Are you looking for a great activity where learning and fun collide? Perhaps, you are a history buff and enjoy seeing the home s of great Americans. If so, then you will want to plan for a day in Charlottesville, Virginia at Monticello.

Monticello was built by Thomas Jefferson over 200 years ago. The house reflects his [...]]]>

Are you looking for a great activity where learning and fun collide? Perhaps, you are a history buff and enjoy seeing the home s of great Americans. If so, then you will want to plan for a day in Charlottesville, Virginia at Monticello.

Monticello was built by Thomas Jefferson over 200 years ago. The house reflects his love of European architecture and is the perfect backdrop for the many pieces of artwork, “modern” day inventions and achievements, furniture and decorative items displayed in the house. When you arrive, you will be greeted by a well-informed docent who guides you through Monticello and tells you stories about Thomas Jefferson, his family and friends, his forays into politics, his beliefs and his travels.

The tour includes time with the guide as well as the opportunity to tour the grounds at your leisure. As part of the time spent touring the grounds, you can see the beer and wine cellar, view the stables, try your hand at writing with a quill pen (described by some as an exercise in frustration), or go on a guided tour of the many flower, fruit and vegetable gardens. In fact, if you love gardening, you will want to take one of the classes or tours where knowledgeable guides tell you the secrets for attaining gardens like those at Monticello.

Of special interest for the children visiting Monticello is the museum where there are hands-on displays where they experience life at Monticello during Jefferson’s time. There are clothes for dressing in, a cooking an area, a 5-book bookstand, writing utensils, rubbings to be done, weaving and other activities sure to interest your children.

Monticello will be enjoyed by all those who take the time to visit. It is place worthy of the time it may take you to get there. So, the next time you are looking for a way to combine obtaining history knowledge and fun for the whole family, take a trip to Monticello.

Cabins at Crabtree Falls

If you have spent a day at Monticello—or perhaps are in the Charlottesville, VA area and want a place where you can truly get away from it all while still enjoying comforts of home, then the Cabins at Crabtree Falls are a great place to stay.

The cabins here were built decades ago, but have been maintained and have modern conveniences such as plumbing, television, heating/AC and basic kitchen appliances so that you can make the most of your time away. The rustic cabins are comfortable and depending on the cabin you reserve can sleep up to six people. The front porches of the cabins include rocking chairs, and porch swings, so you can and visit with your companions or enjoy the sounds of the nearby gurgling creek.

Across the road from the cabins and a short stroll down a wooden path, one can be on the banks of creek. Or, if you would prefer a look from the top, turn right at the end of the driveway and go a quarter of mile to where you can see the Crabtree Falls.

The Cabins are clean and neat, and reflect the period in which they were built. So, if you are looking for a unique accommodation with the comforts of home, why not give the Cabins at Crabtree Falls a chance? Chances are you will want to go back again and again!

Thanks to Janet Slagell of Write Away Copy Writing for this excellent review.

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)

With its miles of coastline, valleys and mountains, abandoned logging trails and quiet streams and raging rapids, it is no wonder that hikers love to spend time exploring the trails on Georgia. Unfortunately, with all the hiking being done in Georgia, there are numerous hours spent by park rangers and others looking for people [...]]]>

With its miles of coastline, valleys and mountains, abandoned logging trails and quiet streams and raging rapids, it is no wonder that hikers love to spend time exploring the trails on Georgia. Unfortunately, with all the hiking being done in Georgia, there are numerous hours spent by park rangers and others looking for people who have wandered off trails, failed to let their companions know where they would be or have had accidents like slipping on creek beds or rock slides. These are not just novice hikers who have problems, as the elements affect the rookie and the veteran alike. As a result, making sure you have done all you can to ensure a safe and pleasant Georgia hiking experience is a must! Here are some tips for Georgia hiking that should keep in mind as you plan any excursion.
1. Never go hiking without letting someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. Be sure to check back in with the person(s) when you return so as to not cause any undue concerns. Hiking in groups is better than hiking solo!
2. Stay on the marked trails and be sure to pay attention to trail markings. Also, do not cut through switchbacks as this will lead to erosion.
3. Do not climb on the waterfalls! This is dangerous and typically leads to someone getting hurt.
4. Always carry a whistle…3 short blast indicate an emergency.
5. Always carry a small emergency kit. The kit should contain: water, first aid kit, small flashlight with extra batteries, glowstick, energy food, brightly colored bandana, trash bag- preferably a brightly colored one-poke a hole in it and it can be used to keep you warm and dry, aluminum foil-strips can be tied to tree limbs to reflect search lights and it can be molded into a bowl for water and water purifying tablets.
6. Don’t rely on a GPS to prevent you from getting lost; have a compass and know how to use it!
7. Wear good hiking boots and socks; prevent blister by carrying moleskin and use it as soon as you feel a warm spot on your skin.
8. Carry plenty of drinking water and have a water filter or water purifying tablets.
9. Stay on marked trails.
10. Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Carry a lightweight rain poncho in your pack.

With miles of hiking trails in Georgia, there is always somewhere new to explore. Being prepared will make the trip much more enjoyable!
Go to our Georgia hiking page to find some great hikes in Georgia, and to find great hikes worldwide check out our hiking blog.

Read the full story at [...]]]> Georgia’s favorite author, Terry Kay, has won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Writers Association. We are proud of Mr. Kay and want to congratulate him on this high honor. You can learn more about him at our Terry Kay page.

Read the full story at Online Athens