Georgia Vacation Rentals and Travel Guide
Georgia has become one of the most vibrant, successful states in the Southeast. Not surprisingly, the Peach State has also become a wonderful place for luxury vacation rentals, from the mountains to the sea, from the countryside to downtown Atlanta, and from the golf courses to the lakes. Many people come to this Sun Belt state for the climate, but they stay for the friendly people, the easy-going Southern culture and the endless array of things to do.
When many people think of Georgia, they think of Atlanta, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. After a strong and steady rise, the city really hit the big time when it hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics. Today, Centennial Olympic Park anchors the downtown district with summer concerts and an ice skating rink in the winter. Within a short radius of the park are major attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium (the country’s largest), the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum, the High Museum of Art, and Atlanta Underground, a happening mix of shopping, eating and entertainment. As if all the urban amenities weren’t enough, the mountains and the beach are both just a daytrip away.
The Appalachian Mountains in Georgia have been drawing visitors since the antebellum days. Just as in the old days, folks still come to see the waterfalls and panoramic vistas, or to be among the mountain streams, lofty heights and peaceful forests. These days, people also enjoy the scenic drives, such as Highway 197, which runs from Tallulah Gorge State Park to the foothills, passing by Lake Burton and the Soque River along the way. Fishing, hiking and horseback riding have always been popular activities, but more modern adventures include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, helicopter tours and photography. The Appalachian Trail begins here in the Chattahoochee National Forest, where thousands of acres await exploration.
Many people book their luxury vacation cabins in Blairsville, Blue Ridge or Helen, but Dalton has gained a reputation as a gateway town and a major destination in and of itself. Business people and conventioneers often get their introduction to the town through the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center. After that, a family trip usually isn’t far behind. History buffs visit the Civil War sites, railroad enthusiasts want to see one of the most frequented rail lines in the country, and bargain shoppers come to hunt in the “Carpet Capital of the World.” This big little town also stages the Tour de Georgia bicycle race and whitewater trips to the Ocoee River.
If golf is your idea of outdoors recreation, then head to Augusta, home of the first PGA tournament of the year and more than 30 golf courses. Most people think of the exclusive Augusta National Golf Club when they dream about playing here, but the region also offers affordable public courses such as the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. The tradition clearly runs deep in this part of the state, as evidenced by the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.
With all of these attractions, one might easily overlook that little slice of the state that sits on the Atlantic Ocean. The size of the Georgia coast belies the enormity of fun and adventure to be had on its beaches, barrier islands and towns. Savannah, one of the oldest cities in the United States, has over a thousand historical buildings that have been restored to their original beauty and charm. Daily tours show visitors the sights of the famous book-turned-movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Tybee Island rentals have all the draws of any beach town – beaches, surf, dolphins and seafood – without the overcrowded feel of some neighbors in that state to the south.
Throughout the state, visitors will be impressed by two other major attractions: historical sites and manmade lakes. Georgia’s rich history stretches back to the days when it was one of the 13 original colonies, and its museums and historical sites commemorate those days as well as plantation life, Civil War battles and the Civil Rights movement. Watersports enthusiasts will find an abundance of large lakes on the Chattahoochee, Savannah and Oconee rivers that offer fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and more.
Whatever your passion, it’s easy to find a Georgia luxury vacation rental that’s just right.
Georgia’s Top Ten Things to Do or See
1-Georgia Aquarium2-CNN Studio Tour
3-Brasstown Bald
4-Amicalola Falls
5-Stone Mountain Park
6-The Savannah Historic District, a National Historic Landmark
7-Tybee Island Light House
8-The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and Botanical Gardens
9-Augusta National Golf Club
10-Find the perfect rug in Dalton
