It’s May, which means my mind is already wandering to road trips, playlists, and cooler bags packed with snacks. Summer feels close enough to touch, and fall will be here before we know it. Now is the perfect time to start planning a getaway or two. Lately, I’ve been thinking about LaGrange, Georgia. Have you ever been? This West Georgia town is about two hours from Birmingham, which makes it the kind of destination that’s easy to reach but still makes for a great getaway.
The first time I visited LaGrange, my daughter and I were simply looking for a quiet mother-daughter escape. What we found was much more. We came home with a camera roll full of memories and a growing list of things to experience next time.
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Photographs courtesy of Visit LaGrange
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ASHLEY BLENCOE
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ASHLEY BLENCOE
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ASHLEY BLENCOE
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Katie Bell
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Katie Bell
One of my favorite stops was Sweetland Amphitheatre (sweetlandamp.com). We timed our trip around one of their summer concerts, and I’m so glad we did. There’s something special about live music under the stars, especially when you’re lounging on a blanket and hanging out with your favorite people. It felt casual and fun all at once. The theatre hosts a variety of shows all summer long, ranging from nostalgic bands to kid-friendly sing-alongs. You’ll want to check the ampitheatre’s event calendar to see who’s playing during your stay.
Downtown LaGrange has a charming, walkable vibe I always look for when I want to slow down. We wandered in and out of boutiques and antique shops, picked up coffee from a local cafe, and ended up staying longer than we planned at a bookstore that felt like it had a story of its own (prettygoodbooks.net).
And if you’re into history or just love a good scenic view, Hills & Dales Estate (hillsanddales.org) is worth the detour. The gardens are peaceful, the house is stunning, and there’s something grounding about walking through a place that’s been so thoughtfully preserved.
Be sure to make some time for the Biblical History Center (biblicalhistorycenter.com), an archaeological museum exploring life in ancient times. It surprised me how immersive and interesting it was. I didn’t expect to be so drawn in, but the guides are skilled storytellers who lead you through hands-on experiences that pull you into the stories behind the artifacts.
We wrapped up our trip with a visit to Great Wolf Lodge (greatwolf.com/georgia) because, let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to act like a kid again. Waterslides, lazy rivers, and funnel cake don’t exactly scream “relaxing,” but it was the kind of fun that makes you forget about your inbox and your to-do list.
LaGrange isn’t loud or flashy, but that’s part of what I love about it. It’s the kind of place where you can reconnect with your family at a slower pace. If you’re looking for a weekend that’s easy to plan but full of unexpected joy, LaGrange might just be your spot.
For more information, visit whatcherithinks.com/things-to-do-in-lagrange-ga.
Stay Safe on the Road
Summer is ripe for road trips with the family, and the last thing you want to worry about is car trouble on the way to your destination. Regular maintenance and safety checks are important to keep up with, but we were also recently sent a handy tool that is perfect to stash in your vehicle for extra peace of mind! Stay ready for any minor inconvenience on the road with BoostHero, the ultimate all-in-one portable vehicle jump-starter, flashlight, and 6,000mAh power bank. This compact device includes an impressive 800A peak jump-starting power, meaning it can safely start vehicles up to 6.0L gas and 4.0L diesel engines. Its IP65 water- and dust-resistance makes it durable and handy for all road conditions. We highly recommend keeping this lightweight and versatile tool packed in your car all summer (and year!) long (available on amazon.com).
–Stephanie Gibson Lepore