2025 Georgia Bucket List

Explore local with our 2025 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

See a Frozen Waterfall

Rumor has it we’ve got some chilly days ahead of us, which means we might just get the freezing temperatures needed to create the rare sight of a frozen waterfall!

Last year, after a stretch of about three days with freezing temperatures, I heard whispers that Amicalola Falls had frozen over. So, I set my alarm for the crack of dawn and made the drive, hoping to catch the ice before the sun melted it away.

Let me tell you, it was pure magic. Watching the waterfall suspended in time, was one of the most unforgettable moments of my year. If the weather conditions line up again this year, you bet I'll be back.

February

Find Peace at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is a living monastery, home to Trappist monks who live, work, and pray here, cloistered from the outside world. And, despite their seclusion, they warmly welcome visitors, in fact, they encourage it!

During your visit, you can explore a small museum that delves into the history of the monastery, the origins of the chapel's blue glass, and what daily life as a monk entails. There’s also a gift shop where I recommend picking up some of their house-made biscotti, it’s some of the best I’ve ever had.

You can find more details about my visit here.

March

Think Pink at Macon's Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon boasts over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees that burst into bloom each spring. If Mother Nature cooperates, these beautiful trees will be in full bloom during Macon's annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held at the end of March. The Visit Macon website is a fantastic resource for festival details, including a live webcam to monitor the trees' progress.

We visited a week before the festival, hoping to catch the blooms and avoid the crowds, but we were a little too early. Even though we missed the flowers, we thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the charming city of Macon.

I’d love to return for the festival and experience some of the more unique events, like the Wiener Dog Race -- where they crown the “Fastest Wiener Dog in Middle Georgia”-- and a hilarious version of musical chairs featuring adults in inflatable animal costumes.

April

Walk on the "Moon" at Arabia Mountain

Arabia Mountain is such a special place! A visit here truly feels like stepping onto the surface of the moon with it's crater like formations. While it can get quite hot during the summer, spring is the perfect time to explore. And, if you plan your visit just right, you’ll witness the bloom of the diamorpha, which blankets the mountain in a carpet of red (usually in April).

Seeing these plants thrive in such harsh and unique conditions is not only beautiful, it's also extremely rare. In fact, the pits on Arabia Mountain are home to plant species found almost nowhere else on Earth!

Learn more here.

May

Stroll the Atlanta Beltline

Springtime is the perfect time for a stroll on the Atlanta BeltLine! If you live ITP (inside the 285 perimeter), chances are you've already explored it. But for those outside metro Atlanta who haven't had the chance -- make it your mission to visit in 2025!

When we go, we like to park at Ponce City Market and head south along the BeltLine. This stretch is packed with fantastic restaurants and bars. If you’re bringing kids, the best deal in town is the patio at Kroger. Affordable drinks, familiar food options, and some of the best people-watching around make it a win for everyone.

And, don't miss some of the Beltline's iconic stops, like Old Fourth Ward Skate Park and Krog Street Market.

June

Ride a Hot Air Ballon in Helen, GA

Helen to the Atlantic, is the South's oldest balloon event and the only long-distance hot air ballon race in the United States! It's a bucket-list worthy experience that I look forward to every year!

In previous years, we've spent the night in Helen so we could be nearby, making it easy to be among the first to arrive (it starts early!). Last year, my daughter and I got up before sunrise and drove to Helen to catch the festival's opening morning. Both experiences were worth it!

There's nothing quite like the excitement of watching the balloons lift off, with everyone cheering them on as they start their journey to the coast. The last time we attended, they also offered short tethered balloon rides so you could experience a little of the magic yourself.

July

Cool Off at a Watering Hole or Race Through the Trees

The summer is the perfect time to explore the North Georgia mountains and its many watering holes. One of my favorites is Sea Creek Falls in Suches, Georgia. I wrote a blog post about it here, along with some other spots to visit in the area.

Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a staycation and don’t mind a bit of a splurge, check out Historic Banning Mills. You can ride their Eco Spider, stay in a treehouse, and take a dip in a giant pool.

August

Spend the Day at the Beach

Living in Metro Atlanta has its advantages, but being near the ocean isn’t one of them. If you’re looking for a beach vibe within an hour of the city, check out Lake Acworth -- one of Metro Atlanta’s best-kept secrets! (Psst... I've got a full blog post about it here.) here.)

The beach area is spacious and family-friendly, complete with bathroom facilities, a covered gazebo, picnic areas, and a playground for the kids. It’s also conveniently located near downtown Acworth, which has cute shops and an incredible farmers market in the summer.

And while you're there, do yourself a favor and stop by Flavors of Hawaii for their pineapple delight dessert. It's so refreshing and the kind of dessert you can't get out of your head once you try it.

September

Pick Fresh Flowers and Have Coffee with Alpacas

September in Georgia means flower-picking season, and there are so many wonderful places to explore! One of my favorites is the family-run Fox Mountain Farm in Rising Fawn, GA. They offer an incredible variety of flowers, a play space for kids and it's even pet friendly -- making it the perfect outing for the whole family.

While you're in the area, don't miss Rosie Mae's Alpaca Farm, the cutest little coffee shop/farm/boutique you'll find anywhere!

And the cherry on top? Both of these spots are just a short drive from Cloudland Canyon State Park, so you can easily turn your flower-picking into a full day of exploring.

October

Unlock the Past at the Oldest Existing Jail Structure in Georgia

I can’t say for sure if this place is haunted, but stepping inside gave me actual chills -- and it took me over a year before I was able to even look at the photos and videos I took here.

If you’re interested in history, curious about the paranormal, or looking for something unique to do during the spooky season, this is a must-visit. Head over to the store, Genuine Georgia located at 102 South Main Street in Greensboro to pick up a key for a self-guided tour of this historic old jail. Just be sure to to call ahead or check online for their current store hours and latest details.

November

See the View from the Highest Point in Georgia

While October is the most popular choice for leaf peeping, November can be a great time to enjoy fall colors -- and with fewer crowds!

One of the best spots to soak in the views is Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald. Start at the visitor center, where you can choose between a short but steep hike to the summit or a convenient shuttle ride. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck with breathtaking views and a small museum with history of the area.

December

Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

If you're dreaming of a family friendly day straight out of a Hallmark movie, then I highly recommend a visit to Bottoms Christmas Tree Farm in Cumming, GA. This was a one of the highlights of our holiday season and we're already looking forward to going back in 2025.

You will find so many tree options here! Want to borrow a handsaw and cut down your own? They’ve got you covered. Prefer a beautifully fresh-cut Fraser Fir from North Carolina? They have those, too!

The farm also offers a cozy fire pits, s’mores, hayrides, adorable farm animals, and on certain days, Santa makes an appearance, ready to pose for photos in his sleigh.

I hope you find some of these ideas helpful and I wish you a happy and healthy 2025...wherever the road takes you! :) Kerry