Great dining day trips from Atlanta?

[Swankalicious]

I'm wondering if there are any worthwhile food destinations outside Atlanta proper -- maybe combining a scenic drive with a fantastic only-in-Georgia meal. Any ideas would be MUCH appreciated -- thanks!

[Milt]

The Woodbridge Inn in Jasper is well worth the drive. http://www.woodbridgeinn.net/

[bobstripower]

agree on Blue Willow there are a couple decent places in Hiawassee,but thats a long drive. If you just want unique,not great food, the Smith House in Dahlonega is good--theres a pretty good Italian on the square in Dahlonega as well--think its called Piazzas Italian.My drill is i head up to Dahlonega early, take the roundabout scenic drive north of Dahlonga, then stop for a late lunch--if you have more time, the drive from dahlonega to Helen is very scenic, but Helen is just not a good place to eat--the only decent food ive found is the outdoor Geraman place thats right on the river--not the inside one, but the one that has outside tables--its casual but has good food,and a nice view

[ted]

Add Serenbe to the list.

If you're going to Dahlonega, the various wineries up there are worth a visit. Montaluce's restaurant was very good when we went a while ago (and has gotten good reviews since) and Wolf Mountain has more snack-y food but good.

And why not head to Athens? Lunch at The National, walk around town, beer at Trappeeze, etc.

[rcburli]

Oh yeah Athens. What about Five and Ten? Anyone been lately?

[bobstripower]

Ted--i googled montaluce since i luv Dahlonega and Italian food--is the restaurant you went to called Levigne?? can you eat there even though your not staying at Montaluce??Is it in Dahlonega--thanks bob

[ted]

I think it's the only restaurant there. I didn't realize you could stay there- we were staying elsewhere in town when we ate at the restaurant.

I know you lean toward steakhouses and the Ritz, but the whole thing felt a bit odd to me. Partially-completed Italianate (Italianate-McMansion) subdivision cut out of the woods west of Dahlonega with the winery at the center. Really nice space- rivals stuff in CA easily. But the "show casks" and video downstairs were pretty cheesy. That said, the meal was excellent. I think there at least one chef change since, but I believe they're still doing a good job based on what I've read.

[jboeke]

I agree on the Smith House. It's communical dining (family style with strangers), so last trip we sat with a table of retired New Yorkers there to visit a friend in Gainesville. The food was amazing traditional Southern food and the company just made it more enjoyable.

[rcburli]

A trip to the Blue Willow Inn is maybe what you're looking for.
http://www.bluewillowinn.com/

Maybe the Ritz at Reynold's Plantation.

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Blue Willow Inn Restaurant
294 N Cherokee Rd, Social Circle, GA 30025