The Hill & Harris Farms
Nestled just outside Athens lies a hidden gem beloved by locals for its down-home charm and family-friendly atmosphere. The Hill & Harris Farms started over 50 years ago as a simple peach shed tended by two World War II veterans. Today, it’s grown into a sprawling complex with farm animals, tractor rides, a corn maze, live music, and more – the perfect spot for a day trip with friends or family.
Getting to The Hill is easy with Charter Bus Company Athens. Our drivers know the backroads like the back of their hands, and will get your group there in no time. Once you arrive, you can spend the day exploring the farm’s many attractions. Pet the goats, take a spin on the carousel, and wander through the barnyard to visit the ducks, chickens, ponies, and pigs.
When you work up an appetite, indulge in freshly-made fudge, ice cream, funnel cakes, and other classic treats. Or stop by Miss Carolyn’s Country Kitchen for Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and peach cobbler made from the farm’s own peaches.
As the sun goes down, enjoy live folk, bluegrass, and country music performances on the Back Porch stage. Kids will get a kick out of the Hillbilly Playhouse stage show. And everyone will love gathering around the bonfire pits and roasting marshmallows under the stars.
With so much to see and do just minutes outside the city, The Hill is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of Athens. Let Charter Bus Company Athens handle the transportation, so you and your group can simply relax and soak up the laidback, countryside ambiance.
The Hill & Harris Farms
5022 New High Shoals Rd, Watkinsville, GA 30677
(706) 769-0711
Sandy Creek Nature Center
Nature lovers flock to Sandy Creek Nature Center, a gorgeous 500-acre park beloved by Athenians as a local escape into the wilderness. Charter Bus Company Athens regularly shuttles groups here to enjoy a day immersed in the forest and wetlands ecosystems.
With over 4 miles of hiking trails, it’s easy to spend hours exploring Sandy Creek’s many wonders. Follow the Creekside Trail through shady woodlands, keeping an eye out for beavers along the water. Or take the winding Ridgewalk Trail over hills blanketed in wildflowers. The interpretive Discovery Trail has educational kiosks detailing the native flora and fauna along the way.
The Nature Center building features aquariums and terrariums housing local turtles, snakes, frogs and other critters. Step into the award-winning Butterfly Encounter and mingle with dozens of native butterflies. Check the online calendar for fun public events like guided night hikes and weekend “Critter Encounters” where kids can get up-close with a hawk, skunk or armadillo.
After working up an appetite walking the trails, enjoy a picnic on the sprawling lawns around Sandy Creek’s tranquil lake. Pack a lunch or pick up grab-and-go snacks from the on-site Wildwoods Café before hitting the hiking paths. With so much natural beauty so close to downtown Athens, Sandy Creek Nature Center is the perfect eco-friendly day trip destination.
Sandy Creek Nature Center
205 Old Commerce Rd, Athens, GA 30607
(706) 613-3615
Terrapin Beer Co.
Athens is well-known for its vibrant music scene, but did you know it’s also home to one of Georgia’s top craft breweries? Founded in 2007, Terrapin Beer Company has been brewing award-winning beers from their headquarters right in Athens.
Terrapin’s 45,000-square-foot brewery and taproom is a must-visit for beer lovers, with tours showcasing their innovative brewing process and tastings of their full range of craft beers and seltzers. Sip year-round staples like the citrusy Rye Pale Ale, or seasonal favorites like Pumpkinfest brewed with real pumpkin.
Sports fans will love Terrapin’s on-site restaurant, Homeplate, with flatscreen TVs and game day specials on buckets of beer and good eats like their MLB-approved Big Bat Burger. Browse the merch shop for Terrapin brewery swag like hoodies, hats, and custom coolers that make perfect gifts.
Whether your group are dedicated “ATLiens” or out-of-towners exploring the local Athens scene, Charter Bus Company Athens provides convenient roundtrip transportation. Our drivers can give recommendations for pairing the perfect brew with a meal from one of Athens’s tasty restaurants nearby. Stop by Terrapin for an insider’s look at how your favorite beers are created – or just to relax with friends over a perfectly poured pint!
Terrapin Beer Co.
265 Newton Bridge Rd, Athens, GA 30607
(706) 549-3377
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Nestled right on the University of Georgia campus is a hidden green gem – the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Spanning 313 acres, these stunning natural grounds are home to picturesque display gardens blooming year-round with floral color.
The Children’s Garden delights little ones with interactive features like a vine-covered treehouse and fairy village. The International Garden showcases global plant diversity with areas like the Chinese Pavilion ringed by cherry trees, and the tropical Conservatory’s exotic orchids and bromeliads.
Seasonal highlights include the spring explosion of azaleas and dogwoods, summer roses, and the Chrysanthemum Festival’s fall floral showcase. Follow scenic woodland trails shaded by towering pines and take in the tranquil views from wood bridges arching over gurgling streams.
Don’t miss touring the picturesque Visitor’s Center constructed from old brick and stained glass for a historic Southern flair. Enjoy a bite at the Garden Café or pick up a plant at the Garden Gift Shop. With family programming and workshops available year-round, the State Botanical Garden is an urban oasis perfect for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Charter Bus Company Athens provides hassle-free transportation, allowing your group to explore the trails, foliage, and seasonal gardening events at your own leisurely pace. Come experience these stunning natural gardens in the heart of the Classic City!
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
2450 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
(706) 542-1244
North Georgia Wineries
Just a quick charter bus ride from Athens lie the rolling hills and scenic vineyards of North Georgia wine country. Local wineries craft crisp white and fruity red wines from hybrid and native grapes ideal for the Southern climate. Taste award-winning vintages at family-owned vineyards established for over 40 years.
Frogtown Cellars in Dahlonega sits on a 210
acre estate with ruby Port-style wines, vineyard tours, and live music on their spacious wrap-around porch with mountain views. Hit the new Ivy Vine Winery in Commerce to enjoy delicious dry reds and sweet muscadine wines in a rustic chic tasting room.
Unwind with a glass of crisp Chardonnay or subtle Rose on the patio at Three Sisters Vineyards in Cleveland, known for premium wines in a friendly, unpretentious setting. At Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, sample hardy wines like their bronze-medal Tempranillo along with brick oven pizza.
With so many vineyards to explore in the North Georgia foothills, a day or weekend winery-hopping makes for an unforgettable group outing. Charter Bus Company Athens offers transportation services for bachelorette parties, weddings, corporate outings, friends getaways, and private events at Georgia’s burgeoning urban and rural wineries. Leave the driving to us while you simply relax and savor spectacular winescene vistas!
Ivy Vine Winery
2600 Hamilton Mill Rd, Commerce, GA 30529
(706) 335-5608
Frogtown Cellars
700 Ridge Point Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 865-0687
Soul Vegan Atlanta
For down-home Southern comfort food with a healthy plant-based twist, Soul Vegan is a must-try eatery 25 minutes from Athens in Atlanta. This Black-owned, vegan restaurant crafts soul food classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, candied yams and cornbread – all 100% meat and dairy free.
Even meat lovers will be amazed at the flavors packed into their chicken wings, made from soy protein with a crispy cornflake breading. Try their signature lasagna layered with sweet potato noodles, cashew cheese, zucchini, and spinach. Don’t skip dessert – their peach cobblers, sweet potato pies, and layer cakes are out of this world.
The husband-and-wife owners source organic ingredients from local growers to craft nutritious, sustainable vegan comfort food. With a bright, welcoming ambiance and helpful staff, it’s no wonder Soul Vegan was voted one of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants.
Charter Bus Company Athens provides a relaxed ride to this Black-owned gem without the traffic hassle. We’ll get you there in time to beat the crowds for Sunday Gospel Brunch, a longstanding local tradition. Come satisfy your soul – and your appetite – at this Southern vegan favorite!
Soul Vegan Atlanta
1579-B Lee Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 755-4386
Stone Mountain Park
Just 20 minutes east of Atlanta lies a natural marvel perfect for a group day-cation – the iconic Stone Mountain Park. Family attractions include an antebellum plantation, riverboat cruises, mini golf, and a Great Locomotive Adventure with mini train rides.
At the mountain’s base, walk the 1-mile nature trail around tranquil Grist Mill Pond before taking the 8-minute Summit Skyride tram up to the top. The skyride offers panoramic views of the 600-foot granite mountain, a unique geological feature formed over 300 million years ago!
Kids will love racing down the Alpine Slide or soaring over the park and lakes on the scenic SkyHike ropes adventure course. cap off your visit with an unforgettable evening at the Lasershow Spectacular – a dynamic projected light display on the mountain set to music.
With endless activities for all ages and interests, it’s easy to make a day of it at Stone Mountain Park. Let Charter Bus Company Athens handle the driving, allowing you to simply enjoy the natural wonders and family fun!
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(800) 401-2407
Elachee Nature Science Center
Situated on 1,400 acres of protected Georgia wilderness, the Elachee Nature Science Center lets your group get up-close with native plants and wildlife. Follow nearly 7 miles of scenic public trails through rolling forests and wetlands that act as an important wildlife corridor.
The on-site Chicopee Nature Center features educational exhibits highlighting the local flora and fauna. Check the schedule for awesome hands-on programs like reptile encounters and nocturnal animal experiences that bring the outdoors in.
Outside, get a new perspective wading through the bog garden’s floating walkways. Kids will love getting their hands dirty investigating water ecology at Cub’s Creek pond. Extend your visit with a picnic by the scenic Chattahoochee River. With engaging activities and unspoiled natural habitats, Elachee makes environmental education come alive!
Let Charter Bus Company Athens provide round-trip transportation to this eco-friendly hidden gem, located just 30 minutes east of Athens. We’ll ensure your group gets the most out of this outdoor experience while leaving the driving to us!
Elachee Nature Science Center
2125 Elachee Dr, Gainesville, GA 30504
(770) 535-1976
Centennial Olympic Park
Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park was created as the centerpiece gathering spot for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Today, its sprawling 21 acres remains an iconic city landmark and popular site for festivals, concerts, recreational activities, and family gatherings.
Stroll the sidewalks and open lawns under a canopy of trees, or have a picnic by the scenic fountain. Kids love splashing and playing in the interactive Fountain of Rings. See larger-than-life statues honoring key Olympic figures. And don’t miss the water shows choreographed nightly to lights and music at the Dancing Fountains!
Special seasonal events happen year-round, like free yoga classes, game days with giant lawn chess and life-size dice, and the winter Wonderland ice skating trail. Concerts and major festivals like Music Midtown and Peach Drop New Year’s Eve take over the open event grounds. Charter Bus Company Athens makes getting your group to these city happenings a breeze!
With so much to experience in this vibrant park, Centennial Olympic Park is a must-visit Atlanta attraction. Let us handle transportation to your next get-together while you relax and enjoy the festivities!
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 223-4412
Plan Your Trip with Charter Bus Company Athens
Athens is brimming with incredible hidden destinations from outdoor adventures to delectable Southern vegan cuisine to craft breweries and urban oases – you just have to know where to look! Avoid the traffic and parking headaches by letting Charter Bus Company Athens provide easy group transportation to Athens’s local secrets and to beloved Atlanta attractions.
Call 706-583-6708 to book a customized bus rental for your upcoming trip. Our team is available 24/7 to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have along the way. We look forward to helping you and your group explore the Classic City’s gems!