Travel the USA (Visit Georgia)

It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the tenth state to visit is none other than Georgia, abbreviated GA. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, Georgia, the Empire State of the South, is a fabulous place to go!

Visit state # 10 – Georgia

The tenth U.S. state alphabetically is Georgia, aptly known as the Peach State for its reputation for producing the highest quality fruit. This southeastern state borders the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast and shares state lines with Tennessee and North Carolina to the north. The Chattahoochee River defines a section of its border with Alabama in the southwest and a short portion of its border with its southern neighbor Florida. The Savannah River forms a border with South Carolina to the east.

The U.S. state of Georgia is roughly half the size of Italy. In comparison to other states in America, Georgia can fit into California six times. The state has a diverse topography and is defined by four main regions. The northwest corner features the Valley and Ridge region in Georgia’s Appalachian Plateau. The northeast corner contains the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains and boasts the highest elevation in the state at Brasstown Bald. The Piedmont area is hilly and features some of Georgia’s most populated areas consisting of fall line cities that were developed at the end of the navigable part of rivers. And Georgia’s Coastal Plains is its largest geographical region and covers 60 percent of the state.

Georgia was one of the original thirteen colonies in America and is known for having retained its fascinating history. It was in 1788 when Georgia votes to ratify the U.S. Constitution, becoming the fourth state in the modern United States. Georgia was named after King George II and was first settled by Europeans in the year 1733 when according to This Day in History, a group of British debtors led by English philanthropist James E. Oglethorpe traveled up the Savannah River and established Georgia’s first permanent settlement, the town of Savannah. The city today is known for its manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages, and world-renowned antebellum architecture. There is a lovely historical section that features cobblestone squares on famous grounds, including Forsyth Park, known for shady oak trees draped in Spanish moss and picturesque ambiance.

Savannah is home to important places of worship, including First African Baptist Church, the first black church in the country, known for its prominent role as a safe house for slaves. It also served as a stop on the underground railroad. The Montgomery Street church has stood since 1777 and is considered a testament to the contributions of the black community. There is a plethora of bed and breakfasts throughout the beautiful city. Be sure to take a historic trolley ride or walking tour of the famous region to absorb traditional southern charm. The Harper Fowlkes is one such tour stop that shouldn’t be missed and features a richly furnished Greek Revival Mansion with a stunning garden. Don’t skip the Savannah Visitor Information Center and Savannah History Museum located in the Passenger Depot of the old Central of Georgia Railway for a fascinating journey through the city’s history.

The state capital of Atlanta is another must-see destination. The city played an important part in both the Civil War and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, and there is much to see and do there as well. Exciting points of interest include the Atlanta History Center, which features exhibits on the antebellum South and an 1845-era farm, Atlanta’s oldest surviving farmhouse complete with a blacksmith shop and smokehouse. In addition to many historical sites, a visit to Atlanta’s Botanical Garden, zoo, and the aquarium can help round out your educational and fun visit to this fascinating city. Georgia’s pleasing temperatures, with an average low of 80F and a high of 95F on summer days, make it enjoyable for those who crave warm weather.

A visit to Georgia is not complete without checking out many of the other beautiful cities and towns. This includes Tybee Island, a barrier island, and a small city near Savannah worthy of exploring. Tybee Island is beloved for its wide and pristine beaches, for having Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse, which dates to 1736, for Fort Screven, which served as part of America’s Coastal Defense System, and for Fort Pulaski National Monument, where the Union Army forced the Confederate garrison to surrender. The Island also offers rich opportunities to soak up the sun in Georgia’s pleasurable climate, discover nature and observe an abundance of wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, go fishing, kayaking, or kick back on a memorable sunset cruise.

Next up: Hawaii