1. Lake Mayers (Boxley) – Spend the day fishing, boating, swimming, skiing and more at this beautiful lake. Be sure to bring along a picnic basket so you can take advantage of the picnic pavilions and grills.
2. The Fun Place (Douglas) – Make memories as you play in the arcade, ride the go-karts and putt your way through the miniature golf course.
3. Market in Madison (Dublin) – Taste your way through the produce stalls where local providers bring their freshest fruits and veggies.
4. Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge (McRae) – While best known for its fabulous golf green, this park also offers fishing, hiking and overnight accommodations.
5. Pecan Orchard Plantation (Mt. Vernon) – With an assortment of mazes, a petting zoo, hayrides and a glimpse into farm life this is an ideal family-friendly activity.
6. Georgia Southern Botanical Garden (Statesboro) – Spend an afternoon touring the sweet smelling flower gardens and then visit the turn of the century cottage on the premises.
7. Vidalia, Georgia- If you are a foodie, then a visit to the UGA Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center along with time spent at the Vidalia Onion Factory and Gift store is a must. At the Center, you can learn about the development and agricultural aspects of this famed Georgia produce and then go over to the nearby Onion Factory where you will find and assortment of culinary delights and Vidalia onion inspired gifts.

The Georgia midlands offer many other touring options. The activities include everything from state parks to antique stores, and art museums to historic locations-make sure to visit, you are certain to enjoy yourself.

• 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!

 So, where do you have in mind for a visit? Here are a few places to get you started.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

As you visit Savannah, Georgia there are many locations you will want to include. For the history buff, however, there is an abundance of “must see” locations. After all, with 40% of Savannah’s 2,500 buildings being listed on the National Historic Register, one can spend many days touring homes, chapels, and assorted locations while learning about the history of the South. Take, for instance, the Historic District with its Davenport House Museum, the Andrew Low House, the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home or the Telfair’s Owens-Thomas House, which are all furnished in items reflecting the periods of Savannah’s history.

Or perhaps, you would like to travel the sites on the city’s outskirts. Here you will find Fort Pulaski which was used by General Lee and Georgia’s oldest fort, Old Fort Jackson. There is the Tybee Lighthouse and Museum with its aquarium, touch tanks and marine exhibits, the peaceful and beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery or the Bethesda Home for Boys which is America’s longest running children’s home.

Yes, there are many renowned locations in Savannah, Georgia and these are but a few to consider. But, if you love history and a feeling of going back in time, then a visit to this delightful Southern city is truly a must.

 Author: Janet Slagell

I’ve been using this economic downturn as an opportunity to visit many places within a few hours of my home in Georgia. If you want to learn more about Georgia staycations I have a page for that as well as pages for North Carolina staycations and South Carolina staycations. Each page offers affordable ideas for trips that are close to home. If you have ideas of cheap and affordable southeast vacations please comment to help other readers.

Georgia Aquarium

Known as the Peach State, Georgia is a place of diversity. You can spend a day beach combing, back packing or boating as you revel in its beauty. Relax as you watch the animals at the zoo, aquarium or a wooded knoll, or step back in time while visiting cities rich in southern style. But no matter what your interest, Georgia tourism has plenty to offer. To help you get started here is an alphabet of suggestions.
Georgia fun from A to Z:

A. Amicolola Falls State Park & Lodge – Here you will find a 729 foot waterfall, hiking trails, trout fishing, camping spots, and other great outdoor activities.

B. BabyLand General Hospital — The birthplace of Cabbage Patch kids come watch how the famed dolls are crafted.

St. Simons Island - by D. Duverge

C. Cumberland Island – This Georgia Barrier island is a habitat for endangered shore birds, and a favorite of migratory birds.

D. Dahlonega – This northeast mountain town was the site of America’s first gold rush (1828) and has a history rich in mining. Today guests can visit the assorted museums and mines, and then do some gold panning of their own.

E. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site is the most well preserved Mississippian archeological site in the southeast. It contains six mounds borrow pits, a village plaza and a wide assortment of Indian artifacts.

F. Forts – Georgia has many forts which can be toured they are Fort Bening, Fort Frederica, Fort Gains, Fort Oglethorpe, Fort Tyler, Fort McAllister and several others.

G. Georgia Aquarium – With 8,000 gallons of water, sea animals from all over the world, hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and more, this is the world’s largest aquarium.

H. Helen – This rustic mountain town is modeled after a Bavarian village. You will find a bit of “the old world” everywhere—from its shops to its streets, there is a touch of Europe in the food, crafts, and events. It has long been a favorite weekend get-away location.

I. Imagine it Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers hands-on learning fun regardless of how old you are.

J. Jekyll Island – A long time favorite of Georgia residents due to its many resorts and beautiful beaches; Jekyll Island is often called “Georgia’s Jewel” and offers attractions such as historic Horton house, the Georgia Sea turtle center, Summer Waves Water Park and Tidelands Nature Center.

K. King Center – Celebrate the life and success of Martin Luther King Jr. through programs and educational resources. It is a special favorite for teachers and civil rights historians.

L. Lake Lanier – Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a favorite for water sports of all types. From fishing to skiing, house boating or waterside campsites. There is plenty of fun for the whole family.

M. Mall of Georgia – Conveniently close to Lake Lanier, the Mall has 225 stores a wide variety of eating locations, and much more. It is one of the largest malls in the southeast and is sure to have whatever you are looking for.

N. New Echota State Park – This park was once the capital of the Cherokee nation before they were forcibly moved to the west. You can walk where the Cherokee once walked and lived as well as view the recreated government buildings and exhibits.

O. Okefenokee Swamp – Spend some time in the great outdoors as you canoe, camp and go on guided tours. You will see alligators, endangered birds like the American bald eagle, cypress trees and the carnivorous pitcher plants in this 438,000 acre swamp.

P. Poole’s Mill – One of 5 of Georgia’s historic covered bridges. The others are Watson Mill, Stovall, Lula and Cromer’s Mill.

Q. Quitman Driving Tour – Step back in time as you see historic homes and locations.

R. Rock City – Catch some rays as you hick along lookout mountain. There are beautiful gardens, amazing rock formations, and one spot where you can see 7 states.

S. Sea Island – One of the islands that comprise the Golden Isle of Georgia; it is home to a world class resort, the Cloisters.

T. Tubman African American Museum – Here you will find artwork from talented artists past to present. The 12+ galleries tell the story of Africans in America.

U. Uncle Remus Museum – See the memorabilia of famed writer and storyteller, Joel Chandler Harris. There are first edition books and docents dressed as characters from the book.

V. The Varsity – No visit to Atlanta would be complete without a burger or hot dog from the world’s largest drive-in restaurant. The Varsity can serve as many as 600 cars, and 800 people at a time. Located down the street from Georgia Tech University, it is a favorite eatery during college football season.

W. World of Coca-Cola learn the history and development of this famed soda see Coke memorabilia, older coke commercial and taste soda from around the world.

X. X marks the spot – Fishing is a favorite pastime in Georgia, and locals each have their favorite spots where you can fish for bass, trout, catfish, crappie and many more.

Y. Yellow River Game Ranch- While visiting this animal preserve in Lilburn, you will see black bears, cougars, buffalos and other animals native to the state of Georgia.

Z. Zoo Atlanta-Home to more than 700 animals from around the world; the Zoo is a great family outing.

So there you have it-Georgia from A to Z. The next time you are in this great southern state and have some free time, here are 26 places to explore.

Helen, Georgia

- Travel Writer Jan Slagell