Travel to Georgia – Episode 912

Hear about travel to the state of Georgia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Lesli Peterson from 365 Atlanta Traveler about the state where she grew up.

Why should you go to the state of Georgia?

Lesli says, “I love Georgia because I am an outdoor person, and Georgia’s got this great city. Everybody talks about Atlanta. Atlanta is fantastic. I’ll tell you why I think it’s most fantastic. But, it also has, Mountains, so beautiful hiking opportunities, waterfalls great camping, beautiful rivers filled with fish and all that sort of thing.”

“And then the beach. So there’s the coast. Most people know Savannah, but there’s so much more to the coast than just Savannah. In fact, Savannah doesn’t even have a beach. But this idea of this big city, mountains, and beach. All in one place is very enticing.”

Lesli outlines a diverse itinerary for visiting Georgia, focused on outdoor activities, cultural history, food, and unique attractions. Here’s a summary of her recommended itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Atlanta

• Civil Rights History Tour: Visit the MLK National Park to explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his gravesite.
• Lunch at Pascal’s: Enjoy Southern soul food at this historical meeting place for MLK and his team.
• Fernbank Science Museum: Visit for its indoor exhibits and outdoor trails in Fernbank Forest.
• Stay in Atlanta: Consider staying at Hotel Claremont for its boutique charm and rooftop bar or Stonehurst Place for a boutique bed-and-breakfast experience.

Day 2: Explore Northern Georgia

• Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad: Head to Blue Ridge for a scenic train ride, especially beautiful in the fall for leaf-peeping. Explore the charming downtown area for food and shopping.
• Springer Mountain Trail: Hike the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail.
• Lenfoot Hike-in Lodge: For a unique experience, hike 5 miles to this bunkhouse accommodation and enjoy a peaceful retreat with nature-focused activities.
• Stay in a Blue Ridge cabin: For a rustic mountain experience.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure in Northern Georgia

• Expedition Bigfoot: Visit this quirky museum dedicated to Georgia’s Bigfoot lore.
• Dahlonega Gold History: Visit the site of the first U.S. Gold Rush and explore the historic square.
• New Echota State Historic Site: Learn about the Cherokee Nation and the beginning of the Trail of Tears.

Day 4: Explore South Georgia

• Booth Western Art Museum: A stop in Cartersville for Western art on your way south.
• Milledgeville: Walk around this charming small town known for its historical square, restaurants, and shopping.
• Thomasville or St. Mary’s: Stop in these quaint towns for more Southern charm.

Day 5: Quirky Art and Distilleries

• Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden: Explore the art of this religious folk artist, made from trash.
• Pasaquan: A psychedelic wonderland created by Eddie Owens Martin, filled with colorful, eccentric art.
• Richland Rum Distillery: Visit this distillery to sample local rum.

Day 6-7: Coastal Georgia

• St. Simons Island: Stay at a vacation rental on the beach, explore historic sites like Fort Frederica, enjoy Southern BBQ at Southern Soul BBQ, and relax on the beach.
• Little St. Simons Island: For an all-inclusive, immersive nature experience, take a boat to this private island, where naturalists lead activities like shark fishing and kayaking.

Optional: Day 8-9: Okefenokee Swamp

• Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge: Take a ranger-guided boat tour or kayak through the swamp to see alligators and unique trees.

This itinerary blends Georgia’s rich history, stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a variety of quirky, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

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Show Notes

365 Atlanta Traveler
Georgia (U.S. state)
Travel to Georgia (Podcast) – Amateur Traveler
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Blue Ridge
McKaysville
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
Paschal’ – Soul Food Restaurant in Atlanta
Georgia Aquarium
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Lake Rabun Hotel
Springer Mountain Trailhead
Len Foote Hike Inn
Expedition: Bigfoot
Discover Dahlonega
New Echota Historical Site – Cherokee Nation Capital 1825-1838
Booth Western Art Museum
Milledgeville
Thomasville
St. Marys
Howard Finster – Smithsonian American Art Museum
Howard Finster
Pasaquan
Richland Rum
Little St. Simons Island
Visit Savannah
Telfair Museums
St. Simons Island
Southern Soul Barbeque
Fort Frederica National Monument
Fort McAllister State Park
Skidaway Island State Park
Butter Bean Beach
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
A.H. Stephens State Park
Hotel Clermont Atlanta
Hotel Clermont: An Atlanta, GA Throw Back Classic
Tiny Lou’s
Stonehurst Place
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
What Is Potlikker?
Home grown GA
Gunshow
Miller Union
O-Ku Sushi in the USA
Macon
Blood Mountain: hiking the Appalachian Trail from Neels Gap
60+ Awesome & Unique Things To Do in Georgia with Kids (From a Local!)
Lesli Peterson

Community

On Travel to Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas – Episode 911:

Hey Chris,

Thanks for another great episode.

Boy you slaughtered the name of Alibates (Ali + bates) Flint Quarry National Monument.  This park is adjacent and co-managed with Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by the National Park Service.  I worked there in 1998.

While there, I attended my first hockey game, Amarillo Wranglers.

Jeff Ohlfs

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