Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains. Atlanta, Georgia's capital and largest city developed as a transportation crossroads and was the heart of the Old South until it was destroyed in 1865 during the Civil War. Today, the city is the transportation gateway and leader of the New South, hosting the Olympics during the summer of 1996. Savannah boasts one of the largest historic districts in the country. The Golden Isles of Georgia have been a vacation destination since the late 1700's.
A trip to Georgia offers an endless array of options. Georgia’s borders encompass one of the country’s most diverse landscapes, including metropolitan Atlanta, more than 160 km of pristine coastline, the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, unspoiled forests, lakes and rivers and fertile farmlands. Opportunities for adventure abound, from the thrills of white-water rafting on the Chattanooga, one of the nation’s best rafting rivers, to the mysteries of the great Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness Area in South Georgia. Relax on a farm, camp on a creek, or luxuriate at a spa. Georgia offers an abundance of cultural and historic family attractions plus museums, festivals, regional arts and crafts, concerts, tours, and world-class shopping and dining. Name an experience you want and you’ll find it in Georgia.
For urbanites, Atlanta offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre legacy from the 1996 Olympic Games in downtown Atlanta, and Piedmont Park, a 185-acre green space in the heart of midtown Atlanta, offer space for walking, jogging, team sports and other activities. The PATH Foundation has created more than 100 km of paved rails throughout the city for running, cycling, walking or roller-skating.
Hiking trails and picnic areas dot the 80 km Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, you can hike more than 85 km of trails, waterfalls and trout streams just 25 minutes north of the city. More than 2,000 acres of peaceful wilderness are nestled west of the city at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Hikers can follow a wooded trail along the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, or to the top of the rocky bluff for breathtaking views of the shoals.
Georgia is culinary heaven for food connoisseurs. In Savannah, grab a seat at one of the many restaurants in City Market, along River Street or dotting the downtown historic district. Atlanta boasts some of the best dining in the country. As you eat at Bacchanalia, you’ll enjoy the ambiance of a renovated meat packing plant with the modern, industrial feel of high ceilings and tiled floors, while feasting on award-winning food. The Dillard House nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a historic restaurant and retreat that has been serving travelers and guests since 1917. Enjoy picturesque views of the Little Tennessee River Valley as you munch on generous portions of farm fresh vegetables, homemade biscuits and mouthwatering Southern delights.
Fans of partying and nightlife will come into their own in Atlanta, where people work hard and play hard. The Buckhead Village – the south’s answer to Beverley Hills – is known for exquisite homes and shopping and is the capital of nightlife in Atlanta with a variety of options for dancing, cocktails and revelry. Midtown Atlanta is home to hip, New York-style clubs, Virginia-Highlands offers casual pubs in a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood. Savannah’s unique historic district is a distinctive setting that combines history and charm to create an extraordinary nightlife experience. Mountain music, café entertainment and a variety of shows and productions at the local historic theater make a trip to Dahlonega one to enrich the soul.
If shopping is your passion, revel in top-notch stores and unique boutiques located throughout the state. The north Georgia mountains are home to quaint artistry and unique antiques in charming specialty stores filled with extraordinary collectives. Coastal Georgia’s Broughton Street is an eclectic ix of art galleries, antique shops, fine dining, boutique stores and teahouses.
Significant Attractions: Historic Savannah; the beaches and resorts of the “Golden Isles;” Okefenokee Swamp Park; Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain); Little White House, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home (Warm Springs); the Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta); Crossroads at Stone Mountain Park (near Atlanta); Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Change (Atlanta); World of Coca-Cola (Atlanta); CNN (Atlanta); Georgia’s Antebellum Trail; Georgia Music Hall of Fame (Macon); Gone with the Wind Museums (Marietta, Jonesboro); Booth Western Art Museum (Cartersville); Jimmy Carter National Historic Site (Plains); Georgia’s Wine Highway; Thunderoad (Dawsonville); Tubman African American Museum (Macon).
To find out more about Georgia please contact Stephanie Paupeck on spaupeck@georgia.org or see http://www.georgia.org.
Quick Facts: Capital: Atlanta Language: English Weather: Summer (June – Sept) 27 – 35ºC Winter (Oct – Feb). Some snowfall Major Airports: Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport Flight Duration: 18 hours (ex Jhb) Time Difference: Six hours in winter (daylight saving hours), seven hours in summer Visa Required? Yes. Please contact the U.S. Visa Information Service on 011 275 6300 to schedule an appointment