With winter in full swing, getaway plans may be in hibernation. But winter travels can be just as refreshing as summer ones, especially when you are as excited about where you’re going to lay your head as where you’ll end up; accommodations can be as delightful as the long-awaited planned activities.
Many motels are throw-backs to their beginnings in the 1950s, when road trips delivered a night’s stay at one of the roadside icons. Completely renovated, these 20th-century motor inns are transfigured with modern décor and amenities. Other properties are reclaimed buildings, transformed into a traveler’s dream, providing accommodations for the entire family while having all the comforts — and necessities — of home.
And just like Old Man Winter himself, what’s old is new again, and this list is a testimony to the most unique lodging available in the state and beyond — all sprinkled with tales steeped in history. Who’s up for a weekend getaway?
The Rushmore
1175 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia
In a renovated 1918 home near the Five Points community, luxury defines your stay at The Rushmore. It’s an Airbnb oozing with character, highlighting its reclaimed hardwood floors and beautiful brick exterior. The Rushmore feels like home and provides one of the most unique boutique overnight experiences in The Classic City.
Each room and suite is beautifully appointed with amenities such as Grown Alchemist products and Peacock Alley linens. Natural light exposes the beauty of the walls, highlighting the moody blues and geometric shapes. Enjoy a curated breakfast — different each morning — to start the stay or grab-and-go as you head out into the city.
As the only property of its kind in the area, rooms book quickly. Book online at stayathbnb.com.
What to check out in town: Athens is known for live music venues and seasonal craft fairs for the perfect shopping adventure. visitathensga.com
New South Motor Inn
1240 Eatonton Road, Madison, Georgia
Formerly the Old South Motor Inn, the renovated inn reminds passersby of the motels along highways during road trips of the 1960s and 1970s. Built in the 1950s, it provided accommodations to those visiting the antebellum city of Madison.
Building on its history as well as redefining it for the 21st century, New South Motor Inn offers affordable prices for its 15 rooms decorated with vibrant colors and 1,000 thread count sheets. From classic rooms to deluxe king and queen suites, accommodations provide relaxation for the travelers who are enjoying the small-town charm of historic Madison.
For booking and information, visit newsouthmotorinn.com.
What to check out in town: Small town charm with award winning restaurants, pampering spas, and fascinating architecture and museums, you’ll love this charming town.
Hotel Clermont
789 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta
Once upon a time, the term Michelin wasn’t associated with the infamous Hotel Clermont. However, in 2025, the hotel, tucked away from the madness of downtown, leans into its 2024 Michelin Key recognition and offers a boutique experience far from the reputation it garnered during its early years.
Built in 1924 as apartment homes, Hotel Clermont welcomed the good and the bad until it closed in 2009. In 2018, a visionary saw the possibilities and, after a multi-million-dollar renovation, reopened the space full of energy with retro vibes and a destination-worthy food scene.
Located in the Ponce de Leon-Virginia Highlands neighborhood, it has 94-rooms including two lavish suites (The Flossie and The Ruby) that beg for a longer stay.
For more information, visit hotelclermont.com.
What to check out in town: Your downtown, the sky’s the limit! Check out a show at the Fox, the new exhibit “The Lost World: The Art of Minnie Evans” at the High Museum of Art or the celebrate the holidays at the Georgia Aquarium.
The Kress
1505 Newcastle St., Brunswick, Georgia
Built in 1909 as part of a five and dime department store chain, The Kress is now an iconic location in downtown Brunswick that is redefining Southern hospitality. Offering one-and-two-bedroom accommodations, each includes a full kitchen along with washers and dryers. The beautiful wood flooring is original to the structure.
Head to the rooftop for dinner at the 1509 and experience the food while taking in the sweeping views. The 1509 also has a cigar lounge, with an extensive cigar and bourbon menu that will top off the evening perfectly. As the sun goes down, step out onto your room’s balcony and relax.
For best room selection, reservations are encouraged through their online site, kressbrunswick.com.
What to check out in town: Explore Brunswick’s historic squares and downtown shops, while enjoying beach views and mild temperatures.
Thunderbird Inn
611 West Oglethorpe Avenue, Savannah
If hip and groovy define your style, follow the neon to Thunderbird Inn in downtown Savannah, listed as USA Today’s Top Ten Best Retro Hotels in the USA.
Built in 1964, the inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent a full renovation in 2018 of its 42 rooms and is a monument to pop culture. Don’t forget to grab a bag of popcorn when you and your pups check in to this pet-friendly inn. It’s a nod to simpler times when all you needed was a Moon Pie and a RC Cola.
For more information, visit thethunderbirdinn.com.
What to check out in town: Savannah has a many seasonal treats like the transformation of the Savannah’s City Market into a holiday bazaar and the cozy holiday pop up bars that emerge across the city perfect for a New Year’s Toast. We recommend Frosty’s Holiday Pop Up Bar Julian atop Thompson Savannah for a winter wonderland, specialty cocktails and amazing views of the Savannah River.
The Groovy Nomad
133395 N. Main Street, Trenton, Georgia
Established as the Southland Motel in the 1950s and nestled beside the roadway to catch the traveler’s eye, The Groovy Nomad has taken retro to an entirely new, cosmic level. Each of its ten rooms has a funky theme and features mid-century modern vintage décor.
Don’t worry, modern amenities like coffee makers and mini-refrigerators make for a comfortable stay. And the cherry on top, each room comes with a pass to Cloudland Canyon State Park, just seven miles away.
For more information, visit thegroovynomad.com.
What to check out in town: You just can miss the aforementioned trip to Cloudland Canyon State Park, often ranked the best in the state.
Consider these North Carolina Destinations
If a getaway takes you to North Carolina, consider one of these beautifully restored properties.
Hemlock Inn, Blowing Rock
134 Morris St., Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Enjoy a mountain getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains at this charming inn that was once Blowing Rock’s first boarding house in 1874. Back then it was owned by William Morris, known for this cooking and hospitality, but in 1929 the Morris House was purchased from the family and later became the Hemlock Inn in 1994 when it was lovingly restored by the Summers family. The original inn has been refurbished and additional rooms added, offering a rustic, mountain setting for all its guests with hard wood flooring and antique décor. Hurricane Helene made a few punches but now Hemlock Inn is back and better than ever.
As for what to do nearby, you can walk to downtown restaurants and shopping in the charming mountain town of Blowing Rock as well as cruise the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Falls, Julian Price Park, Grandfather Mountain, Moses Cone Memorial Park and explore a bounty of trails ripe for adventure.
For reservations, visit hemlockinn.net.
Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort
14981 Tapoco Rd., Robbinsville, North Carolina
If ever there was a spot within nature that envelopes travelers in rest and relaxation, it’s the Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its history began in the 1930s with the construction of the Cheoah Dam — which you may recognize from Harrison Ford’s famous jump in The Fugitive — when the lodge was originally built to house Tapoco employees working on area projects. Today, the 120-acre property has been completely renovated, adding floral gardens, hiking trails and cabin lodging for guests.
Dine at The Tavern, which sits feet from the Cheoah River, and on water release dates, marvel at the kayakers who fight the rapids. Just pass the resort entrance as you cross into Tennessee, take on the Tail of the Dragon; it’s 11 miles of 318-curves that is sure to get your heart, as well as your engine, racing.
For reservations, visit tapoco.com.
Rhodes Motor Lodge
1377 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, North Carolina
Rhodes Motor Lodge, once Greene’s Motel, sits on a hillside with a view of bustling Boone. Built in 1958, this property thrived until the mid-1970s when it was sold and, later, completely renovated.
It’s 54-room minimalist accommodations are welcoming and offer a one-of-a-kind boutique experience. Named for the rhododendrons that bloom each spring, the lodge features rooms with luxury linens, wool blankets, tree-trunk nightstands, and a Coleman cooler ice bucket. Over Yonder, the restaurant located in the lobby area, serves lunch and dinner alongside the glowing fireplace.
For reservations, visit rhodesmotorlodge.com.
