A new report shows Savannah had about 300,000 more visitors last year than in 2009. They spent an additional $100 million.

Joe Marinelli of Visit Savannah, the city’s visitor bureau, says hotel tax [...]]]> SAVANNAH, Ga. — Savannah’s top tourism official says he believes the city’s vital travel market has rebounded after a brief slump driven by the recession.

A new report shows Savannah had about 300,000 more visitors last year than in 2009. They spent an additional $100 million.

Joe Marinelli of Visit Savannah, the city’s visitor bureau, says hotel tax collections for the first six months of this year are ahead of the same period in 2010 – an indicator that Savannah’s tourism economy continues to strengthen.

The report says Savannah had 11.4 million visitors last year who were responsible for $1.7 billion in direct spending.

State officials say 2010 was also a good year for tourism in Georgia overall as visitors spent $21 billion statewide, an increase of 8.3 percent from 2009.

(Associated Press)

I’ve lived in Georgia most of my life and visited Six Flags a dozen or so times during my youth. I have many fond memories of days at the park from the time I was five until I was in high school. I’m now in my thirties and have not visited Six Flags Over Georgia in [...]]]>

I’ve lived in Georgia most of my life and visited Six Flags a dozen or so times during my youth. I have many fond memories of days at the park from the time I was five until I was in high school. I’m now in my thirties and have not visited Six Flags Over Georgia in more than 20 years. Now that I have kids of my own I visited again to show them the place I enjoyed when I was young. This review of Six Flags Georgia includes my take on the park as an adult and a returning visitor. If you decide to visit we have a page for Six Flags over Georgia discounts where you can get tickets and ticket combos for a better price than at the door. Even if you don’t use our page do look around as there are many coupons and other deals to save money on tickets.

Roller Coasters

When we arrived just after opening at 10:00 AM we noticed the Batman ride and other roller coasters, and this brings me to my first point about Six Flags: You won’t find a better place for roller coasters in the world. Six Flags has the best roller coasters I’ve ever seen anywhere, and I’ve visited a lot of amusement parks.

Thomas Town

Six Flags isn’t just roller coasters though and there are many things for kids of all ages to enjoy. We brought our two year old so he could enjoy Thomas Town (of Thomas the Train fame). He liked the train ride and really enjoyed the playground. I was a little disappointed at the size of Thomas Town as the TV commercials make it look much bigger and grander. Regardless of my interpretation of the size the young kids enjoyed it, but I don’t think it’s worth a trip on its own.

Buying Food at Six Flags – Don’t

When I was a kid we always brought a picnic lunch and left the park to eat (you can return with a paid ticket on the same day). Now I know why. The foot is overpriced and of poor quality. We ate at a cheesy themed Western restaurant that offered expensive hamburgers and chicken fingers that tasted terrible. The restaurant was dirty and the floor slippery. To top it off the staff was…ehhh. If you do have to eat in the park avoid the themed restaurants and stick to the chains like Papa Johns Pizza and Panda Express. At least with these you know what you’re getting – overpriced or not.

Six Flags Employees

Six Flags hires outstanding people overall. Often an employee will smile and welcome you to the park, or go out of their way to help you, but Six Flags also has a few employees that are complete opposites and are apathetic at best. Some employees can’t even communicate and just short of refuse to help you (we had two kids and a stroller so we needed all the help we could get).

Overall Impression

Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta is a fun place for families. It isn’t cheap, but it is also the best amusement park north of Florida. And when it comes to thrill rides Six Flags can’t be beat. If you’re visiting Atlanta be sure to include a day at Six Flags, especially if you have kids, as it will be a highlight of your trip.

North Georgia Attractions You May Want to Explore

The North Georgia mountains in [...]]]> Nestled among the foothills of some of the beautiful Georgia mountains, Northeast Georgia truly is nature’s playground. With a million acres of national forest, 56,000 acre Lake Hartwell, historical landmarks, seasonal festivals, fine dining and – there are North Georgia attractions to pique everyone’s interest.

North Georgia Attractions You May Want to Explore

The North Georgia mountains in this region offer mild weather year-round and picturesque scenery. Plus, there is no shortage of North Georgia attractions to keep the whole family entertained in this beautiful area.

The quaint city of Toccoa in the Georgia mountains is a must see. This city is full of wonderful North Georgia attractions that will appeal to every family member. Start with a visit to the 186-foot tall Toccoa Falls, located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. Pay a small fee and spend the day gazing at this natural wonder. Then take a hike to the top of Currahee Mountain, where you can enjoy beautiful views. Next, visit the Currahee Military Museum, which has exhibits on the Civil War, WWI and WWII, as well as a focus on the Paratrooper Infantry Regiment that trained in the area in the 40s. History buffs can continue with a tour of the historic Old Stephens County Courthouse, built in 1908.

Alpine Helen, once a sleepy sawmill village with a tiny population, is another of the premier North Georgia attractions. The quaint town in the Georgia mountains will instantly charm you with its Bavarian essence of red roofs, clock towers and cobblestone streets. The best time to visit Helen is during the town’s annual Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest in Helen came from humble beginnings in the 1970s, but over the years it has grown into one of the biggest parties in the Southeast, lasting over two months! During the day, peruse Helen’s unique shops, eat a relaxing lunch in a beer-garden, and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery. At night, head on over with the rest of Helen to the Festhalle, where visitors eat fresh cooked bratwursts, drink a variety of German beers and dance to the tune of authentic German live music.

Great North Georgia Attractions to Visit in the Fall

If you are seeking seasonal North Georgia attractions, visit Burt’s Farm and Buck’s Corn Maze. In the fall, Burt’s Farm transforms into the largest pumpkin patch in the Georgia mountains. Bring your family and wander amongst the thousands of pumpkins, ranging in size from an unbelievable 150 pounds to a modest one pound. Burt’s Farm offers hayrides pulled by tractors that take visitors through winding trails filled with natural beauty. If your stomach is growling after all of that fun, check out the barn store for Burt’s fresh baked pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll, candied popcorn and other sugary goodies. If you are feeling up to a challenge, visit Buck’s Corn Maze–an amazing nine-acre corn maze, open to the adventurous at heart both day and night.

One of the biggest North Georgia attractions during the fall is the changing of the leaves. Under a crisp blue sky, the sun’s rays dance majestically on hues of orange, yellow and red. The sight of the leaves along the Georgia mountains during their annual transition is absolutely incomparable. Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is an ideal destination for viewing dazzling fall color in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest encircling the byway. The Byway is home to numerous waterfalls that are just a short stroll from the main road. You can also take the Byway to Brasstown Bald, the tallest of the Georgia mountains, to soak in a 360-degree view of the picturesque autumn landscape.

Another of the North Georgia attractions that offers fun year-round, but is especially spectacular with the fall foliage, is Tallulah Gorge, a magnificent canyon in the Georgia mountains that is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a free permit to hike down to the gorge floor. Take in the amazing views of the forest, river and waterfalls atop the suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky canyon bottom. Take a picnic and make a day of exploring the beauty of Northeast Georgia in the fall.

The Georgia mountains region is rich in historic landmarks and the arts and crafts of the past still resonate in museums and shops throughout the area today. Choose from a wide variety of North Georgia attractions to visit. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia showcases the skills of one of the South’s premier grassroots art forms and explores the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in Southern life. The Nacoochee Indian Mound is the scenic focus at the west end of the Nacoochee Valley. Built by the Indians during the Mississippian Period, it was partially excavated in 1915. Although not accessible to the public, the mound may be seen on the east side of GA Highway 75 just before crossing the Chattahoochee River south of Helen.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities in the Georgia Mountains

There are endless opportunities for outdoor fun in the Georgia mountains, but if you are looking for something more exciting than hiking, camping, or fishing, adventurers of all ages can get in on the whitewater rafting action at the Chattooga River On the nationally designated “Wild & Scenic” river, three outfitters provide guided raft trips on two sections of the river where paddlers can experience the wild ride of class II, III, IV and V rapids. Adventurers seeking North Georgia attractions can choose a half-day trip or go for the whole day, and picnic on the banks of the river or at the base of a waterfall.

Another must-visit is Lake Hartwell, nestled in the Georgia mountains. This man-made lake has over 962 miles of shore and offers a wide range of exciting activities in which you can take part, from fishing to boating and waterskiing. In addition, the area is surrounded by North Georgia attractions such as outlet stores and flea markets, and there are dozens of golf courses just a short drive away.

After a day of fishing, hiking, hunting, golfing, or enjoying other North Georgia attractions, it is time to settle in for a home-style family meal at The Dillard House. The Dillard House is renowned for its farm fresh vegetables and meats served “family style” in the generous proportions that are the cornerstone of southern hospitality. Set in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Georgia mountains, the Dillard House also offers accommodations ranging from renovated modern style rooms to secluded chalets. Plus, the horse stables will keep the kids entertained for hours!

Conclusion

There is such a wide variety of North Georgia attractions to explore that you are sure to find something to delight every member of your family. The natural beauty of the Georgia mountains combined with its rich history make it a wonderful place to visit and a special place to spend a lifetime!

Picture of The Lady & Sons Restaurant in Savannah by [...]]]> Clay Perry just posted a great article on restaurants in Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia.  I’ll go ahead and warn you that this post will make you hungry.
Read more

Picture of The Lady & Sons Restaurant in Savannah by Rory Finneren