Move Over Savannah! Experts Are Raving About Timeless Georgia Town

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Got Georgia on your mind?

Well, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you don’t have to follow the crowds to Savannah as enticing as one of America’s prettiest cities may be.

The great state of Georgia boasts far more than Savannah’s European charm and Atlanta’s chaotic airport with numerous small town hideaways just waiting to be discovered.

Speaking of Europe, one such town borrows its name from one of Europe’s most iconic destinations — and that’s no accident.

Founders noticed the town’s seven rolling hills mirrored those of Rome, inspiring them to name this Georgia gem — you guessed it — Rome.

This unsuspecting slice of Europe is hiding in plain sight, but local experts at Southern Living are raving about it as their favorite place to escape the city grind, immersing themselves in a timeless townscape surrounded by gorgeous nature.

Let’s dive in and see why Rome, Georgia is one of the state’s most unsung standout getaways:

When In Rome…

Quiet, scenic, and unpretentious, those seeking to avoid the same-o, same-o Savannah weekend getaways have another option at hand.

Little-known Rome offers an atmosphere just as alluring, though pint-sized when directly compared to Savannah, Charleston, and even St. Augustine, as storied cities oozing European flair.

Rome is anchored by Berry College, so this is a rare trip you’ll likely go back to school (without the lifelong student loan bills).

Berry is the most postcard-worthy landmark is town, and happens to be one the world’s largest school campus, yet feels like it was dropped from the sky straight out of Oxford, or perhaps Hogwarts.

Rome’s downtown district is a delight to visit as well, in addition to ample nature hikes throughout the lush tree-lined outskirts of town, which was especially highlighted by Southern Living as one of the South’s most underrated getaways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Savor Down-Home Comforts In This Riverside Refuge

This small town of roughly 40,000 people offers visitors quintessential charm and comforts you just don’t find outside the South.

You know — front-porch pitchers of sweet tea, rows of gorgeous historic homes with manicured lawns, and locals who still wave just to acknowledge your existence (try finding that up North), all wrapped in a pace of life that feels refreshingly unhurried.

Rome is nestled along the confluence of 3 distinct rivers — the Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa — providing an idyllic setting except for the throes of winter.

A couple of blocks away lies another of the town’s must-see landmarks, a recently renovated 1800s Clock Tower locals claims is one of the most relaxing spots in town and offers incredible views if you brave the 107 steps to the top.

There are a handful of beautiful riverside parks to spend time enjoy the scenery and many local eateries make the most of the waterfront setting.

Southern Living hypes Harvest Moon Cafe for a sensational farm-to-table meal, but we at Travel Off Path love River Remedy Brewing, holding a perfect 5.0 Google rating from happy patrons and Cosmic Dog Outpost for an out-of-this-world selection of food and beerd, plus front-row seating for unbeatable river views.

But if you want to discover a true hidden in Rome that lives up to Southern Living’s passion for this place, it’s gotta be Kingston Downs, located in the cricket-chirping countryside, boasting cozy cottages for a quiet retreat to recharge.

How To Get To Rome

The problem with winter travel is unpredictable weather, and many travelers burnt their well-deserved PTO during summer.

So, long road trip may be out of the question.

Atlanta may be a headache to visit as their massive airport feels more like the Mall of America than a major hub for air travel, but this is your best bet to reach Rome, especially for a weekend getaway as that’s how most tourists experience this delightful town.

Atlanta (ATL) is one of America’s most connected airports. As such, you should have no trouble finding a direct flight here.

Rome is approximately an hour and half from ATL if you luck out missing Atlanta’s notorious traffic jams, but you could also give nearby Chattanooga a try across state lines, or Huntsville, Alabama too.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.