GEORGIA

One State. Endless Experiences

Georgia is the South reinvented. It redefines what it means to be Southern through its places, perspectives and people. There is so much more to Georgia than just its peaches. From big cities to small towns and beaches to mountains, Georgia’s diverse landscapes, thriving arts and culture and unique experiences offer something for every traveler. The adventure of a lifetime awaits, so get Ready. Set. Georgia!

MUST-SEES: BIG CITIES

Atlanta, the vibrant capital of the South, is home to world-class attractions, restaurants, hotels and more. Learn about the civil rights movement at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Visit the largest aquarium in the Western hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium, and explore the fascinating story of the world’s best-known beverage brand at the World of Coca-Cola. Discover why Atlanta is nicknamed the “City in the Forest” at urban greenspaces like Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Downtown Macon is home to 150 historical buildings, including Hotel Forty Five – a revamped Art Deco high-rise sporting modern comforts with a retro twist. Discover Macon’s rich African American, Native American and music histories at the Tubman African American Museum, the Museum at Capricorn Records and The Allman Brothers Band Museum as well as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (on tap to become Georgia’s newest national park), then marvel at Native American mounds built in 900 AD.

Best known for its moss-laden live oaks and scenic riverfront, Savannah beckons with its walkable squares and parks, stunning architecture and cultural influences. Must-see sites include the fountain at Forsyth Park, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and the three Telfair Museums. Taste the flavors of the city at awardwinning restaurants like The Grey and trendy new eateries like Common Thread.

Small Towns

Athens may be a cool college town and a venue for top university sports, but it also has vibrant arts, music, and nightlife scenes, a craft beer trail, affordable destination dining and serene moments along the Oconee River Greenway. Stroll through the manicured acres of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. On the Athens Music Walk of Fame, learn about the iconic music venues that gave birth to R.E.M., The B-52s and Widespread Panic. Culinary options from English-style afternoon tea to celebrity chef-driven dinners await.

Experience a modern bed & breakfast at ATH|BNB: The Rushmore, which offers the comforts of home with the added luxuries of a hotel.

Thomasville is known for “The Big Oak,” a 337-year-old tree and popular photo spot, and its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Learn about some of Thomasville’s first Black achievers at Jack Hadley Black History Museum. Stop into more than 100 independent shops and restaurants around town to find some local treats.

Practical Information

POPULATION: 10.8 million

CAPITAL CITY: Atlanta

TIME DIFFERENCE: -6h

CLIMATE: The state experiences all four seasons, each bringing its own unique events, activities and more.

WHEN TO GO? Georgia’s temperate weather and a host of exciting attractions make it an ideal destination to explore at any time of the year.

LOCAL TIP: Discover North America’s largest blackwater swamp at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Stephen C. Foster State Park is the western entrance to the swamp, a natural wonder that can be explored by boat tours, wilderness walkways, up-close views of wild animals, platform camping, and paddling under the stars in the certified dark sky park.

Milledgeville is one of the state’s oldest towns, with an energetic vibe. Hop on Milly the Trolley for a tour before hitting up sites like The Sallie Ellis Davis House, a pillar of the African American community in the early 1900s. Cool off with a boat, kayak, tube or fishing trip at Lake Sinclair and along the Oconee River Greenway.

Undeveloped Beaches

St. Simons Island is a quintessential Georgia beach destination. The largest of the Golden Isles, it’s easily accessible by car, only minutes from Interstate 95 and just over an hour from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Relax or bike on its beautiful beaches, explore archaeological remnants, visit boutiques and restaurants or stay at the island’s only waterfront resort, The King & Prince, which dates to the 1930s.

Find a blend of culture, history and island beauty on Sapelo Island, accessible only by ferry with a prebooked tour. Marvel at Georgia’s earliest Native American artifacts, hunt for sand dollars along the coast or climb 80 steps to the top of the 1820 Sapelo Island Lighthouse.

Find luxury on the Golden Isles on Sea Island at The Cloister or The Lodge – the world’s only resort to receive four Forbes Five Star awards 14 years running. Enjoy spa treatments, shopping, championship golf courses, horseback riding or a yacht cruise to experience the full beauty of the Georgia coast.

North Georgia Mountains

The Blue Ridge is nestled amid miles of gentle peaks, forested trails, trout-filled streams and Lake Blue Ridge. The “Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia” is popular for kayaking and tubing. Journey through the lush Appalachian foothills aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or take a scenic drive to Amicalola Falls State Park, the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast.

Clayton, a small town that leaves a big impression, is known for its numerous fishing spots, breathtaking waterfalls and wildflower views. Nestled at the

Getting There

base of Black Rock Mountain State Park, Clayton has earned a reputation as the state’s farmto-table capital. The Market at the Clayton Cafe and Fortify Kitchen & Bar. Enjoy watersports on Lake Burton or any number of spectacular hikes. Beechwood Inn Bed & Breakfast features luxury suites with mountain views and a farm-to-table restaurant.

The state’s apple capital of Ellijay allures year-round with festivals, several orchards and restaurants. Savor apples in a different form at Reece’s Cider Co. or take a tasting tour of the area’s numerous vineyards. Ellijay is for outdoor lovers, too. Tubing, hiking and mountain biking are all options. Nearby Carters Lake is perfect for boating, camping, picnicking, birding or simply soaking up the views. Spend the night under the stars in the Geodesic Dome from North Georgia Glamping.

GATEWAYS:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)