A Georgia Vacation

Georgia offers breathtaking scenery.

There's No Place Like Home

By Trevor Jackson

With high gas prices and the value of the dollar at an
all-time low, you might be thinking about staying close to home this year and forgoing that vacation to some distant destination. Maybe it’s time you looked around and realized Georgia has a great deal more vacation options than you ever imagined.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, art, sports or family-friendly attractions, Georgia won’t disappoint—and you won’t have to go far to satisfy your interests. Come discover what many visitors already know—Georgia is a fun place to visit—the variety of attractions will surprise you.

Take in the breathtaking scenery and charming culture of the Georgia Mountains. It’s the pure lakes, roaring rivers, stunning mountain vistas, music and friendly people that will keep you coming back for more.

Is it big city lights you’re looking for? Explore the skyline of Atlanta—from the towering skyscrapers of downtown to the charming neighborhoods nestled throughout the city limits. You can make it happen in this metropolitan city. Stroll Atlanta’s tree-shaded streets and friendly communities while soaking up the urban culture that thrives here. In this global crossroads, you’ll find a dynamic cultural mix, where innovations and traditions continually blend.

Meet the faces and explore the places of the state’s Historic South region, located in east central Georgia, just over two hours from Atlanta. An area rich in cultural heritage, the Historic South, anchored by the city of Augusta, is the heart and soul of Georgia. Experience the music, literature and history that flourish in this state while catching one of the entertaining festivals held throughout the year.

Get lost in relaxation along the Georgia Coast. Explore the majestic scenery and thriving wildlife of the windswept beaches, tidal marshlands and swamps that cover the region. Historic districts overflow with charm, and fresh seafood is always on the menu—it’s a perfect spot for the entire family.

Canoeing on one of the creeks in the Southern Rivers region.

Covering the southwest of Georgia, Southern Rivers is a region where outdoor adventure beckons and southern hospitality blooms. Visit the land of rivers, peanuts and presidents, where festivals celebrate simplicity and offer a ready slice of pecan pie.

Throughout the state, amusement parks, zoos, museums and festivals of all shapes and sizes are just some of the exciting attractions that await you and your family. For real fun in the sun, there’s nothing like taking the plunge on a wild ride at Six Flags Over Georgia or making a splash along Georgia’s famed coastline.

Also making waves is Georgia’s newest addition to the attractions lineup—the Georgia Aquarium—which opened in Atlanta in the fall of 2005 and has already attracted well over a million visitors. The $200 million facility is one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring more than 100,000 animals from 500 different species.

Another new stellar attraction is the World of Coca Cola. Opened in late May of 2007, it is connected to the aquarium by a garden plaza and lake. Explore this museum and see the immense influence The Coca-Cola Company, headquartered in Atlanta, has had on the world. Travel back through this successful company’s history—from the early days of its product being sold at a local pharmacy to becoming a global brand, enjoyed in more than 200 countries

And speaking of history, the state’s past is filled with stories of courage, perseverance and triumph, with many of the historic symbols open to visitors. From Colonial times to modern times and from the Civil War to civil rights, Georgia’s contributions are legendary. Bring your child’s history books to life by tracing the steps of heroes across battlefields of human conflict in both war and in peace. Did you know Georgia has a presidential legacy? Presidents Jimmy Carter, Franklin Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson have all called Georgia home, and each of their legacies is here waiting to be discovered.

Former President Jimmy Carter is committed to improving human rights and alleviating human suffering around the world, and has created numerous programs and initiatives that are changing lives globally. At the heart of his mission is the Carter Center, located just two miles from downtown Atlanta. This center serves as headquarters to many international programs and hosts numerous events and conferences throughout the year.

You also can travel back to a monumental time in American history when you explore the state’s Civil War heritage. In the shadows of Union and Confederate soldiers, you can walk hidden trails, view earthen fortifications, visit pristine battlefields or pay silent homage in a National Historic Cemetery, where the Blue and the Gray rest together as comrades in history.

From the bloody Chickamauga Battlefield in the north to Andersonville’s famed Union prison camp in the south, now home to the National Prisoner of War Museum, Georgia’s history of epic conflict presents a story that is as unique as the land’s red clay.

Some 11,000 Georgians gave their lives in defense of their state—a state that suffered immense destruction. But war’s end brought about an even more dramatic figure to share: 460,000 African-Americans were set free from the shackles of slavery to begin new lives as free people.

Confederate soldier takes part in re-enactment at Chickamauga.

Gain a true understanding of the Civil War and its impact at the Atlanta History Center’s award-winning exhibition, “Turning Point: The American Civil War.” This permanent display is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive exhibits of this monumental event. The era will come alive as you tour the gallery filled with Civil War artifacts, photos, documents and more. Deepen your knowledge of this historical conflict and discover how it truly shaped our nation.

There are many sites and scenes throughout Georgia that serve as a reminder of the war, including one of the state’s main attractions: Stone Mountain Park, east of Atlanta. The park is home to the world’s largest relief sculpture, and is the star of a spectacular, patriotic laser light show.

From land to sea, be sure to visit the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus in Columbus. This unique venue offers visitors a dramatic look at how this vital part of the war was fought off Georgia’s shores and along its major rivers. Georgia and the Civil War—it’s a history lesson not to be forgotten.

One of the greatest events in Georgia’s recent history was the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Atlanta was placed in the world spotlight as it hosted a record 197 nations for the competition. Walk through Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park and revisit the monumental moment. Enjoy the beauty of the Fountain of Rings and its dramatic water fountain show, or catch one of the many events held in the park throughout the year.

CNN is another of Georgia’s highly influential international newsmakers—literally. Founded in 1980 by Ted Turner, CNN introduced the concept of 24-hour news coverage and has changed the way the world views current events. Take a tour of its world headquarters in Atlanta and witness firsthand CNN’s complex news-gathering system and award-winning journalists hard at work.

Speaking of the news, Georgia musicians have been making headlines and history for generations. From music legends like Ray Charles and James Brown to the present day superstars like OutKast and Usher, you’ll find an impressive list of innovative artists in Georgia. Travel to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon and experience the impact Georgia artists have made on the music industry and their fans.

Georgia’s modern history is equally filled with innovative minds and inspiring success stories. Travel around the state and find your own inspiration, and you’ll also be proud of what you discover.

Wherever you go in this Southern gem, you’re surrounded by one-of-a-kind attractions that span the state’s history and heritage. Visit Tallulah Gorge, located in the Georgia mountains, and admire one of the oldest natural sites of its kind in North America. Running almost two miles in length and 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah has five waterfalls with breathtaking views that you must see to believe.

Another Georgia “gem” you must explore is Providence Canyon, near Lumpkin in the southern part of the state. Hike throughout Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon” and explore the beauty of this park’s 15 finger-like canyons and 1,000-plus acres of pine and mixed hardwood forests. Filled with spectacular views, the largest gorge measures about one-half mile long, with some canyons reaching 150 feet deep and more than 400 feet wide.

Providence Canyon, near Lumpkin, GA, is known as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.

Looking for something a little less mainstream? Experience Finster’s Paradise Gardens Park and Museum in Summerville, north of Atlanta. Founded by the late Reverend Howard Finster, a truly one-of-a-kind, visionary artist, Finster’s Paradise Gardens Park and Museum is a place where you can dive into the artist’s vision and experience his spiritual message. Surround yourself in Finster’s original prints, silkscreen t-shirts and many other examples of his unique folk art.

From the history books to the science books, Georgia works to expand the minds of its young visitors. Fly into a world of imagination at the Museum of Aviation in Warner-Robbins, or make fantastic new discoveries not found in the classroom by visiting Imagine It! The Children’s Museum in Atlanta. The realm of possibilities is endless.

Come explore these, and all of Georgia’s hidden gems. Just as a picture can be worth a thousand words, Georgia’s gems are worth a thousand memories.

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