If you’re looking for a quick, charming escape from Birmingham, let me tell you about LaGrange, GA. Just a short 2-hour drive, LaGrange is like stepping into a Hallmark movie—quaint, historic, and bursting with charm.
Exploring LaGrange:
From the moment we arrived, we were enchanted by LaGrange’s picturesque streets. Imagine strolling through local boutiques and indulging in mouthwatering treats from places like Crave Cookie and the Medicine Cabinet Soda Shoppe. The shops, the main street, the town square—it all felt like the perfect backdrop for a Hallmark Christmas movie. And guess what? LaGrange actually was the filming location for a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2023! (yes, we googled it!) Downtown LaGrange is also home to a couple of museums and for nature lovers, it’s close to The Thread, a multipurpose trail that stretches 29 miles and connects LaGrange’s parks and attractions. Great for walking and biking.
Top Attractions:
The highlight of our trip? The Animal Safari Park! We got up close and personal with zebras, buffalo, deer and more. With 500 acres and over 550 animals, it’s one of the most unique attractions we’ve ever experienced. We drove through in our own car, and it was so worth it to go at our own pace. If you ever do this, take your own car, trust me on this one. And, pro tip. Get an extra bag of food and don’t touch it until you hit the half way point, the little guys at the back of the park are hungry too and you’ll fly through that food fast, it’s impossible to pace yourself, they’re so cute you’ll want to feed them all.
Just a few minutes from LaGrange is the Great Wolf Lodge, an indoor water park. If you’re opting for a day pass to the park, head over for a night and day in LaGrange to extend your trip, you won’t be sorry.
Food and Shopping
LaGrange boasts a variety of dining options everyone in the family will love! We enjoyed delicious Mexican cuisine at Trios Cantina and amazing pizza at Karvela’s. In the Hillside District, we discovered cute outfits at Home & Thread Thriftique, had lunch at Beacon Brewing, and the BEST ice cream at Rock Salt Milk Bar. I’m not kidding—this ice cream is life-changing! It’s made fresh from natural ingredients, and their waffle bowls taste like sugar cookies. Seriously, if you go for nothing else, go for the ice cream!
Accommodations:
Courtyard Marriott. Located within walking distance to so many of the shops, boutiques, restaurants, movie theater, Wild Leap Brewery, we walked everywhere the first day and night. So very convenient. If you’re into camping, we’re told there are some good camp grounds nearby.
Why LaGrange?
If you’re planning a quick getaway or a trip to the safari or water park, add a night or two in LaGrange. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a charming town with lovely people, and it’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
For more information about LaGrange or to plan your visit (hello, Moms Weekend and Nutwood Winery… We’re coming for you!) Visit the LaGrange Website
