Gloriously Gorgeous Georgia
Cultural Fun, Festive Feasts, and Refined Retreats
Nothing says summer like farm fresh food, outdoors events, and relaxing resorts. And the Peach State never fails to deliver. From the beautiful beaches along the coastline to internationally acclaimed Food and Wine Festivals, Georgia will bring a smile to the every visitor’s face.
NORTHERN GEORGIA
Historic High Country, Atlanta Metro, and the Northeast Georgia Mountains
With high mountain peaks and winding rounds to the northern most parts of the state to the big city metropolis of Atlanta – Northern Georgia is full of surprises, entertainment, and flavor.
The Historic High Country in the northwestern portion of the state offers spectacular views and scenic vistas. Blooming wildflowers and family friendly activities make Rock City and Lookout Mountain of Georgia a must. A sight to behold, May’s annual the Southern Blooms Festival teaches guests about the legacy and heritage of the gardens and invites them to take part in educational activities and hands-on learning. View the Blue Ridge Mountains from the unparalleled vantage point at Seven States Plaza and The Rock City Raptors Bird of Prey show is lively entertainment with a mission. Enjoy a happily ever after ending with the Fairyland Caverns, designed by the wife of the man who invented miniature golf Take a quick a trip to Lake Winnepesaukah, in Walker County, for a family adventure including roller coasters, a waterpark, and carnival games. The Garden Walk Inn and Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast offer guests a peaceful retreat in European style abodes, surrounded by 100-year old pines.
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stayatchanticleer.com
The Northeast Georgia Mountains is a paradise rich in minerals and wildlife. It’s also the perfect climate for growing grapes, panning for gold or long relaxing getaway. Explore the Georgia Wine Country’s numerous vineyards and wineries - many are open year round and offer savory bites and luscious wines. In the mountain getaway of Dahlonega, only an hour north of Atlanta, learn history of gold mining at the site of the first U.S. gold rush. With live music, seasonal festivals and a nationally registered historic Downtown with over 100 shops and restaurants – it’s clear why Dahlonega is “pure gold.”
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In Clayton in Rabun County, the Beechwood Inn provides affordable elegance in a rustic mountain setting. The North Georgia hospitality and many complimentary amenities make this a perfect choice for your next escape. The Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in Towns County with traditional guestrooms and cottages tucked into the woods of the well-manicured grounds is guaranteed to create not-to-be-forgotten Georgia mountain vacation memories. Step in the sanctuary of the Equani Spa and release from the stress of the urban life. Meander on horseback through open fields, hardwood forests and crystal-clear streams on the Resort’s five miles of trails. Or take a boat ride on nearby Lake Chatuge. In Braselton, the Chateu Elan is the ultimate luxury stay for a wine country extravaganza. Where Southern hospitality meets French elegance, Chateua Elan features on-site fine dining, wine tastings, spa treatments and 45 holes of championship golf.
explorerabun.com
visitclaytonga.org
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Fall in love with the beautiful towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville of Fannin County on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This nostalgic and family-friendly train ride is a great way to experience small mountain communities filled with friendly people, antiques, specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants. In White County, explore the re-creation Bavarian Alpine village of Helen. Cobblestone streets lead to stores selling everything from cuckoo clocks and quilts to hand-blown glass art and gifts - and the local cuisine includes traditional German fare and Southern classics.
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The “Queen of the Mountains,” Gainesville is a city of excellence. Located on the shores of 38,000-acre Lake Sidney Lanier, Gainesville hosted the 1996 Olympic rowing and kayaking events, and the historic downtown features a 1.8 mile to scale model “Walking Tour of the Solar System” – one of only 5 in the United States.
gainesville.org
discoverlakelanier.com
In the State’s capital of Atlanta, enjoy with ultimate Southern road trip, all in one location at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival. Masterful delicacies created by culinary masters paired with luscious libations and the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the greatest names in the modern culinary scene – the festival is an acclaimed event that will leave everyone satisfied. A few miles west of Atlanta, in Douglasville, the Foxhall Resort and Retreat offers guests a refined yet rugged retreat. Elegantly furnished stone and timber lodges, guided hunting and fishing trips, polo fields and spring fed lakes are just a few of the resort’s amenities.
atlanta.net
atlfoodandwinefestival.com
visitdouglasville.com
foxhallresort.com
CENTRAL GEORGIA
Presidential Pathways, Historic Heartland, Classic South
Stunning antebellum architecture, live music, natural beauty of the Chattahoochee River, there's so much to explore in Central Georgia. Discover the land that shaped two U.S. presidents.
Along the Presidential Pathways on the western side of the state, head to Montezuma Bluff Wildlife Management Area to see 50 million-year-old fossilized limestone encrusted with ancient sea shells from the Tallahatta Formation marine ecosystem. And in Cordele the black and white check tablecloths, brick fireplace and fine food of Daphne Lodge have been welcoming guests since 1952. See American art and regional history come to life at the Columbus Museum or study distant planets at the Omnisphere Planetarium.
georgiawildlife.com/montezuma-bluffs-wma
visitcordele.com
daphnelodge.com
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In the eastern Classic South region, stop by the Columbia County Visitor’s Center to learn about the history of the Augusta Canal and its start in Martinez, GA. Stroll the Visitor Center grounds and imagine a night spent dancing under the stars at the renovated 1880 Dance Pavillion. In Augusta, take a Saturday morning historic trolley tour and visit the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson. In Washington-Wilkes, founded in 1777, learn about the area’s part in the Revolutionary War, or paddle down the Broad River Water Trail – a necessity for any river enthusiast.
visitcolumbiacountyga.com
visitaugusta.com
wilsonboyhoodhome.org
washingtonwilkes.org
The Historic Heartland of Central Georgia will astound the senses. Five and Ten, Hugh Acheson’s flagship restaurant in Athens, is a sanctuary devoted to locally sourced and artfully prepared meals in a gorgeously modern space. One will “quite simply, be happy” with the James Beard Award winning chef’s refined take on Southern cuisine intermingled with the French and Italian influences of his childhood. A bustling railroad community, the almost forgotten town of Juliette was rediscovered in nearly 90 years later- chosen as the backdrop for the award winning film, “Fried Green Tomatoes.” Just 20 minutes north of Macon, view one of the world’s largest water-powered grist mills, the old Juliette Grist Mill circa 1927, or enjoy a plate of fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café.
fiveandten.com
forsyth-monroechamber.com
thewhistlestopcafe.com
SOUTHERN GEORGIA
Plantation Trace, Magnolia Midlands, and the Coast
Small towns full of big hearts make Southern Georgia the ideal destination for any trip. With museums, local restaurants, and an abundance of wildlife and water, everyone will fall in love with South Georgia.
Bainbridge, in the Plantation Trace region, is the epitome of the graciousness of Southern hospitality. With the Flint River and Lake Seminole offering ample fishing, it’s easy to see why Bainbridge is the Bass Capitol of Georgia. Home to Fletcher Henderson Jr., an African-American leader in the jazz and swing movement, Cuthbert in Randolph County boasts a large collection of interesting architecture including Victorian houses. Known as the “Hospitality City” Cairo in Grady County is home to an antique car museum, a downtown shopping district, and the Pope Museum – dedicated to the art of Laura Pope Forester, one of the few female artists of the twentieth century to create large folk art environments. Visit the historic and revitalized Downtown Moultrie, GA where you can stroll, shop, and dine in over 30 specialty shops and restaurants, and attend festivals year-round.
visitbainbridge.com
randolphcountychamber.org
cairogachamber.com
visitgradycounty.org
popesmuseum.com
downtownmoultrie.com
In the Magnolia Midlands, spend the night in the luxury accommodations of The Page House Bed and Breakfast near downtown Dublin. Founded in 1812, the town is the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s first public speech as a young student in 1944. Learn about Dublin’s history with a self guided “Downtown Dublin Walking Tour”- featuring more the 70 historic locations from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Visit the World War II Flight Training Museum in Douglas, GA. This Coffee County museum was originally a part of South Georgia College’s pilot training program and is remarkably intact- offering guests a glimpse into the important and often unknown story of wartime aircrew training.
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visitdublinga.org
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Be swept away with the beauty of Georgia’s coast. Part of the Golden Isles of Georgia, Jekyll Island is a blend of relaxation and exploration. The historic Jekyll Island Resort, a long loved retreat for prominent American families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, is a step back into the elegance of the past. The hotel’s immaculately manicured gardens and lawns, modern luxury amenities and fine dining options create an idyllic backdrop for any island adventure. Savannah is the perfect playground for all your vacation plans. World class shopping for fashionistas, gourmet menus for foodies, and numerous museums for history buffs are all found in the bustling city of Savannah. One of the oldest cities in the country, explore the city and experience inspired architecture, historic cemeteries, vibrant nightlife, delectable food, and global sophistication. At Moss + Oak Savannah Eatery located in the Hyatt Regency Savannah, devour homegrown organic treats while enjoying the spectacular views of the Savannah River from the restaurant’s lively covered patio. Take in a show at America’s longest running live performance theatre, the historic Savannah Theatre. After all that adventure, spend the night at the opulent and historic Gastonian. Providing Southern charm at every turn, the centrally located hotel features old-world charm with balconies, verandas, multi-room suites and claw-foot tubs- a relaxing end to an epic journey through the Peach State.
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gastonian.com
Whether it’s the lapping sounds of waves on the shore, the crisp mountain air, or the entertainment of a historical and haunted city, Georgia will reinvigorate and revitalize. Elegant retreats, creative Southern cuisine, wild romps through nature, and sophisticated shopping can be found in every corner of the state. A visit to Georgia this spring is sure to be quite peachy.
