The 20 Best Historic Sites in Georgia to Visit

Wormsloe State Historic Sites in GA entrance

[Updated August 23, 2023] Established as the fourth state after ratifying the United States Constitution in 1788, Georgia has a rich and diverse state history. The state is known for its sprawling oak trees in Savannah, rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia, and a largely agriculture-based economy.  English philanthropist James Oglethorpe first settled the state of … Read more

The 15 Best Things to Do in Lookout Mountain GA/TN

Waterfall at Lookout Mountain GA TN

[Updated April 11, 2023] Located at an elevation of 2,388 feet, Lookout Mountain sits on the border between North Georgia and Tennessee.  Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga (or a 2-hour drive from Atlanta), the mountain is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the area. Atop Lookout Mountain you’ll find … Read more

The 15 Best Haunted Houses in Georgia to Visit

Haunted Houses in Georgia

With its endless assortment of majestic mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, trout-filled rivers, and forests filled with flora and fauna, the state of Georgia can be a breathtakingly beautiful place.  But once the seasons change and the chilly winds of autumn come rolling in, the woods outside metro Atlanta can begin to take on an eerie air.  As … Read more

The Moon Eyed People & Other Cherokee Legends

Museum of the Cherokee Indian

When we explore the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re lucky enough to get a chance to experience the rich culture of the Cherokee Indians. The mountains offer a glimpse into their unique world, which is full of mythological stories and supernatural beings.  Many of the supernatural beings in Cherokee legends mingle with humans, or even part … Read more

The Ultimate Ocoee River Rafting Guide

Located in Southeast Tennessee, the Ocoee River is a 93-mile river that flows northwest through the southern Appalachian Mountains. It’s known as the Toccoa River in the state of Georgia, where it passes through the towns of Blue Ridge and McCaysville. The river is world-renowned for its Class III-V rapids, which served as the dramatic … Read more

The Best Places to Go White Water Rafting in GA

White Water in GA with NOC

If you’re looking for a pulse-pounding adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, white water rafting in Georgia offers a rush of adrenaline and a fun way to immerse yourself in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. North Georgia river rafting is especially popular in summer, in part because many of the rivers make for easy day … Read more

Exploring Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in Lookout Mountain

Cannon and plaque at Point Park in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

The battles at Chickamauga and Chattanooga were a major turning point in the Civil War. Winning the Battle of Chattanooga in late November of 1863 created a path for the Union Army to take Atlanta, which had a direct effect on the end of the war. Today, these historic battlefields are preserved at the Chickamauga … Read more

How Gold Mining in Georgia Led to Land Lotteries & the Trail of Tears

Gold Mining in Georgia

In the late 1820s, gold was discovered in North Georgia near the mountain towns of Dahlonega and Helen. This discovery– the first major gold rush in the US (after a smaller discovery in North Carolina)– led to an influx of prospectors, all looking to find their fortune by gold mining in Georgia.  The Georgia Gold Rush lasted for … Read more