If you’re looking for a charming small-town adventure in North Georgia, Ball Ground, Georgia is the perfect place for a day trip. Whether you’re planning a girls day out, a casual date, a family outing, or just a fun day exploring somewhere new, this little town has a surprising amount to offer.
We recently spent the day exploring Ball Ground and discovered the perfect lineup of stops for a relaxed day filled with gardens, burgers, ice cream, craft beer, shopping, and local coffee.
One tip before you go: wear comfortable walking shoes. Between the gardens and exploring downtown, you’ll definitely want to be ready to stroll.
Here’s an easy itinerary to help you plan your own day in Ball Ground.
Start Your Day at Gibbs Gardens
Begin your day with a peaceful morning exploring Gibbs Gardens, one of the most breathtaking botanical gardens in the country. Located just outside of Ball Ground, this incredible destination is actually the largest privately owned garden in the United States, spanning more than 300 acres of beautifully designed landscapes.
Gibbs Gardens has also received national recognition, earning spots on USA Today’s 10 Best Flower Festival with their Daffodil display, which makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring North Georgia.
One of the most famous seasonal highlights is their millions of blooming daffodils each spring, creating a sea of yellow flowers that feels straight out of a storybook. But no matter the season, there are miles of scenic walking paths, themed gardens, waterfalls, and peaceful views to explore.
Since you’ll spend plenty of time walking here, this is where those comfortable walking shoes will definitely come in handy.
Grab Lunch at Ball Ground Burger Bus
After a morning at the gardens, head into town for lunch at Ball Ground Burger Bus, a local favorite known for big flavors and casual vibes.
We tried two of their popular menu items:
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The Angry Swiss Burger with chili cheese tots
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The Original Burger with sweet potato tots
Both were delicious, but the chili cheese tots were especially hard to resist. This stop is perfect whether you’re dining with friends, family, or just grabbing a quick bite during your day of exploring.
Cool Off With Ice Cream at Scooped on Main
Next, treat yourself to dessert at Scooped on Main, where they serve Hershey’s ice cream with a variety of classic flavors.
It’s the perfect stop after lunch and a great way to cool down before continuing your adventure around town.
Enjoy Local Brews at Rock Solid Brewing Co.
From there, head over to Rock Solid Brewing Co., a great local brewery in Ball Ground.
We had tried to visit before but they were hosting a private event, so we were especially excited to finally check it out this time. We sampled a few of their brews and everything we tried was fantastic, but our favorite was the Shamrocks & Shenanigans Irish Red Ale.
If you enjoy craft beer, this is a great place to sit for a bit, relax, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Explore Downtown Ball Ground
One of the best parts of visiting Ball Ground is simply walking around downtown.
The area is small, charming, and full of locally owned boutiques and gift shops, making it fun to browse while taking in the character of the town. It’s a great opportunity to support small businesses and discover unique finds you won’t see anywhere else.
Grab Coffee at Barrel House Coffee
After some shopping, make a stop at Barrel House Coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
We tried their bourbon barrel-aged coffee, which had a rich and smooth flavor that coffee lovers will appreciate. It was the perfect way to recharge before wrapping up the day.
Take Dinner Home From Frankfurt Döner & Meats
Before heading home, make one final stop at Frankfurt Döner & Meats.
We grabbed bratwursts and sauerkraut to take home for dinner, which made ending the day even better. It’s a great option if you want something easy and delicious to enjoy later after a full day of exploring.
Plan Your Own Day Trip to Ball Ground
Ball Ground may be a small town, but it’s full of charm and great local spots that make it perfect for a day trip. Between Gibbs Gardens, local restaurants, breweries, shopping, and coffee, there’s something here for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a girls day, a date day, a family outing, or just a relaxing North Georgia adventure, this itinerary is a great way to experience everything Ball Ground has to offer.
Just don’t forget those comfortable walking shoes.