The twin waterfalls are fed by two different streams: Curtis, and York Creek. Both of the creeks begin atop Tray Mountain, the sixth highest peak in Georgia. The creeks are fed by a combination of springs and runoff, and bubble along until they come and tumble down the rock faces, as they were destined to do. Curtis Creek drops a whopping 153 feet, flowing down the rock face, while York Creek tumbles a smaller—but still impressive—50 feet, splashing over rocks and boulders.

The Anna Ruby Falls are located inside a National Park, but to get to them you will have to pass through Unicoi State Park. Unfortunately, admission to one doesn’t pay for admission to the other—although Unicoi will allow you to pass through for free, if you’re just going to the falls. Admittance to the falls costs $3/perso for those 16 and older, with the park open from 9am—6pm, and staying open until 7pm during the summer months. Getting to the falls, you’ll follow a half-mile paved trail along Smith Creek until you get to two viewing decks, which provide you a very nice sight of both the falls. Because of its proximity to the town of Helen, the falls are relatively popular during certain times of year. A visitor center is near the falls, with restrooms, drink & snack machines, and a gift shop. A few picnic tables rest outside, for your convenience.

Attractions:

1. Enjoy a thrill at Zip N Time, with zip lines up to half a mile long!
2. Do some wine tasting at the Habersham Vineyards & Winery.
3. Visit the Unicoi State Park & Lodge, and check out the Anna Ruby Falls.
4. Go tubing down the Chattahoochee river.
5. Stop by the Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines.
6. Buy peanut brittle, jerky, Jalapeño jelly, and other fantastic treats at Fred’s Famous Peanuts.
7. Find a few treasures at Nacoochee Antiques.
8. Play some Alpine Mini Golf, and enjoy some ice cream.
9. See model alpine terrain, trains, and hot air balloons at Charlemagne’s Kingdom.
10. Take a look at the historic Stovall Mill Covered Bridge.
11. Visit the Romeo & Juliet Indian Burial Mound, where lovers from opposing tribes where buried upon their tragic death.
12. Go fishing at the Smithgall Woods State Park & Conservation Area.
13. Learn about the town at the Helen/White County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
14. Shop a large selection of women’s clothing and jewelry, much of it antique, at the Village Peddler Boutique.
15. Find some interesting souvenirs at the Pickled Peach gift shop.
16. Taste some excellent fudge at Brookstown Fudge!

Events:

Helen Georgia has several special events going on nearly every week, but especially noteworthy is the Oktoberfest celebration each autumn, and the annual Hot Air Balloon Race & Festival which lasts three days, with one hour balloon rides costing $300.

Dining:

The town of Helen has more than 50 different restaurants and dining options. Here are a few highlights:

• The Nacoochee Villiage Tavern & Pizzeria has great pizza, salads, and desert.
• Spice 55 has fine Thai dining and a sushi bar.
• Mully’s Nacooche Grill is a pleasant restaurant with good food.
• Enjoy German, Czech, and other central European food at Muller’s Famous Cafe.
• Eat a giant pretzel at the Old Bavaria Inn.
• Stop by the Best Bar & Grill and see if they live up to their name.
• Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen has all sorts of sweet treats.
• Get Ice Cream, fresh produce, bakery, cheese cakes, and more at Betty’s.
  

Location:

Helen Georgia is located about 20 miles from the northern border. It’s about a 1 hour 40 minute drive north-east of Atlanta, and a 2½ hour drive from Chattanooga TN.

Several special rides are available on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway throughout the year, such as an Easter Egg hunt on stop at Farmer Brown’s, Copper Basin Fireworks, Pumpkin Picking, a special ride through the autumn leaves, winter rides, and a chance to meet Santa Claus during the Christmas season.

One of the coolest and most unique thing offered is the option to ride with the engineer in the engine of the train! Children must be at least 6 to ride in the engine, and must be accompanied by an adult. Rides are available in the engine both ways, or one way (and one way in the coach). For full details and pricing, click here.

Pricing & Location:

Tickets to the train vary with the season and special events, but start at $17+ for children 12 and under, and $30+ for adults. Click here for current prices.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway can be found at 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Phone Number: 877-413-8724

Official Website

Today, the plantation is no longer used as a Winter home for the Hannas, but as a lovely historic site for all who wish to visit, and an excellent wedding venue.

Pebble Hill Plantation interesting, beautiful, and varied attractions and items of interest. The Main House is an elegant neoclassical 26,000 square foot building built in 1914 and 1936. The house is filled with fine art, antique furniture, crystal, china, and silver trophies. The house also has a formidable library.

The grounds at the plantation cover 3,000 acres today, most of which is pine forest. Seventy-five acres contain well cared for lawns and gardens, and all of the plantation’s major buildings. The gardens surrounding the buildings contain numerous varieties of flowers, including magnolias, azaleas, camellia bushes, dogwood, and tea olives. Oak trees canopy the drive and the Stable Courtyard, and a shrubbery maze graces the front lawn.

The Stables Complex was used for housing the horses and Jersey cows, and at one time produced milk, cheese, and butter. The Plantation Store was used to sell the dairy products made at the Stables Complex, and other items needed by the families who lived on the plantation. The Main House Garage was used to hold the family’s fine automobiles, and today displays their 1964 Plymouth Valiant. The Overflow Cottage was built in 1916 for visitors, when there were too many to fit in the Main House, and can be rented today! In front of the Overflow Cottage is a lovely garden surrounded by a low brick wall.

Several special events are hosted at the plantation, including trail rides, a 5K run along the Quail Trail each September, and special Christmas events. Click here for more details.

For other things to see and do in the Thomasville area, check out the list on the Pebble Hill Plantation’s website.

Admission & Location:

The plantation is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday from 12 to 5 pm.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children 2 – 12, and free for those under 2 years old. A tour of the Main House is $15 for adults, and $6 for children 6 – 12, and includes general admission. Sales tax is additional to the ticket prices.

The Pebble Hill Plantation can be found at 1251 U.S. 319, Thomasville, GA 31792

Phone Number: (229) 226-2344

Official Website

The Aquarium is divided into six different exhibit, each focusing on a different environment or animal. The first is Georgia Explorer, which is aimed especially at children.  The exhibit has several touch pools containing sea stars, horseshoe crabs, shrimp, stingrays, and sharks. Georgia Explorer also contains sea turtles, and a display of fish from Gray’s Reef, off of Georgia’s coast.

The second exhibit, River Scout, explores the lives of river animals. In this section of the aquarium a river flows overhead, allowing you a view of the fish from below. This exhibit contains fish from the rivers of Africa, Asia, South America, and Georgia, such as electric eel, piranha, and archerfish, as well as otters and albino alligators!

Dolphin Tales showcases the incredible dolphins, through a regular gallery, but also features special dolphin shows and even the opportunity to meet, touch, and feed the stars of this exhibit ($59.95 + General Admission).

The fourth exhibit at the aquarium, Cold Water Quest, features a wide variety of creatures from polar and other cold ocean regions, such as beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, the mysterious weedy sea dragon, and frightening spider crab. Cold Water Quest, also has a touch pool.

The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest indoor aquatic habitat in the world, with a full 6.3 million gallons of water, and glass walls two feet thick! this exhibit houses several of the aquarium’s largest animals, including multiple whale sharks, the giant grouper, and spotted eagle ray (which can reach almost 11 feet wide, and 16 feet long)! The exhibit has one giant glass wall giving you an excellent view of the thousands of fish, and a glass tunnel through the middle, immersing you in the aquatic world.

Tropical Diver, the sixth and final exhibit, is a relaxing coral reef, with sea horses, clownfish, porkfish, several varieties of jellyfish, the giant Caribbean hermit crab, garden eel, and dozens of other species.

Besides their role as caretaker and presenter of these many fish, the Georgia Aquarium is also deeply involved in research and conservation efforts involving water life.

Admission & Location:

Admission prices vary by day. Click here to purchase tickets.

The aquarium is open every day of the year, but hours of operation vary with the seasons.

Georgia Aquarium can be found at 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Official Website

Besides the cliff-face carving, Stone Mountain Park has a number of fantastic attractions! The Summit Skyride is a high-speed cable car that will take you from the ground below, to the top of the mountain, where you can get an amazing view of up to 60 miles, including the Atlanta skyline, and the Appalachian Mountains. Key to the park is the Stone Mountain Museum. At the museum you’ll learn the history of mountain and surrounding area stretching back 12,000 years. Discover how the Native Americans and pioneers lived here, and how the area was affected by the American Civil War. The museum also features exhibits showing how the relief carving was created in the side of the mountain, with scale models, a short documentary, and full-size replicas of parts of the carving.

General Attractions:

• The Great Barn is tons of fun for families (specifically children 5-12). The barn has super slides, ball blasters, trampoline floors, climbing structures, and a full 65 interactive games!
• The Great Locomotive Chase adventure golf is a fun 18-hole train-themed game for both adults and children.
• Geyser Towers is a fun netted playground with a giant geyser sporadically spraying out water.
• Cross suspended wooden bridges, walk a tightrope, try your hand at a climbing wall, and much more at the safe & thrilling SkyHike!
• Go zip lining and rock wall climbing at Camp Highland Outpost.
• See the incredible immersive 3D film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.
• Tour land and water when you Ride The Ducks.
• Get a taste of history at the Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard.
• Take a half-hour ride on the Scenic Railroad around Stone Mountain.

Winter Attractions:

• Ride the Tube Runners.
• Go with your family down Avalanche Alley in a giant snow inner tube.
• Build snowmen, play in the snow fort, ride the snow-go-round, and more in the SnowZone!

History & Nature:

• Check out the Confederate Memorial on the side of Stone Mountain, which took 60 years from idea to completion.
• Visit the Quarry Exhibit where you’ll learn about the 7.6 million cubic feet of granite that have been taken from the Mountain, and the importance of the industry.
• Learn about the geology & ecology of the area, and Georgia’s part in the Civil War in the Confederate Hall Historical & Environmental Education Center.
• Listen to the chirping as you take a walk along Songbird Trail.
• Hear the daily concert of the 732-bell Carillon.
• See a waterwheel in action at the Grist Mill.
• Walk across the Covered Bridge.

Recreation & Golf:

• Play on the park’s two beautiful 18-hole golf courses: Stonemont & Lakemont.
• Hike a mile to the top of the mountain.
• Walk and hike along 15 miles of great trails.
• Walk, job, or bike, on the 5-mile Robert E. Lee Boulevard.
• Have a picnic on the grass, or choose from 200 tables.
• Go fishing from 6 am – midnight.

Dining:

There are dozens of great restaurants around Stone Mountain Park. Here are a some highlights:

• Base Camp BBQ
• Big Rock Cafe
• Campfire Grill
• Coffee & Company
• Dippin Dots Ice Cream
• Funnel Cakes
• Summit Snacks
• The Commons Restaurant
• Waterside Restaurant
• Granite Cafe

Events:

Stone Mountain Park has a lot of great regular attractions, but you’ll definitely also want to check out their excellent Shows & Entertainment, with 3D films, live music, pie eating contests, and more! Several festivals and other special events are also hosted at the park year-round.

Shopping:

• Buy gear & souvenirs at the Adventure Center.
• Get homemade brittle, fudge, hand-dipped candies and more at the Candy Kitchen.
• Find a treasure at Memorial Hall Gifts.
• Shop candy, toys, gifts, pottery, jams, and more at Shelton’s General Store.
• Watch glassblowing in action at the Stone Mountain Glass Shop.
• After you climb the mountain, buy a T shirt at Top of the Mountain Gifts to commemorate.
• Stop by the Toy Shop for stuffed animals, games, and more great things for kids.

Camping & Lodging:

• Go camping or RVing at the Stone Mountain Park Campground (starting at $25).
• Stay in the Stone Mountain Inn Marriott (starting at $89).
• Book a room at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort (starting at $139).

Admission & Location:

Admission to the park is free, but there is a $10 parking fee. You can get tickets to special events here.

Before planning your visit, be sure to check the Park Calendar for special events and shows.

Stone Mountain Park can be found at 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Phone Number: 770-498-569

 Attractions:

1. Begin your tour and learn the history of the Callaway Gardens at the Callaway Discovery Center.
2. See the 22-foot indoor waterfall and a host of spectacular plants at the Sibley Horticultural Center.
3. The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl has more than 3,000 azalea!
4. See an incredible display of flowers at the Overlook Azalea Garden and Azalea Trail.
5. Callaway Gardens has two beautiful golf courses ($50-100 for an 18 hole game), a great practice facility, and several tournaments throughout the year.
6. See flowers in bloom almost year-round at the Thornhill Hydrangea Garden (Hydrangeas color is changed by soil acidity).
7. See more than 50 varieties of butterflies at the Day Butterfly Center.
8. Catch a glimpse of life in the 1800s at the Pioneer Log Cabin.
9. Walk the Holly Trail – one of the world’s top holly displays – and see Daphne, Edgworthia, Camilla, and other flowers in Meadowlark Garden.
10. Go tightrope walking, ride a zip line, and more, with Treetop Adventure ($35/person).
11. See Raptors flying up close with the Birds of Prey exhibit!
12. Ride on 10 miles of bicycle trails (bike rentals available).
13. Hike on eight different nature trails.
14. Play Tennis ($6.50-$9.50/person – rentals & lessons available).
15. Go boating and fishing (rentals available).
16. Enjoy a bunch of activities on Robin Lake Beach!
17. Go tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing on Robin Lake Beach ($70/half hour per boat).
18. Walk among vegetables & flowers at Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden.
19. See the varied nature & wildlife at the Callaway Gardens.
20. Step inside the peaceful 16th-century Gothic style Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel.

Events:

Callaway Gardens has a great selection of events year-round, so be sure to check out their calendar before planning your visit.

Signature Events:

• See the Fantasy in Lights, named world’s “Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights,” by National Geographic Traveler (Nov. 22nd – Dec. 30th).
• See the landscape explode with color as 20,000 azaleas and hundreds of other flowers come into bloom with Celebrate Spring!
• Listen to the Symphony on the Sand.
• Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend Festival.
• See fireworks, listen to live music, and more during the July 4th Weekend Star Spangled Beach Party.
• Have a ton of fun at the 4 – 7 day Summer Family Adventure camp.
• Watch as dozens of hot air balloons take to the sky during the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival.
• Feel the thrill of a horse race at the Steeplechase at the Callaway Gardens.

Entertainment Events:

• Hear an Organ Concert at the Callaway Memorial Chapel.
• Watch incredible feats performed by the FSU Flying Circus!
• Listen to live bands each Friday night during the summer with the Summer Music Series.

Gardening Events:

• Go to the Southern Gardening Symposium.
• Buy some plants at the annual Plant Fair.
• Attend the Callaway Gardening School.
• Participate in one of the several Spring Gardening Workshops.

Education & Cultural Events:

• Be amazed by the Free-Flight Birds of Prey shows.
• Learn DSLR Photography with Jim Henderson.
• Make a Christmas Wreath.
• Get free admission to the garden on Founders’ Day (Nov. 6th, Feb 21st).
• Learn a new skill with the Callaway Garden School of Needle Arts.
• Practice basket weaving and watercolor painting with the Spring Art Workshops.

Sports & Recreation Events:

• Run in the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series.
• Watch a Tennis Tournament.
• Learn the art of Fly-Fishing in one of the almost monthly schools.
• Enjoy the Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament.
• Join in Bike MS to raise money for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
• Play in the Annual Golf Tournament, or just enjoy watching.

Food & Wine Events:

• Game Day at the Vineyard Green.
• Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast at the Callaway Gardens.
• Meet the Gingerbread Man at the Holiday Character Breakfast.
• Enjoy delicious food at the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all-you-can-eat buffets!
• Food and dance await at the New Year’s Eve Party.
• Don’t miss the Breakfast Buffet each morning in the Plant Room Restaurant.
• Attend the Wine Tastings each Tuesday.
• Friday night is the time for a great Seafood Buffet.
• Enjoy a classic Southern Buffet every Saturday evening.
• Get fresh food at the Farmers’ Market.
• Try to solve a crime at the Spring Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.

Dining:

The Callaway Gardens also have several excellent dining options, many of which do not require Garden Admission.

• Gardens Restaurant.
• Country Kitchen.
• Plant Room Restaurant.
• Vineyard Green Restaurant & Spirits.
• Champions Grill.
• Rockin’ Robin’s Malt Shop & Pizzeria.
• Discovery Cafe.
• Robin Lake Beach Pavilion & Beach Bar.
• Check out their Special Dining Events too!

Lodging:

Callaway Gardens offers four different lodging options, each of which include garden admission, Wi-Fi, and access to the Fitness Center.

• The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, Autograph Collection
• Mountain Creek Villas & Vacation Homes come in five different types and sizes.
• Southern Pine Cottages are one & two bedroom suites with all the amenities, including a living room fireplace.
• Mountain Creek Inn can give you a view of the Great Lawn, or the Glistening Pool.

Admission & Directions:

Regular admission to the Callaway Gardens costs $9 for children 6-12, and $18 for adults. In January and February, admission is free Monday through Friday. For full details and group rates, click here.

The Callaway Gardens can be found at 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain GA 31822.

Wilkes County was named after John Wilkes (not to be confused with John Wilkes Booth), a member of the British Parliament, a supporter of parliamentary reform, and American Independence. The city of Washington was of course named after George Washington.

The battle of Kettle Creek, in the American Revolution, was fought in Washington-Wilkes, and drove the British out of northeastern Georgia. Again in the American Civil War, Washington-Wilkes played an instrumental role. The last cabinet meeting of the Confederacy, which was attended by Jefferson Davis, was held in the Bank of Georgia building (also known as the Heard House).

Fun Facts:

• Wilkes County had the first cotton gin in the United States.
• Georgia’s first free public library, the Mary Willis Library, was built here.
• The Confederacy’s first Secretary of State and father of Georgia’s 1877 Constitution, Robert Augustus Toombs, was born in Washington-Wilkes.
• Washington has more historic buildings per capita than any other place in Georgia.
• Sarah Porter Hillhouse, who lived in Washington, was Georgia’s first female newspaper editor.

Attractions:

1. The Washington Little Theater has quarterly performances and other special events.
2. Read a good book at the Mary Willis Library, a part of the Bartram Trail Library system.
3. Take the Washington-Wilkes Spring Tour of Homes, and see several of the town’s most lovely buildings.
4. Worship at one of the dozens of churches in Wilkes County.
5. See the artwork of Laura Connely.
6. Check out some of Washington-Wilkes’ festivals, celebrations, and car shows.
7. Enjoy racing at the Aonia Pass Motocross Park.
8. Go camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, archery, and a whole lot more at the Elijah Clark State Park.
9. See the beautiful house and grounds at the Robert Toombs Historic Site ($5 admission).
10. Learn all about Wilkes County & Washington at the Washington Historical Museum ($3 admission).
11. Visiting the Callaway Plantation will give you a taste of what plantation life in Wilkes County was like 200 years ago.
12. Enjoy local produce and baked goods every Saturday at the local Farmers’ Market.
13. Go Shopping!
14. Washington has a wide variety of excellent dining locations.
15. For more, check out the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Website.