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Whereas the state of Georgia could also be synonymous with peaches and resounding chants of “Go Dawgs,” it’s additionally a area stuffed with historical past, charming small cities, bustling cities, and unimaginable biodiversity. With almost 60,000 sq. miles to discover, it may be laborious to slender down your Georgia must-see listing—so we did it for you. From the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains to the picturesque seashores of the Golden Isles, listed here are the very best locations to go to in Georgia.
Jekyll Island
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Within the Industrial Age, the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts, amongst different rich households, retreated to Jekyll Island in the course of the winter months. Its attraction remains to be sturdy as we speak, due to its gorgeous panorama, sturdy culinary scene, and a concerted effort to protect the land. Whether or not you’re staying on the storied Jekyll Island Club Resort or pitching a tent on the Jekyll Island Campground, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the otherworldly Driftwood Seashore deserve spots in your itinerary. If you’re able to enterprise past the sand, take a guided kayak tour by way of the salt marshes, or hire a motorbike to pedal the island’s 24 miles of biking paths.
Lake Oconee
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A day on the water is the proper antidote to Georgia’s humid summers, and also you’ll discover loads of respite from the oppressive warmth on Lake Oconee. Midway between Atlanta and Augusta, the human-made lake gives alternatives for boating, swimming, fishing, and water sports activities. It’s additionally the backdrop for the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, which hosts the Lake Oconee Food & Wine Festival yearly. In case you’re on the town on a Saturday, go to the farmers market and snag some beignets and donuts from the Café du Papa food truck.
Blue Ridge
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When the mountains are calling, a visit to Blue Ridge, Georgia, simply may be the reply. Like many mountain towns, Blue Ridge has a thriving arts scene in addition to seemingly infinite outside actions. In case you’d favor to discover the world by practice, hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway on the historic depot downtown for an out-and-back journey alongside the Toccoa River. Then, cease by Mercier Orchards to choose your individual apples, peaches, or berries, or swing by the bakery for apple cider donuts and fried pies.
Savannah
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Well-known for its extremely walkable Historic Landmark District, Savannah is a type of uncommon cities that’s simply as lovely in particular person as it’s in stylized, completely lit photos. Its cobbled streets, tree-lined squares and parks, and lovely 18th- and Nineteenth-century buildings make it one of many South’s most photogenic cities—to not point out, its culinary scene is without doubt one of the greatest within the area. Remember to seize an espresso from The Paris Market Cafe, decide up a brand new learn from E. Shaver, Booksellers, go on a ghost tour, and tuck right into a meal at James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey’s The Grey.
Athens
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You don’t have to be a die-hard College of Georgia fan to go to Athens, though we wouldn’t suggest going throughout soccer season in case you’re rooting for the opposite workforce. Outdoors of sports activities, the school city has a energetic music scene, quite a few craft breweries, and quite a lot of family-friendly actions, together with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Bear Hollow Zoo. See what number of bulldog statues you’ll be able to spot whereas strolling by way of the downtown space, after which snag some tickets for a present at considered one of Athens’ iconic music venues, just like the 40 Watt Club or the Georgia Theatre.
Cumberland Island
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Accessible solely by ferry or non-public boat, Cumberland Island is without doubt one of the most scenic places on the East Coast. Wild horses, historic ruins, lengthy stretches of untouched seashores, marshes, and maritime forests might be discovered on the 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated wilderness. Its remoteness and sheer magnificence have been little doubt two of the explanations John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy held their wedding ceremony there in 1996. If you need the total scoop on the island’s historical past, e-book a spot on the Lands and Legacies tour that kicks off proper after the 9 a.m. ferry arrives on the island. Afterward, discover your method to one of many island’s pristine stretches of sand—among the many best in the state—to unwind.
Atlanta
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It’ll take a couple of journey to test off all of the important things to do in Atlanta, so return visits are advisable to expertise all the pieces the capital metropolis has to supply. First-timers, nonetheless, ought to be sure to order tickets to the Georgia Aquarium (one of many largest aquariums in the USA), have a meal at Ponce City Market, and take a look at a Braves sport at Truist Park. A go to to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is a should; it contains the house the place the Civil Rights chief was born, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the ultimate resting place of each King and his spouse, Coretta Scott King. If the warmth will get to be an excessive amount of, do just like the locals do and “shoot the Hooch,” also referred to as cruising down the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail on a raft or tube.
Dahlonega
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You’ll solely must drive about an hour north of Atlanta to make it to Dahlonega, the location of America’s first gold rush and the setting of fairly a couple of Christmas films. One of the crucial charming small towns in Georgia, it is stuffed with artwork galleries, boutiques, and eateries. Dahlonega can be within the coronary heart of Georgia’s wine nation, boasting unimaginable spots like Cavender Creek Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain, and Montaluce Winery & Restaurant. If outside journey is extra your fashion, you’ll be able to hike a portion of the Appalachian Path or swim within the pool under Dicks Creek Falls.
Sea Island
Every of Georgia’s Golden Isles has a definite persona, and Sea Island is, by far, the grandest of the 4. Resort reservations are required to get previous the gates (until you’re a Sea Island Membership member), however when you do, you’ll discover full paradise. The grande dame is The Cloister at Sea Island, a shocking Mediterranean-inspired resort that appears extra like a European palace than a secluded coastal escape. Pristine seashores, a tennis membership, and a world-class clay taking pictures college can all be discovered on the five-mile-long island, whereas the resort’s championship golf programs are on adjoining St. Simons Island. Hold an eye fixed out for nesting sea turtles or go for a horseback trip alongside the south finish of Sea Island Seashore.
Chattahoochee-Oconee Nationwide Forest
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Georgia’s mountains refuse to be overshadowed by its spectacular seashores, so it’s no marvel tens of millions of vacationers make their method to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest yearly. Encompassing virtually 867,000 acres, the nationwide forest is house to miles of freshwater streams and rivers, waterfalls, quite a few campgrounds, and loads of area to hike and breathe within the contemporary mountain air. For epic views, drive the 40-mile Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway by way of valleys and mountain passes, with stops at scenic overlooks alongside the way in which.
Augusta
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Each spring, followers of the “biggest sport ever performed” descend upon the town of Augusta and, extra particularly, the Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership. Washing down one of many well-known pimento cheese sandwiches with an Azalea cocktail is principally a requirement of attending the Masters, however you may also discover quintessential Southern delicacies exterior of the golf membership. Frog Hollow Tavern, Beck’s, and Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar continuously make the “better of Augusta” restaurant lists. Stroll alongside the Riverwalk, go to native artwork galleries, after which take a look at what’s on exhibit on the Morris Museum of Art.
Tybee Island
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A 20-minute drive will take you from Savannah to Tybee Island, one of many best beach towns in the South. Right here, you’ll discover miles of bike-friendly seashores, unparalleled sunsets, and Georgia’s tallest (and oldest) lighthouse. Home leases are straightforward to search out, however in case you’re simply visiting for the weekend, e-book a room on the historic 17th Street Inn. For a little bit of historical past, go to Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil Struggle fort the place you’ll be able to stroll by way of previous tunnels and find out about its position within the battle for Savannah and the way it grew to become a cease on the Underground Railroad. The in depth grounds have a lot of nature trails value exploring.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
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Tallulah Gorge State Park is rife with heart-pumping actions, together with mountaineering alongside its two-mile gorge. One of the crucial standard trails features a staircase descent to an 80-foot-high suspension bridge crossing over the Tallulah River. In case you’re there within the fall, your views of the highly effective river and waterfalls might be accented by the colourful foliage that covers the area. Summer time guests can get pleasure from swimming, fishing, and picnicking at close by Tallulah Falls Lake.
Lake Rabun
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Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Rabun is the proper spot for a quiet getaway stuffed with mountaineering and enjoyable on the water. Whereas the phrase “stepping again in time” could also be clichéd, it precisely describes the encompassing neighborhood—particularly in case you take into consideration the flotilla of classic picket boats that traverse the lake. Guide a room or a desk on the Historic Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant, the place you’ll be able to dine on farm-to-table fare on a deck shaded by mature oak timber.
Okefenokee Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
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Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is positioned within the southeastern nook of Georgia, simply north of Florida. This huge wetland, which spans about 407,000 acres and accommodates an formally designated wilderness, might be explored on foot or by boat (guests can hire canoes and kayaks). Irrespective of which of its various areas you select to go to—the forested cypress swamps or the moist “prairies”—you’ll most likely see no less than one of many hundreds of alligators who name the Okefenokee Swamp house.
