day trips from gateshead

THE BEST Day Trips from Gateshead

Day trips from gateshead.

• Gateshead to Washington
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tynemouth Priory and George Washington Old Hall Private Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Vera Tour of Northumberland TV Locations

Private Tour - The Scottish Borders

Bamburgh and Lindisfarne Day Tour

Beamish the Living Museum of the North Private Tour

Cruise excursion / Private Tour: Wizard's Tale at Alnwick Castle

3 day walking tour of Northumberland Coast and Castles

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla

Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

Day trips from Gateshead

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln (England)

York Minster

Peak District

Lake District National Park

Loch Lomond

Stirling Castle

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Whiski Bar & Restaurant

Cairngorm National Park

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Travel time from Gateshead, United Kingdom

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Distance from Gateshead, United Kingdom

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Gateshead, United Kingdom is at latitude/longitude coordinates 54° 56' 42" N  /  1° 37' 3" W

DAY EXCURSIONS

Welcome to JH Coaches Day Trips, where adventure meets convenience! Our company specializes in providing exhilarating day trips to a variety of exciting destinations. Whether you're seeking a scenic escape to the countryside, a cultural exploration of historic sites, or an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure, we have the perfect excursion for you. With our comfortable and reliable transportation, expert guides, and carefully crafted itineraries, you can sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences. Join us for a day of discovery, relaxation, and fun as we embark on unforgettable journeys together. Click HERE to view our 2024 Day Excursion Brochure! 

Home > Day Trips

Jh coaches day trips....

Welcome aboard!

The JH Coaches 2024  Day Excursion brochure is available by  clicking here.

We have searched high and low to bring you new and exciting destinations as well as plenty of old favourites. We believe that you will be spoilt for choice and truly is something for everyone!

Our friendly, knowledgeable and professional drivers are at the very heart of the success of every JH Coaches tour and look forward to welcoming you on board.

Our fleet of modern coaches are fitted with seat belts and have the latest features for your added safety and comfort.

The programme includes trips operating from the beginning of March through to the end of December. You have a selection of 180 trips between the 10th March and the 15th December, featuring a great choice of interesting and unique destinations for all ages. Some of these trips include live shows, festivals, scenic tours, Christmas markets, special events and MORE. Take our NEW trip for example, The Valleys, Spells & Fells gives you the chance to visit the Boundary Outlet at Colne before heading to meet our guide. We will be taken to Whalley, England’s largest village before continuing through unforgettable countryside to Downham, home to many films and BBC drama series. We then ascend the famous Pendle Hill, long associated with the Lancashire witches and pass through Sabden village before ending with more stunning scenic views of the valley. We then have time at Oswaldtwistle Mills, this former weaving mill has over 100 retailers all under one roof. Or if you enjoy the countryside, we have our Bowness on Windermere Day Excursion. Plus, we have amazing family and children orientated trips with Wildlife Parks, Theme-parks and Museums all included in our new brochure! There really is something for everyone. So don’t be shy and book now! The hard copy of the brochure should be back from the printers next week so if you haven’t already added yourself onto the mailing list, get in touch now!!

If you would like to be added to our mailing list for future brochures/timetables simply  press on the contact tab and insert your email address, name and postal address – and quote “Day Trip or Blackpool brochures”.

How can I book?

Call our Sales Team on:

0191 410 4107

Using any major debit/credit card

Book online:  www.jhminibreaks.co.uk

OUR DAY EXCURSIONS  EIGHT MAIN CATAGORIES...

View each our of day excursion categories below. You can click on each button and this will take you to the day excursions under each category on our book website! 

COASTAL RESORTS

Family favourites, festive season, houses & gardens, retail therapy, scenic splendour, special events, trains, planes, boats, terms & conditions.

Some excursions have been planned many months in advance and unavoidably dates/details may change, so we reserve the right to amend any excursion or itinerary contained within this brochure or otherwise advertised. Should you need to cancel your place on one of our excursions once you have booked, a cancellation fee of £5 per person per excursion will apply. If the excursion(s) included admission fees, these may also be payable. All day excursions run to a minimum number. Where possible, we try to run all our excursions as advertised, however we reserve the right to cancel excursions should the numbers be too low. We will advise you as soon as possible prior to the departure date if we have had to cancel the excursion. Children are, unless otherwise stated, classed as being between the ages of 3 to 15 years old on the day of the excursion. Passengers over the age of 15 must, unless otherwise stated, pay the adult fare. Infants under the age of 3 years old are free to travel as long as they do not occupy a seat on the coach. If you wish for your infant to have their own seat then the child fare must be paid.

TRAVEL WITH JH COACHES

Call on 0191 410 4107 or email [email protected] to tell us about your requirements, or click the button below to receive a quick quote.

Top 20 road trips from Gateshead

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Coach Day Trips

Great days out, availability search.

New and Exclusive excursions - sign up to our e-newsletter to be the first to know! > More

Choose from popular favourites and NEW regional shows that we know you will love. There's something for everyone - ballet, dance, musicals and pantomimes. > More

Enjoy a fantastic day out that you will remember forever! This collection of excursions includes exhibitions, special events, guided tours and one off occasions. > More

Discover some of the UK's most unique and beautiful properties. From castles to historic houses there is something for everyone! > More

Enjoy some of the biggest and most beautiful flower shows the RHS gardens has to offer! > More

Our Guided excursions to towns and cities are a great way to explore locations at your own pace! > More

Visit a fascinating museum and take in the latest displays. > More

Discover the rich and vibrant history of the UK by visiting a fantastic collection of historic houses and castles > More

See how kings and queens live in the past and the present as we visit fabulous royal palaces > More

Enjoy a thrilling day out visiting one of the UK's top airshows > More

Enjoy a wonderful day out at one of the UK's best loved seaside resorts. > More

Whether a horse drawn canal boat, a steam ship on a lake or a relaxing river cruise - we have a great choice of days out on water > More

Step back in time and enjoy a nostalgic day out on one of the UK's steam railways. > More

Visit beautiful gardens, stunning parks and the most sought-after flower shows. > More

Indulge in a great day out visiting outlet centres, markets and the busy high streets. > More

Enjoy a Day Out with the Family to top attractions > More

Go behind the scenes and see the workings of your favourite places > More

Travel through history back in time to your favourite era and explore your favourite places the way they used to be! > More

See our full selection of day trips available in alphabetical order from shopping trips to historic houses there is something for everyone! > More

Enjoy a relaxing day out visiting the delights of some of the UK's most beautiful destinations > More

Enjoy Great Days Out with Johnsons!

If you are looking for a great day out from the west midlands this year, then join one of johnsons coaches on one of their exciting day excursions. .

There is a wide range of day trips to choose from that you will be spoilt for choice! We have 18 different distinct themes of days out such as Historical Houses, 'Showtime' Theatre Trips, Guided Town and City Tours, Luxury Traveller, National Trust and RHS Flower Shows themes too!

Find the perfect coach trip for you

Let Johnsons help you to find the perfect day coach trip near you. Benefit from our wealth of experience in running coach trips by travelling with us on a scheduled day excursion. Our day coach trips have been designed with you in mind to provide you with the optimal exploring experience. With an unrivalled array of destinations, we have something to offer everyone for a great day trip by coach in the UK. We factor in customer comfort, value for money and efficiency, so no matter where you’re headed, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

With our day trips by coach, you can visit seaside towns, chocolate box countryside scenes, historical hot spots, iconic landmarks and even shopping destinations for your retail therapy needs. Coach day trips are friendlier on the environment as you and your friends and family can travel alongside other day trippers. This helps with cutting down on fuel use and allows passengers to meet fellow travellers and share in the delights of the Johnsons coach day trip experience.

A day excursion is a one-day long slice of adventure. Our customers can choose their destination and hop on board at the designated time to enjoy a day full of exploration with all the travel arrangements seamlessly taken care of. We have got a huge offering of diverse day trips by coach for you to choose from and we guarantee you will find a day trip by coach to suit your interests. Day excursions by coach make a wonderful mini holiday and could even be the perfect birthday or festive gift for a loved one. Escape with a Johnsons coach day trip in the UK and make wonderful memories that will last well beyond the day itself.

If you’re looking for an overnight or weekend coach trip , you can visit our Great Breaks page for more information on our fabulous weekend coach break packages. With 2-day coach trips, trips for singles and even Christmas coach breaks, we are confident we will have something for you

Boarding Points for Day Excursions

You can board your Johnsons Day Excursion from 40  local boarding points including Sutton Coldfield, Pype Hayes and Castle Bromwich in the north; Coventry, Warwick and Leamington in the east; Alvechurch and Barnt Green in the west; Evesham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Wellesbourne and Shipston-on-Stour in the south; and Birmingham and Solihull in the middle. Or you can park for free at our yard in Henley-in-Arden to join your day trip.

We provide full details and times for each Day Excursion so that you can clearly see what is included and how the Excursion has been designed to run. Reserved seating is provided on all day trips. Just choose your seat when you book – we find most people generally like to be near the front, so the earlier you book the better choice of seats you have.

What you can expect on board

Our wonderful fleet of coaches offer a luxury travelling experience with onboard entertainment and spacious seating. With air conditioning for the warmer months and heating to keep you toasty in the winter, we aim to provide total comfort for all our passengers whatever the season. Our large coaches are all fitted with toilets and seatbelts for our customer safety and convenience when on board. We have only run our services with our own high specification vehicles including minibuses to seat 6, right up to luxury charter coaches for 63 passengers.

Each of our coaches is driven and managed by one of our uniformed drivers. All of our drivers are enrolled in continuous training so you may rest assured that you are in the safest and most capable hands for your day trip by coach.

At Johnsons coaches we are passionate about using our decades of experience in providing high quality travel services to bring the joy of travel and adventure to all of our customers. We know how to take the fuss out of coach travel and our expert team are here to help you get connected and on the road.

To book online please click on the themes to visit our booking site. To order your free copies of our brochure please email [email protected] or call our friendly team on 01564 797000 .

We look forward to welcoming you on-board a Johnsons day trip soon!

Additional coach trip services and coach holidays we offer include:

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An independent guide to Newcastle, Gateshead and surrounding area.

Tyneside.org.uk, day trips out.

Fancy exploring the magnificent sights in Northumberland and County Durham? It's all manageable in a day trip

The historic county town of Northumberland. 

The stars here are the ancient Castle and fabulous garden but the town itself is not to be missed

Historic buildings from North England are brought brick by brick and rebuilt. Relive life from the 1890's to 1940's and ride the trams, trains and omnibuses.

Durham is a fantastic city to visit. A "jewel in the crown" of the North and only 20 minutes from Tyneside by train.

North Shields Fish Quay

Still a working fish quay but it's popular with visitors for great Fish & Chips and great views of the river and passing shipping.

Spanish City

Newly refurbished, this classic seafront building is home to restaurants and bars. Well worth popping inside to marvel at the architecture.

St Mary's Lighthouse

This landmark is accessible at low tide and you can climb to the top of the lighthouse and see how the keepers once lived and worked.

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Top Gateshead Day Trips

Day trips from gateshead.

• Gateshead to Washington
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tynemouth Priory and George Washington Old Hall Private Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Vera Tour of Northumberland TV Locations

Private Tour - The Scottish Borders

Bamburgh and Lindisfarne Day Tour

Beamish the Living Museum of the North Private Tour

Cruise excursion / Private Tour: Wizard's Tale at Alnwick Castle

3 day walking tour of Northumberland Coast and Castles

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla

Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

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Guide to a day trip to newcastlegateshead.

Discover our guide to things to do on a day out in NewcastleGateshead and how best to spend 24 hours in the city.

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Daytrippers to NewcastleGateshead will not want to leave !

But if you only have a day to explore then we can help you whittle down your options. Whether you’re arriving by train or live more locally then you’ll find getting around Newcastle and Gateshead couldn’t be easier with the help of the Metro and hop on, hop off Toon Tour bus (April – October).

Indulge in some retail therapy in the bustling heart of Newcastle starting with a visit to stylish department store Fenwick Newcastle or browse Eldon Square ’s row after row of designer, high street and department stores. Hop on the bus to nearby Metrocentre  in Gateshead and discover a mighty shopping haven.

Take the weight off your weary daytripper’s feet at one of the many independent cafes in Newcastle who serve up a steaming cup of coffee, all-day breakfast options and indulgent afternoon teas . Try Olive and Bean beside historic Grainger Market or stop off at Pink Lane Coffee before you catch your train.

Brunchers and hungry shoppers can enjoy lunch at The Botanist with views across Grey’s Monument followed by a stroll to nearby Laing Art Gallery to take in some art and culture. Explore the free museums in the city centre, such as Discovery Museum and Great North Museum , where visitors on a day out in Newcastle can explore room after room of fascinating exhibitions or take part in an event.

Venture along the Quayside , home to the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge , the world’s first tilting bridge, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art , Sage Gateshead and the somewhat hidden Side Gallery. There’s always time for another cuppa so drop into Quay Ingredient or The Great British Cupcakery where visitors with a sweet tooth will be not be disappointed! If you’re visiting on a Sunday then check out the Quayside Market , the perfect place to pick up local produce, unique souvenirs and great street food.

If you’re staying a little longer and looking for a day trip to discover the city’s surrounding coast and countryside then try Northumberland attractions like – National Trust property Cragside, The Alnwick Garden and English Heritage Belsay Hall or head south of the river to Beamish Museum, The Auckland Project or further still to Lightwater Valley.

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THE BEST Day Trips from Gateshead

Day trips from gateshead.

• Gateshead to Washington
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tynemouth Priory and George Washington Old Hall Private Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Vera Tour of Northumberland TV Locations

Private Tour - The Scottish Borders

Bamburgh and Lindisfarne Day Tour

Beamish the Living Museum of the North Private Tour

Cruise excursion / Private Tour: Wizard's Tale at Alnwick Castle

3 day walking tour of Northumberland Coast and Castles

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla

Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

The Coach 1 Group

Fell Bank, Birtley, Co Durham, DH3 2SP

Tel: 0191 410 4107

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• Blackpool Express
• New Quotation

Welcome to JH Mini Breaks. We operate Day Tours, Mini-Breaks & the Blackpool Express.

JH Mini Breaks is part of the Coach1 Group which includes JH Coaches, Thirlwells Coaches & DC Travel.

Our 2024 Day Excursions are on sale . 

The programme includes 181 trips with 39 new ones. Operating from March through to December it features a great choice of interesting and unique destinations for all ages. Bookings can be made on this website or by telephoning us.

To view a copy of the brochure CLICK HERE .

The  2024 Blackpool Express is on sale . 

Our ever popular express coach service between the North East and Blackpool and return runs every Friday and Monday between 29th March and 15th April and then again from 24th May until 4th November.   

Bookings can be made on this website or by telephoning us.

To view a copy of the timetable CLICK HERE .

If you would like to be added to our mailing list for future brochures/timetables simply log onto our general website  www.jhcoaches.com press on the contact us tab and insert your email address, name and postal address – and quote “Day Trip, Holiday or Blackpool brochures”.

For Coach Hire you can contact any of our sister companies by telephone on 0191 410 4107, 0191 492 9847 & 0191 488 2430 or through our general websites www.jhcoaches.com , www.durhamcitytravel.com or www.thirlwellscoaches.com by clicking on the contact us tab and filling out your coach hire requirements.

Our office hours are: Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) 09.00 - 17.00hrs

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'Extra motivation' for Gateshead FC to win FA Trophy final at Wembley amid ongoing stadium troubles

Gateshead FC's manager said the ongoing stadium troubles has given the team "extra motivation" to win the FA Trophy Final.

The team play against Solihull Moors at Wembley Stadium later this month, just weeks after a dispute over the lease on the Gateshead International Stadium, which is preventing the club from playing in the playoffs and dashed hopes of a promotion into the Football League.

Interim Manager Rob Elliot has opened up on refocusing ahead of the huge cup final trip to London.

After they had secured their place in the top seven of the National League, a statement released by the National League on Sunday April 21 confirmed that a leasing issue over the International Stadium had brought a halt to the Heed’s plans for the play-offs. EFL regulations require member clubs to have a ten-year security of tender in place on their home stadium.

Gateshead Council have offered assurances that the club would be granted the 10-year-lease if promoted, but uncertainty over the venue's future has been deemed too great by football authorities, with the council in the process of seeking a new operator to take over the stadium in an effort to cut costs.

The Heed Army reached the final of the same competition last year, but were narrowly beaten 1-0 on that occasion, and they are now looking to go one better this time around. Despite all of the talk off the pitch, former Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot wants his side to put in a high-level performance on Saturday May 11.

He said: "The situation has not been ideal to say the least, but my focus is on us reacting as a group and on managing the players for such a big game, and trying to make the point that we would have been a force in the playoffs if we were able to play in them. A big occasion like this can cause nerves, but I just want to see the lads play the way they have this season and as well as I know they are capable of.

• Read more: Lumo to put on extra train service to help Gateshead fans return from Isuzu FA Trophy Final

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"This whole process has been a learning curve for me, as I look to continue the great work that has been done by previous coaches while putting my own stamp and identity on the way we play. I think that this situation can give us extra motivation to go out and leave a good impression on everyone, as it is a great day for the club and every single player deserves the opportunity.

"From a footballing standpoint there have been a lot of positives, and we need to take those positives to help us build into next season. As long as we are positive in the way that we play, I'll be happy, as it will be the last game with this group of players, such is the nature of football, and this is a great occasion for a very special group."

There has been an extra Lumo train service added on May 11 in order to allow fans to get home that night, departing from London King's Cross at 8.26pm and arriving back into Central Station just after 11pm. For more information on travel and to book your tickets for the match itself, visit the Wembley Stadium website here.

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Starr's Mill on Whitewater Creek was a setting used in filming the 2002 movie "Sweet Home Alabama." The mill doubled as Jake's glass shop, Deep South Glass. It is four miles from Senioa, Ga. Kelly Kazek

• Kelly Kazek | [email protected]

As the “odd travels” writer for Alabama and the south, I get lots of questions from people seeking fun day and weekend road trips.

For this list, I chose 13 quaint or quirky small towns in nearby states for day or weekend getaways. I decided all trips should be within a 4-hour drive (one way) of one of Alabama’s major cities. Each destination described below gives Google Maps drive times from Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery. Of course, all the towns had to be places I’ve personally visited.

I also did my best to give categories for each town; for example, they are described as being for “history lovers,” for “romantics,” for those who love “shopping” and more.

I have lots more favorites and I’m sure I’ll do another list later. I also have lots of favorite destinations outside these drive times so stay tuned for more lists.

Oh, and I left off obvious places like Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville. I even left out some of the more touristy towns, such as Helen, Ga., because many of you have probably already heard of those. This list is for small, out-of-the-way places.

If you need a short-term rental in any of these areas, I’ve had great luck with Vrbo.com . For inns, try Booking.com or Hotels.com . If you prefer camping, RVshare.com offers short-term rentals of recreational vehicles.

Juliette, Ga. (History Buffs, Film Lovers, Shopping & Dining)

From Huntsville: 4 hours, 36 minutes

From Birmingham: 3 hours, 22 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 3 minutes

Fewer than 300 people live in Juliette, Ga., a small community located about 10 miles east of Exit 187 on Interstate 75. Yet, on any given weekend, Juliette is filled with curious tourists ready to spend their money with local merchants.

The reason? It’s the only place people can eat at the Whistle Stop Café seen in the 1991 movie “Fried Green Tomatoes.”

Although many people come just for the amazing southern food, Juliette is also the place where fans can see other familiar sites from the 1991 film, including a building that still has its fake film façade, and the “graves” of the main characters, Ruth and Idgie.

The Whistle Stop Café in the film was recreated in a 1927 general store in Juliette, complete with hand-painted window signs, creaky floors, plank ceiling and cozy booths. While the building is original, the booths were built to create the café for the film. After filming ended, a real restaurant was opened at the site and it has been a tourist draw ever since. The wait at the café is long on weekends so be sure to arrive early or call ahead.

Read More : You can eat in the Whistle Stop Café from ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’

The building used as the Whistle Stop Café in the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” was turned into a real café in Juliette, Ga. Kelly Kazek

Laurel, Miss. (Shopping & Dining, HGTV Fans)

From Huntsville: 4 hours, 22 minutes

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 58 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 32 minutes

Laurel is a thriving small town, largely thanks to the hit show “Home Town” on HGTV. Now it is an unlikely tourist destination where fans can see people and homes featured on the show and perhaps catch a glimpse of hosts Ben and Erin Napier.

Be sure to stop in Pearl’s diner for a traditional southern meat-and-three, or try Café Le Fleur, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant, among other options. Visitors can shop at the Napiers’ stores: Laurel Mercantile, The Scotsman General Store and Laurel Mercantile Scent Library.

This Scotsman location includes Ben Napier’s real workshop were portions of “Home Town” are filmed, as well as a gift shop. You can buy wood products made in the shop (not necessarily by Ben himself), or watch the show being recorded if it happens to be a filming day.

Laurel Mercantile in downtown Laurel, Miss., is owned by "Home Town" stars Ben and Erin Napier. Kelly Kazek

Monroeville, Ala. (Literary Trail Lovers, Shopping & Dining, Statues, Murals, History Buffs)

From Huntsville: 4 hours, 20 mins

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 56 minutes

From Montgomery: 1 hour, 41 minutes

The “Literary Capital of Alabama,” Monroeville is the town that nurtured writers such as Harper Lee, Truman Capote, Hank Williams Sr., Mark Childress (“Crazy in Alabama”), Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Cynthia Tucker and more.

The historic courthouse in the center of the downtown square has been renovated to its 1930s appearance and now houses a museum about the lives of Lee, Capote and Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

In addition to the museum, visitors can see other important sites from the lives of the authors, including the location of Lee’s childhood home, which was torn down and is now the home of Mel’s Dairy Dream; the ruins of a stone wall surrounding the home where Capote lived as a child, Lee’s grave, a monument to Atticus Finch, the fictional attorney from “Mockingbird;” murals on buildings around town; small bronze artworks that represent Monroeville’s best known citizens; and more. You can eat at one of Harper Lee’s favorite restaurants, David’s Catfish House, or visit her church, First United Methodist.

If you visit in spring, be sure to check out the local production of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a unique drama based on the book.

Historic Monroe County Courthouse in Monroeville, Ala. Monroeville, the birthplace of Harper Lee, was the inspiration for the fictional town of Maycomb in her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." Melanie Elliott

Jackson, Ga. (Dining & Shopping, ‘Stranger Things’ fans, History)

From Huntsville: 4 hours, 18 minutes

From Birmingham: 3 hours, 5 minutes

From Montgomery: 2 hours, 54 minutes

With Atlanta acting as the southern hub for filmmaking, the small towns in central Georgia have become stand-ins for locales in numerous shows and movies. Jackson is particularly well-known as the home of the Netflix hit “Stranger Things.” The quaint town stands in for the fictional Hawkins, Ind.

A few local buildings seen in the show include:

Butts County Probate Court at 25 Third Street, which serves as the Hawkins Public Library.

Jackson Drug, 4 Second Street, which serves as Melvald’s General Store where Joyce (played by Winona Ryder) works;

An old furniture store at 2 North Oak Street, which serves as Hawk Theatre. (A marquee was added to the outside of the building for those scenes.)

Take a short drive to nearby Stockbridge, Ga., to see the abandoned high school which served as Hawkins Middle and Hawkins High schools. The school at 109 South Lee Street was built as Stockbridge High, then abandoned because of mold issues in 2015.

Butts County Courthouse in Jackson, Ga. Kelly Kazek

Patti’s 1880s Settlement (Grand Rivers, Ky.) (Family Activities, History, Shopping & Dining, Camping)

From Huntsville: 3 hours, 38 minutes

From Birmingham: 4 hours, 31 minutes

From Montgomery: 5 hours, 48 minutes

This interesting stop is a little farther from southern parts of Alabama but definitely worth the drive. Patti’s 1880s Settlement is actually an entertainment area with restaurants, shopping, lodging and activities in an area that was once a small town.

Patti’s has a bakery and fudge shop, fine dining, historic buildings, mini golf, panning for gold, playing with remote-control boats, gardens, boutiques and more. It looks like what might happen if a really upscale Cracker Barrel and a Hallmark movie mated. If I had to describe Patti’s in one sentence, I’d have to say it is a town built by one family to entertain thousands of others.

“We have 365,000 people dine and shop with us each year all in a town with a population of only 353 residents,” said Ann Martin, co-CEO of Patti’s.

“Patti’s has been said to be a magical place with a Hallmark-movie setting,” she said. “A step back into slower times where couples have gotten engaged, married and now bring their children to experience our quaint, charming location. We are more than just a tourist attraction, we are a homecoming for so many family traditions over the past 45 years. As technology has evolved, we still choose not to offer WIFI in our dining rooms. Miss Patti always said, ‘Time at the table is family time, enjoying each other without any distractions’ and we still feel that same way today.”

Patti’s has a lodge, a B&B and a campground. Find outdoor equipment for your stay at REI.com . Be sure to check the “Deals” and “Outlet” sections.

Patti's 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Ky. Kelly Kazek

Rome, Ga. (History, College Campus Tour, Romance, Shopping & Dining)

From Huntsville: 2 hours, 17 minutes

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 4 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 16 minutes

Rome is a great destination. Perhaps not as large as its Italian counterpart but, thankfully, also not as crowded. Not only does the downtown area have lots of historic buildings, shops and eateries, but there are also fascinating statues and historic markers. In addition, you can take a tour of the Berry College campus, the largest in the world. The old Gothic buildings there are gorgeous – so much so that the campus is a favorite of filmmakers. Just a few of the movies with scenes filmed on campus: “Remember the Titans,” “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Perfect Harmony.”

If you’re into funerary art, or simply want a great view of the city, head to Myrtle Hill Cemetery. It is basically a large hill and you can see the entire city from its apex. Plus, you’ll find more statues and historical markers there.

Rome, Ga., from Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Kelly Kazek

Berry College in Rome, Ga. Kelly Kazek

Clarkesville, Ga. (Quirky Roadside Attraction, History, Shopping, Tours)

From Birmingham: 3 hours, 41 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 51 minutes

This town is home to SamG Land, created by folk artist Sam Granger.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/samg-land

SamG Land features the must-see World’s Largest Grit.

Clarksville also has a quaint historic downtown where you can find a place to eat and some cute boutiques for shopping. You can take the Historic Clarkesville Walking Tour to learn about the town.

In nearby Summerville, visit Paradise Gardens, another folk-art installation by the late Howard Finster, the king of outsider art. It includes a coffin that supposedly contains a 200-year-old body. It has been preserved and is open for tours.

The "World's Largest Grit" at SamG Land, a folk art installation in Clarkesville, Ga. Courtesy of Sam Granger

Tupelo, Miss. (History Buffs, Elvis Lovers, Museum, Cocktail Trail, Nature, Adventure)

From Huntsville: 2 hours, 21 mins

From Birmingham: 1 hour, 59 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 16 mins

If you’re an Elvis fan, you’ve likely already make the pilgrimage to his birthplace. If you haven’t, there is plenty of Elvis to be found there. His childhood home and the church where he first sang are fascinating exhibits. There are also statues, an art guitar trail, and places where “Elvis moments” occurred, such as Tupelo Hardware where his mother bought his first guitar.

The home where Elvis Presley was born, Tupelo, Miss. Kelly Kazek

Tupleo is also at the beginning of the Natchez Trace, where you can take a scenic drive or hike, and is home to Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo.

If you get bored with Elvis and nature – like that’s possible – Tupelo has other claims to fame: It was the first city to gain an electrical power grid in the 1930s under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs that included creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority and it was the site of the last robbery committed by 1930s gangster Machine Gun Kelly. He and his gang robbed the Citizen’s State Bank on November 30, 1932, stealing $38,000.

Fair Park in Tupelo, Miss. Kelly Kazek

Columbia, Tenn. (History, Shopping & Dining, Mule Day)

From Huntsville: 1 hour, 27 minutes

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 20 mins

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 37 minutes

My mother and numerous relatives hail from Columbia, Tenn., which has a quaint downtown with lots of shops and fun eateries.

Be sure to also visit the home of President James K. Polk, the historic Athenaeum, the old arsenal and hydroelectric station, Breckinridge Hatter’s Shop and numerous historic homes. There is also a number of historic farms, some of which are open to the public.

The small town also hosts a Mule Day celebration each April, which has turned into a huge family friendly event, complete with a Mule Parade.

Downtown Columbia, Tenn. Kelly Kazek

Barnsley Resort, Ga. (Outdoor Activities, Romance, History, Limited Shopping & Dining)

From Huntsville: 2 hours, 28 mins

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 24 minutes

From Montgomery:3 hours, 27 minutes

Barnsley Resort near Adairsville, Ga., is perfect for people who like to ride, shoot or golf. The 3,000-acre resort has beautiful lodging and is known for its outdoor activities, such as shooting, horseback riding and golf. The resort includes a beautiful lodge with nice rooms. In addition, the grounds are dotted with numerous cabins and homes to rent for short-term stays. Check out the deals on TripAdvisor.com .

The centerpiece is the ruins of an Italianate mansion that was once the showplace of a plantation located on the site. Visitors can tour the ruins and also visit a museum dedicated to the original owners of the property. The ruins are beautifully decorated at Christmas.

Aerial photo of Barnsley Resort in Georgia. Ty in the Sky Photography/Barnsley Resort

Dahlonega, Ga. (Romance, History, Shopping & Dining, Museums)

From Huntsville: 3 hours, 53 minutes

From Birmingham: 3 hours, 19 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 34 minutes

Dahlonega is a popular destination at Christmas, when the tiny town looks just like a postcard or a scene from a Hallmark movie – in fact, Hallmark has filmed Christmas movies in Dahlonega.

The old General Store still has a player piano and an animatronic fortune teller and there are tons of shops and restaurants. Dahlonega was also home to the country’s first Gold Rush so you can tour a surviving underground gold mine and visit the Gold Museum.

Find romantic or rustic lodging nearby at Vrbo.com .

Downtown Dahlonega, Ga. Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Bureau

Lynchburg, Tenn. (History, Romance, Shopping & Dining, Jack Daniel Distillery Tour)

From Huntsville: 1 hour, 10 minutes

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 29 minutes

From Montgomery: 3 hours, 45 minutes

This adorable small town is known as the home of the Jack Daniel Distillery , but it can also be a romantic destination. The downtown area has quaint shops and restaurants, like the famous Miss Mary Bobo’s. Be sure to check out the historic jail museum downtown.

The distillery tour is definitely worthwhile. You will learn not only about how Jack Daniel’s famous whiskey starts with an underground spring, but how he managed to run a distillery in a “dry” town and how a stubbed toe led to his death.

Downtown Lynchburg, Tenn. Kelly Kazek

Senoia, Ga. (Shopping & Dining, ‘Walking Dead’ Fans, Film Buffs)

From Huntsville: 4 hours, 11 minutes

From Birmingham: 2 hours, 49 minutes

From Montgomery: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Senoia, a town of about 3,300 souls in Coweta County, was the locale for much of the filming of the AMC hit, “The Walking Dead.” Although the show has ended, zombies still infest this small town.

Not only can visitors see many of the filming sites from “The Walking Dead,” but other places will look familiar, as well. A “walk of fame” in Senoia of small brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks lists all the movies partially filmed in town , including “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “The Fighting Temptations,” “Meet the Browns,” “Pet Sematary II,” “A Christmas Memory,” and numerous other films and shows. But “The Walking Dead” is definitely the town’s bread and butter.

Those who want to be sure they’ve seen every site from the show can sign up for paid tours of the town.

Other activities for fans to check out include:

Self-guided walking tour: A map you can pick up at gift shops and the visitors center shows spots around town where specific action took place in various episodes of the show. Very few places in town haven’t been tapped by the show for filming.

Nic and Norman’s: A restaurant opened by Norman Reedus, a star of the show, and Greg Nicotero, a producer and director. The Southern eatery is one of several restaurant choices in downtown Senoia.

The Woodbury Shoppe: Part shop, part museum, this locale offers selfie opportunities as well as memorabilia and fan gear. Visitors can see all kinds of props from the show and visit the Walking Dead Café.

About four miles away, you can visit Starr’s Mill, a historic grist mill set on a bank beside Whitewater Creek. It was a setting used in filming the 2002 movie “Sweet Home Alabama.” The mill doubled as Jake’s glass shop, Deep South Glass. (See photo at top of story).

Downtown Senoia, Ga., home of "The Walking Dead." Kelly Kazek

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