16 Oct 7 Weekend Trips to Take on Hospitality Highway
On the lookout for a weekend trip near Atlanta suitable for any type of traveler? Look no further than Georgia’s 400 Highway where the cities of Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming/Forsyth, Dawsonville and Dahlonega collide to create the perfect getaway experience. Grab your crew and take on the below seven weekend trips to experience everything the Hospitality Highway has to offer.
Buckhead Diner, Credit: Flickr – Podolux
Culinary
Treat your taste buds to the breakfast of a lifetime at Buckhead staple, Buckhead Diner. Here, you will find that with so many food options to be discovered, like the fan favorite B.H.D eggs benedict and the chicken and the egg mix grill, this popular breakfast spot is truly a foodie’s paradise. Venture to Alpharetta on an empty stomach and relish in mouthwatering menu items served up at local favorite, Bocado Burger. Satisfy your cravings with Bocado’s southwestern burger, loaded with poblano peppers, red onions, avocado, american cheese, and spicy mayo, you’re sure to leave happy and full. Blow your taste buds away at beloved Bella Italia – one of Roswell’s 300 restaurants— made popular for their pizza, pasta and seafood options, or The Salt Factory Pub – did we mention they have a pretty impressive bar menu too? Upscale cravings? Swing by Sandy Springs for a perfectly done steak at Kaiser’s Chophouse or dine by the Chattahoochee at Rays on the River steakhouse.
Where to stay: Stay the night in one of the many rooms available year-round at Homewood Suites by Hilton Atlanta-Buckhead. Reserve your stay today and enjoy the comfort this centrally located Inn has to offer its guest.
The Cumming Playhouse, Credit: Cumming/Forsyth Chamber of Commerce
Arts
Art is easy to come by throughout the Hospitality Highway. Stop into award winning Alpharetta theatre, Act 1 – a community theatre with a focus on wholesome entertainment— or the Cumming playhouse, another historic theatre tucked away in this joyful city. Express yourself via paint brush with a painting class at Dahlonega’s Bleu Gallery or leave it to the professionals and watch guest artist paint in real time. In Buckhead, catch a show at the historic Buckhead Theater or peruse the walls in nearby galleries such as Anne O Art and Buckhead Art Company. Take in the artistic delights found at Sandy Springs yearly event, Artsapalooza Art Festival and enjoy musicians, interactive art stations, and the works of up to 150 artists. Also in Sandy Springs, The Chai Gallery of Fine Art is the perfect place to snag a deal, with art estate sales of up to 75% off! For your daily does of inspiration, as well as great pieces to take home, Chic Evolution in Art, an Alpharetta staple, is a must visit.
Where to stay: After a day of the performing arts and art galleries, you’re sure to be tired. Rest your head and reserve a room at the Hampton Inn today located in beautiful Cumming.
Atlanta History Museum, Credit: Atlanta History Center
History/Heritage
History buffs are in for a treat! For an affordable Georgia vacation that includes a lesson on the rich history of Roswell and the American south, head for Roswell where guest can choose from a plethora of historical attractions including the popular southern trilogy tour, self-guided walking tours of Roswell’s historic districts, historic Roswell ghost tours or download the Roswell Mill Village/City app onto any device and enjoy a narrated walking tour of Roswell’s Mill Village, the Roswell Mills and the Lost Mountain Mill workers of Roswell. For more thrilling escapades, venture to Dawsonville and learn about moonshine at the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery or NASCAR at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Explore Alpharetta on a history walk where you can enjoy 22 historical sites that highlight the influential city’s deep history. Choose from over 70 of Buckhead’s historical trails or view first hand a premier collection of American Civil War memorabilia, located at the Atlanta History Center. Get your steps in for the day with a tour of downtown Cumming which includes historic town squares, districts and remains of an old mill.
Where to stay: Relax and kick back after an exhilarating day of history at Courtyard Atlanta Alpharetta located in Alpharetta. Reserve one of the hotels many spacious, comfortable and modern rooms today.
Amicalola Falls, Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Outdoor Recreation
Strap on your hiking boots and head for the hills of North Georgia to see the Instagram worthy views of Amicalola State Park located in beautiful Dawsonville. Here, you can enjoy jaw dropping views of the cascading waterfall or climb to the top to soak up the panoramic views. Canoe, paddle or kayak on the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs or Roswell or take a brisk stroll on the Victory Creek Old Mill Interpretive trail located in Roswell. Keep the momentum by visiting Cumming for gorgeous Lake Lanier, the Sawnee Nature Preserve or the Big Creek Greenway. For a luxurious and vine-to-bottle outdoor experience, sip the day away at the Dahlonega Wine Trail. The property, which has over five vineyards, wineries and four downtown tasting rooms is sure to be a hit for those who fancy a glass or two of European wines and appreciate a superb southern treat.
Where to stay: Not ready to leave quite yet? Continue your weekend getaway at Le Foote Hike Inn located in Dawsonville. With picture perfect views, exceptional accommodations and family-style meals, you will not want to leave. Reservations can be made here.
Avalon, Credit: Alpharetta CVB
Shopping
Feeling fancy? Start your shopping spree at Buckhead’s, the Shops Buckhead and choose from your pick of luxurious retail stores including: Dior, Billy Reid, Allice + Olivia and many more. For deals you won’t be able to pass up, head to the North Georgia Premium outlets in Dawsonville. With over 140 high-end and name-brand stores, there’s something for everyone no matter the season or budget. Fall in love with thrifting at Sandy Spring’s Alexis Suitcase, where you’ll leave with current and designer brands at a great price. For more fun finds both affordable and high-end, Alpharetta’s trendy and chic mixed-development space, Avalon, is just the spot to travel to for an impeccable day of shopping.
Where to stay: After a day of shopping, hang up your new finds and retire to a room at Sandy Spring’s Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter North Hotel. Reservations can be made here.
Consolidated Gold Mines, Credit: Dahlonega CVB
Family Fun
With the entire family in tow, start off the day at Buckhead’s colorful and lively Legoland and Discovery center where kids can laugh, play and fuel their imagination via the centers many “Lego” themed attractions. For a closer family feel and weekend trip sure to strike up some friendly family competition, head for Sandy Spring’s Stars and Strikes. Here, the whole family can enjoy one another’s company through a game of bowling and arcade games. LanierWorld at Lake Lanier in Cumming offers activities such as zip lining, canopy tours, water slides and horse rides and is the perfect place to cool off with family and friends during the hot Georgia months. Escape north to Dahlonega for Consolidated Gold Mines, the largest east of the Mississippi and take a shot at panning for gold and gemstones.
Where to stay: Reserve a room at Dahlonega’s Cavender Creek cabins and keep the family fun going.
Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival, Credit: Alpharetta CVB
Music/Entertainment
For a memorable and musical outdoor experience amongst some of your favorite musicians, Buckhead’s popular outdoor concert venue, Chastain Park is the place to be. With 12,000 seats and 45 beautiful acers, a visit to Alpharetta’s outdoor amphitheater, Verizon Wireless is a must. Tickets for both venues can be purchased on the amphitheater’s website where a list of upcoming performers can also be found. For more musical fun, find your new favorite songwriter at Alpharetta’s Wire & Wood songwriters festival. Occurring yearly, this notable festival floods downtown historic Alpharetta with nationally recognized songsmiths and local music enthusiasts. Paint the town red with a night out at Buckhead’s exclusive Japanese restaurant, Himitsu. This hidden oasis is popular for their famous Japanese craft cocktails and exhilarating night life scene, guaranteeing you a night you won’t forget
Where to stay: After a long day of music and fun, end on a high note and reserve a room at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta North Point.
For more information on where to visit, stay and play on Hospitality Highway, visit: https://hospitalityhighway.com/
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