5 Fantastic Day Trips Within a 2 Hour Drive of Atlanta

One great thing about visiting Atlanta is that it's never boring. When you've seen and done all you want to do in Atlanta, there are plenty of cool activities and attractions within a two hour or so drive in any direction.

Rock On Down To Macon

For a rocking good time only an hour and a half drive from Atlanta, head south on I 75 to Macon, Georgia home of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (888-427-6257) featuring exciting exhibits, rock concerts, a music store with lots of cool stuff and even a children's wing. Southern Rock fans will also want to visit the nearby Allman Brothers Band Museum (478-741-5551). Macon also has a Museum of Arts and Sciences (478-477-3232) with a planetarium, mini zoo and children's museum. The city has plenty of beautiful mansions to see too. For a great meal, stop by Marco Italian Restaurant.

Lions, Tigers, Bears and More

There's a jungle with over a hundred wild animals from all over the world just 66 miles south of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Ride the "Zebra Bus", rent a van or drive your own car through the park and encounter lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, camels, kangaroos, alligators and more. The park also has a "walk about" zoo area. Take I-85 South to Exit 21 and follow I-185 South to Exit 42. Hang a left and the park is about 7 miles down the road. Call 800-367-2751 or visit animalsafari.com.

Head To The Hills By The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Head North about 90 miles to the Blue Ridge Mountains. See some of America's most beautiful sceneryby taking the 3.5 hr trip on a scenic railway along 26 miles of track in the mountains. Visit brscenic.com or call 877-413-8724.

Take A Hike and A Swim

Outdoor lovers won't want to miss Panther Creek Trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest about 90 miles Northwest of Atlanta in Clarksville, Georgia. This beautiful 6 mile hiking trail through a hemlock and white pine forest and along a stream ends in a cascading waterfall with a pool where you can take a refreshing dip. Great for outdoor photographers too. For more details visit georgiatrails.com.

Hot Air Balloons Over Georgia

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Lanier, Stone Mountain, The Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, Kennesaw Mountain and the Atlanta skyline. Rides depart from one of several sites 35 - 40 miles north of Atlanta in Cummings GA . For information and reservations, visit balloonsovergeorgia.com or phone 678-947-9866.