Looking for a getaway where you can slow down, be fully present in the moment, have meaningful experiences and melt away stress? Georgia’s Lake Country is a wonderful place to practice slow travel – delighting in somewhere or something new and relaxing with no rush to be anywhere other than where you are.

Discover our four favorite ways to embrace slow travel in four days at Georgia’s Lake Country.

1. Madison: Savor a Holistic Treat

Relax into small-town life and take time to treat your body with fresh, farm-to-table foods at Farmview Market in Madison, just an hour east of Atlanta. With a deli, grist mill, butcher, market and cafe all under one roof, take your time looking around. On Saturdays, from May through September, linger at the weekly Saturday farmer’s market and check their events list for occasional festivals and live music.

Downtown, listen to Madison Town Park’s trickling fountain as you sip on a cup of locally-roasted coffee made fresh by a certified master roaster at Oconee Coffee Roasters.

2. Greensboro: Indulge Yourself

Ready to put your feet up and relax? Indulge yourself with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, less than forty minutes southeast of downtown Madison in Greensboro. Lay in a hammock with a good book, maybe snuggled next to your significant other or lounge by the Infinity Pool with a cool drink before massaging away physical tension with a stress relief massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. In the evening, roast s’mores by the fire after dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse.

While in Downtown Greensboro, sip on craft beer and catch a show at Oconee Brewing Company, located in a renovated cotton mill warehouse. Dogs and kids are both welcome!

3. Immerse Yourself in Culture

Half an hour south of The Ritz-Carlton, between lakes Oconee and Sinclair, spend time experiencing special performances and cultural heritage in Eatonton.

Meander along 30 miles of trails around Rock Hawk Effigy and soak in the view and history of this cultural landmark. The collection of quartz rocks was organized in the shape of a hawk at an unknown date with some estimates putting it at 2,000 years ago. Rock Eagle is one of only two recognized stone effigy mounds east of the Mississippi River.

While in town, delight in a show or concert at the Plaza Arts Center. When you are hungry, stop at Iron Fork Cafe for delicious southern cooking to further immerse yourself in the local culture!

4. Luxuriate in Nature

Take in the scenery less than forty minutes further south to Milledgeville and discover numerous ways to luxuriate in nature. At the Oconee River Greenway, walk the paved trails and admire the views along the Oconee River and at designated lookouts. Or perhaps, spend a while at Lockerly Arboretum that not only has a paved trail through the property but also multiple areas of curated flowers and specialty trees.

Enjoy being outdoors and curious about the history of the area? A self-guided, Historic Walking Tour with 46 points of interest throughout historic downtown Milledgeville is popular among visitors.

Afterward, nourish your body with a delectable dining experience at Aubri Lanes at The Club, an upscale, relaxed restaurant at Lake Sinclair. Get an appetizer and a refreshing cocktail or mocktail in addition to your meal – it is a vacation after all!

Rest, relax and enjoy the beauty of each space in Georgia’s Lake Country. Take time to give yourself holistic care, indulge, immerse yourself in culture and luxuriate in nature with slow travel.