Easy weekend getaways from Atlanta
From charming Highlands, NC, to picture-perfect Highway 30A, here's a list of our favorite spots within a few-hour drive of ATL.
Alyssa Kaufman
April 29, 2024
While there’s no place like home, sometimes you just need a weekend away to recharge and reset. We’ve rounded up our favorite easy escapes from Atlanta that you can easily get to with plenty of time to relax and still return on Sunday ready to hit the week running. From the beach to the mountains, we’ve got your mini vacay covered.
Family-Friendly Fun in Chattanooga, TN
2 hours from ATL
If you’re in need of a weekend away with the kids, look no further than the vibrant city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. With an easy 2-hour drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga is a destination that you can easily explore in only a weekend. For lodging, there are plenty of all-suite hotel options that will allow the family to spread out, like the SpringHill Suites with a location right on the Tennessee River.
Activities for all ages are endless here. Choose from popular attractions like Rock City, Ruby Falls, Coolidge Park, or the Incline Railway for an outdoor adventure. If the weather moves you indoors, leave the car at the hotel and hop on the free downtown shuttle for easy access to the Creative Discovery Museum and The Tennessee Aquarium; both are distinctly different enough from similar attractions in Atlanta to be well worth a visit. If you have older kids in tow, High Point Climbing and Fitness has over 28,000 feet of indoor climbing fun. And we hope you packed your appetites because Chattanooga is filled with delicious and family-friendly options like Taco Mamacita, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Slicks, and Ooltewah Whistle Stop. Request a late checkout, enjoy your Sunday, and still be home by dinner. We call that a weekend win.
Girls Getaway in 30A, FL
5.5 hours from ATL
Known for its sugar sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the beautiful beaches of 30A, located approximately 300 miles south of Atlanta, are hard to beat, which is why so many families flock here for Spring Break. Instead, we’re here to suggest a pro tip…grab your girlfriends and pack your things for a girls-only weekend after the crowds die down. We love late April/early May for its temperate weather and minimal crowds making everything from beach access to dinner reservations much easier to snag.
The small communities that dot this stretch of the Panhandle all have a slightly different vibe but we love Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Alys Beach, and Seaside for their walkability, amenities, and beautiful architecture. Spend the morning on a group jog past the stunning homes in Alys Beach, grab coffee at Amavida in Rosemary, then hit the beach. Come cocktail hour, order a charcuterie spread from Gathering Boards 30A before heading out for dinner at George’s (Alys), Great Southern (Seaside), or Old Florida Fish House (Seagrove). For post-dinner fun, don’t sleep on Redd’s Pub (Blue Mountain Beach), a classic dive bar featuring a singing bartender, or grab a stool and enjoy the popular Red Bar Jazz band (Grayton Beach) entertaining crowds every Tuesday through Saturday til 9 pm. Head home Sunday with your skin sun-kissed and your mood lifted!
Couples Retreat in Highlands, NC
2.5 hours from ATL
If you and your boo could use a little together time, we think the romantic town of Highlands, North Carolina, located just a few hours northeast of Atlanta, is the perfect place. Book a room at the iconic Old Edwards Inn or find a cozy rental that keeps you close to the charming downtown. If hiking is your thing, you’re in luck. There are dozens of easily accessible trails from strenuous to beginner and several that will treat you to beautiful waterfall views, like Bridal Veil Falls, Glen Falls, or Dry Falls. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also an easy drive north of town and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Stop by Mountain Fresh Grocery for picnic supplies and make a day of it.
Back in town, visit the Chamber of Commerce’s website to find out about events and happenings on the town square. There is always something going on and many times events are free and open to the public. Stroll the quaint downtown and browse art galleries, boutiques, and antique stores but be sure to make your way to Sunset Rock in time to catch the sky transform from day to dusk. Cap it off with dinner at one of the many delicious and romantic restaurants. We recommend Oak Steakhouse, Lakeside Restaurant, or Madison’s (reservations are strongly suggested at all three). We dare you not to be charmed by this magical mountain town.
Lake Escape in Lake Oconee, GA
1.5 hours from ATL
Luckily for Atlantans, getting on the water doesn’t have to mean taking a vacation day just to get to your destination. Atlanta is surrounded by beautiful lakes that are a quick and easy drive to get to, perfect for a weekend getaway. One of our favorites is Lake Oconee, located just ninety minutes east of downtown. Spanning over 19,000 acres, we love that Lake Oconee is a Georgia Power lake, which means that the water level is boatable year-round. Lodging is plentiful here, too. Whether you opt to stay at the well-known Ritz Carlton Reynolds Resort, a private vacation home rental, or a campground, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget.
Once you’re on the lake, it’s all about relaxing into ‘lake life’. Rent a boat from one of the several local outfitters so you can enjoy fishing and water sports, or just find a dock to sit on and escape the busyness of city living. Lake Oconee is also home to several world-class golf courses, with the Harbor Club being open to the public and others available to guests staying at Reynolds (check when booking). If you opt to leave the lake, you could easily spend an afternoon strolling around historic Greensboro, where you won’t want to miss tasting the locally made beers at Oconee Brewing Company before winding down in front of a lakefront firepit staring at the stars (yes you can see them here!).
Subscribe to the Localite newsletter for more great weekend ideas and local events.
Share this article
Nearby Cortland Locations
Nearby Cortland Locations
Phoenix’s best juice bars and smoothie shops
From colorful smoothie bowls to refreshing green juices, these local favorites offer a variety of nutritious, delicious options to fuel your day.
Whether you need a post-workout protein boost or a hydrating and refreshing treat in the desert heat, there’s something for everyone at these Phoenix juice bars and smoothie spots. Here’s where you can quench your cravings for green juice and blended fruit drinks.
Kaleidoscope
With six Valley locations, from Gainey Village to Gilbert, your next Kaleidoscope juice fix is never too far away. Specializing in organic cold-pressed juices and what has been dubbed “high vibe” food (think gluten-free protein waffles, banana nut toast, and antioxidant-rich smoothie bowls), Kaleidoscope effortlessly adds a fun, colorful twist on all of your healthy food favorites. You’ll definitely want to reach for a bottle of Mason’s Magic on your next visit. This sippable green juice follows a FODMAP diet and is packed with good stuff like organic cucumber, celery, pineapple, kiwi, strawberry, spinach, wheatgrass, spirulina, mint, parsley, turmeric, ginger root, lime, and brain octane oil. Keep an eye out for their secret menu — if you search in the right place, you might find it online.
Original ChopShop
There’s no denying that Original ChopShop is a Valley darling. This fresh-casual spot has locations in multiple states, but Arizona is where it first swung open its signature yellow doors. ChopShop has won the hearts – and taste buds – of the local health-conscious crowd with its lineup of fresh juices, smoothies, and allergy-friendly dishes that can cater to gluten-free and lactose-free diets. Try the Daily Detox – it’s made with golden beet, apple, ginger, lemon, orange, parsley, and aloe vera. All of the juices are made onsite at each location using fresh, quality ingredients that are sourced from a local produce distributor. Hungry for more? ChopShop has you covered with their roster of wraps, chops, sandwiches, and hearty bowls, like the Hot Honey Chicken and Hummus that’s served with crispy house baked tortilla chips.
InFruition
InFruition serves up delicious smoothies and smoothie bowls from its casual digs inside of The Churchill, a popular arts district hangout constructed from industrial shipping containers with multiple shops and restaurants, in downtown Phoenix. The menu at InFruition is brimming with healthy options, but if you need a little guidance when it comes to your next order, you can’t go wrong with Tropical Love. This can’t-miss bright fuchsia-colored smoothie is blended with pitaya, mango, pineapple, date puree, and coconut mylk. Or, make it a bowl and dip your spoon into tasty toppings like granola, mango, pineapple flakes, and coconut whip. A lineup of enhanced protein smoothies, crafted drinks, and organic whole grain toasts complement InFruition’s menu of smoothies and smoothie bowls — which are all good reasons to visit this smoothie spot again.
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen was founded in Phoenix by Sam Fox and Dr. Andrew Weil, who specializes in integrative medicine. Today, True Food Kitchen has two Valley locations, at Scottsdale Quarter and Biltmore Fashion Park, restaurants in 17 states across the country, and even an endorsement from Oprah. Although kale can’t solve all of your problems, the vitamin-rich leafy green superfood can fight inflammation and support healthy cholesterol levels. True Food Kitchen’s Kale Aid is just what the doctor ordered. Made with kale, ginger, apple, celery, cucumber, and lemon, this green juice is a hydrating boost of vitamins and antioxidants. True Food Kitchen also offers a zero-proof cocktail menu. Great for happy hour – or any hour – this special menu features some juice-based libations, including the What’s Up Doc made with Clean & Co. non-alcoholic tequila alternative, carrot juice, orange juice, jalapeno, and fresh mint.
Craft Juice Bar
Craft Juice Bar is an Ahwatukee neighborhood staple that’s popular for its build-your-own smoothie bowls and wellness shots. Go big with a bowl and start with the base of your choice. Base ingredients include apple juice, orange juice, papaya juice, almond milk, or soy milk. Next, choose a combination of three fruits or veggies to blend. Finish your bowl with toppings like chia seeds, bee pollen, hemp hearts, cacao nibs, or goji berries. Or, try a customer favorite like the PB Bliss. It’s Craft’s take on the classic peanut butter and jelly made with an almond milk base, strawberry, banana, peanut butter, and blueberries. You can never have too much of a good thing: Craft Juice Bar has plans to open another location soon. Keep an eye on their social media pages for updates and an opening date.
Want more of the healthiest spots in PHX? Subscribe to the Localite newsletter.
Share this article
Nearby Cortland Locations
Nearby Cortland Locations
These are the cutest clothing boutiques in Dallas-Fort Worth
From flowy festival dresses to weekend getaway must-haves, these DFW shops have got you covered.
While we might get more recognition for our football team and foodie gems, Dallas is also home to a vibrant fashion scene well-known to stylemakers and influencers across Texas. Whether you’re a downtown darling, an Oak Cliff free spirit, or a suburban beauty on the go, our city is rich in options that cater to every price point and personal style. Find out where to go for the latest fashion trends, must-have accessories, and personalized shopping experiences galore with our guide to the best clothing boutiques in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Forty Five Ten
Downtown Dallas
If your highly curated closet demands reinforcements, seek out imaginative, luxurious additions at this beloved downtown Dallas fashion destination. Boasting a refined roster of designers, Forty Five Ten is a true urban icon. The spectacular four-story (five, if you count the basement) retail space fills out 45,000 impressive square feet of avant-garde looks from designers — nearby and distant — poised to satisfy all your major upcoming fashion moments.
You’ll see chic looks by Marni, the sophisticated couture of Huishan Zhang, the experimental textiles and wild prints of Erdem, the architecturally stunning work of Melitta Baumeister, and oh, so many more. Naturally, no visit to Forty Five Ten is complete without a spin through the shoe room. This decadent space is packed full of remarkable finds you won’t locate anywhere else, like gorgeous designs by Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Hardy, and Awake Mode.
Additionally, Forty Five Ten’s top-notch team of personal shoppers is primed to doll you up for any and all upcoming affairs — they’ll even drive offerings to your house, should downtown visits be at odds with your calendar.
Harkensback
Oak Cliff
Searching for styles that are flattering, rare, and exceptionally custom? Get over to designer Julie McCullough’s shop Harkensback for a proprietary blend of “made, found, and collected apparel.”
You’ll fall in love with the storybook nature of McCullough’s collections. The kaftans, tunics, rompers, and quilted western jackets give a stylized nod to timeless romance.
Initially, these shapes look simple, but toss them on and they drape in ways that feel rich, complex, and wearable for pretty much any occasion. These are great looks for date nights, happy hours, festivals, or even school drop-offs, and that’s because you can dress them up or wear them super casually.
Best of all, Harkensback designs flatter an inclusive range of body shapes and sizes.
This retail treasure chest extends well beyond women’s wear to also include jewelry by local designers, quilted fanny packs, and bangles that resemble horseshoes, vintage door knockers, and even punching fists. Tack on western-tinged vintage earrings, bandana holders, rings, and bolo slides, and you’ve got accessories to amplify any look.
Ella Bleu Boutique
Plano, Shops at Legacy
Festival season is gearing up, and that means it’s time to stockpile darling looks that truly stand out. You’ll find those crowd-pleasers in a full spectrum of punchy, bright colors at the independently owned mainstay, Ella Bleu. This Shops of Legacy boutique has been a beloved destination for around 18 years, and it’s easy to understand why. With new inventory added daily, you can pop in and find the perfect hot pink, puffy-sleeved mini dress to compliment your cowboy boots on Monday, and the ultimate berry-hued jumpsuit for that girls’ trip to Sonoma on Wednesday. Best of all? Most items cost under $100, so you can keep it cute, but still have options.
Looking to pump up your look with accessories? Great news: They’ve got those too. From fun dangly earrings in juicy colors to sparkly cowgirl boots, sneakers, and cutesy trucker hats, they’re all here.
y&i Boutique
Dallas, West Village & Plano, Shops at Legacy
Created by a pair of friends from Dallas, this fun and affordable spot has locations in Dallas, Plano, San Francisco, and Austin, and it could be your new shopping success story. Whether you need a romantically floral fit-and-flare, a little on-the-go denim romper, or a sweetly gothic two-piece look, you can track it down at y&i. Then, doll it up with a pair of gold lion earrings, fun layered necklaces, and platform heels.
You’ll find national names like Paige, Free People, Amanda Uprichard, and more, so think “quality clothes that don’t break the beauty budget,” and with two locations — West Village and Shops of Legacy — a sister store is likely close by.
Favor the Kind
Henderson Avenue
Before walking into this beloved Henderson Avenue mainstay, one of the best clothing boutiques in Dallas, be warned: You will fall in love — especially if you’re a mom on the go. These boho-infused fashions are perfect to throw on and carry you from morning errands to afternoon kid parties to much-needed patio evenings. After all, you deserve to look stunning — even with a kid on your hip.
Gauzy maxis, flowy jumpsuits, and desert-inspired draped looks pack the racks, and the staff is so helpful that you’re bound to find a few things you simply cannot live without. Looking for baubles? Oh, they’ve got you covered with multiple display cases of timeless necklaces, 14K charms, and fun, on-trend earrings. You can also shop Favor The Kind’s website for cute, colorful retro-style sneakers and chunky platform loafers.
As a bonus, the gift shopping here is unmatched — so stock up on birthday or hostess presents while you head to and from the racks.
Stay ahead of the city’s best shops, events, and restaurants. Subscribe to the Localite newsletter.
Share this article
