The One Georgia Airbnb You Need to Book for Epic Dark Sky Views

My favorite types of getaways are those that allow me to explore remote areas and enjoy the night sky. If you live in a big city, you know how much light pollution can affect your stargazing abilities. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to watch the Perseid Meteor shower from a remote location in the Berkshires, and my mind was blown by the vast number of stars visible in the sky. Everyone should experience a dark sky at least once, and this Airbnb offers a front row seat to some epic stargazing in Georgia.

Even though Stephen C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp is Georgia’s only certified dark sky park, you can still get some mesmerizing starry nights in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Stargazers Perch is an Airbnb in Blue Ridge, Georgia, that’s an idyllic spot to spend a few nights stargazing. 

The three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom cabin can accommodate up to six guests, so bring the whole squad. The cabin sits on the edge of Cherry Log Mountain, offering spectacular mountain views from nearly every room. 

From the cozy fireplace to the hot tub, this cabin in Georgia is all about slowing down and appreciating the natural surroundings. Its remote location is just the ticket for stargazing, and there are plenty of areas to look up at. 

The cabin boasts multiple outdoor decks with mountain views. Some areas are screened in, while others are open to the elements. Regardless of where you sit, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the sky. Now, we can’t guarantee clear skies, and those are important for stargazing, but hopefully, you’ll have a cloudless night so you can see what the cosmos are up to. 

While you wait for those dreamy night skies, spend your days exploring the area. Fort Mountain State Park is nearby, and it’s home to some of the best hiking trails in the fall. Ellijay is a charming mountain town that’s famous for its apples and fall festivities. The Georgia Apple Festival is held in Ellijay every October, and it’s absolutely worth a side quest.  

After a day of exploring, head back to the cabin and wait for the night sky to take over. Turn all of the lights off and sit outside for at least 20 minutes to give your eyes time to adjust (this means no scrolling on your phone!). If you’re planning on taking any photos of the night sky, you’ll want a tripod. You don’t need a DSLR or mirrorless camera to take the pictures (but it helps). Your phone is capable of taking the required long-exposure shot for a dark sky photo, but you will need a tripod to achieve the desired effect.

If you don’t have a tripod, get creative. I’ve used rocks, books, my backpack, a water bottle…whatever I can find. You’ll also want to set a timer (two seconds is fine) so that there’s no camera shake from you pressing the shutter button. Visit the Airbnb listing to scroll through more photos, check dates, and start booking your stargazing adventure today.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.