To say that we are die-hard lake people would be a vast understatement. Growing up in North Georgia, I spent weeks every summer at my grandparents’ cottage on Lake Hartwell. As an adult, Mary and I have kept a boat docked on Lake Allatoona for 14 years, and visit 3-4 times a week. We fell … Read more
[Updated May 16, 2023] As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt that the natural beauty of the state of Georgia is vastly underrated. In my experience, even locals tend to forget the amazing amount of green space we’re blessed with, which offers endless excellent opportunities for recreation and ecotourism adventures. But taking day … Read more
Although it has a population of less than 2,000 residents, Ellijay GA is the seat of Gilmer County. It’s a town so nice that President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, had a second home there. Ellijay is located about 22 miles north of the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains, at the confluence of … Read more
[Updated May 14, 2023] Drawing more than 50 million visitors each year and listed fourth on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2022,” Atlanta GA is one of the most visited cities in the USA. But in our experience, many of the people who visit Atlanta are unaware of the remarkable array of fun things to do … Read more
“Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains?” is a question we get fairly often, and it’s understandable why so many people are confused by the geographical definition of the region. Stretching 550 miles from North Georgia to Southern Pennsylvania, the Blue Ridge Mountain range is part of the larger Appalachian Mountain range. So all Blue Ridge … Read more
Growing up in North Georgia, lakes were always a huge part of my summer vacation because my grandparents had one of those homey little cabins on Lake Hartwell. It was there that I first fell in love with the natural beauty lakes had to offer, from the fascinating wildlife and gorgeous scenic vistas to colorful wildflowers … Read more
[Updated April 24, 2023] My earliest memories of the Blue Ridge Mountains are of backpacking trips with our church youth group, which my parents led. I was no more than 6 years old the first time we made our way north to Blue Ridge, Georgia. We’d stock up on supplies in town before heading to … Read more
Of all the lovely places to visit in Georgia, the Bavarian-inspired town of Helen is probably the one we’ve visited the most. From its charming Alpine architecture, quirky personality, and traditional German restaurants to an array of outdoor attractions (including the 3,166-foot Yonah Mountain and the Appalachian Trail), there’s a lot to love about Helen. You could … Read more
[Updated April 23, 2023] It’s common knowledge that the Georgia mountains are filled with stunning natural beauty, from rolling hills and mountain lakes covered in morning mist to dense forests and tranquil creeks. But it may surprise some visitors to learn that the unique climate and geography of these Blue Ridge Mountains also provides the perfect … Read more
Ancient Indigenous tribes once thrived across the region now known as Georgia, living here for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived. Many of them were forcibly removed after the Georgia gold rush brought an influx of prospectors to the state in the late 1820s, which led to the Georgia land lotteries. But … Read more