Foodie Road Trip Georgia

There is more to Georgia than fresh peaches and mouth-watering barbecue. Here is the ultimate foodie road trip in Georgia.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
From Atlanta to Valdosta, we’re about to reveal the best eats in the beating heart of the American hearth: the great state of
Georgia
. Unique among states south of the Mason-Dixon Line, Georgia contains several different landscapes that make for great driving as well as great eating.
Indeed, Georgia’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its landscapes, from the coastal plains in the south to the Appalachian foothills in the northwest. You can find world-class BBQ and seafood here, of course, but did you know that Georgia also produces olives?
Before you take off, sign-up for a roadside assistance membership with
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Be sure that you also have the right
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So buckle your seat belt and unbuckle your belt-belt—here’s a guide to the ultimate foodie road trip in Georgia.

Atlanta

Start your journey in Georgia’s capital city and be sure to allow at least one full day (three meals) to explore. We recommend a bit of caffeine in the morning because there’s a lot to see here!

Why go to Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia
Not only is Atlanta the capital of Georgia, but it’s the heart of Georgia, too. In this city, you’ll find plenty to eat and plenty to explore, from historic sites and botanical gardens to incredible art and music. Each suburb sings with its own rhythms and flavors—and they’re beautiful from behind the wheel, too.

Where to eat in Atlanta

  • Red Eyed Mule
    ($): You could spend weeks in Atlanta and not try every delicious meal on offer. But if you only have one day in town, here are a few restaurants you should consider. For lunch, try the Red Eyed Mule (beloved by Alton Brown) for burgers.
  • Heirloom Market BBQ
    ($$): Hit up Heirloom Market BBQ for southern-style BBQ with Korean flavors for an added twist.
  • Miller Union
    ($$$): For dinner, we love Miller Union for its plating and ambiance.
  • Sublime Donuts
    ($): Still got room? Hit Sublime Doughnuts for a sweet treat.
  • Honey Pig
    ($$): On your way out of town, make a stop at Honey Pig in Duluth to sample their incredible Korean BBQ.

Pro tips

  • In urban Atlanta, the farthest right lane on the highway is usually exit-only. Try to stay in the middle lane.
  • Southern hospitality extends to the road, too—just be sure you give and take in equal measure.
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Decatur

Take DeKalb Avenue east from downtown for 15 minutes and you’ll arrive in the suburb of Decatur. Here, the food is hip and the people are younger. Don’t leave the Atlanta area without stopping here.

Why go to Decatur

There is so much to do in this area that
Apartment Therapy
labeled Decatur one of the "coolest suburbs in America." In addition to great eats, the Fernbank Museum makes this neighborhood worth a stop.

Where to eat in Decatur

DeKalb Farmers Market, Decatur, Georgia
Key Takeaway Don’t be afraid to cruise the suburbs—you’ll find some of the best meals away from downtown.

Athens

An hour and a half east on US-78 will take you to Athens. There’s no need to spend a full day here, but it’s worth stopping for breakfast or lunch and a quick stroll.

Why go to Athens

Athens, Georgia
Athens plays host to a vibrant music industry. It’s also the seat of the University of Georgia, which means there are lots of fun activities and food. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is here, and Sandy Creek Park makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll.

What to eat in Athens

  • Mama's Boy
    ($): If you’re here for breakfast, queue up at Mama’s Boy for peach french toast (Georgia is the Peach State, after all).
  • Five & Ten
    ($$$): For lunch or dinner, try Five & Ten for contemporary Southern classics in an upscale setting.
  • King of Pops ($): If it’s hot and humid, go straight to King of Pops to get some peach popsicles.

Augusta

Continue east on US-78 for another two hours and you’ll arrive in Augusta, the second oldest city in the state. With the feel of a resort town, Augusta is a fun stop on your foodie road trip in
Georgia
.

Why go to Augusta

Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is mostly known for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament, but it’s also the home of the oldest medical school in Georgia—and home to James Brown.

Where to eat in Augusta

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Savannah, GA and Tybee Island

No foodie road trip in
Georgia
would be complete without visiting the south’s food epicenter: Savannah. Drive just two and a half hours south from Augusta and you’ll hit the Atlantic. If you can, plan to stay in this area for at least two days—including at least one meal on Tybee Island.

Why go to Savannah and Tybee Island

Savannah, Georgia
If you like arts and culture, history, food, beautiful buildings, and walkability—you’ll never want to leave Savannah.

What to do

  • Clary's Cafe
    ($): Where do we begin? Breakfast, of course! Clary’s Cafe offers unique breakfast scrambles.
  • Vic's on the River
    ($$): You can head to Vic’s on the River for Sunday brunch and Gullah food.
  • The Grey
    ($$): For lunch, try The Grey (featured on Netflix) for something more elevated.
  • For sweets:
    Back In the Day Bakery
    is an old-school bakery and espresso bar.
    Byrd’s Famous Cookies
    has peach cookies that will blow your mind. Finally,
    Jen’s & Friends
    has drinkable desserts—just make sure you stay the night or have a designated driver.
  • The Crab Shack
    ($$): On Tybee, The Crab Shack is beloved by locals. It’s an easygoing seafood place rated the best in town for over 20 years.
Pro Tip Aim to spend at least two full days relaxing (and eating) in Savannah. Your tastebuds will thank you.

Lakeland

Once you’ve recovered from eating the world in Savannah, drive three hours south to Lakeland. First, you’ll follow I-95 along the coast, and then take US-82 west along a wildlife refuge to reach the "City of Murals."

Why go to Lakeland

Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lakeland, Georgia
Lakeland is off-the-beaten-path for most foodies, but that’s why we like it. You can slow down and explore the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge or marvel at murals that depict life in the 1920s.

Where to eat in Lakeland

  • Georgia Olive Farms
    : The major attraction here is Georgia Olive Farms, one of just a few olive farms in the entire state. When you stroll the groves and sample the fresh olive oil, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Italy instead of Lakeland.
  • Ray's Millpond Cafe
    ($$): If you need a full meal, head to Ray’s Millpond Cafe. It’s not fancy, but it’s always packed with locals and the view of the wetlands can’t be beaten.

Pro tips

  • It’s legal to drive without shoes in Georgia! Kick off your sneakers and relax into your trip.
  • You can drive up to 70 mph on a freeway outside the city limits, but slow down once you approach an urban area.
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Valdosta

Drive 30 minutes south to conclude your foodie road trip in the small town of Valdosta, not far from the
Florida
border.

Why go to Valdosta

There’s something special about a simple, small, southern Georgia town. Sure, Atlanta is impressive, but the Azalea City (Valdosta’s nickname) will remind you what Georgia’s food trail is all about: connection to the community.

Where to eat in Valdosta

  • Steel Magnolias
    ($$): Steel Magnolias is a must-visit for elevated comfort food that changes depending on the seasonal produce.
  • Bubba Jax Crab Shack
    ($): Bubba Jax Crab Shack is tasty and casual.
  • Ashley Street Station
    ($): Finally, let loose at Ashley Street Station, a (very) dive-y bar with live music that will serve as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the culmination of your adventure.

Honorable mentions

Dahlonega, Georgia
If you’re hunting for the best peaches, we’d be remiss not to mention
Pearson Farm
or
Lane Southern Orchards
in Fort Valley. It’s just 40 minutes from Macon and you can buy as many as you can carry.
Dahlonega is Georgia’s wine country, and it’s definitely worth spending a day here if you like to drink wine.
Pro Tip Whether you’re a peach fanatic or a barbecue fiend, tailor this road trip to your foodie goals.

Roadside assistance

We won’t nag you, but roadside assistance really is a smart investment. It’s only $6.99 with
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How to find cheap car insurance

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FAQs

How do I find locally grown food in Georgia?

The state offers a tool called
Georgia Grown
to help connect foodies with farmers. You can always ask restaurants where they get their ingredients, too.

Where can I get cheap insurance as a 26-year-old living in Georgia?

Your age, zip code, and driving history are all factors that insurance companies consider when calculating your premium.
Here’s
what we’d recommend to a 26-year-old in Georgia.
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