Winter in Cobb County often brings a strange mix of busy schedules, cooler mornings, and that quiet urge to get away for a bit. A weekend escape can bring real relief from stress without requiring flights or complicated planning. North Georgia delivers mountain views, cozy stays, and surprising winter fun, all within a couple of hours of Marietta.
Here are six winter weekend spots that locals love for good reason.
Blue Ridge
Roughly 75 miles north of Marietta, Blue Ridge is a winter favorite for good reason. The town sits in the heart of the North Georgia mountains and feels especially inviting once the temperatures drop.
Winter brings long-range mountain views and crisp air that makes everything feel clearer. Many visitors choose cabin rentals with fireplaces, porches, and soaking tubs, creating the perfect setup for slow mornings and quiet nights. Sitting by the fire after a day outside brings an easy sense of comfort.
Blue Ridge is also a dream spot for outdoor lovers. Waterfalls, forest trails, and access points to the Appalachian Trail keep hiking season alive through winter. The cooler weather makes longer walks more comfortable and the scenery feels calmer without summer crowds.
Back in town, small shops, friendly locals, and solid food options make evenings easy. Breweries and tasting rooms add a relaxed social scene, while restaurants range from down-home Southern cooking to casual upscale dining.
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort
About an hour from Marietta, Chateau Elan feels like a full reset without the long drive. Set across 3,500 acres in Braselton, this resort blends wine country calm with polished luxury.
Winter here feels intentional. Cool mornings settle over the vineyards, creating a quiet atmosphere that invites slower days. Guests can tour the winery, enjoy tastings of the estate’s handcrafted wines, or settle in for long meals across five chef-driven restaurants.
The spa offers deep relaxation through restorative treatments that melt away stress. Afternoon tea beneath the glass-topped atrium adds a soft, elegant touch to winter afternoons. There is also golf, culinary classes, and a speakeasy and bourbon bar for evenings that lean more social.
100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton, GA 30517 | @chateau_elan
Mountain Top Inn and Resort
Located about 92 miles south of Marietta in Warm Springs, Mountain Top Inn and Resort offers a quieter kind of winter escape. Perched atop Pine Mountain and surrounded by 9,000 acres of protected state forest, the setting feels peaceful and deeply grounding.
This is the type of place where nature leads the experience. Tall trees, winding trails, and open sky encourage visitors to slow down and breathe deeper. Nights bring stars and stillness that feel rare.
The resort’s log cabin rentals provide comfort without distractions. Many include fireplaces, hot tubs, and full kitchens, making it easy to settle in. Front and back porches offer space to sit quietly and take in the surroundings.
Nearby FDR State Park adds outdoor adventure through hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and seasonal activities. Horseback riding and access to the Pine Mountain Trail bring energy to daytime hours.
177 Royal Lodge Dr, Warm Springs, GA 31830 | @mountaintopresort
Timberline Glamping at Unicoi State Park
About an hour from Marietta, Timberline Glamping near Helen offers a winter stay that blends comfort with adventure. Located inside Unicoi State Park and just two miles from downtown Helen, this destination brings camping and convenience together.
The safari-style tents are heated for winter and include real beds with proper linens, electricity, mini fridges, and Keurig coffee makers. This setup allows guests to enjoy the outdoors without giving up comfort. Fire pits, hammocks, and string lights add warmth and atmosphere to evenings.
Unicoi State Park spans over 1,000 acres and centers around a scenic lake. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and forest paths keep days active. Being close to Helen means easy access to shops, restaurants, and seasonal events without staying directly in town.
1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545 | @timberline_unicoi
Stone Mountain Park
Less than an hour from Marietta, Stone Mountain Park offers a winter getaway that stays close to home while still feeling eventful. Spread across 3,200 acres, the park blends outdoor recreation with seasonal attractions and on-site lodging.
Winter is a great time to explore the park’s trails, historic areas, and scenic viewpoints without heavy crowds. The campground provides multiple lodging styles, including yurts and safari tents, for those who want to stay overnight.
Stone Mountain Park shines during seasonal festivals. The Lunar New Year Festival runs from mid-February through early March and celebrates traditions from several Asian cultures. Highlights include a drone and light show, cultural activities, live performances, and a festive parade.
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 | @stonemountainpark
Lanier Islands Resort
An hour north of Marietta, Lanier Islands Resort brings winter fun to the shores of Lake Lanier. Spanning 1,200 acres, the resort offers something for nearly every type of traveler.
Winter transforms the property through seasonal attractions like Snow Island at Margaritaville. Families can enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and fresh snow play, all without leaving Georgia. The energy feels joyful and nostalgic.
Lodging options range from hotel rooms and villas to lake houses and glamping sites. Guests can relax by fireplaces, stroll along paved trails, or enjoy lakeside dining with water views.
7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518 | @lanierislands
A Winter Reset Worth Taking
Winter weekends offer a chance to step away from routines and reconnect with what feels good. Wine country, forest cabins, and lakeside resorts all deliver different kinds of relief. These destinations prove that a refreshing escape does not require a long drive. Sometimes, the best reset is closer than expected.
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