Its summer time and sometimes you just want to get out of town and have a little fun. Smyrna is close to some great day trips that could also be weekend getaways. I have some favorites that I will let you know about. Personally, I like to keep things simple and fairly low cost. However, if you have a free weekend you should check out Ruby Falls or Dahlonega.

Panola Mountain is the closet at around 45 minutes away. There are many outside activities that are great for both adults and families. With 1,635 acres to explore, you are bound to have a hard time picking exactly what you want to do. They have everything from archery, hiking, fishing, boat rentals, and tree climbing. Interestingly enough, you can even sleep in the trees!

Next up is Ruby Falls! It is a little under a two-hour drive but well worth it. There is a two-hour choose your own adventures that include cycling, climbing, and zip lining. You can also add a Ruby Falls Cavern Tour and explore the stalactites, stalagmites, and see the amazing Ruby Falls Waterfall. It gets cold is the cavern so don’t forget a light jacket or sweater. Additionally you can try your luck at
panning for gems. Check out the local foodie spot while you there as well. I suggest the Chattanoogan for breakfast and Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken or Terminus Brewhouse for lunch or dinner.

Columbus is also about a two-hour drive away yet if you like water activities Columbus has it all. The Chattahoochee River has a long stretch of manmade urban white water rafting with two types of runs available due to the controlled dam release that happens daily. Rapids run between class 1 and 5 and boasts having some of the biggest rapids east of Colorado. Zip lining, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing are also activities to enjoy around the area.

Last, but certainly not least is Dahlonega, GA. There is so much to do here and it’s only about an hour and a half away. Get lucky and pan for gold or relax and enjoy world-class trout fishing, including heavily stocked areas for those whose luck isn’t the best. Waterfalls, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing are all great ways to beat the heat. Whether you have kids or not the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve is a great non-profit with over 100 different animals and the ability to have an up close
encounter and feed Lions, Tigers, and Leopards. Check out local distilleries, wineries, and vineyards and have a little adult fun! Another cool activity is going to the North Georgia Astronomical Observatory. They have many different options including night viewing so check out their facebook page for daily info.

Go on an adventure, have fun, and explore the many different staycations around Smyrna. Remember to be safe and have your car checked out before venturing off to far. Let me know about any staycations you enjoy that I might have left out in the comment section below.