Perfect Fall Day Trips From Atlanta

5 Charming Small Towns to Visit this Fall

Sometimes you need to escape to a cute town, drink coffee, and wander. Luckily, there are plenty of great options just a short drive from Atlanta that are perfect for shopping, eating, and exploring.

Here are five small towns you shouldn’t miss for your next day trip!

1. Senoia, Georgia

Senoia is about 45 minutes southwest of Atlanta and is a must-visit for fans of "The Walking Dead." This charming town was a popular filming location for the show, and has the most adorable downtown.

Start your adventure at Senoia Coffee and Cafe (30 Main St), and then make sure to visit Book Love (53 Main St), one of my favorite local bookstores. After that, wander the town, go on a movie tour, or grab a map at the visitor's center for a driving home tour.

Downtown Senoia, GA

💡Tip: If you have time, visit Starr's Mill, just a few minutes up the road in Fayetteville -- it's a beautiful spot for a picnic!

Starr's Mill in Fayetteville, GA

2. Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega is a town filled with history, charm, and beautiful views, located about 90 minutes from Atlanta.

Begin at the Dahlonega Gold Museum, one of Georgia's oldest courthouses, where you'll learn that the gold found here sparked the first major gold rush in the United States. After that, explore the historic square, home to various shops selling everything from unique goods to crafts, ice cream, and local wines.

My favorite thing to do in Dahlonega is to explore the local vineyards. We'll pack a picnic and spend an afternoon just sitting and enjoying the scenery. There are so many options from the Italian-inspired Montaluce to Kaya Vineyard with its great live music and Wolf Mountain for its dining options (book in advance!). Also check out Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard, which offers a full restaurant, patio space, and rental cabins.

Dahlonega is also especially charming during the holidays.

3. Blue Ridge, Georgia

For stunning mountain views and fresh air, drive to Blue Ridge, located about 90 minutes north of Atlanta. This quaint town is a paradise for outdoor lovers.

A highlight for many visitors is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, which offers a ride through the North Georgia area. You can disembark at McCaysville, which straddles the Georgia-Tennessee border -- and it makes for a fun photo op. If you go, don't miss Yellowbird coffee located inside an old bank!

If you’re looking for something quirky, the Big Foot Museum is a great spot with an impressive collection and gift shop.

My favorite thing to do in Blue Ridge is grab a coffee from Mountain Mama and wander the shops -- you'll find everything from record stores to art galleries, candy shops, and antique bookstores. It gets better every time I visit. We recently stayed at an Airstream nearby and loved it!

💡 Tip: If you're looking for a restaurant off the beaten path with a great view, check out The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm!

Downtown Blueridge, GA

4. Cartersville, Georgia

Just 45 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Cartersville is a perfect blend of small-town charm and Smithsonian-level museums. The historic downtown features farm-to-table restaurants (Table 20), a retro tavern (Ate Tracks), bakeries, adorable shops, and the oldest Coca-Cola mural in the world!

Downtown Cartersville, GA

Museums include Booth Western Art Museum, where you will find a one-of-a-kind collection, and families will love the Sagebrush Ranch, an interactive play space for kids (tucked in the basement - don't miss it!). If science is more your thing, head to the Tellus Science Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate featuring hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.

Booth Museum, Tellus, and the Savoy.

There is even something for car lovers at the beautiful Savoy Automobile Museum, which features an impressive collection of rotating shows.

5. Ball Ground, Georgia

 Just an hour north of Atlanta is Ball Ground, GA, a tiny little town -- blink and you might miss it. This charming area caught the attention of Hollywood, and you might recognize it in the Tom Cruise film, American Made.

My favorite way to spend a day here is to start at Poole Mill. This is a popular spot to cool off in the summer or picnic in the fall. I'll then usually stop by Barrel House Coffee and then wander all the cute shops. When I am with my family, we like to visit the Burger Bus (a restaurant in a vintage bus), and when I am meeting friends, we like to sit in the garden at Feather's Edge Vineyards.

💡Tip: Ball Ground is also home to Gibbs Gardens, a beautiful spot to visit almost any season, but especially in the fall when the Japanese maples change color!

Burger Bus, Feather's Edge, and Poole's Mill park.

Explore These Unique Towns Near Atlanta

These small towns near Atlanta each have their unique character and charm. Whether you're looking for history, outdoor activities, cute shops, or a delicious cup of coffee, they are all great day trip options from Atlanta. So, pack some snacks, grab friends or family, and hit the road. Happy travels!

Fall at Gibbs Garden in Ball Ground, GA