Summertime in the South welcomes a slower pace, warmer temperatures and more time to connect with the people and places close to the heart. In West Central Georgia, LaGrange is the perfect destination for a family craving a leisurely small-town getaway in a dreamy setting filled with lush greenery, intriguing history, outdoor activities and Southern charm.
Situated within easy driving distance from cities like Atlanta; Columbus, Ga.; Tallahassee, Fla.; and Birmingham, Ala., LaGrange visitors will enjoy a reprieve from fast-moving urban energy to the beautiful scenery and fresh air that surround the area. At the heart of LaGrange is its lovely downtown area, which is filled with locally owned boutiques, eateries and sweet-treat shops and is easily walkable for families. Grab dinner on the patio at the new Trios Cantina, eat a famous hot dog at the 100-year-old Charlie Joseph’s or stop by the Medicine Cabinet Soda Shoppe for a milkshake or sundae to cool down. The walkable downtown is also connected to other neighborhoods and parks via The Thread, LaGrange’s 29-mile pathway for biking, walking and running.
While school is out of session, parents looking to sneak in fun, educational opportunities for the kids will be thrilled with LaGrange’s rich history and thriving arts scene. Hills and Dales Estate is a wonderful stop where kids can learn about nature, architecture and history. Originally owned by the Callaway Family, the estate is a 1916 Italian-inspired villa surrounded by lush gardens and rolling hills where knowledgeable staff provide tours to visitors. In LaGrange’s Historic Downtown, an easy walking tour takes travelers through the town’s storied past and connects to local museums including the Legacy Museum on Main and LaGrange Art Museum.
Those dreaming of relaxing while the kids are entertained will be thrilled with Great Wolf Lodge LaGrange, one of only a few locations in the Southeast. This top tier lodge will keep the kids busy with its many attractions including a signature indoor water park, ropes course, mini golf, arcade, adventure park, MagiQuest interactive game, climbing wall, bowling alley and more. The LaGrange location also features the Top Golf Swing Suite and an outdoor pool with cabana rentals so parents can get in on the fun, too. With spacious suites and a selection of restaurants onsite, Great Wolf Lodge is a resort vacation that’s never far from home.
Visitors of any age will enjoy a stop by Abbotsford Farms, where they can explore the fields that overflow with ripe strawberries in the summer, fill a bucket with their own picks and take home jars of homemade jams and jellies. Animal lovers can plan a trip to nearby PineyWoods Farm, where the pastures are home to goats, alpacas, miniature horses, chickens and miniature donkeys. Visitors who register in advance can learn to shear sheep, see honeybees in action, take in the magical scents of the lavender fields and explore the Mushroom Trail. In Pine Mountain, the whole family can go on an animal safari without even leaving their car at Wild Animal Safari. Memories and laughs abound when camels, zebras and giraffes gently approach the car windows looking for a tasty treat.
Round out the trip with a night of music under the stars at Sweetland Amphitheatre. Within walking distance of downtown, Sweetland opened in 2016 and has performances throughout the summer, including artists such as Jason Isbell and The Commodores. After enjoying a live concert, parents can wind down at Wild Leap Brewing, less than a mile away on Main Street. Parents can try one of the many beers on tap while the kids enjoy slushies, outdoor games and the adjacent Southbend Park. In the summer, Wild Leap also plays host to many family-friendly events including, Taco Wars, Wing Jam on May 20, Breakfastival on June 17, Christmas in July on July 22, a Summer Luau on August 5 and a monthly live music performance, Saturday Night Alive, on the last Saturday of each month.
The new season calls for family travel that creates moments for authentic connections. Whether searching for a quick trip or a longer stay, LaGrange is the perfect spot to slow down, take a breath of fresh air and savor time spent together.
About LaGrange
Located an hour south of Atlanta, the city of LaGrange’s Southern charm, rich history and sunny green spaces make this Southwest Georgia community shine. A lovely downtown area is filled with unique shops and restaurants all within an easy walk from each other, making for a perfect easygoing weekend escape for families, couples or the solo traveler. Enjoy the city’s easygoing spirit while exploring musical venues, art museums, vintage boutiques, storied landmarks, restaurants and more, all connected by a the Thread, a 29-mile lush greenway for biking, walking and running. Follow @VisitLaGrange on Instagram and Twitter and connect on Facebook.com/VisitLaGrange for the latest news.
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