Southeast Travel Guide » GA tourism

A Look into Georgia’s Past

Jan Slagell — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:47:57 +0000

The region of north Georgia is one rich in historic locations. Whether you are state history buff, tracing your Civil War roots or fascinated by the culture of the Native Americans, the northwestern region of Georgia offers many places to explore.

Native American Heritage

North Georgia is a great place to learn about Georgia’s earliest inhabitants. From the Creek to Cherokee, many Native American tribes are represented across the state of Georgia. In the north Georgia region be sure to visit the McIntosh Reserve in Whitesburg, the Chieftain’s Museum and Major Ridge home in Rome, the Chief Van House in Chatsworth, the Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville and the New Echota Cherokee Capital in Calhoun.

Civil War Locations

If Civil War history gets you excited, then get ready to learn. In Calhoun, spend some time touring Oakleigh, where General Sherman commanded his troops. In Cartersville, there is the Allatoona Pass Battlefield that was part of the Nashville Campaign and the Chickamauga National Military Park which is the site of several Civil War monuments. Other Civil War memorial locations are the Battles for Chattanooga Museum, the Confederate Cemetery and the Battle of Resaca tour, the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center, the Atlanta Campaign Packet Park, the Gordon-Lee Mansion and Pickets Mill Battlefield.

20^th Century North Georgia History Locations

At Fort Oglethorpe’s 6^th Calvary Museum you will find the original officer’s quarter, the administrative buildings and the stories of those who were stationed here from 1919 to 1942. More 20^th century knowledge can be found at Kingston’s Governor’s House. As you tour the 1930s estate you can learn about family history as you meander beautiful gardens and the stained glass chapel.

Get your fill of history as you visit north Georgia. Grab your camera, and a notebook and take a walk through time. And for a closer look at Georgia’s history visit the Atlanta History Center in Buckhead.

What to Do on a Northwest Georgia Weekend Getaway

Jan Slagell — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:23:18 +0000

Just 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:

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!

Janet Slagell

Northeast Georgia’s Weekend Getaways

Jan Slagell — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 06:19:56 +0000

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?

Janet Slagell

The Lighthouses of the Georgia Coastline

Jan Slagell — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:34:16 +0000

When 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!