Shopping, spa-ing–plus a distillery, kayak adventure, quail hunting and more in South Georgia
Off the beaten path, find the ideal destination–Albany, Georgia–for reconnecting. Located near I-10 in Southwest, Georgia, and only 30 minutes from I-75, this idyllic city is the perfect escape for reviving the romance. From the outdoorsy types to luxury-lovers, this small town charmer has something for every couple.
Day 1:
Comfort food is good for the soul. Start the day with breakfast at Pearly’s. There’s a reason they’ve been voted “Best of the Best” three years running! This family owned diner will take you back to the way grandma made it. 814 N. Slappey Blvd., Albany, GA 31701; PearlysFamousCountryCooking.com
Burn off some of those delicious breakfast calories with Kayak Attack Adventures and paddle down the gorgeous Flint River. Sweating together is a natural aphrodisiac! 229-669-1259; www.Facebook.com/KAYAK-Attack-Adventures-924123437604107
Annie, get your gun! Engage in the South’s quintessential quail hunting experience at Wynfield Plantation and let the area’s natural beauty paint the backdrop for this extraordinary date. 5030 Leary Road, Albany GA 31721; WynfieldPlantation.com
Rest easy at Merry Acres Inn, with its Southern historic charm. Catch up over cocktails at the Manor House Pub located at the hotel. 1500 Dawson Rd., Albany, GA 31707; MerryAcres.com
TIP: Take the inn’s free shuttle to The Catch for dinner. Start off with the best hushpuppies the South has to offer! Order from their oyster bar–eat em’ raw off the shell or baked to perfection. 2332 Whispering Pines Rd., Albany, GA 31707; Catch.Stewbos.com
Day 2:
Wake up and enjoy your complimentary hot breakfast in the comfort of your own hotel.
Take a quick day trip to Still Pond Vineyard and Distillery. Enjoy strolling through the lush vineyards. Sample some of Still Pond’s 18 award-winning wines and savor sips of the vodka awarded a Double Gold medal by The Fifty Best, an online guide to fine living, featuring rated listings from unbiased, proprietary blind tastings by wine/spirits journalists, spirits professionals, retailers, mixologists, spirits consultants and connoisseurs. 1575 Still Pond Rd., Arlington, GA 39813; StillPond.com
Take it easy at Oasis Day Spa and Salon with a couples’ massage. 1410 Dawson Rd, Albany, GA 31707; www.Facebook.com/Oasis-Day-Spa-and-Salon-of-Albany-772591222765080
After getting pampered, it’s time to eat like royalty. The Flint, aptly named for its location alongside the Flint River, serves succulent Southern fare like fresh seafood sensations of stuffed flounder and fried catfish. 112 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-302-3568, www.
Day 3:
Start your day with a boost at Elements Coffee Company where you can reminisce about your weekend while making future plans to keep the fire burning. 2726 Ledo Rd, Albany, GA 31707; www.Facebook.com/elementscoffee
Grab a cup to go and head to Lancaster Village, home to upscale boutiques. Find one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories for little ones at The LIttle Lane Shop. Or score something for the house at Kay Fuller Interiors. Throughout Albany, find a wide variety of authentically Albany boutiques. VisitAlbanyGA.com/Shop
For a grand finale date night to remember try The Flint, which opened doors in Summer 2019. Owned and operated by the Singfield family, the same tour de force behind Albany Fish Company, The Flint is a full-service fine dining restaurant situated along the Flint River and remains true to local roots while exploring the flavors of the world. Couples will salivate over Southern cuisine with a modern twist, including Stuffed Flounder and Fried Catfish, while celebrating a romance in a gathering place featuring the freshest seafood and richest Southern cuisine in Southwest Georgia. 112 Pine Avenue; www.TheFlintAlbanyGeorgia.com
With Albany’s quaint feel and variety of options for memory-making, you will ignite a spark with a trip that’s off the beaten path.