyclists, mountain bikers, hikers and more. You can sleep in a renovated shipping container for a truly one-of-a-kind experience to end your summer right.
What would an end-of-summer road trip be without a dip in one of Georgia's famed bodies of water?! Poole's Mile Park in Cumming, Georgia is a great place to spend the day swimming, hiking, and of course sliding down the rocks. It's an adventure for everyone, which will make you feel like a kid again.
Closing out this end-of-summer road trip right of course would involve a big, belly-filling, soul-fulfilling meal. So why not make it at one of the more interesting burger joints in the state? Ball Ground Burger Bus serves up fresh, satisfying food all in a restored vintage bus.
