The dinosaurs are one of Tellus’ biggest draws. All the classic species are here, from Tyrannosaurus to the Diplodocus, together with the giant skeletons of extinct animals from all over the kingdom. Whether plesiosaur, sabre-tooth cat, mastodon, or megaladon is your favorite, you’re sure to find it here. Some of the specimens are truly impressive—the museum’s megaladon (a prehistoric shark) has a set of jaws nine feet wide, while another display features dinosaurs from the southeastern United States posed in in a battle to the death. Georgia is a hotbed of Cretaceous fossils, and many of the skeletons found here are native to the state. One gallery is devoted to extinct aquatic creatures that once swam the Georgia coast, including gigantic fish and sea turtles.

The Weinman Mineral Gallery is another significant portion of the museum, with over 50 cases of precious stones. Exhibits display the world of minerals on a scale ranging from the continental to the tiny, with hands-on demonstrations of plate tectonics and an exhibit showing how sparkling gems are created from uncut stones. An enormous visual periodic table on one wall provides examples of each element with explanations of their use, while in front of it is spread an array of huge geodes and crystals.

Science in Motion is the name of the sprawling gallery of vehicles, spanning over a hundred years of locomotion. Vintage 1880s automobiles sit side-by-side with their modern counterparts, and a steam train engine looms over scale models of all the major NASA shuttles and rockets. The history of powered flight is fully displayed, with replicas of both the Wright Flyer and Sputnik, together with a cutaway Apollo I and several other notable milestones on humankind’s path to the stars.

And if you’re still looking for more, there’s the Collins Family My Big Backyard, a fun interactive exhibit where kids can learn about everything from the weather to magnetics and engage in all sorts of educational play. There’s the planetarium, as well, and an observatory with a 20-inch telescope where you can view the universe for yourself. On weekends you can encounter the Solar Decathlon House, Georgia Tech’s entry in an international competition for eco-friendly housing design, and if you’re in Cartersville at the right time, you can participate in one of the museum’s many annual and monthly events.

The museum can be found at 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120.

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.

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

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

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.