Looking for the best place to get away from it all this winter? Plan your next winter getaway in Columbia County, Georgia, located just two hours from Atlanta and neighboring Augusta. The five communities that make up this scenic Georgia county – Appling, Evans, Grovetown, Harlem and Martinez – offer plenty of ways to make the most out of your stay. From art workshops, shopping and spas to fine dining and fabulous accommodations, explore all there is to do in Columbia County during your winter getaway.

Spark your creativity at an art workshop

You will be amazed at the variety of art workshops, classes and galleries found throughout Columbia County that offers the perfect respite during those cold winter days. Enjoy a memorable experience during your winter getaway at AR Workshop in Evans, where DIY classes teach you how to create your own on-trend décor based. Bring a bottle of wine to sip while you work on your project. 

Make plans to attend one of the free public receptions at 4P Studios in Martinez, which showcases amazing works of art from Augusta’s talented local artists. Or create your own masterpiece with an array of art classes covering everything from digital photography to pottery to painting. 

With locations in both Evans and Grovetown, Artsy Me is another excellent option for bringing out your creative side. This pottery studio offers a wide selection of fired art pieces to choose from. Just pick your favorite pottery piece, then paint it to bring your own beautiful masterpiece to life. The piece will then be fired and glazed for you, which takes anywhere from 5 to 7 days. 

Wine and dine your sweetheart

A winter getaway to Columbia County wouldn’t be complete without a romantic night out with your special someone, and the area boasts a great selection of upscale restaurants that are sure to please. Cork and Flame, one of the area’s most popular fine dining restaurants located in Evans, features a wine market and an exclusive chef’s table dining experience, making it the perfect spot for a memorable evening. Start with an order of tapas while you select the perfect bottle of wine from over 400 different selections. Make sure to set a reservation to enjoy the multi-course chef’s table dinner presented by Chef Justin Hayes. 

If you are looking for the best steaks in town, then TBonz Steakhouse, located in Evans, is a perfect choice with its hand-cut certified Angus beef and an amazing appetizer selection. The restaurant makes everything in house and fresh daily, along with offering a fabulous selection of specialty cocktails. 

Another great fine dining option located in Martinez is Cadwallader’s Café. The restaurant features an elegant, yet comfortable atmosphere, complemented by excellent food, fine wine and spirits. From chargrilled lamb chop and certified black Angus beef to creamy parmesan risotto sauteed with shrimp and scallops and more, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.   

Tip: If you are in town between January 25-29, 2021, make sure to participate in Columbia County Restaurant Week.

Relax and rejuvenate with a day at the spa

A day at the spa is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy your winter getaway to Columbia County or any other time of year for that matter. Take a trip to the unique Sol Himalayan Salt Cave and Spa in Evans, which boasts the area’s first naturally healing salt cave. Relax in the salt cave and let your stress melt away, then try a spa treatment, detoxifying foot bath or spend some time in the full spectrum sauna. 

Another great spa perfect for unwinding is The Retreat. This spa and salon offers a relaxing environment and a menu of spa services that will leave you looking and feeling relaxed and renewed. 

Tuscany Italian Spa is an award-winning luxury spa in Evans that offers a pure and tranquil escape from the everyday. Choose from a wide variety of spa services designed to help you relax and rejuvenate both your mind and body.

Enjoy boutique shopping at its finest

Whether you are in the mood for some serious shopping or if you just prefer to do a little browsing, Columbia County offers an array of boutique and specialty shops to visit during your winter getaway. Check out all the great furniture and décor at Rustic Vibes in Evans. Southern Branches, located in Harlem, is a small antique shop with lots to choose from and at affordable prices. Romantic Farmhouse, located in Martinez, is another must-visit antique store and gift shop offering everything from furniture to home décor to unique gifts and collectibles. 

The Ivy Boutique & Gifts is a boutique women’s store in Evans featuring the newest trends and brands. And The Ivy Boutique team is on hand to help you craft a style that works for you. The Swank Company in Martinez is another women’s boutique offering everything from everyday wear to the perfect special occasion outfit. 

Get your adventure on at Escape Outdoors. This outdoor gear store in Evans is your one-stop-shop for all things outdoors. From t-shirts to boots to kayaks and more, you will find everything you need for your next outdoor adventure. 

 Find a cozy place to stay

You will find plenty of great accommodations in Columbia County, perfect for cozying up and keeping warm during your winter getaway. Plan your stay at The Cabins at Pine Knoll Farms, a secluded property with elegant barns, an open chapel and farm animals grazing on the grassy hills. Choose from one of the four rustic cabins that are available. 

For an unforgettable romantic winter getaway, stay at Red Oak Manor, nestled beneath the centuries-old oak trees in downtown Harlem. Red Oak Manor is Columbia County’s only bed and breakfast, with five distinctly different guest rooms to choose from and a full breakfast for two each morning included in your stay. Relax on the front porch with a glass of wine or warm up by the firepit outback. It is the perfect way to get away!

Explore more Columbia County hotels and accommodations to find the perfect place to stay for your winter getaway!

From creating your own amazing masterpiece and exploring quaint boutique shops to exclusive chef’s dining experiences and some of the coziest accommodations you will find anywhere, make plans to spend your winter getaway in Columbia County, Georgia.