Southeast Travel Learn about the Southeast and find fun things to do and see in Southern states like Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and the Carolinas.
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Macon, Georgia is located almost in the geographic center of Georgia. Its central location to everything else in Georgia and its location on the Ocmulgee River made Macon a booming town in the 19th century. As time passed the state capital was moved from Macon to Atlanta and the city slowed in growth. It is still, however, a thriving Georgian city that is actually more “Southern” in mannerisms than Atlanta. If you are coming to Georgia to see “the real South” Macon is a must see city. There are some great sites to see in Macon and it is easy to spend a day or two touring the museums and old homes. Spring is the best time to see this beautiful city. That’s when the dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom.
Things to Do and See in Macon
Hay House
This Italian Renaisssance revival mansion was built in 1859 and is a great way to see a glorius antebellum home. It is located at 934 Georgia Avenue. Call the Hay House to find out more: 478-742-8155
Cannonball House
After you visit the Hay House walk down the street to the Cannonball House to see the column that was hit by a cannonball during the American Civil War in Georgia. This antebellum home is located at 856 Mulberry Street. Call them at: 478-745-5982
Ocmulgee National Monument
If you think the antebellum houses of Macon are old you should visit the Ocmulgee National Monument. The history of this ancient Indian site starts 10,000 years ago, but the main attraction, earthen mounds, were built by the people of the Mississippian culture that lived in the area around 900 A.D. Visit the mounds at 1207 Emery Highway or call: 478-752-8257
Just 15 miles east of Atlanta is the town of Stone Mountain and Stone Mountain Park. Believed to have been first seen by the Spanish explorers, it has continued to draw visitors eager to view Stone Mountain, the worlds largest exposed granite mountain. On one side of the 825 foot tall mountain is a Confederate memorial carving of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis. The entire carved surface of the Memorial Carving measures three acres, and the carving towers 400 feet above the ground, measures 90 by 190 feet, and is recessed 42 feet into the mountain. There are a variety of seasonal laser shows projected on the mountain, so be sure to check out stonemountainpark.com for information concerning show times and dates.
The 3,200 acre Stone Mountain Park provides great ways to spend your day. You can ride the Summit Skyride cable cars or hike the 1.3 mile trail to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view of western Atlanta or you could tour the Antique Auto and Treasure Museum. For water fun, head to Stone Mountain Lake and fish for bass, carp, catfish and bream, take a ride on the paddlewheel riverboat or Ride the Ducks, an interactive sightseeing experience. You can play golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club with its magnificent scenery, or hike various trails throughout the park. Other park attractions include the Stone Mountain Railroad, the Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard, the Treehouse Challenge, the Great Motor Chase Adventure Golf (putt-putt) course, and the 1870’s Crossroads Village. The park has a family campground for RV or primitive camping, as well as the Marriot Stone Mountain Inn which has a conference center, a restaurant, a spa center and a heated indoor pool.
The town of Stone Mountain, Georgia is a bustling, busy community. You can spend the day shopping, playing a few rounds of golf, or simply relaxing at on the many hotels or B&B’s. If you are inspired by art, then be sure to visit the ART Station. Here you will find contemporary art studios that showcase various art forms from pottery to dance. The ART Station is also home to the annual storytelling festival, a tour of Southern Ghost. Other Stone Mountain area attractions are the Fernbank Science Center, the East Lake Country Club Tour, the Michael C. Carlos Museum and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
There are many North Georgia cabins and lodges, each one designed to meet the various needs and desires, as well as accommodates groups or provide a weekend away for two! In Helen, there are many things to do, as well as places to stay.
At the Chattahoochee River Lodge, approximately 1 mile from Helen, offers the peace and quiet of the mountains, with all the comforts of home. There are Jacuzzis, a spacious deck complete with grill, as well as a porch from which you can get a great view of the area. The River Lodge is especially beautiful during the spring when the mountain laurels and dogwoods are in bloom.
Just 1 mile from Unicoi State Park and 4 miles from Helen is Georgia Mountain Madness Cabins. Here you will find contemporary rustic cabins offering hot tubs, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and everything you need to feel at home away from home.
Tallulah Falls in Claremont, Georgia is home to the River Campground and Lodge. Here you can enjoy a peaceful evening as you relax on a large porch, cook in a fully equipped kitchen or simply take advantage of the great fishing, and outdoor activities available. There are gazebos, outdoor sports areas (horseshoes, volleyball, basketball), and even a club house bar where you can unwind in front of the fireplace. Tallulah Falls is close to the Chattahoochee National Forest and its many trails, as well as Lake Raeburn where you can spend all day fishing.
Located in Coweta County, just 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, is Newnan and its surrounding areas, are in one of the state’s fastest growing counties. However, the rapid growth has not taken away its hometown feel. There are many opportunities for fun– you can go shopping, enjoy great food at local eateries like Sprayberry’s Barbecue or Loco’s Deli & Pub, or you can spend a day on the greens at Summer Grove Golf Club, to name just a few of the many ways you can spend your time.
When you are in Newnan, be sure to make time to visit the Coweta County Courthouse. First built in 1829 by Captain W.H. Hitchcock, it served as a hospital during the Civil War. The building’s Neoclassical Revival architectural structure has a dome that that is more than 100 feet above the court square. A unique feature of the dome is the four clocks that were originally hand wound (the clocks were switched to electric in the 1960′s) is one that you don’t want to miss. Also of historic interest is the Male Academy which is housed in a restored 1840’s seminary building. Displays include Civil War memorabilia, handcrafted textiles and decorative arts from the 19th century. You can take a driving tour of the Antebellum and Victorian homes in the downtown area, or tour the historic Dunaway Gardens with its flowers, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
If you enjoy the performing arts, then head to the Newnan Community Theatre Company at the Manget Brannon Alliance for the Arts facility. The N-C Company performs a wide selection of musical, children’s plays, Shakespeare and experimental theatre so be sure to check out www.newnantheatre.com. Or, if you prefer drama of a different kind, head to The Alamo & Alamo Jacks for live music, a DJ, trivia and karaoke fun, or take in a movie at the Carmike 10.
So pack your bags and come see what it is that pulls so many people to Newnan, you’ll be pleasantly pleased by all there is to do!
In Pine Mountain, Georgia is the legacy left by Cason and Virginia Callaway. The 13,000 acre Callaway Gardens is one of the most extensive and successful gardens in Georgia. Callaway Gardens’ acreage has lakes, woodlands and wildlife within artfully landscaped gardens that will delight even the most experienced gardener.
At the John a Shibley Horticultural Center, you will find a myriad of plants, shrubs, and trees making the center a phenomenal sight during the spring and summer. You could visit over and over and see something new every time you come. When you tour Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, the southern site of the PBS show The Victory Garden, you will see over 400 varieties of flowers, fruits, vegetable and herbs.
Callaway Garden is home to North America’s largest free flight butterfly house—The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. The Butterfly Center has over 1,000 species of butterflies which you can see up close as they flutter by, or as they light on the many flowers or sugar water trays throughout the center. And, if you stand real still and quiet, they might even land on you!
Other attractions and activities include swimming, golfing on one of the top golf courses in the state, hiking, biking, and tennis. You can relax on the beach, or enjoy fine dining, and no matter what you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful time!
“Come all you rounders if you want to hear
A story ’bout a brave engineer,
Casey Jones was the rounder’s name
“Twas on the Illinois Central that he won his fame…”
“…Casey’s body lies buried in Jackson, Tennessee
Close beside the tracks of the old I.C.
May his spirit live forever throughout the land
As the greatest of all heroes of a railroad man.”
If you love history or perhaps have a train aficionado in your family, then perhaps you know that April 30, 1900, is day that was not easily forgotten by many in the railroad industry. After all, it is the day that Casey Jones became a hero. If you want a chance to learn more about this brave American then don’t overlook Jackson, Tennessee. This gem of Tennessee tourism is a great place to spend a day. Located between Memphis and Nashville, this Tennessee town offers two locomotive related attractions.
The Casey Jones Village offers turn of the century shops, buildings and hands on history. Be sure to check out the Brooks Shaw & Son Old Country Store has more than 15,000 antiques on display. More fun and locomotion facts can be had by visiting the Casey Jones Amphitheatre, touring the Judge Milton Brown Pullman Railcar or touring the Wildlife in Wood Studio. More fun can be had playing a round of mini-golf at the course by the Country Store or shopping at the many shops in the Casey Jones Village. There is also a restaurant, a confectioners shop and an ice cream parlor to visit here.
The Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum gives guests a peak into the past. You will find railroad memorabilia like the railroad passes, timetables, steam whistles and other related items. Don’t forget to check out the 1890s steam locomotive and coach cars on display!
Jackson, Tennessee is just the spot to spend a day with your family. Come make some memories.
Perhaps one of Tennessee’s most visited places is the mountain town of Gatlinburg. Located convenient to the Great Smokey National Park, Gatlinburg has accommodations for up to 40,000 guests, despite being a town with a population of around 3,500. And, with its quaint shops, quiet bed and breakfasts, great restaurants and ski lodges there are plenty of reasons that people come to Gatlinburg each year. Matter of fact, Gatlinburg has been called the “Honeymoon capital of the South” because so many choose to get married her than spend time her after the wedding.
Once in Gatlinburg, you can choose to spend your days in a variety of fashions. There is exploring the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, taking river walks along the Little Pigeon River or wandering around shops selling mountain art, pottery and other local favorites ranging from clothing to local food items or home décor to custom jewelry. If you want to see the Smoky Mountains as the birds do, then be sure to head to the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This glass enclosed elevator, rises 342 feet to an observation deck proving you with a panoramic view of the region. The Space Needle is an especially delightful activity during the fall when the splendor of the trees is enough to make one think that God poured out His paint box and shared the colors with us.
Gatlinburg is best known, however, for its skiing. You will find the Aerial Tramway-Ober Gatlinburg Ski to provide easy access to the top of Mount Harrison and the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort with its ski runs of as much as 5,000 feet and vertical drops of 600 feet. The ski resort also has a restaurant, a ski school, an alpine slide and an indoor ice skating rink. More sightseeing fun can be found on the double chair lift ride up Crockett Mountain via the Sky Lift.
Gatlinburg is a beautiful town that guests have enjoyed for years. Should you have the chance to spend some time there, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity. It is sure to become a favorite.
Ever wanted to see dolphins up close? If so then plan your next trip to the South Carolina coast for a Myrtle Beach dolphin watch tour. I’ve had the pleasure of swimming with dolphins before when I was in the Florida Keys and it was a rush and a spiritual experience. Of course, if you go out with a group looking for dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea life be sure to pick a company or boat that doesn’t do anything like feed the animals. This will only destroy their natural ways and only benefit you in the short term.
We just got back from a few days in Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach and updated the South Carolina Tourism site. We try to get to each state every few months to take pictures and write on-site reviews and updates. One new page added on this expedition is the Surfside Beach, SC pictures page.
If you have any pictures or trip reports you would like to share from SC (or any Southeast state) please send them.
Surfside Beach is a great family destination and offers many good restaurants that have the distinct advantage of being smoke free – something rare in South Carolina (one of the most unhealthy states in America). Because we appreciate the efforts this beach town has made to keep visitors and locals safe from second hand smokers we have created a new webpage for Surfside Beach, SC restaurants. If you love your family and care about their health please support this family beach destination with your hard earned money. Hopefully the rest of the state will soon catch up with common sense and modern science and push smoking outside and away from innocent victims that are simply trying to enjoy a good meal.
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