Star power

Famous activists, athletes, musicians and celebrity chefs hail from Georgia

Destinations roll out the red carpet for groups

{ ABOVE: HOlly TROllEy, COVINGTON }

Georgia has one lengthy list of famous natives. And it’s only getting longer. From well-known actors and musicians to athletes, politicians and inspiring places, Georgia is a red carpet destination.

Albany’s allure

Ray Charles plaza is reason enough to visit Albany. There are benches to sit on while listening to recordings of the multiaward-winning and honored resident — especially “Georgia on My Mind,” the state song. The audio is broadcast from a life-size statue of Charles seated at a piano.

There is always a possibility that Paula Deen may be visiting; Deen was born in Albany. As was Nancy Lopez, whose golf swing still intimidates golfers of all ages. Olympian Alice Coachman and San Francisco Giants star Buster Posey also call Albany home.

Film frenzy

in Covington, one of the treasures Along i-20 communities just east of Atlanta, the draw is filming locations. its most current fictional incarnation is “Mystic Falls, Virginia” for The Vampire Diaries. More than 60 films have been produced in Covington.

Fans line up in Coweta County for tours of filming sites from the AMC series The Walking Dead. Guided tours are the best way to visit the locations as the narratives often provide insider scoops.

The peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau offers the Southern Hollywood Film Tour, which visits film and television sites in and around Peachtree City. Stops include locations for Sweet Home Alabama and Joyful Noise.

The elegant surroundings of the Swan House, part of the Atlanta History Center, make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the state’s capital. it also can be seen in films. its latest location credit is in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Rock ‘n’ soul

There are plenty of reasons that give Macon-Bibb County license to call itself the “Song and Soul of the South.” it is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll’s Little Richard, the legendary Otis Redding whose statue is one of the most photographed in Macon, and the Allman Brothers Band, whose career is honored at the Big House museum.

When the Mars theatre opened in Springfield 60 years ago, it opened a world of entertainment to the small town near Savannah. Westerns brought out the crowds until the advent of television led to the theater’s closing. Movies returned in 2014 when the renovated Mars reopened as an entertainment venue.

Near Rome, oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum play a key role in telling the story of a woman’s vision of education for needy children. Miss Berry’s dedication allowed her dream to eventually expand from elementary education through college.

Swan House, Atlanta