atlanta living tagged interest

The draw for so many people to the beautiful state of Georgia often times involves simple living. When you live in the South, time seems to slow down, stand-still almost, and it allows you to appreciate the finer things in life. In our great state, there are plenty of slow-paced towns that we can recognize for not necessarily adapting to the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, but instead, for keeping things simple. Check out these towns that made our list:

1. Blue Ridge

With just under 1,300 residents, Blue Ridge, Georgia is a popular vacation destination for most. Residents and visitors alike can spend their days outdoors hiking, fishing, golfing, or just enjoying the mountains.

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2. Sandy Springs

Although it's labeled a "suburban city", Sandy Springs is still like a small town to us. The town offers so many types of sports and recreation leagues for kids, plus a healthy community events calendar.

3. Hiawassee

With no more than 1,000 residents, Hiawassee sure is a beautiful town in Georgia. You can hit the trails and revel in the simplicity of nature, or stroll along the beautiful Lake Chatuge.

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4. Senoia

This small town in Georgia is growing in popularity, however it still remains just as tiny and terrific as ever. You can grab a cup of coffee and a piece of fried pie, and appreciate the simplicity this town has to offer.

5. Montezuma

Nestled on the bank of the Flint River, Montezuma has a population of less than 3,700 residents. It's slow-paced, despite being incorporated specifically as a railroad town.

6. Dahlonega

Although growing in modernity, Dahlonega is always beautiful in the most simple of ways. Especially around holiday-times, Dahlonega lights up Georgia like no other town can.

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7. Toccoa

The town of Toccoa, Georgia is such a small, simple place, they even have a "Traveler Rest" where visitors can rock their day away on porch chairs.

8. Brunswick

It might not be a small town by population standards, but it certainly is charming enough to make this list. What's more, Brunswick also brings in plenty of visitors to The Big Oak, which just oozes simple living and relaxation. You know a town is slow-paced and simple when they honor a gigantic Oak tree daily.

9. Thomasville

Ahh, the City of Roses. How can we NOT add a town that frequently, annually, and happily stops to smell the roses?

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10. Plains

Visiting Plains, Georgia is a one-of-a-kind experience. Not just because of the historical importance involving President Jimmy Carter, but because it's the type of town that hasn't changed their ways, which is exactly what makes them special.

11. Blakely

About 6,000 people call Blakely, Georgia home. Visitors, however, come from far and wide to walk across one of the oldest southernmost covered bridges in the country.

12. Greensboro

Greensboro is rich in history and tradition, not to mention riddled with antebellum homes and churches. But you know they're simple living when they value their farmer's markets the way they do.

13. Big Canoe

Located near the foothills of the North Georgia Appalachian Mountains, Big Canoe is a beautifully small town that appreciates simplicity and nature. Just imagine all of the pure beauty that Georgian mountains offer.

14. Ball Ground

Some could say Ball Ground is set in their ways, which is why they made this list. We love the small towns in Georgia that don't take life too seriously, and instead honor history and culture.

Now we know that can't be all the towns in our whole state that promote simple living. If we missed any, shout them out in the comments! Your suggestions may just help make a Part 2 list possible. ;)

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I love the Peach State's large cities, but honestly, nothing beats the charm and beauty of the countless small towns in Georgia. These sleepy places feel like a step back in time, and they're great for exploring locally-owned restaurants and shops that you just can't find anywhere else. If you love the state's small towns as much as we do, we think you'll love this small town road trip in Georgia that runs from Ellijay to Washington. Each of the stops offers up natural beauty and historical significance, and there's really something for everyone in each of these places, whether your interest lies in museums, parks, or restaurants. Check this adventure out:

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In all, the road trip will require a little over four hours of driving. You'll definitely want to account for extra time to spend in each city, and in all honesty, this would make a great four or five-day trip, with nearly a full day spent in each spot.

Of course, you can always add or remove stops if you like. Check out the fully-customizable itinerary on Google Maps.

1. Ellijay

We'll start off our journey in Ellijay, a city of about 2,000 people. It's nicknamed the Apple Capital of Georgia thanks to the huge volume of apples grown here each year. If you want to check out all the apple-themed fun, visiting in the fall is a good option, but this is a place that can be enjoyed at any time of year. This is an area of the state with plenty of outdoor attractions, and Ellijay isn't far from several state parks and hiking trails. There's also an adorable little downtown area with some great shops and cafes.

2. Dahlonega

No list of best small towns in Georgia is complete without mentioning Dahlonega. Many people aren't aware that this city of 7,500 was home to the nation's first major gold rush. If you're interested in learning more about the city's history in the gold industry, you can take a tour of Consolidated Gold Mine. There's plenty more to enjoy here, though, no matter the season. Dahlonega is home to some of the best fall foliage in Georgia, and it's also a wonderful place for celebrating Christmas. The downtown area is filled with historic architecture and there are lots of shops to check out, and just outside the city, you'll find tons of great wineries.

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3. Helen

Helen, GA is one of my favorite small towns in Georgia. With a population of around 600 people, a location in the mountains, and Bavarian-themed architecture, it's like a little slice of Germany. If you want a European vacation with no passport required, a stop here is a must - there are loads of adorable German shops and restaurants all throughout the downtown area. However, I will admit that over the last few years, the crowds have really descended upon this little mountain village, particularly in the fall. If you're looking for more of a relaxing vibe, the good news is that there are some really fantastic under-the-radar destinations just outside of Helen that are just as worthy of exploration. Sautee Nachoochee is a nearby community with some great shops and cafes, and there are also a number of great state parks and natural destinations nearby, like Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park.

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4. Madison

Our next stop is Madison, GA, a town of about 5,000 people. The historic district here is one of the largest in the state, and if you love architecture and history, you'll find plenty to enjoy, including historic homes available for touring. This is a little town with quite a few restaurants - don't miss a stop at the R+B Cafe or Town 220 Restaurant.

5. Washington

Lovers of history will also adore the last town in this road trip: Washington, GA. It's home to fewer than 5,000 residents and is one of the oldest towns in Georgia. It was actually the state capital during the Revolutionary War. It's got plenty of historical attractions, plus a great variety of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants in the downtown area.

What a great trip! Before you hit the highway, make sure you check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List to ensure you have the safest and most fun vacation possible.

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Georgia has some pretty cool small towns. Small towns that we cannot rave enough about. But we found this particular town to be quite fascinating--especially since it has been collecting accolades quietly for years. Care to find out why this small town is getting BIG-time attention? Check out why Woodstock, Georgia is such a cool place to visit.

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At only 8.8 square miles, the town of Woodstock, Georgia is one of the coolest cities in the South.

There is so much Southern charm and community within this small town that it's hard not to fall in love.

Woodstock prides itself on being "a sustainable city with hometown pride".

But beyond being sustainable and community-centric, Woodstock has even made the Forbes Magazine list for being one of the fastest-growing areas in the country!

In fact, what's even cooler than that, Woodstock is one of Money Magazine’s 2015 Top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. — the only Georgia city to make the list.

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One trip to this small town you can easily see why. First of all, there are plenty of things to do in Woodstock, GA.

With summer events like concerts in the park, drawing thousands of residents to enjoy some summer jams...

...or even the eclectic restaurant scene in Woodstock which features fan favorites like JD's Bar-b-que...

...or Salt Factory Pub, with a tasty Southern-style breakfast you will crave again the moment you leave.

Take a trip to Dixie Speedway for an energetic, family-fun time at the racetrack...

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...or rent a canoe and take it to Olde Rope Mill Park.

There is always something fun and refreshing to do in what may be one of the best small towns in GA.

Visit Woodstock, Georgia, and experience for yourself one of the coolest small towns in the South.

Have you ever been to Woodstock, Georgia? Share with us your experience! Otherwise, if you're ready for more Georgia small-town love, then check out The Tiny Georgia Town That’s One Of The Happiest Places In America.

Want to take a getaway to the Georgia small town of Woodstock? Make a reservation at the highly-rated Fairfield Inn andamp; Suites by Marriott Atlanta Woodstock!

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