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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.

September is here, so you know what that means now that Labor Day has swiftly passed us by.

It’s time to swap out your summery white attire for checkered flannels and comfy jeans to enjoy the cool breeze with a soulful PSL in hand.

This time of year, as some beaches become less desirable as temperatures begin to dwindle, more of us are inclined toward weekend getaways in rustic mountain towns and vibrant parks, many of which can be found in the South.

If you’ve been following us at Travel Off Path, you know how much we’re drawn to the South, whether it be paradise beaches, underrated metropolises or small town hideaways.

Though this time, we’re happy to share a highly underrated state park that travel experts at Southern Living are raving about as one of their next go-to destinations.

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some of Appalachia’s most beautiful autumn scenery with far fewer crowds than the household names we’ve all grown to love, the Blackwater Falls State Park is just the place.

‘Take Me Home’ To West Virginia’s Majestic State Park

With the kids back in school, that’s not the only sigh of relief this fall. You can visit breathtaking destinations in a postcard setting.

Yosemite or Yellowstone likely come to mind first when it comes to a dreamy getaway surrounded by lush nature, but don’t skip the flip side of America that somehow largely remains under wraps.

Appalachia is quite a sprawl covering numerous states, but one that sticks out the most to avoid the hordes of selfie sticks ready to poke your eye out is West Virginia.

Despite John Denver’s best try, the “Mountain State” still remains a true hidden gem for most.

Despite holding an impressive 4.8 Google rating with over 6,000 reviews, you don’t have to worry about being another face in the crowd here.

Lines, if any, are reasonable, fellow hikers are respectable and won’t cramp the trails, and photo-ops won’t cause a ruckus.

Of course, with a name like Blackwater Falls, you can probably muster up an excellent guess for the top attractions.

Cue TLC because it’s time to go waterfall chasin’, but given its lesser-known status, you likely aren’t ‘used to’ these rivers and…well… there are no lakes, actually.

The Blackwater River fuels the park’s signature waterfall, the staggering Blackwater Falls, which stands approximately 60 feet high and features an easily accessible observation deck below to take in the awe-inspiring view. Additionally, the Elakala Falls series comprises a set of four alternative cascades along Shay Run.

One Of The Most Photographed Destinations In West Virginia

Whether it be calendars, billboards, or tourists snapping unforgettable pics, Blackwater Falls State Park is one of WV’s most photographed destinations…

…and it’s not solely for the cascading falls.

This park is also a leaf-peeper’s paradise — so much so that West Virginia’s tourism board just released its annual Fall Foliage Forecast so you can time your trip just right to witness the park in its autumn glory.

Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook are the best spots for sweeping views of kaleidoscopic canopies from elevated viewpoints.

There are over 20 miles of trails through the vibrant forestry for skills of all levels. And there are other fun activities, such as biking and fishing, too, as the river is stocked with numerous species of fish, including Catfish and, most famously, Rainbow Trout.

Plus, there are ample cabins to rent that include wifi. No need to wait to upload your epic photos!

Southern Living Hypes Up 2 Neighboring Towns

Southern Living’s editors claim to be chomping at the bit to find themselves in the midst of full autumnal bloom in this vast state park.

But there are also a couple of charming heartthrobs nearby that shouldn’t be skipped either. Those would be the towns of Thomas and Davis.

We reported on the latter recently as one of America’s most surprising destinations with new resorts.

Boasting the new Valley View Cabin Resort costing a whopping $20mil to complete, rave reviews have poured in.

Find yourself waking up to stunning scenery from your private cabanas (with jacuzzis!), smokeless fire pits, and expansive front porches with views stretching for miles on end.