If you’ve ever taken a road trip south of Atlanta, chances are you’ve passed through LaGrange. Just two hours south of Woodstock, it’s a little town teeming with beauty and fun. The close proximity and small-town vibe makes LaGrange, Georgia the perfect locale for a long weekend trip.
Stay at the downtown Courtyard by Marriott hotel, which overlooks the downtown square, lit up at night with rainbow colors. The square surrounds a statue of Marquis de Lafayette and an extravagant fountain. We are coining LaGrange “little Savannah.” The old buildings, calm and cozy nightlife, and the iconic square remind us of the world-famous city.
Sleep in, leave for LaGrange in the afternoon, and arrive in perfect time to chill at the hotel for a bit before walking less than a mile to your dinner reservation. Mare Sol is a stylish, family-friendly option with a menu featuring items such as Blackened Chicken Alfredo, BBQ Beef Sliders, and Steak Frites. There are also options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diets.
Walk just a couple of minutes down the street from the hotel and pick up a pizza at Your Pie and enjoy lunch in the square. A top-tier restaurant making waves in LaGrange is Tutto Pepe, an upscale dining room operated by the much-loved Beacon Brewing Company. You’ll find fine Italian fare here, including Bucatini alla Puttanesca, Risotto, and Aglio e Olio. For dessert, we recommend their Flowerless Chocolate Torte.
While you’re exploring downtown, stop by Pretty Good Books, the local independent bookstore. See if you can find their cute homage to Lord of the Rings! Other shops we recommend are Splash Fine Gifts & Interiors and Marketplace at Lafayette Square.
Also within easy walking distance from the Courtyard hotel is the LaGrange Society for Performing Arts. Their Black Box Theater always has an enthralling performance during their season schedule. Recently, their lively actors performed Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
You may have heard of Callaway Gardens. The Callaways are a family well-known in Georgia for their nature conservation and beautification efforts. A lesser-known Callaway property is Hills & Dales Estate in LaGrange. The estate is a sprawling garden with a mansion at its center. Take a tour of the mansion with one of Hills & Dales’ passionate and knowledgeable tour guides. When you’re on your way up to the mansion, don’t forget to spot the bluebird boxes, installed to encourage the birds to make Hills & Dales their home. It’s important to note that the gardens of Hills & Dales were built and maintained by enslaved people in the 1800s.
We highly recommend taking a nighttime walk to clear your head and take in the city. You may even experience a sense of warmth and nostalgia as you walk through the twinkling lights in the trees.
LaGrange is a city that’s not too overwhelming to explore in a long weekend. Take it slow and enjoy the nature and small businesses this quiet little town has to offer.
Follow @visitlagrange for information on events such as Spring Artisan Market and Sip and Shop. Go to visitlagrange.com to plan your trip and learn more.
We are coining LaGrange “little Savannah.” The old buildings, calm and cozy nightlife, and the iconic square remind us of the world-famous city.