Gorgeous Georgia
Mountains in the north, an inspiring central region, and a golden coastline to the East — Georgia is a must for anyone looking for an escape. With museums, natural attractions, and exceptionally friendly folks, Georgia is a peach of vacation.
Northern Hills of Georgia
Home to part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Northern Georgia offers some of the most spectacular scenic overlooks and mesmerizing waterfalls. For an all-out adventure or a relaxed time sipping delicious Georgia-grown wines, the mighty mountains and heavenly hills of North Georgia are the places to be.
At Tallulah Gorge State Park, get an up-close view of the stunningly beautiful terrain, rushing whitewater waterfalls, and the rugged two-mile-long, nearly 1,000-foot-deep gorge. Begin your trek with a stop at the Interpretive Center to acquire a free Gorge Floor permit, before discovering one of the most incredible journeys in the Eastern United States. Not for the faint of heart the strenuous hike takes visitors over numerous boulders, across a suspension bridge, and through a slightly treacherous creek filled with slippery, moss-covered rocks. Inside the gorge, the Tallulah River plummets down the crevasse to create Tallulah Falls — a set of six inspiring and almost theatrical waterfalls, like Hurricane Falls, a thunderous waterfall that crashes into a deep blue pool.
Tank Town USA is some mudslinging, gun-shooting, tank-driving good time in Morganton. Jump behind the wheel of an enormous tank and test your driving skills on the obstacle course. Bring new meaning to the phrase road rage as you crush a car with 17 tons of military-grade steel. And finish out the day with 100 rounds of fully automatic fun as you fire off an M-1919 machine gun.
While sipping through the mountain wineries and vineyards of Georgia, a stop at Bear Claw Vineyards is a must. With a fantastic atmosphere, both kid and dog-friendly, Bear Claw Vineyards is a great place to relax. Just minutes away from downtown Blue Ridge, Bear Claw Vineyards is a fully functional vineyard and winery and 100% female-owned, one of a handful in the region. At Bear Claw Vineyards, reconnect with those you love and enjoy a glass of wine on the covered outdoor, open-air patio.
Perfect for those with discerning tastes, The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge is focused on creating a memorable experience for all guests. With an understanding of the importance of impeccable Southern hospitality and a laser-sharp focus on building relationships, it’s easy to see why The Ridges Resort is North Georgia’s premier destination. The breathtaking mountain views, laid-back lake adventures, and luxurious amenities invite you to relax in style. With a selection of rooms, suites, or villas to suit your needs, any stay at The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge feels like home.
gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge
tanktownusa.com
bearclawvineyards.com
theridgeresort.com
Middle GA
More than just a sprawling metropolis, Middle Georgia offers some captivating views, thrilling outdoor excitement, and enchanting gardens, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the nation’s best fishing destinations for families, the High Falls State Park is full of picturesque natural landscapes, a variety of camping selections, and plentiful amounts of outdoor recreation. Just northwest of Macon, High Falls State Park includes the tallest cascading waterfall south of Atlanta. Rough it out in one of the park’s lakeside yurts. Canvas and wooden dwellings are a gateway into glamping, with each featuring furniture, electrical outlets, indoor ceiling fan, deck, plus an outdoor picnic table and grill. Hike along the ridge overlooking the tumbling cascades of the Towaliga River, trek into the hilly woods, and afterward cool off in the Park’s seasonal swimming pool.
Maintained by the University of Georgia, visitors stroll through the 2.5-acre utopia that is the State Botanical Garden and explore the stunning and diverse collections of trails and displays. Intent on cultivating a sense of wonder, visitors will be taken aback by the 21 trail markers located in the hummingbird garden, designed to encourage a spotting of the quick-winged bird. Where history and nature come alive, the Heritage Garden is a collection of heirloom flowers, antique roses, fruits, and native plant species. The oldest garden at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is the Dunson Native Flora Garden, home to over 300 species of plants native to the Southeastern United States. In the Conservatory, learn about the beauty of tropical plants and their importance to cultures all over the globe. With edible plants, a treehouse, a fossil wall, and a granite map of the state of Georgia, the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia are a great place to surround yourself with beauty, history, and a whole lot of nature.
Covering an expansive 3,200 acres, Stone Mountain Park is full of family-friendly good times, exciting adventure, and natural beauty. Hike 15 miles of winding trails, and the easy 1-mile trek to Stone Mountain’s summit. enjoy shopping at Stone Mountain’s souvenir and gift shops, and travel back in time at Dinosaur Explore, featuring 20 life-size, special effect dinosaurs. In addition to Georgia’s largest family campground, rustic retreats and spacious suites can be found at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Resort and the Historic Stone Mountain Inn. Climb aboard the full-size 1940s locomotive and enjoy the enchanting views on the five-mile open-air mountain ride. At the Historic Square explore the collection of original buildings, built between 1793 and 1875, moved from their original site and meticulously restored and preserved. Or float on the 365-acre lake or tee off at one of the two beautiful golf courses — whatever you’re looking for, Stone Mountain Park has got it.
gastateparks.org/HighFalls
botgarden.uga.edu
stonemountainpark.com
The Eastern Coast of GA
The marshy shorelines and breathtaking beaches of the Eastern Coast of Georgia offer a multitude of exciting and special activities — perfectly designed to create a memorable getaway.
Enjoy magnificent marsh views while practicing your swing at the Davis Love III Signature designed course at Laurel Island Links. Opened in 1996, this world-class 18-hole course provides all guests a high-class experience and a fabulous game of golf in a beautiful environment. With Spanish moss draped over Georgia Pines, this expertly designed venue is picture-perfect for any celebration, like weddings, retirement parties, rehearsals dinners, and more.
On the perfectly uncrowded Georgia Coast delights of St Marys and Cumberland Island, explore the mighty St Marys River and the idyllic waterfront. Discover the nautical history of the region at the St. Marys Submarine Museum and the Cumberland Island Seashore Museum. Spend an afternoon perusing the treasures of Salt River Antiques. Hop aboard a themed train excursion, while discovering the culture and heritage of the area. Get on the water with a variety of water sports, like et skiing, kayaking, and boating. Follow the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and visit several unique spots to watch birds and explore historic 18th and 19th-century locations. Toss some frisbees with a round of disc golf, hike, or bike on relaxing nature trails, or even ride the ferry for a special seascape view — St Marys and Cumberland Island is the gateway to the Georgia Coast.
Start your expedition to Sapelo Island in Meridian at the Mainland Visitor Center. Take the 30-minute ferry ride to the small barrier island, only 12-miles long. A unique destination on Georgia’s Colonial Coast, visitors can learn about the coastal wildlife, and complex beach and dunes systems of the island. Guided tours highlight the cultural history of the African American community of Hog Hammock, with many residents descended from the antebellum slaves of Sapelo’s plantation, the Reynolds Mansion. Featuring marble sculptures, an ornately decorated Circus Room, a bowling lane, and a library, the Mansion is an unusual and lovely historic site. At Cabretta Campground, spend the night camping under the stars, sheltered by live oaks, and only a short walk to the beach. Don’t miss out on Sapelo Island, a go-to getaway.
At the Midway Museum and Historic District in Liberty County, learn about the history of the area through heirloom furnishings, extensive historical documents, and a vast number of artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Walk past the 1792 Midway Church and its walled cemetery of historically significant figures and Revolutionary War patriots, and at the reproduction 18th-century plantation cottage, discover the architecture of early Georgian homes, known as Plantation Plain. With its extensive collection, the Midway Museum and District is a must-see in Coastal Georgia.
laurelislandlinksgc.com
visitstmarys.com
sapelonerr.org
themidwaymuseum.org
Delight in the natural charm and endless Southern hospitality in the beautiful state of Georgia. With several museums, incredible mountains, and the magic of days gone by Georgia is sure to be a swell time for all.
