Solo travel can have deep meaning for an individual, also providing much need disconnection from all things. Perhaps you imagine yourself hitting up Atlanta or exploring the coastal region by yourself, as the Peach State has tons to offer those opting to take a “me” trip. Here are some awesome things to do when traveling solo in Georgia.
Visit a Mountain Spa
What better way to do “you” time than retreating to a luxurious spa in a mountainous setting. Georgia features many staycation spas, and Lucille’s Mountain Top Inn and Spa is certainly one of the most scenic. Amazing gourmet breakfasts are served daily, while other treats follow. Countless hiking trails are nestled nearby for further disconnection, then you can swing by the spa for a deep tissue massage. Snuggle by the fireplace or soak in the whirlpool while enjoying some wine.
Hike the Mountains
In the smooth rolling North Georgia Mountains are numerous trails with terrain ranging from easy to extreme. Take on the Georgia Appalachian Trail route which begins at Springer Mountain or admire foliage surrounded paths near towns like Helen. Not wanting to go all the way north? Arabia Mountain in Lithonia, and Stone Mountain both offer less extensive, but equally rewarding and relaxing trails fairly close to the city. Hiking is a way to take some serious you time to dive deep into your thoughts or to simply reflect. There’s also a sense of personal accomplishment tackling a tough jaunt.
Go on an Ice Cream Hunt
Georgia knows how to do sweets, and whether you’re alone or in a group, a tasty dessert always seems to hit the spot. But we’re going to zero in on ice cream since the food scene is pretty overwhelming all together. In Atlanta, there’s a particular concentration of scoop shops that serve some perfectly crafted ice cream selections with unusual flavor pairings. Queen of Cream and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams are both downtown and have more than one location. They definitely sit at the top of the ice cream game, offering seasonal, wholesome ingredients in their drool-worthy concoctions. Just imagine crunching into one of Jeni’s fresh baked butter waffle cones, or taking a smooth lick of Queen of Cream’s satisfyingly rich, velvety Black Pearl Cream made with coconut ash. You deserve it.
Check Off Your Distillery Bucket List
Georgia has a significant past with distillers, and many still exist today. Some are modern, most have generational roots, and if you’re a whiskey connoisseur, hopping around to the state’s distilleries can be a real self-treat. From Savannah to the tip-top of the state, you’ll find producers rolling out everything from superb gin, bourbon, to moonshine. Book a hotel near your chosen distillery for the night, so you can safely enjoy a tour and tasting. If you’re keen on trying out the famous Ghost Coast Distillery, Savannah is overflowing with boutique and lavish accommodations. There are at least 12 highly rated establishments for tasting all kinds of spirits.
Dive Into the Wine Scene
Winery’s and vineyards are abundant in Georgia as well, because the North Georgia Mountains are actually wonderful for growing certain kinds of grapes. Habersham Winery in Helen, Sharp Mountain Vineyards in Jasper and Cavender Creek Vineyards in Dahlonega are all great wine bucket list stops, but if you’re looking for an all-around indulgent experience, Chateau Elan is a dreamy spa-vineyard escape just a little bit north of Atlanta. Taste wines, dine and enjoy the luxurious spa.
Go Skydiving
Leaping out of a plane without any familiar support can be a step toward some serious emotional growth, and there’s more than a handful of places that are perfect for skydiving. Skydive Atlanta in Thomaston, Skydive the Farm in Cedartown and Skydive Spaceland Atlanta based out of Rockmart are among the top rated places to jump out of a plane. Landscape throughout the state is stunning, so any of these locations are excellent. Maybe this is too much of a leap—try out iFly near Atlanta instead. Here, a trainer will take you into a cylinder-shaped wind tunnel to experience it all, minus the plane and being thousands of feet in the air part.
Enjoy Some Great Fishing
Mountainous rivers offer pristine fishing and an abundance of trout, along with a peaceful setting. But the coast offers another experience entirely as trudging out through the choppy ocean waves can be a bit more challenging. The choice is yours, but wherever you are in the state, you aren’t too far from a place where you can cast a line. Coastal Georgia Charter Fishing in Saint Simons takes passengers to the open sea and will help beginners learn a thing or two. Fishing is overall an excellent solo excursion.
Relax on the Coast
The coast is made up of history enriched towns and quite a few barrier islands, each offering their own personalities and amenities. Cumberland Island is a preserved land dotted with mansion ruins from a time long past, while Sea Island houses one of the most luxurious oceanfront resorts in the United States. One of its lodging options, the Cloister, features world-class dining and unparalleled aesthetics. You don’t need an entourage to have a magical time here.
Tour Your Favorite Film Locations
Many movies have been filmed in Georgia, in addition to some television shows as well. Are you a big movie buff? Well, hop onboard the Atlanta Movie Tours, Inc bus! A selection of tours treks around to famous locations from the Avengers, Driving Miss Daisy and an abundance of other new and old flicks. They’re not the only ones to do tours, but they rate at the top and are conveniently located in Atlanta at Castleberry Hill, where there’s also a memorabilia-filled shop.
Munch on Comfort Food
Comfort your soul with masterfully prepared southern cuisine, which can be found in nearly, if not all regions. Fried chicken at Mary Mac’s tea room, warm cinnamon rolls at the Smith House in Dahlonega, massive chicken biscuits covered in gravy at Homegrown, there’s no shortage of southern deliciousness in Georgia. We can’t think of a better way to wrap up a solo trip with an indulgent, comforting meal.
