Savannah

Step back in time as you walk into Leopold’s Ice Cream parlor (212 E. Broughton St., Savannah. 912-234-4442, leopoldsicecream.com). This vintage shop has been pleasing locals and visitors to Savannah for nearly a century when three Greek brothers had the notion to open an ice cream parlor using only premium ingredients. Along with ice cream and desserts, the parlor also serves soups and sandwiches. Still family owned, Leopold’s is staying ahead of the curve with its recent addition of vegan ice cream, and now fans nationwide can scoop up this legendary ice cream because Leopold’s started shipping the frozen treat.

What do you do with a has-been Atlantic Greyhound bus terminal that just happens to beautifully epitomize the art moderne architectural style? Easy, you transform it into a drop-dead gorgeous restaurant and call it the Grey (109 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah. 912-662-5999, thegreyrestaurant.com). From 1938 to 1965, the terminal served Savannah, and now this architecturally significant building turns out soulful Southern fare highlighting regional ingredients.

It isn’t as if the South doesn’t have its share of military museums, but the Webb Military Museum (411 E. York St., Savannah. 912-663-0398, webbmilitarymuseum.com), which opened in 2015, stands out among the rest. Every item exhibited comes from Gary Webb’s personal collection, which he began collecting as a young boy. Webb’s London-born mother would tell him stories about life during the Second World War, prompting his interest in the personal tales that were attached to the artifacts. His museum is a hit with visitors who flock to this former stable to take in the personal correspondence as well as the objects belonging to those who served.

In 1889, Hotel Tybee came to life as one of the top hotels in the country. Eventually, the beachside vacation spot became the Ocean Plaza Resort, but new owners have taken over, extensively renovated and given the place back its original moniker, Hotel Tybee (1401 Strand Ave., Tybee Island. 912-786-7777, hoteltybee.com). As always, guests are steps away from the Atlantic and bustling Tybrisa Street with its array of eateries and shops. You won’t have far to go to enjoy time at the Tybee Marine Science Center located next to Hotel Tybee. Grab a bike, moped or an island hopper golf cart to explore quirky and always entertaining Tybee Island.

When visiting Tybee Island, don’t miss the Civil War history lesson that awaits at the beautifully maintained Fort Pulaski National Monument on Cockspur Island (U.S. 80 East, Savannah. 912-786-8182, nps.gov). Select from guided or self-guided tours, bike or hike the many trails throughout the fort or simply fish the day away. When you’re exploring the fort, make sure to get a view of the historic, hurricane-plagued Cockspur Lighthouse.

Camp off the grid as you would have 100 or more years ago on Little Tybee (912-786-5444, www.exploretybee.com), the uninhabited barrier island south of Tybee Island. This bare-bones wilderness nature preserve is accessible only by boat. You’ll have to bring along any amenities you want. The trade-off is spectacular, though, because not only will you be sharing space with pristine Atlantic beaches, but osprey and bald eagles are known to nest on the island. There are no fees to camp on Little Tybee, and you can rent a kayak or secure a charter to take you and your gear to the island.

North Georgia

Settled among the diverse ecosystems that make up the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 216-acre Elohee Retreat Center (81 Hobart Lane, Sautee Nacoochee. 770-316-9195, elohee.org, @EloheeRetreat) offers its guests an array of healthful, restful courses ranging from art, writing, yoga and meditation. The land was first purchased as a family getaway by Andy and Carolyn Bralley when their daughter, Eve Cook, was struggling with cancer. Today, Cook and her parents have created a serene sanctuary — part spa, part nature retreat — “facilitating the healing of mind and body.”

As a former stagecoach stop, Glen-Ella Springs Inn (1789 Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville. 706-754-7295, glenella.com) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the inn has long been a favorite resting spot for those seeking respite from a day’s hike or chasing waterfalls, it also enjoys a reputation as a destination for fine dining. Award-winning Glen-Ella Springs restaurant wraps its guests in warm woods, professional service and signature dishes that might include a composition of sauteed jumbo shrimp, peppers and andouille sausage served with a smoked tomato sauce and fried Parmesan grits cake.

Forget everything you think you know when it comes to hiking in the North Georgia mountains. For an unforgettable day trip, consider exploring — and climbing — the historic Glassy Mountain lookout metal fire tower (coordinates N 34° 50.816’ W 083° 30.083’, nhlr.org) perched atop the 3,400-foot Glassy Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Rabun County. (Don’t confuse this with the Grassy Mountain fire tower in Murray County.) The 55-foot metal tower was built in 1941, and visitors are free to climb its steps for a grand reward — 360-degree views of the mountains, including Lake Burton and Brasstown Bald. Next to the fire tower, you’ll notice a helipad that’s still in use. Note that if you make the trek in cooler weather, you’ll come up against turbulent winds, so dress appropriately. At the end of the hike, you can reward yourself at Stonewall Creek Vineyards, neatly positioned at the base of Glassy Mountain.

The area around Amicalola Falls State Park welcomed a new restaurant last year when Sourwood Café (60 Northgate Station Drive, Marble Hill. 470-695-3600) opened its doors. It seems that many of the diners aren’t sure whether the highest praise goes to the casual Southern classic fare or to the attentive staff. Don’t be misled by the use of the term Southern. Sure, you’ll find exemplary fried chicken, and a finely tuned cocktail and notable wines, but this is also the place for a classic salade nicoise and, when the season permits, freshly picked chanterelles tossed with pasta, butter and fresh herbs. Sourwood Café offers indoor and al fresco dining, and frequent spirits tastings.

When you brag that you’re located in the moonshine capital of the world, then you’d better back up that statement with plenty of potent ‘shine. Visitors to Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery (415 Highway 53 E., Dawsonville. 770-401-1211, dawsonvillemoonshinedistillery.com) won’t be disappointed as they tour the facility and get a first-hand look at the workings of an authentic craft distillery. NASCAR fans will want to check out Bill Elliott’s Dawsonville Moonshine whiskey and brandy. All of the spirits are made with locally grown ingredients. In October, the distillery celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Mountain Moonshine Festival in downtown Dawsonville, hosted by Kare for Kids.

It’s no secret that NASCAR likely wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for moonshine and the bootleggers who tore through the South’s back roads in an effort to outrun the law while transporting their illicit bounty. So, it makes perfect sense that the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame Museum (415 Highway 53 E., Dawsonville. 706-216-7223) and the distillery share the same complex. In fact, so does City Hall. If you’re a fan of fast cars, history and white lightning, this is the place for you.