Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chattahoochee County, Georgia and Clarkesville, Georgia
If you are looking for a road trip adventure, consider taking a drive from Chattahoochee County, Georgia, to Clarkesville, Georgia with a few stops in between. It is a driving distance of about 260 miles, taking roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes without any stops. However, instead of driving continuously, break up the journey by stopping at unexpected places along the way. Here are five suggestions that might inspire you to make the most of your drive.
The Halfway Point: College Park, GA
Before we dive into the other five stops, let us start with the midway point, College Park, GA, just 130 miles into the drive from Chattahoochee County. The city is located in Fulton County, with a population of about 15,500. College Park is known for its historic architecture and landmarks such as the impressive St. John's Episcopal Church and the famous historic College Park Train Depot. Along Main Street, one can find locally-owned boutiques and restaurants, including several of Atlanta's best soul food establishments. Stop at Pit Boss BBQ for a plate of their smoked brisket, mac and cheese, and collard greens.
1. Wild Adventures Theme Park
Located just off I-75, six miles east of Valdosta, GA, Wild Adventures is a perfect stop to excite the kids or let your inner child out. The theme park spans over 170-acre with heavy emphasis on wildlife. It boasts over 500 wild animals, including elephants, Bengal tigers, and gorillas, and its thrilling rides, including the new Boomerang roller coaster. Although typical theme park food is available, it is worth trying their fried Oreos, which taste like funnel cake but better.
2. Providence Canyon State Park
Only a 30-mile diversion from the route is the beautiful Providence Canyon State Park, located in Lumpkin, GA. The park is rightly called Georgia's Little Grand Canyon since it features massive gullies as deep as 150 feet carved by rainfall and erosion. Visitors can hike through the nearly ten miles of trails, explore the well-preserved canyons, and enjoy a picnic with a view. For food, try the Cuban sandwich at Ruins Cafe.
3. Tallahassee Museum
If you love nature and enjoy history, consider stopping at the Tallahassee Museum – a living museum featuring a combination of historic buildings, museums, and wildlife habitats. The museum covers over 52 acres that have 14 various habitats and historic buildings such as an 1800's pioneer cabin, a sharecropper's homestead, and a 1930's schoolhouse. Additionally, the museum has a discover lab, an observation walk, and even a zipline course. Head to the Trail Break Café for their cheeseburger sliders with fries.
4. St. Andrews State Park
If you want to relax on white sandy beaches, snorkel, and sunbathe among other outdoor activities, St. Andrews State Park is a must-stop. It is located in Panama City, FL, and spans over 1,260 acres, featuring a diverse ecosystem of plant and marine life. While at St. Andrews, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even take a dolphin tour. For seafood lovers, Captain's Table is a must-visit restaurant, where you can devour their famous jumbo shrimp platter.
5. Providence Produce
Finally, as you near the end of your trip, stop at Providence Produce in Dawsonville, GA. As a southeastern-based company, their produce market is large and full of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and homemade jams and jellies. Also, the facility has a general store, bakery, deli, and even a gift shop. Be sure to grab some of their fully loaded fried chicken.
The above list is just a start for all the road trip possibilities from Chattahoochee County, Georgia, to Clarkesville, Georgia. You will discover more hidden gems along the way. We hope these five stops inspire you to plan a scenic and adventure-filled road trip. buckle up, and hit the road!