Touring Georgia–Peaches to Beaches–Fountains to Mountains and all in between

Are you loving Georgia yet—if not just wait because there is something for everyone. We have peaches to beaches, fountains to mountains and so many other things—So come along and travel Georgia with me.

Ray Charles I can hardly even think of “Georgia on My Mind” or “What’d I Say?” without hearing the unmistakable cadence of the Albany born musician who explored R & B, soul, jazz, county, and gospel during his long career.

Great Gardens Verdant venues such as Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain), The State Botanical Garden of Georgia (Athens) Atlanta and Barnsley Gardens (Adairsville) beckon me to slow down and smell the flowers.

Cumberland Island Having Georgia’s largest and most remote coastal island (reached only by ferry) earns National Seashore status makes me extra proud. Sapelo Island ranks high too. For those who are into the Kennedy family, this is where John Jr. chose to have his wedding.

Martha Berry As a teacher, social and founder of Berry College near Rome, she pioneered a move to bring higher education opportunities to everyone.

Halls of Fame Three in Particular- the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon, plus the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame in Augusta—give us plenty of reasons to crow.

Appalachian Trail The fact that this legendary 2,175- mile footpath begins atop our Springer Mountain impresses those of us who will never attempt the entire trek.

Little Richard The singer famed for “Tuttie Frutti,” “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” and other hits lends his distinct voice to recorded messages at Macon’s visitors center. Get put on hold a 1-800-768-3401 just to hear him rave about his hometown.

Jimmy Carter Farmer, governor, President, and human rights champion, he sets the bar high for making post-Presidential years count toward building a better world.

Chattahoochee River Despite controversies over whom uses its waters and what gets dumped into its flow, this long, rippling ribbon remains one of our most cherished features.

Habitant for Humanity International Headquartered in Americus, this grassroots volunteer effort builds decent houses for the willing-to-work-for-it needy around the glob.

On Track Rail fans flock to two excursions trains— SAM Shortline in Cordele and Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in Blue Ridge— and to a viewing platform in Folkston where scores of trains pass through the Folkston Funnel.

Grand Golf Plenty of fine gold courses dot our state, but none are more venerable than Augusta National, home to the prestigious Masters Tournament.

Lovable Uga English Bulldogs named Uga have long served as mascots for the University of Georgia.

Civil War Sites Visit Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (our bloodiest battlefield) Andersonville National Historic Site (prisoner war camp).

Pedal Power The Tour de France has nothing on our nearly weeklong 600 mill Tour de Georgia, which benefits the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

Wini McQueen This textile artist creates “talking quilts” that interpret the Civil Rights era on elaborate tapestries exhibited at the Tubman African American Museum in Macon.

Cabbage Patch Kids Once the gotta have gifts for doll-clutching youngsters, the soft-sculpture figures continue to be “born” at “Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland.

Steve Hein Master falconer, noted wildlife artist, director of Georgia Southern University’s Center for Wildlife Education, and founding director of its Lamar Q Ball, Jr. Raptor, Steve is our state’s most engaging authority on birds of prey.

Vidalia Onions They grow only in a 20 county swath of southeastern Georgia, and no others taste as sweet.

I hope I have not been barking up the wrong tree—and caught with your pants down—I did say I would be back with more. So don’t let your mouth overload your tail give me down the country. I do want to know what you think—and I’ll be back one more time and share more about the state that has anything you want—fountains to mountains, peaches to beaches and so much more.