Georgia
6 Coziest Towns to Visit in Georgia in 2024
Encompassing some of the world’s most beautiful geological features, Georgia could be home to your next getaway. It’s where the peaks of the Blue Ridge, the rolling slopes of the Ridge-and-Valley, the rugged hills of the Appalachian Plateau, the hilly terrains of the Piedmont, and the beaches of the Lower Coastal Plain converge to invite adventurous souls to explore. Georgia cradles these small towns that could be the gateway to your next big escapade. Come and take a glance at your next home away from home in Georgia’s coziest towns.
Thomasville
Located almost to the border of Georgia going to Florida, Thomasville is a hidden gem of a town that is always worth your time. It is one of the most beautiful towns in the state and even nicknamed itself the City of Roses, after its famous, manicured rose garden, which sees over 1000 fully bloomed bushes throughout the year. It is also home to the annual Rose Festival that attracts tourists nationwide.
When you cannot get enough of nature, Cherokee Lake Park is adjacent to the garden. Folks looking to enjoy the surroundings can walk the path around the lake or snap photos from the picturesque bridges. Never miss the opportunity to see the legendary Big Oak Tree on Monroe Street either.
For a quick glimpse into the town’s past, visit the Lapham-Patterson House Historic Site. This National Historic Landmark is a revered Victorian structure and once home to Chicago businessman C.W. Lapham. Curious minds can also learn about African-American history at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum. The collection of artifacts, now over 4,500 pieces and counting, is a labor of love from historian James “Jack” Hadley.
Dahlonega
Cradled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega has cemented its status as one of Georgia’s most picturesque towns. Blanketed by tree-lined brick sidewalks and charming shops in unique buildings, the historic public square should not be missed when going on a cozy walk. You can catch a show and a laugh at Holly Theatre and then pick up some knick-knacks from the Dahlonega General Store.
Are you interested in the state’s mining history? Dahlonega Gold Museum in the iconic Old Lumpkin County Courthouse is a must-add to your itinerary. The museum displays artifacts, such as coins and nuggets, from the Southern Gold Rush of 1836.
If you wish to spend some time in nature, Dahlonega is home to the peaceful Lake Zwerner Trail and Yahoola Creek Park.
Ball Ground
Looking to spend some time in Ball Ground on the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains? There might not be anything cozier than a quiet stroll in a world-class garden where you are surrounded by paradisiacal landscaping bursting with the most vibrant colors you can imagine, which is exactly what’s waiting for you at Gibbs Gardens. This attraction has 18 seasonal gardens and 6 main lawns waiting to be explored. There’s also the Ball Ground Botanical Garden closer to downtown if you prefer staying close to the action.
After a whimsical day spent amongst majestic flora, head down to Gilmer Ferry Road for some good food and finds. You can go for a mid-day pick-me-up at Barrel House Coffee Co. or the biggest custom burger at Ball Ground Burger Bus. You can sweeten up the day at Jill’s Cakes and Bakes, famous for delectable coconut cakes and cannolis.
Cave Spring
Located an hour and a half northwest of Atlanta, almost to the Alabama border, Cave Spring is a comfy home away from home for city folks looking for a quick escape. One of the best things to do in town is explore the iconic cave at Rolater Park, which stays at a cool, breezy 57-degree Fahrenheit temperature no matter the season. It’s a popular destination even for locals, especially in the summer. There’s also a spring in front of the cave, where you can bring out as many jugs as you want and collect fresh water.
For RV lifers or folks holidaying with their families, Cedar Creek Park is an ideal place to visit. The campground offers full hookups for campers and fun-filled activities for all ages to enjoy, including fishing and kayaking.
Cave Spring’s downtown area will enchant any traveler with its town square gazebo and central park surrounded by specialty stores like Martha Jane’s Fudge Shop and Linde Marie’s Steakhouse. You are in for a treat if you enjoy antiquing as the town center is filled with such shops, including Peddler and Antiques on the Square.
Blue Ridge
If you want to be somewhere cozy, where better to visit than a mountain town? Blue Ridge is one of the best getaways you’ll find in Georgia. Main Street is sprinkled with all things charming and wonderful. Start the day right with a hearty omelet in the al fresco setup at Serenity Garden Cafe, or a signature everything bagel and brewed coffee at Das Kaffee Haus.
A trip to this wondrous town will not be complete without riding the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway heritage train that can take you on a round trip or an occasional themed ride that lets you take in the dramatic beauty of the Appalachian highlands. More outdoor adventures await at Lake Blue Ridge, where tourists can paddle the day away, go camping, and even bring out their favorite picnic spread.
Helen
Helen is one of the country’s most distinctive towns imaginable. Not only is it a mountain town, it’s also widely renowned for its Bavarian architecture. That’s right, you can have a taste of Germany right in this humble community. The postcard-worthy downtown is lined with characterful shops and restaurants like Old Bavaria Inn, serving classics such as pretzels and wiener schnitzels, and Hofbrauhaus, famous for German beers.
Curious about how Helen transformed into a Bavarian paradise over the years? Make sure to add the Heritage Center to your itinerary. Through snapshots, narratives, and a movie, you’ll get to know the town’s unique history.
Tourists are welcome any time of the year, but Oktoberfest is when Helen comes alive at full speed. The townsfolk don their best traditional clothing, beer gardens are open left and right, and holidayers gather to dance polka to their heart’s content.
Georgia, We’re Coming For Ya
Rose-filled paradises and gold rush mementos—Georgia’s small towns have it all. The Peach State offers wonderful nature, a taste of the past, and classic Southern hospitality. You could be seeking a rejuvenating stroll through a manicured garden in Ball Ground or braving the Appalachian foothills in Blue Ridge; wherever you choose to be, these hidden gems speak to folks from all walks of life. Foodies can devour Bavarian-inspired cuisine in Helen, while history fiends can delve into museums and landmarks in Thomasville or Dahlonega. Gear up your car or book a flight, and discover the otherworldly magic that awaits in Georgia’s coziest corners!
Georgia
How Georgia’s economy drew the World Cup—and how the World Cup will strengthen Georgia’s economy
Illustration by Dan Matutina
It’s the $1 billion dollar question: What prompted FIFA to choose Atlanta as one of the host cities for this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026™? The answer is the same one that lures companies from all over the world to Georgia: the state’s robust economy, strong infrastructure, and cooperative culture.
Since the Olympics, Georgia has positioned itself as the Gateway to the South for global business. It has built a diverse industry base in fields such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, film and television, technology, and aerospace. Direct foreign investment is strong here: Atlanta is home to more than 70 foreign consulates, trade missions, and bi-national chambers of commerce.
One of Georgia’s biggest assets is global connectivity—by air, rail, road, and waterways, says Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Eighty percent of the U.S. population is within a two-hour direct flight from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger hub. Georgia’s interstate system provides 20,000 miles of federal and state highways, and the Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing container terminal on the East Coast. All of this allows sports fans, foreign dignitaries, and corporate executives to get in and out of Atlanta very easily. “And business follows connectivity,” Wilson says.
These factors, combined with Georgia’s long history of cooperation between the private and public sectors, helped seal its position as a host city. And that, in turn, will pay dividends.
Courtesy of Georgia Ports Authority
Courtesy of Stone Mountain
Photograph by GenePage/ AMC
Take, for example, tourism. Explore Georgia, the state’s tourism arm, is betting big that FIFA World Cup 2026™ could potentially catapult the state’s visitor numbers to unprecedented levels. To maximize the possibilities, it has launched a global marketing campaign in conjunction with the tournament, including ads on stadium and railway-station billboards in the United Kingdom. “We want visitors to make Georgia their home-away-from-home during the World Cup,” Wilson says.
Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, is similarly bullish. Much like after the Olympics 30 years ago, she expects the city and state to leverage the global soccer tournament’s effects for decades to come. Economic-impact estimates range from $500 million to over $1 billion. “Atlanta does ‘big’ well,” she says. “And I’m confident that we will see increased foreign direct investment and show the world once again that here in Georgia, business culture and innovation naturally converge.”
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Georgia leaders from both political parties are paying tribute to longtime U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham following the South Carolina Republican’s death at age 71, remembering him as a dedicated public servant whose influence stretched far beyond his home state.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff said he joined others across the country in mourning Graham’s passing.
“I join in mourning Senator Lindsey Graham and extend my deepest condolences to the Senator’s family, friends, and staff,” Ossoff said.
Ossoff praised Graham’s military service and lengthy congressional career.
“Senator Graham dedicated his life to the United States, from his service in the U.S. Air Force to his representation of the State of South Carolina in the U.S. House and Senate. Lindsey was an energetic leader who loved South Carolina. May Lindsey’s memory be a blessing.”
Sen. Raphael Warnock also shared condolences, calling Graham a man of faith who served his state with determination.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham,” Warnock wrote on X. “He was a man of great faith who served the people of South Carolina with passion and tenacity. I am praying for his family and his loved ones as they mourn this tremendous loss.”
Gov. Brian Kemp described Graham as a patriot and a friend whose impact reached across Washington.
“Senator Lindsey Graham was a patriot, an impactful public servant, and a friend,” Kemp said. “His love of this nation, unyielding belief in its possibilities, and defense of its values made him a true force to be reckoned with in Washington.”
Kemp added that he, First Lady Marty Kemp and their family were praying for Graham’s loved ones and for South Carolina during what he called a difficult time.
Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who is challenging Ossoff in November’s U.S. Senate election, also reflected on Graham’s legacy.
“Leigh Ann and I are praying for Senator Graham’s loved ones during this time of immeasurable grief and reflecting upon his many years of public service,” Collins said.
Collins added that while he did not know Graham well personally, he admired the senator’s defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his 2018 confirmation hearings, calling it “a commitment to our nation and the truth that should be admired.”
Graham served South Carolina in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades after previously representing the state in the U.S. House. Throughout his career, he became one of Senate Republican’s leading voices on national security, foreign policy and immigration, while emerging as one of the Republican Party’s most influential lawmakers.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders across the country.
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