Our sister site, Hiking Trip Reports has been updated with a new template and a new logo. This new look and feel has been designed to improve the user experience and to make the posts more interesting visually. Our hiking blog has been live since 2007, but only recently have we increased attention to this site. It was built out of love for the outdoors and hiking, but as with many hobbies received minimal attention when “more important” things arrived in the inbox. Now the hiking blog is a priority and will become the best hiking blog on the Internet.
Hiking Blog Updated
March 3rd, 2010What to Do on a Northwest Georgia Weekend Getaway
February 23rd, 2010Just as northeastern Georgia has a variety of activities, so does Georgia’s northwestern mountain region. Referred to by many as the “Historic High Country”, this part of Georgia provides an abundance of modern day family fun locations. To make sure you have plenty of time to explore, reserve your place in one of the North Georgia cabin rentals. Some places you may want to visit are:
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One of the many barn roof advertisements for Rock City Gardens.
Aska Trails in Blue Ridge offers 17 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as rock climbing with peaks of 3,200 feet.
- Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge) is the place to go for apples, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and fresh cider. It is the largest orchard in the southeast.
- Haralson County Courthouse (Buchannan) is a historic location which contains a museum, library and the office of the county historical society.
- New Echota Cherokee Capital (Calhoun) is the site of the beginning of the Trail of Tears. While there, be sure to visit the print shop and take time to learn of the accomplishments of the Cherokee Nation.
- Booth Western Art Museum (Cartersville) offers Civil War artwork, Contemporary Western art and Presidential memorabilia, a great place for art aficionados.
- Atlanta Skydiving Adventure (Cedartown) is just the place to get a unique bird’s eye view of northwestern Georgia. Sign up for a dive class and jump.
- The Dalton Original Walking Ghost Tour is famous for spooky fun. Sign up for one their weekend walks.
- Rock City Gardens is famous for its advertising on buildings, barns, birdhouses and other unique methods. You will find beautiful gardens, interesting rock formations, quirky statuary and more. Great for a fun date or family friendly activity.
- Test your mad driving skills at the Rome Speedway. The dirt track here is the fastest in the world! More racing fun can be found at the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, Georgia.
- In Ringold, prepare to be delighted as you partake in free wine tastings, gourmet foods and the opportunity to shop for the wine making supplies that can be found at the Georgia Winery Center.
- Ever wonder what it is lie to ride the range? Spend some time at the Seventy-Four Ranch in Jasper. You can go on round-us and help with the branding, just as it was in years gone by. Saddle up!
Hidden Treasures in Tennessee
February 23rd, 2010Tennessee tourism has a variety of offerings ranging from the excitement and energy of big cities like Memphis, Nashville or Knoxville and the peace and beauty of the mountains and valleys. But if you prefer the small towns that make America great, then here a couple of the best of Tennessee tourism.
- Crossville- Located 75 mile from Knoxville, and 74 miles from Chattanooga, this beautiful Tennessee town offers many venues for recreation. The activities include fishing at Meadow Park Lake, or camping and picnicking at Crossville Recreation Park. Crossville also boasts three of the top ten rated golf courses in the state. In addition, the town is the site of one of the largest professional theatres in rural America. Convenience to the Cumberland Mountains makes Crossville a favorite fall destination for color seekers all over the Southeast.
- Dyersburg- Just over an hour’s drive from Memphis, Dyersburg is a town reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s America. As you meander through town, you will find charming stores with shade providing awnings, Victorian homes with well tended flower gardens and friendly people. There are streets edge with azaleas, dogwoods and ancient trees-all lending beauty and an air of peacefulness. If you are looking for fun in the outdoors, head to Reelfoot Lake State Park where there is a long list of water activities, camping, hiking and cycling as well as a resort inn and restaurant. Dyersburg also offers you golfing, and an assortment of inside activities at the Neighborhood Community Center or entertainment arts at the Fine Arts Warehouse.
- Greenville- Convenient to both Knoxville, TN and Ashville, NC this Smoky Mountain town is just the spot for a weekend getaway. You will find a town rich in history-matter of fact-it is the smallest non-state capital in America to have a naval vessel named for it, the USS Greenville. The city offers a variety of outdoor adventure, cultural art experiences and walking tours through the Historic District.
Touted as the top 3 small towns in Tennessee, these are definitely hidden treasures that you will want to visit.
What to do in Mobile, ALabama
February 22nd, 2010If you have never spent any time along the Alabama coastline, then it is possible that you have missed out on one of the best kept secrets in Alabama tourism. Located just a short drive from Florida and Mississippi, Mobile is called Alabama’s “Port City”. It is one of Alabama’s larger cities and got its beginning in 1702 as the first capital of French Louisiana.
When you visit Mobile, you will find the charming juxtaposition of the historic homes and buildings with vibrant modern architecture. Consequently, be sure to spend some time touring antebellum locations like the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion and modern art venues such as the Mobile Museum of Modern Art. If you want a slightly macabre activity, go to Mobile’s Medical Museum where you will see rare medical artifacts, tools and bullet extractors from the Civil War.
Perhaps two of the most well known attractions, aside from its beautiful beach, are the USS Alabama and Bellingrath Gardens and Home. The 35,000 ton USS Alabama is a memorial to American veterans since WWII. As you tour the ship, you will also see the USS Drum submarine, WWII aircrafts, a B-52 bomber and an A-12 Blackbird spy plane.
For 20th Century designs of a softer sort, spend some time at the gorgeous Bellingrath Gardens. The nearly century old flower gardens contain approximately 250,000 azalea plants, camellias, roses, and lilies. You can also tour the home or take a 45 minute river boat cruise on the Southern Belle.
Mobile, Alabama is full of places to see, stories to hear, activities to enjoy. Be sure you spend some time in this coastal Alabama city.
Civil Rights in Selma, Alabama
February 22nd, 2010Alabama tourism offers many opportunities to trace one’s family and stand where famous leaders once stood. From Montgomery to Mobile and Tuskegee to Tuscaloosa, cities all across Alabama have been recognized for their accomplishments and forward thinking in the realm of civil rights. One well-known history making city is Selma.
Situated above the Alabama River, Selma has seen its share of conflict. Beginning with its besiegement during the Civil War, division of the population began to cause strife. Then, 100 years after the Civil War, discrimination’s ugliness was to be born no more. On March 7, 1965 almost 600 African American’s began their march to Montgomery; unfortunately, the governor responded with violence in the form of police officers with clubs, whips and tear gas. Two days later, Dr. King, Jr. tried again but was unsuccessful; eventually the marchers made it on a third try.
When you visit Selma, be sure to go to these important historic Civil Rights Movement locations: The Old Depot Museum which features artifacts from Selma’s history, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute with its collection of photos and documentation of those who “fought for freedom” in a system determined to discriminate or book a place on the Black Heritage Tour and visit the key places in Civil Rights history.
Selma, Alabama- a city of history and courageous people. Come see these important places that helped shape the South.
McMinville?… Where’s That?
February 19th, 2010
Visit McMinville and spend some time in this peaceful Tennessee mountain town.
When it comes to Tennessee tourism, most people think of well-known cities like Chattanooga or Murfreesboro, or music towns like Memphis or Nashville. However, for many looking for a quiet weekend getaway, it is the small towns of Tennessee that have the greatest appeal. One such “city” is that of McMinville.
This Tennessee valley town is flanked by sylvan hills to its north and west and the picturesque Cumberland Mountains to the southeast. Thanks to its over 450 registered nurseries, McMinville is called the “Nursery Capital of the World”, so if you are a flower and gardening enthusiast, you are sure to be delighted. Not only is it a town of horticultural beauty, but it also boasts an abundance of homes and buildings built before 1825.
When you visit this southeastern town, don’t miss out on time spent in at least one of the 4 state parks- Fall Creek, Cumberland, Fall Creek Falls, and Edger Evins. These parks provide numerous hiking and riding trails, fishing and boating opportunities, picnic pavilion, golfing, camping and more. Accommodations in McMinville range from historic B&B’s or campsites to resort areas and a marina. When you are ready to eat, be sure to sample the local favorites like Smokey Joes Hickory House or City Drug Store’s sandwiches and sides.
Northeast Georgia’s Weekend Getaways
February 18th, 2010
A beautiful fall day in Georgia!
When I was growing up, my dad loved to take surprise trips to the Georgia mountains. We were generally given a minimal amount of time to get ready to ride, and very little information about where we would spend the day. Consequently, we did not make use of the many north Georgia cabin rentals available. However, that did keep us from having a great time, I have fond memories of family fun as we spent a day gallivanting about enjoying the delights of nature, the distinctive works of area artists, and decadent foods at the local eateries. Whether it was time spent in Dahlonega’s gold mining area, touring historic homes, standing in awe as gazed at the autumn splendor at Woody Gap or Blood Mountain or being told “Look with your eyes, not with your hands” at the amazing artwork and museum displays, family outings in the mountains will always be something I remember with much fondness.
As you visit this area of Georgia, be sure you take some time to cross one of its 4 covered bridges. Long associated with legends, mystery and romance, covered bridges are a favorite photo opportunity. Northeastern Georgia’s covered bridges are Cromer’s Mill in Carnesville, Poole’s Mill in Cumming, Hurricane Shoals in Maysville and Stovall Mill in Sautee.
A special family favorite was spending time in Taccoa. Here we went tubing down the river, then spent the night at a nearby campground. On another trip, we visited one the parks and spent a day hiking the trails and discovering hiding places for both people and animals. There was always so much to see and do, that we (my siblings and I) often did not realize that we were not only having a good time but gaining knowledge of history and nature as well.
The northeast Georgia mountains have many activities and attractions that are sure to delight your family as well. Why not reserve a north Georgia rental cabin and come see for yourself?
Georgia’s Midlands
February 17th, 2010While many are familiar with the big cities, mountains and beaches of Georgia tourism offerings, be sure that the magic of the midlands is not overlooked. If you have never spent any time in the magnolia midlands of Georgia, then here are a few places to check out.
- Lake Mayers (Boxley) – Spend the day fishing, boating, swimming, skiing and more at this beautiful lake. Be sure to bring along a picnic basket so you can take advantage of the picnic pavilions and grills.
- The Fun Place (Douglas) – Make memories as you play in the arcade, ride the go-karts and putt your way through the miniature golf course.
- Market in Madison (Dublin) – Taste your way through the produce stalls where local providers bring their freshest fruits and veggies.
- Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge (McRae) – While best known for its fabulous golf green, this park also offers fishing, hiking and overnight accommodations.
- Pecan Orchard Plantation (Mt. Vernon) – With an assortment of mazes, a petting zoo, hayrides and a glimpse into farm life this is an ideal family-friendly activity.
- Georgia Southern Botanical Garden (Statesboro) – Spend an afternoon touring the sweet smelling flower gardens and then visit the turn of the century cottage on the premises.
- Vidalia, Georgia- If you are a foodie, then a visit to the UGA Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center along with time spent at the Vidalia Onion Factory and Gift store is a must. At the Center, you can learn about the development and agricultural aspects of this famed Georgia produce and then go over to the nearby Onion Factory where you will find and assortment of culinary delights and Vidalia onion inspired gifts.
The Georgia midlands offer many other touring options. The activities include everything from state parks to antique stores, and art museums to historic locations-make sure to visit, you are certain to enjoy yourself.
The Lighthouses of the Georgia Coastline
February 17th, 2010When it comes to remarkable structures that are as impressive as they are invaluable, there are few buildings that measure up like the American lighthouses. Consequently, these towering lights are a favorite tourist attraction all along America’s coastlines. Georgia tourism department offers you 6 opportunities to visit the lighthouses of the Georgia coastline. Here is a brief description of the active Georgia lighthouses.
- Tybee Island Light Station- This black and white 1736 light station has a 144 foot focal plane and a first order Fresnel lens which has been used since 1867. The site is on the south bank of the Savannah River. The tower is open every for tours.
- Sapelo Island- Although this 1820 Windsor Lewis lighthouse was inactive during most of the 20th Century, today it is privately maintained and operated, The brick lighthouse is the second oldest one in America and can be toured 3 days a week.
- St. Simons Island Lights Towers- Actually the site of 3 lights, here you can see the 150 foot south and north towers, and the 104 foot main tower. On site, there is also a 2 story brick Victorian keeper’s house which is now used as the Museum of Coastal Georgia. The North and South towers are closed to the public, but the main tower is open daily.
If these brief descriptions peak your interest in the Georgia lighthouses, then why not plan a trip to the beautiful Georgia coastline and barrier islands. The stories of the Georgia lighthouses are rich in history, romance and mystery. Today, they continue to illuminate the paths of sea lovers while shedding a beam of light on the lives of those from by gone years. Come explore the Georgia lighthouses!
Five Famed Georgia Cities
February 16th, 2010Depending on your interest and how much time you have to devote, there is a long list of “must do or see” locations included in Georgia tourism. You will find quiet towns like Breman and historic mountain regions like the foothills and peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is the excitement of big cities like Atlanta and Athens and the exploration available along the coastline. But one thing is for sure, no matter where you roam in Georgia, the fun and memory making opportunities abound.
So, where do you have in mind for a visit? Here are a few places to get you started.
- Atlanta- From a myriad of museums and a multitude of malls, to water and amusement parks along with venues such as the Fox Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony and the Center for Puppetry Arts, Stone Mountain and the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Atlanta has something for every interest, age level or ability.
- Athens- Home to the University of Georgia as well as a wide selection of gardens, museums, galleries and other area attractions. And, for those who love the night life, Athens offers a wide selection of clubs, dining and dancing locations sure to be enjoyed.
- Savannah- This is perhaps one of Georgia’s most beloved cities. You will find more history than you can visit in just an afternoon, an abundance of antebellum homes, sandy beaches, lighthouses, well maintained gardens and many other family friendly activities.
- Augusta- This classic South town offers museums of art, history and science, city parks, river walks, and even a James Brown city tour. Spend a few days getting acquainted with this great Southern city.
- Helen- Nestled in the northeastern Georgia mountains, the Bavarian inspired town has long been a favorite weekend get-away location—especially for couples. You will find beautiful bed and breakfast, quiet inns, fine dining and a variety of regional activities and attractions. These activities include browsing at shops where you can peruse artwork and fine foods created by regional artist, the Helen Speedway, the Nora Mil Granary, the Habersham Winery or Charlemagne’s Kingdom. Also available are touring opportunities like hot air balloon rides, buggy rides or bike trails.
So, pack your bags, grab a camera and come check out some of Georgia’s great cities. There are so many to explore, you may need to plan for multiple trips!