A Very Georgian Holiday
The magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the simplicity of Southern hospitality, and the allure of Victorian elegance make Georgia the total package for a destination getaway. The jubilant people and their history, the exhilarating experiences, and the tranquil retreats showcase Georgia as a modern state full of life, diversity, community.
Refined Revelry
For a more elegant and sophisticated excursion, embark into the heart of the charming Southern state. History and grandeur go hand-in-hand in these engaging events and escapes.
Victorian Tradition Sparkles at the Hardman Historic Farm
Located in the heart of the State Historic Site Sautee Nacoochee, every holiday season the Mansion at West End is decked to the nines with verdant garlands, glittering lights, and deep entrancing jewel tones. Built in 1870, the Italianate style architecture of the Mansion stands out against the vast sprawling farmland and the gazebo topped Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound. During the Victorian Christmas at Historic Hardman Farm, visitors celebrate with Old Saint Nick, enjoy candle-lit tours led by period appropriate garbed guides, and ride off in a horse-drawn carriage down the remaining portion of Unicoi Turnpike – originally a 200 mile road connecting Toccoa north to Tennessee and North Carolina.
gastateparks.org/hardmanfarm
Find Heaven in Helen
At the Valhalla Resort, enjoy the opulent amenities of one of the most glamorous hotels in Georgia. Leave the kids behind for this prestigious vacation in luxury. The rustic European-chic Resort is an adults-only, gated estate tucked into the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The in-house concierge service ensures that each vacation is a fairytale come true. Whether it is a blissful day spent in the Solasta Spa, teeing off to an 18 -hole round of golf, or exploring the charming Bavarian inspired community of nearby Helen – a stay at Valhalla is a stay in paradise.
valhallaresorthotel.com
A Ghostly Good Time Ringing in the New Year
On New Year’s Eve, join the Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation for a special edition of their Ghosts and Legends plantation tours. Part of a national “First Day Hike” initiative, visitors stroll under moss-covered live oaks and discover the rich and tragic history of Georgia’s most haunted plantation. Sip sparkling cider while learning the eerie and haunted history of the former rice plantation on the lantern-lit tour – all culminating in the midnight ringing of the historic Plantation Bell.
gastateparks.org/hofwylbroadfieldplantation
Golfing at its Greatest
At the Kingwood Resort and Winery, guests enjoy a plethora of activities and amenities meant to inspire, relax, and invigorate. Waterfalls dot multiple trails wind through the property and guests enjoy fire pits and putting greens closer to the Main Lodge. Featuring wines from the Resort’s label Chechero Wines and partner winery, Currahee Winery, the Winery at Kingwood is the one of the newest in the area.
kindwoodresort.com
Festive Family Fun
Make the holiday season extra memorable with a family adventure in the Peach State. With world-class culture and hands-on history, excitement and education never paired so well.
Atlanta’s City Pass – An Affordable Escape To Endless Fun.
Atlanta’s City Pass is an easy and seamless way into some of Atlanta’s top destinations. A visit to the Atlanta History Center’s 33-acres of wonder, gardens and historic homes is great way to spend the day. And a trip to the College Football Hall of Fame and their interactive exhibits will stave off those fall football cravings. These are just some of the Atlanta attractions included in the City Pass – a great way to get the whole family out and about and exploring the magic of Atlanta.
citypass.com/atlanta
Flying High at the Army Aviation Museum
The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation tells the story of the US Army Aviation development through the years. Restoring vintage aircraft for display, the Army Aviation Museum has been celebrating the “Sky Soldiers” – the men and women who served the US Army and Military – since 1997. Visitors can tour the museum and schedule a private helicopter ride at their Chapter hangar locations or at a nearby Air Shows. A chance to glide through the sky in an attack Cobra helicopter is guaranteed to exhilarate the family’s thrill seekers.
armyav.org
Hit the Rails at the State Railroad Museum
A National Registered Historic Monument – the Georgia State Railroad Museum is the most complete antebellum railroad of its kind. Experience Historic Railcars first-hand and be swept away while riding a historic steam locomotive. Located in downtown Savannah, the museum offers several interactive exhibits and is home to a fully operational turntable.
chsgeorgia.org/GSRM
Eclectic Extras
Even more excitement awaits in Georgia. A state as diverse as its people, Georgia offers the closeness of a small community, the grandeur of horse racing, and the serenity of a spa day.
A Delightful Day in Dublin
Discover the city of Dublin through the Dublin Downtown Walking Tour. Highlighting the unique, original, and ever-changing architecture styles of Dublin, the Walking Tour features over 70 sites of interest along the way including the First African Baptist Church where a teenaged Dr. Martin Luther King Jr gave his first public speech. Dublin is also home to some of the best businesses and restaurants and exploring in the thriving Downtown is a gem of a time. Reinvent yourself at Mint Boutique with a new cotton face mask, a cozy sweater, and shiny pair of gold earrings. The Established Collective is a breath of spring - the warm and inviting farmhouse-chic space offers locally crafted home goods, jewelry, and gifts. The perfect new-to-you vintage handbag awaits at the Dublin International Market. Open 4 days a week, the Market holds a vast collection of American antiques, Depression-era glass, and other vintage goodies.
visitdublinga.org
The Restful Way at Callaway
A stay at Callaway Resort and Gardens is a great way to kick start the holiday season. November brings the Steeplechase at Callaway – this not-to-be-missed event features a vendor village to get a head start on holiday shopping, silent auction, live music, parade and lots of horses. In December, Callaway presents one of the top ten light displays throughout the country. Enjoy the magical illuminated forest of the Fantasy in Lights display with a warm cup of cocoa.
callawaygardens.com
Sumptous Spa Day in Sea Island
Step into a spa-retreat unlike any other at the Spa at Sea Island. The courtyard’s white-washed walls contrast with the tan stone walkways – creating a tranquil space while guests listen to the gentle sounds of the indoor stream. The Spa at Sea Island offers treatments like Cryotherapy, massages, fitness classes, salon services, and mineral pool baths, within the comfort of a Forbes Five Star hotel. The peaceful paths of the Labyrinth, the cascading waterfall in the atrium, and the ultra-luxe spa services will leave every visitor deeply relaxed and completely revitalized.
seaisland.com
Discover a new adventure around every corner. In Georgia, modern culture, community tradition, and heartfelt history meld together creating a destination of merriment, wonder, and joy.
