Just south of Atlanta, an ideal getaway beckons. For accommodations in the heart of LaGrange, book a room at the Courtyard Marriott facing historic Lafayette Square. You’ll be within walking distance to everything downtown, including a number of antique shops, book stores, women’s and men’s boutiques and other independent businesses.
A proper breakfast in LaGrange is easy to find any day of the week. Order a latte at Circa Coffee, slightly off the beaten path but walkable from the Square, plus fresh pastries or a tasty egg sandwich. (As a bonus, they’re open early Sunday mornings!) For a more traditional morning meal, head to Gus’s Grill and indulge in a variety of omelets and skillets or pancakes and French toast. And during the week, 505 Eats offers a rotating chalkboard of breakfast items as well as delicious sandwiches, salads and bowls for lunch.
Work off breakfast with a stroll along The Thread. This multi-purpose trail connects LaGrange’s parks and neighborhoods, making it easy to see most of the town. Hills & Dales Estate is a must-visit for its lush gardens and well-preserved house dating back almost 200 years. Once owned by the Callaway family, the historic estate now hosts regular tours and events for the public.
For lunch, take your pick of restaurants offering everything from decadent burgers to delicious Southern cooking. Taste of Lemon, a LaGrange institution, is located inside a converted church and open Monday through Friday, serving dishes such as pot pies, hamburger steak, salmon croquettes and more – plus pies, cobblers and other treats. For a different flavor of nostalgia, check out Charlie Joseph’s on the Square, a family-owned-and-operated spot with hot dogs and hamburgers served countertop style and prices just as reminiscent of yesterday.
In the afternoon, explore Historic Hillside, a once-quiet neighborhood of LaGrange now welcoming exciting new spots. Sample fresh seafood – from House-shucked Oysters to the Fish of the Day basket – at Dry Docks, LaGrange’s seafood eatery. Or perch at the bartop at Beacon Brewing, where there’s American-style fare with an Asian flair to pair with their trademark Hillside IPA or seasonal sour brews.
If you’re more of a wine person, Nutwood Winery is minutes from downtown and is a must-visit for the beautiful grounds and a weekend lunch menu. Family-owned and operated by Neil and Trish Liechty, Nutwood offers flights of reds and whites for tasting, plus live music on weekend evenings.
After lunch, grab an espresso shot and cookie at Crave Cookies, newly collaborated with MarketPlace Antiques so you can sip and browse. Another Hillside shop, Home and Thread Thriftique, offers curated secondhand items among new ones for a unique shopping experience.
Dinner in LaGrange is well-earned after a day of exploring. Right on the square, you’ll find Karvelas Pizza Company, a nostalgic pizzeria with delicious chicken wings and fries for the gluten-sensitive crowd. Grab a nightcap brew at Wild Leap LaGrange, a brewery and distillery with delicious cocktails, great beer and ample outdoor space for enjoying the stars.
