Welcome to 50 by 50 where I highlight one state each week and what to do when visiting. This week is Georgia, the 4th state that joined the union on January 2, 1788. It is know as the Peach State for its reputation for producing the highest quality fruit. .
The three best cities to base your travels from are Atlanta, a national center of commerce and capital to the New South, Savannah with its antebellum charm, and Augusta with its unique mix of Culture, fun, and food.
If you want to get out of the big cities though, head to Tallulah Gorge of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia,” and enjoy the memorable waterfall Hurricane Falls. For all you beach lovers, visit Tybee Island and their iconic Lighthouse. And don’t miss Madison and all the historic architecture on the Georgia Antebellum Trail.
Want something that will impress the kids? Explore Helen, a city that has remodeled itself after a Bavarian village and celebrates Octoberfest September through November. Have dinner at Big Bang Pizza where the patio is pet friendly and the waiters are Robots!!!! End your day with a movie at the Starlight Drive-in Theatre. It has been around since 1949 but now boasts a high quality digital projection.
Hungry?
Indulge me on this one. The Varsity has been around for 90 years and one place I visited in college quite a bit. It used to be the world’s largest drive-in but now boasts over 800- seats in its two block restaurant. With classic American food like hamburgers, hotdogs, onion rings, shakes, and fried pies it will be difficult to choose when they ask What’ll ya have. Trust me.
If you want something different, then head to Buford Highway— a four lane highway that spans three counties and hosts restaurants and markets that represent over two dozen different countries. If you only have time for one then check out Mamak —Malaysian Street food for as real as you will get here in the US.
If you are craving Southern or Seafood though, visit Abel Brown. Based on a sea shanty, the menu echos the song blending costal seafood with Southern cuisine making it upscale and casual at the same time. Oysters are always a good choice there but save room for dessert.
Or visit a Trapeze Pub on your way to a football game in Athens. This gastropub is know for beer and laid back upscale bar food.
For all you couples out there there is nothing more romantic than Elizabeth on 37th. Located within a 1900’s mansions, chef Kelly Yambor focuses on local seafood and seasonal produce with herbs grown on site. I highly recommend the Special tasting Menu that offers a Seven Course meal with optional wine pairing.
After a romantic dinner, how about a night at the Gastonian which consists of two adjoining luxury Regency-Italianate-style mansions built in 1868. It is a four-diamond, award-winning boutique bed and breakfast that contains 17 uniquely appointed guest rooms. With each reservation, enjoy a made-to-order gourmet breakfast in the morning, wine and hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon, and dessert with coffee and cordials at night. Definitely a vacation to remember.
Want to learn more about Georgia? Contact Me. Or you can let me know your favorite places to visit below. Also subscribe to my channel for ideas on vacations to other destinations. Special thanks to OutofAtlanta for their contribution to this article as well. https://youtu.be/_YYnq0Jcezg