Athens, GA

Athens, one of the Best Places to Visit in Georgia, is located on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 75 miles northeast of Atlanta. History enthusiasts should head straight for Athens. Georgia's Antebellum Trail, which showcases Civil War-era mansions and historical architecture in its 17 historic districts, has the city as its beginning point. The Georgia Museum of Natural History, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and the Georgia Museum of Art are all located at the University of Georgia, the first public institution of higher learning in the nation. Visit the stores, eateries, and live music venues in Downtown Athens for a more up-to-date escape.

This college town will make you happy in many different ways thanks to its wealth in history, southern charm, and creative vitality. This small city is full of treasures that enthrall you for days, from antebellum architecture to artisanal breweries.Even in its Victorian-era downtown section, which is rich in southern charm, it exudes a leafy suburban vibe.

Athens, which has been a town since at least 1806 (although its police force wasn't established until 80 years later), developed affluent thanks to its cotton mills. The B-52s and REM were both formed there, and it has always had a thriving music scene. Despite the town's continued prosperity, which is mostly due to its college population, the cotton industry has long since disappeared. With almost 35,000 students, it guarantees that there is always something new to do.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Location: Georgia