2024 Georgia Bucket List

Explore local with our 2024 Backyard Bucket List!

Below is a list of places to go and things to do within 3 hours of Atlanta to help inspire your local travel adventures. Some of these are specific to the month while others can be done anytime!

Happy exploring!

January

Take a Behind-the-Scenes tour of the Mercedes Benz Stadium

This 90-minute behind the scenes tour is a great cold weather activity. We loved hearing the inside scoop, seeing the great art collection, learning about the stadium's impressive sustainability efforts (they have an orchard and beehive) but mostly we loved visiting the locker rooms, seeing the turf up close and soaking in the vastness of the stadium. Rise Up and go A-T-L!

February

Get Romantic at the Love Lock Bridge located next to the Troll Tavern in downtown Helen, GA.

Once located on the main bridge leading into Helen, these love locks were relocated due to weight concerns. You can now find them on the riverside walkway underneath the bridge next to the Troll Tavern.

March

See a green waterfall in Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain

We love visiting Rock City Gardens! During the month of March it transforms to "Shamrock City" when they turn the waterfall green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. (please see website to confirm event)

April

Walk through folk art at Pasaquan in Buena Vista, GA.

It's hard to describe this 7-acre walk-through art gallery built by eccentric folk artist Eddie Owens Martin. I was moved by our visit and by the work of the community to preserve this unique Georgia art experience.

May

Catch a sunset at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn, GA

This Hindu temple sits perfectly to face the setting sun. It's a beautiful sight to behold watching the stone turn from bright white to a glowing gold. This is free and open to the public, but I highly recommend the audio tour.

June

Head to the Race to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Festival in Helen, GA (May/June 2024 dates TBD)

This is the South's oldest balloon event and the United States' only long distance hot air ballon race!

July

Fill your water bottle with pure cave water at Rolater Park in Cave Spring, GA (open seasonally)

Would you drink water from a cave? We did! In addition to the cave and fresh water spring, you'll find a 1.5 acre spring fed mineral water pool in the shape of Georgia!

August

Ride the rapids through downtown Columbus, GA.

Riding these rapids is still on our bucket list but we've spent several summer days watching from the shore!

September

Visit a sunflower farm, pumpkin patch and apple farm in North Georgia

One of the best parts of fall is driving through North Georgia to see the leaves change. I've got a whole fall itinerary of things to do here.

October

Visit the Windsor Hotel in Americus, GA... rumor says it's haunted.

A little girl, her mother and a former doorman are said to haunt the grand Windsor Hotel. According to reports, guests and employees have heard footsteps running down the hallway, seen strange reflections and lights mysteriously turn on an off. We didn't have any paranormal experiences during our stay, but we enjoyed learning about the hotel's rich history.

November

See the Japanese Maples change colors at Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, GA.

I feel in love with Japanese Maples when I first moved to Georgia and nothing compares this incredible display of over 3000 maples changing color in Gibbs Gardens.

December

Celebrate the holidays at the Tate House (open for tours late Nov-Dec).

This pink palace in Tate, GA is only open to the public during the holiday season! They offer luncheons, afternoon teas, decorating events (with the former decorator from Tavern on the Green) and a holiday market in the 4000 square foot ballroom.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2024...wherever the road takes you! :) Kerry