Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brookhaven to Athens-Clarke County
A road trip from Brookhaven, Georgia to Athens-Clarke County is the perfect way to explore some of the best attractions and landmarks that Georgia has to offer. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or with your family, you'll find plenty of exciting things to do. The trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and the halfway point is Bethlehem, GA. Below, we’ve curated a list of the top five things to do on this road trip.
Visit the Stone Mountain Park
The iconic Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's most visited attraction and an excellent place to start your road trip. Located less than an hour's drive from Brookhaven, the park sits on 3,200 acres of natural beauty and has something for everyone, from hiking trails to a laser light show. The park is home to the largest exposed granite monolith in the world, which features a massive carving of three Confederate generals.
Museum of Aviation
Located in Warner Robins, a short distance from Athens, the Museum of Aviation is the second-largest museum of its kind in the United States. The museum features over 90 historic aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird, F-15 Eagle, and B-29 Superfortress. Visitors can also participate in a variety of activities like flight simulators, virtual reality experiences, and witnessing live demonstrations of some of the aircraft.
Tallulah Gorge
Tallulah Gorge in Rabun County is a breathtaking natural landmark that should be on your bucket list if you're a lover of nature. The gorge is two miles long and almost 1,000 feet deep, with the Tallulah River flowing through the bottom of it. Visitors can hike along the rim and take in the panoramic views. For those who are adventurous at heart, the gorge also allows for kayaking, rock climbing, and even guided rappelling.
Visit the University of Georgia
Athens, the home of the University of Georgia, has an unmistakable college town vibe. The campus is the oldest public university in the country, founded in 1785. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of all the landmarks on campus, including the state-of-the-art Sanford Stadium, the historic Chapel, and Herty Field. The University also has an extensive art collection featuring over 9,000 pieces from different artists, including those by Lamar Dodd and John McIntosh.
Athens Farmers Market
The Athens Farmers Market is a unique and exciting experience that visitors to Athens shouldn't miss. It's held every Saturday of the year and features a variety of vendors that sell everything from fresh produce to handmade artisanal crafts. Even on rainy days, the market operates indoors, providing visitors with a comfortable space to explore and shop for souvenirs.
Interesting facts about each location
- At the Stone Mountain Park, the carving of the Confederate generals on the granite monolith is one of the most significant examples of Confederate memorialization and is known for its controversial history.
- The Museum of Aviation has the largest collection of Georgia aviation history, including a collection of WWII aircraft and exhibits on the Coca-Cola Company’s involvement in World War II.
- Tallulah Gorge's name means "terrible" and "beautiful," originating from the Cherokee language.
- The University of Georgia is the only university that has consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the U.S. since U.S. News & World Report began its rankings in 1983.
- Athens Farmers Market has one of the most extensive and diverse collections of locally grown produce, and it is often referred to as the foodie’s market due to its high standards of quality.
Conclusion
A road trip from Brookhaven to Athens-Clarke County can provide an excellent opportunity to explore some of the natural beauty and exciting attractions that Georgia has to offer. The trip takes just over an hour and a half, and with the locations mentioned above, visitors will have a unique experience. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, history, or local culture, this trip has it all.