12 Days of Christmas: Experience the Holidays Along Georgia’s Hospitality Highway

If you are in need of some holiday fun or searching for ways to recapture the holiday spirit, look no further than to the seven communities that make up Georgia’s Hospitality Highway. Stretching from north Fulton County to Lumpkin County, these towns and cities located off Georgia 400 are celebrating in style. From historic home tours to celebrations and yes, even shopping, you’ll definitely experience the excitement of the holiday season.

Here’s some things to do during this time of year along Georgia’s Hospitality Highway:

• Tour the three historic Southern Trilogy homes in Roswell, all decked out in holiday splendor. “I Collect Christmas at Barrington Hall” (through December 30), includes 19th century antique ornaments and vintage nutcrackers on display. The rooms at the historic Bulloch Hall tell the story of the 12 Days of Christmas. Through January 3, you can take a self-guided tour to see the interpretation of the song. The Smith Plantation Home’s “Winter Wonderland on the Plantation” (through January 10) highlights nature with antebellum plants and wildlife.
• In Dahlonega, you can enjoy the Old Fashioned Christmas festival through December 31. Taking place on the Public Square, the free event includes entertainment, refreshments, Santa (for a limited time), extended shopping hours and more.
• Georgia’s Hospitality Highway is a great place to be if you are in need of last minute gifts and/or stocking stuffers, or maybe even something small for yourself.  Pick up something from one of the malls, such as the well-know Lenox Square (Buckhead), Phipps Plaza (Buckhead) and Northpoint Mall (Alpharetta). There’s also North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville. Find something unique at Red Baron Antiques in Sandy Springs. Explore the shops at The Avenue Forsyth and be sure to pick up something sweet at Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates . The options for finding a special gifts or a one-of-a-kind gift are endless.

photo credit: (top left) Alpharetta Tree Lighting, courtesy of Alpharetta CVB; (bottom right) Christmas at Smith Plantation, courtesy of Historic Roswell CVB