Whether it’s a grand historic Inn in South Carolina low country, a storied Old Florida Inn, a charming North Georgia bed and breakfast, or an elegant Tennessee farm- turned-resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, exceptional experiences await. With your best road trip playlist cued, hop in the car beside your travel buddy to experience the utmost southern charm and hospitality.
The first getaway is just a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Atlanta. Refuel your soul at The Rhett House Inn, a historic, family-run “grand dame” built in 1820 and set in the picturesque town of Beaufort, SC. The vibrant Lowcountry town offers shopping, galleries, museums, fine dining, fishing, boating, music, theater, and more.
The inn is a living testament to Beaufort's history, blending antebellum charm with contemporary elegance. It features luxurious rooms that offer both historic character and modern comforts—complimentary gourmet breakfast, evening refreshments, and courtyard and garden spaces for relaxation will bookend your adventure-filled days. The helpful staff at The Rhett House Inn can help you arrange historical tours, boat trips or a visit to the Pat Conroy Literary Center. If you’d prefer to set your own leisurely pace, you can stroll the quaint streets lined with Spanish Moss-covered grand oaks and drive over to walk the beaches of nearby Hunting Island.
The second of our recommendations for a unique and historic getaway will not disappoint. Along the Forgotten Coast of Florida, about five and a half hours south of Atlanta, the region's rich history shines through the impressive renovation at The Gibson Inn. Dating back to 1907, the luxury boutique hotel lies at the heart of the easy-going Old Florida town of Apalachicola. The Inn’s history of grand style is carried forward with hand-laid marble bathrooms, hardwood floors, elaborate crown molding, and carefully embellished guest suites. After a visit to the hotel dining room, hotel parlor, sweeping wrap-around porches, and nostalgic parlor bar full of locals and travelers alike, hop on a hotel golf cart to peruse the town. A pleasing array of shops, seafood eateries, and live entertainment abounds. All are just minutes away from the beaches of St George Island.
Our third destination is a more economical but still refined getaway. The rustic elegance of Glen-Ella Springs Inn and Restaurant in the North Georgia mountains has enchanted visitors since the late nineteenth century. Only 90 miles from Atlanta, area attractions include wineries, hiking trails, and waterfalls. The peaceful Inn boasts original heart pine floors, in-room fireplaces, and an excellent restaurant, all overlooking a twelve-acre meadow and garden. The friendly folks at Glen-Ella can enhance your stay with bottles of wine, fresh-cut
flowers, chilled champagne, and even an in-room full-body massage. If you and your travel buddy are adventurous, a local zip-line tour, trail ride, and ATV tour are also available.
And finally, about three and a half hours north of Atlanta, near Knoxville, Tennessee, awaits Blackberry Farm. Renowned for its award-winning restaurants, hospitality, and countless activities and adventures, you will be inspired to relax, explore, learn, taste, and enjoy. Starting as a six-room inn, the Beall family expanded Blackberry Farm to create many historic rooms, suites, cottages, and houses for your stay. A farmstead tour, spa offerings, wine bunker tour, sporting clays, fly fishing, golf, and hiking are just some of the many activities offered. Book a Wine and Whiskey tasting, a cooking demonstration, or a hot stone massage, and then afterward, relax by the fire until it’s time for a delectable dinner. Exemplifying the utmost in Southern hospitality, the staff goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable and enjoyable.
Whether you are bundled up and cozy for a unique mountain stay or footloose and fancy-free near the beach, there is something on this list for every adventure seeker to enjoy. Each venue emphasizes that you can choose the perfect trip based on unique accommodations and excursion offerings. Along with its proximity to Atlanta, each inn or resort was chosen for its grand history, high marks for visitor experience, and charm and character. So, pack up, gas up, crank the tunes and enjoy your time!