While we love our hometown of Atlanta, that love seems to grow fonder when we periodically escape the city for the wilds of Georgia- especially in the scorching, humidified heat and smog of summer. Thanks to the internet, folks fortunate enough to own vacation homes can offer others the chance to enjoy those homes in a clean, direct way. We've sampled some of Georgia's best offerings on VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) and present you three options in three price ranges, all within a 2 hour drive of Atlanta.
BIG PLACES FOR BIG BUDGETS
Big Canoe for $700-800 per night
This 'Luxurious Lakefront Country French Villa,' will house either your large family or a bunch of friends in splendor. High-end everything, stylish (if a bit strong) mountain decor and even a game room. Tons of recreation options in nature in Big Canoe.
Distance from Atlanta: approx 1 hour
http://www.vrbo.com/4118
Blue Ridge Lake (Aska) for $500 per night
Another big, custom luxury home that'll sleep 10+ people, this one's right on the lake and has a dock (though there is a boat pictured, they don't mention that you get to use it). Again, the best of everything including a game room. And since Blue Ridge Lake is only half-developed, a high-quality lake experience.
Distance from Atlanta: approx 2 hours
http://www.vrbo.com/376278
Lake Rabun for $1,800 to $4,000 per week
Lake Rabun (and nearby Lake Burton) have been the preferred getaway for affluent Atlantans for generations. Just high enough in the mountains to get clean air and some relief from the awful summer heat, Lake Rabun boasts clean water, a strong community and countless ginormous mountain retreats with boat houses along the shore like this specimen.
Distance from Atlanta: approx 2 hours
http://www.vrbo.com/352124
A NICE LITTLE GETAWAY FOR MEDIUM DOLLARS
High Above Lake Burton for $249-299 per night
While you won't be able to walk down to the water to take a swim, this house has insane views of the mountains and Lake Burton and a hot tub to enjoy them while wet.
Distance from Atlanta: approx 2 hours
http://www.vrbo.com/52975
Lake Lanier for $250-400 per night
Enjoy the very crowded reservoir known as Lake Lanier with thousands of your fellow Atlantans. Bonus: swim in your drinking water before it makes its way to your faucet.
Distance from Atlanta: approx 1 hour
http://www.vrbo.com/131587
'Alpine' Helen for $330-$360 per night
A nicely-built cabin with views for miles and room for a crowd. The faux-Bavarian kitsch of Helen has entertained Atlantans (and filled their bellies with fudge and funnel cakes) for years.
Distance from Atlanta: approx 1 hour 45 mins.
http://www.vrbo.com/140866
ESCAPES ON A BUDGET
Amicalola Falls for $145-$185 per night
A surprisingly nice house and killer views for the money, close to one of Georgia's best state parks.
Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours
http://www.vrbo.com/161442
Reynolds Plantation Golf Condo for $225 per night
A tidy, new'ish condo on one of the golf courses at Reynolds Plantation for about half the price of the Ritz Carlton down the street.
Distance from Atlanta: 1.5 hours
http://www.vrbo.com/89230
Athens from $119 per night (NOT during football season, though)
Rent this condo and explore the campus of the University of Georgia, catch a show at the newly renovated Georgia Theater and eat at one of Hugh Acheson's two killer Athens restaurants (Five & Ten or The National).
Distance from Atlanta: approx 1 hour
http://www.vrbo.com/314416
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