Southeast Travel Guide » GA travel

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

Five Famed Georgia Cities

Jan Slagell — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:17:52 +0000

Depending 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!

Janet Slagell