Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carrollton, Georgia to Oakwood, Georgia

Driving from Carrollton, Georgia to Oakwood, Georgia takes approximately three hours. Taking the scenic route through central Georgia, visitors can indulge in stunning views and diverse landscapes. The drive from Carrollton to Oakwood covers around 144 miles along I-85, offering plenty of attractions to explore on the way. Here are five unexpected places to stop that provide an exciting and unique opportunity to those willing to take a break from the open road.

Halfway Point: Atlanta, GA

Before embarking further into our journey, no trip between the two towns is complete without stopping in Atlanta, Georgia. As one of the most influential cities in the world, Atlanta is home to diverse cultures, mesmerizing attractions, and scrumptious food. The journey from Carrollton would take about an hour to reach Atlanta, Georgia. From the world-renowned Georgia Aquarium to the historic Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site, there is so much to do in Atlanta. The city has everything that people might crave, from authentic southern cuisine to trendy bars and clubs to upscale shopping. Visitors can take a stroll down Atlanta's iconic Beltline, a 22-mile loop filled with art installations, parks, and trendy restaurants.

Stop 1: Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park

Located in the stunningly beautiful Pine Mountain Range, the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers visitors a chance to explore Georgia's wildlife and have fun camping. Covering over 9,000 acres, this park is perfect for those who wish to escape the city's rush and enjoy calmness, quietness, and greenery. Trail enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the 23 miles of trails that offer excellent opportunities to explore the park's natural beauty. Horseback riding, birding, and fishing are some of the other activities carried out here. The Pine Mountain range looks fantastic in autumn when the leaves change color, turning the park into a magical place to be.

What to eat: Fill your belly with a staple of southern cooking with a side of potato salad. Visit the park’s Country Store and take a bite into Franklin D. Roosevelt’s favorite meal- Fried Chicken.

Stop 2: Cotton Hall

The historic Cotton Hall in Colquitt, Georgia, dates back to the 1920s and presents visitors with the opportunity to explore the city's closely-knit community of artists and performers. This elegant and beautifully restored building used to serve as both a cotton warehouse and an entertainment venue. Today, the building houses the Cotton Hall Theater, one of Georgia's most remarkable theatrical groups known for its fantastic performances. Visitors can experience authentic Southern hospitality and an opportunity to be entertained by local performers in an intimate setting.

What to eat: Visitors don't have to leave the venue to grab a bite, as the theater offers authentic southern dishes such as a hot chicken sandwich with sweet tea.

Stop 3: Ty Cobb Museum

The Ty Cobb Museum located in Royston, Georgia, provides baseball fans with an opportunity to explore the state’s significance in the sport’s history. Ty Cobb is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have played the sport. The museum showcases his home and the little league fields he played in his early years. Visitors will have the chance to learn interesting factoids about Cobb’s life along with the inclusion of interactive exhibits and exciting displays of his career throughout.

What to eat: Visitors can indulge in perfect southern BBQ at the family-friendly Doc’s BBQ located just minutes away from Ty Cobb Museum.

Stop 4: Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia, is a charming town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is designed to resemble a Bavarian village, rendering a unique experience to those visiting North Georgia. Helen rightfully boasts about its excellent festivals and cultural events that bring the town to life throughout the year. Helen offers visitors a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking, camping, tubing, and other outdoor activities.

What to eat: Visitors can treat themselves to an authentic German sausage from Hanssell's Sausage Haus, located right in the middle of the main street.

Stop 5: Roadside Attractions

The final stop on this trip from Carrollton to Oakwood embraces the notion of not knowing what one is going to witness. Throughout the journey, visitors can spot numerous bizarre roadside attractions, such as the historic hand-painted Bill's Hot dog signs in Royston or a giant peanut in Ashburn, both of which have stories to match their uniqueness.

What to eat: No particular place or food item paired up with this stop, but visitors can make this stop an experience in itself, nibbling on fun snacks or picnic lunches they bring with them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this trip is perfect for anyone seeking to escape the rush of the city and explore Georgia's hidden gems. The trip from Carrollton to Oakwood provides a fantastic opportunity for road trips filled with curious encounters, unexpected turns, and playful detours. Visitors can capture the spirit of Georgian culture and explore the state's vast natural wonders. The places mentioned in this itinerary are only a few of the many stops worth making along the way. By following this route, visitors can make their journey both enjoyable and memorable, a trip worth making every season.