Georgia getaways for the whole family

Looking to escape with the family this season? Here are three holiday getaways that will bring joy and cheer to you and your family.

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Breakfast with Santa takes place each year at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee(link is external) along with other festivities, including the Lighting at the Lake, ice skating, story time with Mrs. Claus, gingerbread workshops and elf tuck-ins.

A must-see for the holidays is the one-of-a-kind, life-sized gingerbread house that is created by the pastry team. This holiday treat, made with gingerbread, 180 pounds of candy and 480 pounds of icing, will be on display for guests’ delight in the hotel’s main lobby throughout the holidays.

Before your trip, review the resort’s COVID-19 precautions(link is external).

See why 365 Atlanta Family named Reynolds, Lake Oconee(link is external) the best family resort in Georgia.

Can’t make it to Reynolds, Lake Oconee this year? No worries! You can still indulge in a rich Ritz-Carlton treat. The signature Ritz-Carlton cake(link is external) has a rich, dark chocolate flavor with bursts of orange throughout. It’s a delicious balance of sweet chocolate and sharp citrus. Pick it up at any Georgia Ritz-Carlton for yourself or a loved one. It’s the perfect sweet treat as a gift for the holiday season.

General Coffee State Park

General Coffee State Park(link is external) is one of Georgia’s most underappreciated state parks and one of my favorites for the holidays. There are six cottages here, but the treat is a stay at Burnham Cottage, decorated with the charm of an old-world Christmas.

Spend the day at the family-friendly Heritage Farm. An easy half-mile loop takes you past the live animals, syrup-making area, blacksmithing shed, and more. You can also hike around the 4-acre lake, visit the amphitheater, play at the playground or take a picnic lunch. We loved the Gopher Trail hike, as well, which is home to more than 130 Gopher tortoises.

In the evening during Christmas, the park comes alive with Christmas lights, which reflect beautifully off the lake. It’s a picture-perfect way to make lasting holiday memories.

Before your trip, review the park’s COVID-19 precautions(link is external).

Alpine Helen

Experience a Bavarian Christmas in Alpine Helen(link is external), located about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Northeast Georgia Mountains(link is external). The town’s architecture and holiday scenery are the picture-perfect backdrop for a holiday getaway.

Don’t miss the Annual Lighting of the Village(link is external) in Edelweiss River Park on Nov. 27, 2020. The city will be following CDC guidelines throughout the event.

A German tradition, Helen’s annual Christkindlmarkt(link is external) offers specialty gift items, decorations, assorted savory foods, drinks and candied treats. This shopping extravaganza is held Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6 at Helen Market Platz.

Join in a Victorian Christmas in Sautee-Nacoochee at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site(link is external) and see the house dressed in period holiday décor while learning about

Victorian holiday traditions from docents in 1870s-style clothing. This open house on Fridays in December is highlighted by twinkling candlelight and live music. Dec. 4
– Dec. 19, 2020.

Getaway with the family to one of Helen’s popular places to stay(link is external), and allow plenty of time to explore all there is to see and do in and around Helen(link is external).

Media Contact
Emily Murrary, Senior Communication Specialist, [email protected]
View and download assets, visit Georgia’s Media Hub

If you publish anything as the result of any Explore Georgia’s story ideas, please let us know so we can share your work across our social media platforms and say thank you!