Life has a way of filling up fast -- between work, kids, and endless to-do lists, it can be tough to find time to just … breathe. Recently, I decided to press pause on all that busyness and whisked my dear friend Heather Klinzing away for a much-needed girls’ weekend in LaGrange, Georgia. Let me tell you -- it was exactly the break we needed.
LaGrange is one of those hidden gems that’s practically in our backyard -- just about an hour and a half from Smyrna Vinings, but it feels like a world away. We arrived on a sunny Friday afternoon and were instantly charmed by the town’s laid-back vibe and rich history. Lafayette Square, right outside our hotel, set the perfect scene: historic buildings, friendly faces, and plenty of adorable shops just begging us to wander in.
One of our first stops was Elliebelle’s (131 Bull St.), a sweet little boutique brimming with fun finds -- think cute clothes, accessories, and the kind of staff that greets you like an old friend. After exploring the square, we set our sights on dinner at Tutto Pepe (700 Lincoln St.). This Italian gem, perched above Beacon Brewing, is new to LaGrange (it opened in February 2024), but you’d swear it’s been there forever. The vibe? Warm, sophisticated, and cozy all at once. Our server, Courtney, was an absolute delight -- she told us all about the house-made pastas and traditional Italian flavors on the menu. From the perfectly crisp bruschetta to the rich short rib ragu, everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the cannolis -- truly the perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
Saturday morning started bright and early with coffee at Gus’s Grill (110 Greenville St.), where the aroma alone was enough to wake us up. We had a yoga class to catch at the Center for Mindful Exploration (8 Garfield St.), and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. Jennifer, our instructor, had such a calming presence and made sure everyone felt comfortable, no matter their experience level. We left feeling refreshed and ready to dive into more LaGrange fun.
And we did just that! Next up was Hills and Dales Estate (1916 Hills and Dales Dr.), an absolute treasure trove of history and beauty. This Italian villa-style home, designed by the renowned architects Neel Reid and Hal Hentz, was built in 1916 for textile magnate Fuller Earle Callaway and his wife, Ida. Our docent, Sarah, shared fascinating stories about the Callaway family and the home’s stunning details. Every room was filled with the family’s original furnishings and fresh floral arrangements that made it feel so warm and alive. And the gardens? Absolutely breathtaking. We wandered through them, feeling like we’d stepped back in time.
After our elegant tour, we were ready for something a little more down-to-earth -- like a really good hot dog! Charlie Joseph’s (128 Bull St.) was the perfect spot. This local institution has been slinging hot dogs since 1920, and sitting at the counter with an ice-cold Coke in hand felt downright nostalgic. The walls, covered in Coca-Cola memorabilia, were a trip down memory lane in themselves.
The rest of the afternoon was all about exploring. We popped into the Legacy Museum on Main (136 Main St.), where we soaked up LaGrange’s fascinating history, from ancient artifacts to modern milestones. And of course, we couldn’t resist a bit more shopping! The Marketplace at Lafayette Square (100 Bull St.) was a wonderland of antiques -- I found a few keepsakes I couldn’t pass up. Emberglow (2 East Lafayette Square) was another favorite, with its unique mix of locally made treasures and handmade goods. Pretty Good Books (118 Church St.) was the final stop of the afternoon -- a cozy spot filled with all kinds of titles, from fiction to poetry.
For dinner that night, we settled in at Venucci (129 Main St.), a charming downtown spot that made for the perfect end to our Saturday. We lingered over delicious dishes and a glass of wine, swapping stories and reliving all the day’s adventures.
Sunday morning, we took things nice and slow, savoring a leisurely brunch at Nutwood Winery Downtown (300 Main St.). We sat outside, soaking up the sunshine and sipping mimosas while the town slowly woke up around us. After brunch, we took a stroll on The Thread, LaGrange’s 14-mile multipurpose trail that weaves through town and connects its parks and attractions. We didn’t make it the whole 14 miles (maybe next time!), but we loved seeing more of LaGrange’s natural beauty.
LaGrange was everything we hoped for -- warm, welcoming, and full of surprises. Heather and I are already talking about our next trip back. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that feels worlds away without actually being far, LaGrange is your answer. It’s just waiting to be explored.
LaGrange’s Must-See Spots
Tutto Pepe (700 Lincoln St., @tuttoatbeacon)
Center for Mindful Exploration (8 Garfield St., @mindfulx.site) – Yoga and calm vibes
Hills & Dales Estate (1916 Hills and Dales Dr., @hillsanddales) – Gardens and grandeur
Marketplace (100 Bull St., @marketplacelafayettesquare), Elliebelle’s (131 Bull St.), and Pretty Good Books (118 Church St.) – Shopping gems
Charlie Joseph’s (128 Bull St.) – Classic dogs
Legacy Museum (136 Main St.) – Local stories
Nutwood Winery Downtown (300 Main St.) – Brunch and mimosas
“From fresh-made pasta to charming antique shops, LaGrange captured our hearts and reminded us of the joy in taking a little time for ourselves.”