Places to See in Georgia » Hiking http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com Things to Do in Georgia Fri, 03 Jul 2015 00:12:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.38 See Anna Ruby Falls http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/see-anna-ruby-falls/ http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/see-anna-ruby-falls/#comments Wed, 25 Jun 2014 04:52:09 +0000 http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/?p=112 Just a few miles out of Helen, Georgia, are the Anna Ruby Falls, a pair of waterfalls from two different streams, both tumbling down right by each other, and forming Smith Creek, which then flows into Unicoi Lake, in Unicoi State Park. The falls were named after the daughter of Captain John Nichols, an officer during the Civil War, and major landowner in these parts. In 1920, the United States government purchased the land, which together with parts of the Cherokee National Forest, became the Chattahoochee National Forest.

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.

]]> http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/see-anna-ruby-falls/feed/ 0 Stone Mountain Park http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/stone-mountain-park/ http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/stone-mountain-park/#comments Thu, 14 Nov 2013 20:32:04 +0000 http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/?p=55 Stone Mountain Park is roughly a half-hour drive northeast of Atlanta, and one of Georgia’s top attractions! Stone Mountain is a giant quartz monzonite dome, 825 feet high. On the face of the mountain is a carving of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis – three of the Confederacy’s most famous individuals.

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:

Winter Attractions:

History & Nature:

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:

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:

Camping & Lodging:

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

]]> http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/stone-mountain-park/feed/ 0 Callaway Gardens http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/callaway-gardens/ http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/callaway-gardens/#comments Tue, 12 Nov 2013 16:40:54 +0000 http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/?p=44 Callaway Gardens is a sprawling 6,500 acre complex providing all manner of attractions. The gardens were founded in 1952 by Jason & Virginia Callaway to protect a rare azalea species found in that area, and to encourage a harmony between people and nature. The Callaways first got the idea to start the gardens in 1930, when they discovered the plumleaf azalea, the rarest azalea in the eastern United States. When the Callaway Gardens opened in 1952 it had several lakes, scenic drives, and a golf course. Today they have to become a thriving resort with dozens of attractions, several great restaurants, and a few different lodging accommodations.

 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:

Entertainment Events:

Gardening Events:

Education & Cultural Events:

Sports & Recreation Events:

Food & Wine Events:

Dining:

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

Lodging:

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

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.

]]> http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/callaway-gardens/feed/ 1 Things to Do and Places to See in Washington-Wilkes http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/things-to-do-and-places-to-see-in-washington-wilkes/ http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/things-to-do-and-places-to-see-in-washington-wilkes/#comments Wed, 06 Nov 2013 16:28:51 +0000 http://www.placestoseeingeorgia.com/?p=33 Wilkes County was the first county established in Georgia with the formation of their 1777 Constitution. The county seat, Washington, was incorporated three years later. Wilkes County and the town of Washington have played a significant role in Georgia’s history and culture.

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.
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