Budget-Friendly Getaway

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS GETAWAY
  • Art
  • Birdwatching
  • History
SEASON BEST ENJOYED
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter
Enjoy three days of fun offering the full experience of LaGrange while on a budget! With several options for affordable lodging as well as attractions that are free or low-cost, this itinerary provides an exciting vacation including guided and self-guided tours, indoor and outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge.

3 DAYS

  • Explore ancient times and unwind birdwatching
  • Tour a historic Southern garden and Italian villa
  • Celebrate art and history with free exhibits

Day 1

Biblical History & Birdwatching

  • Immerse yourself in ancient history
  • Relax in nature birdwatching on West Point Lake
  • Enjoy a midday treat in a charming coffee shop
Begin your stay with a trip to the Biblical History Center encountering the ancient Middle East through history and culture. Discover an authentic archeological replica garden, Biblical meal, daily life artifacts and more as a docent leads you on a journey back in time.
Join a docent in dining like Biblical citizens, complete with ancient table manners and a period-accurate menu. The knowledgeable staff explain ancient meal practices, like one would have experienced during Passover or the Last Supper. All of this is done in the center’s 1st century-style dining room, at Roman triclinium-style tables.
After exploring the Biblical History Center, head to West Point Lake, a peaceful haven for birdwatchers. Home to bald eagles, herons, ospreys, and hawks, its wooded shores and quiet coves make it a year-round favorite for spotting native and migratory birds. Choose from one of the many peaceful birdwatching spots with shaded areas and benches, perfect for relaxing while you observe local wildlife.
Take a leisurely afternoon break at Circa Coffee & Marketplace. Nestled downtown, the charming café’s vintage‑inspired décor and warm, attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere. After your snack and drink, browse the curated home décor, clothing, antiques, and gifts offered throughout the connected marketplace—making it a true sip‑and‑shop experience.

Day 2

Historic Estate & pre-Civil War Gardens

  • Stroll the pre-Civil War gardens
  • Tour a beautiful Italian villa
  • Shop for unique gifts and mementos
Begin your Hills & Dales visit by enjoying a peaceful self-guided stroll through the historic Ferrell Gardens—one of the nation’s finest 19th‑century boxwood parterres. Along the terraced slopes, discover secluded rose bowers, seasonal blooms, fountains, and formal hedges—all created in harmony with the architecture and maintained for over 180 years.
After you stroll the gardens, tour the inside of the Hills & Dales Estate, an Italian villa designed in the early 20th century by renowned architects Neel Reid and Hal Hentz for the Fuller E. Callaway family. The estate is one of the most beautifully preserved historic homes in the country.
Plan your visit with the Hills & Dales Estate Bloom Calendar. From winter camellias to spring roses and fall spider lilies—there’s something blooming in every season.
Be sure to stop by the Hills & Dales Estate gift shop in the Visitor Center for a unique selection of souvenirs. From gardening tools to elegant home décor and books on Southern history, the shop offers thoughtful mementos to remember your visit.

Day 3

Enjoy the History and Culture of LaGrange

  • Enjoy some art... in jail?
  • Eat Southern cooking in an old church
  • Discover the History of LaGrange
The Legacy Museum on Main, located in the heart of Downtown LaGrange, features exhibits dating back over 10,000 years. The West Georgia area is rich in history, and The Legacy Museum combines many eras of that history in a fantastic setting. Some highlights include a soapstone bowl that is over 11,000 years old, and the world’s oldest cotton bale! Admission is free, just bring a curious mind and your camera.
After touring the Legacy Museum, enjoy classic Southern comfort food nearby at a cozy lunch spot set in a restored 1892 church. Popular for its meat-and-three plates and homemade sides, it’s a local favorite for hearty, home-style meals in a uniquely historic setting.
After lunch the best little art museum in Georgia awaits. LaGrange Art Museum is housed in an iconic 1892 jail building, just a stone’s throw from the idyllic LaGrange square, eateries and shops. LaGrange Art Museum is filled with dynamic exhibitions by renowned and local artists. Collections of high caliber and visually-tantalizing artwork fills the galleries, making the museum a treat for visitors. And did we mention admission is free?
Treat yourself to a nostalgic afternoon snack at Charlie Joseph’s. Grab an ice-cold bottled Coke, a tart lemon sour, or a fresh-baked cookie and take a seat in this beloved local spot that’s been serving up classic favorites for over a 100 years.

WANT MORE?

Bonus Activities

  • Visit a unique chapel built with Medieval European stones
  • Explore downtown and grab a bite!
  • Walk it off on a world class walking trail
Downtown LaGrange offers a plethora of affordable restaurants and eclectic shops. Whether you’re just window shopping or looking for hidden treasure, LaGrange has something unique around every corner. Lafayette Square is particularly beautiful, boasting an incredible statue of Marquis de Lafayette, who inspired the name of LaGrange itself!
The oldest private college in Georgia, LaGrange College boasts nearly 200 years of history in architecture old and new, beautiful landscaping and the best vantage point in LaGrange from its location on “The Hill.” To visit campus, park at the corner of Broad Street and Park Avenue and head up the hill!
One of LaGrange’s newest treasures, The Thread features over 14 miles of paved trail, perfect for walking, biking or running with friends and family. This free community feature will take you through historic neighborhoods and past beautiful homes. If you’re lucky you might even run into a four-legged friend or two!
Walking the city sidewalks is an engaging way to see the city’s blend of historic and modern architecture that defines our downtown district. Download the Tour Guide to discover LaGrange’s one-of-a-kind landmarks–benches and shaded spots along the way offer a comfortable, leisurely experience.

LET'S EAT!

SUGGESTED
LODGING
The Baymont by Wyndham is located just minutes from some of LaGrange’s best restaurants, West Point Lake, and Biblical History Center. 
Conveniently located off of I-85, Comfort Inn and Suites is a fantastic choice for budget-savvy travelers!
With a state-of-the-art lobby, Courtyard Marriott in historic downtown LaGrange provides greater flexibility and choices for guests.
La Quinta® by Wyndham LaGrange is located just off of I-85 and is close to attractions like Hills & Dales Estate and Sweetland Amphitheatre.
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