#Georgia vacation

[vipcohost]

Discover the Essence of Georgia- Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Atlanta

Nestled in the heart of the American South, Georgia offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you find yourself exploring the rich past at the Atlanta History Center, walking in the footsteps of a civil rights icon at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, or basking in the serenity of Piedmont Park, Georgia beckons with a wealth of experiences. In this article, we'll embark on a journey through some of the best things to do and places to visit in Atlanta.

Atlanta History Center

For those intrigued by the tapestry of Atlanta's history, the Atlanta History Center stands as a beacon of knowledge and exploration. Spanning 33 acres, this expansive complex is a treasure trove of historic homes, lush gardens, and enlightening museums.

The Swan House, an elegant mansion featured in "The Hunger Games," offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Atlanta's elite during the early 20th century. Beyond its grandeur, the Smith Family Farm provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time to the antebellum era.

The center's museums cover a spectrum of topics, including the Cyclorama depicting the Battle of Atlanta and the Centennial Olympic Games Museum, commemorating Atlanta's hosting of the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Atlanta History Center ensures that the city's diverse past is not only preserved but also vividly brought to life.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

A pilgrimage to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is an essential experience for those seeking to understand the pivotal role Atlanta played in the Civil Rights Movement. This park encompasses significant sites, including Dr. King's childhood home, the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the King Center where he and Coretta Scott King rest.

Visitors can stand in the modest rooms of Dr. King's childhood home, gaining insight into the roots of his transformative vision for a just society. The Ebenezer Baptist Church, a spiritual hub for the Civil Rights Movement, echoes with the resonance of Dr. King's powerful messages of equality.

The King Center, a place of reflection and remembrance, invites visitors to contemplate the ongoing pursuit of justice. The eternal flame at Dr. King and Coretta Scott King's tomb symbolizes the enduring flame of their legacy, inspiring future generations to continue the journey toward a more equitable world.

Piedmont Park

Escape the urban bustle and embrace the tranquility of Piedmont Park, a lush 185-acre green space in the heart of Atlanta. This urban oasis offers a myriad of recreational activities, scenic walking trails, and picturesque spots for relaxation.

The Active Oval buzzes with energy as locals engage in various sports and fitness activities. Whether you're jogging along the trails, having a leisurely picnic, or enjoying the beauty of the lake, Piedmont Park provides a serene retreat within the city.

Adjacent to the park lies the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a horticultural haven featuring themed gardens, conservatories, and seasonal exhibits. From vibrant blooms to intricate plant sculptures, the garden adds an extra layer of natural splendor to Piedmont Park's appeal.

Vacation Rentals in Atlanta

As you plan your Georgia adventure, consider elevating your stay with luxury vacation rentals in Atlanta. The city boasts a range of exquisite properties, from spacious apartments to elegant homes, offering a comfortable and indulgent retreat after a day of exploration.

Luxury vacation rentals provide not only a place to stay but an immersive experience that complements the richness of your Atlanta visit. Strategically located, these accommodations offer easy access to the city's attractions, ensuring that your stay is both convenient and luxurious.

Embarking on a journey through the best things to do and places to visit in Atlanta unveils the soul of Georgia – a state deeply rooted in its history, driven by a commitment to justice, and adorned with natural splendor. From the Atlanta History Center's exploration of the city's past to the transformative legacy of Dr. King at the National Historical Park and the serene escape of Piedmont Park, Atlanta invites you to immerse yourself in its multifaceted charm. And, as you conclude your day of exploration, luxury vacation rentals stand ready to provide a haven of comfort and indulgence, ensuring that your Georgia adventure is truly unparalleled.

[rentbyhost]

Georgia House Rentals - 3 Bedrooms House rental in Fayetteville, Georgia...

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Georgia’s Lake Oconee an oasis just waiting to be discovered This 'lake country' playground is a year-round destination

An oasis awaits you at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo by Chris Bartlett)

Sunrise over the lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo by Chris Bartlett)

If making spring and summer travel plans are on your agenda, an oasis awaits you at Lake Oconee, about 85 miles east of Atlanta, amid the lush Georgia hillsides, underneath a stunning canopy of evergreen-forested trees. It is here, in “lake country,” that the year-round playground of Reynolds Lake Oconee https://bit.ly/3AojqGD  can be explored for an incredible golf-centric trip with friends, a romantic couple’s getaway or a family escape.  Many guests love the destination so much that they make it their year ‘round or second home-residence.  The Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds, Lake Oconee  https://bit.ly/420HzyB  is the crown jewel located within the lifestyle-centric community. The resort offers something for everyone; boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, bird watching, serene sunrise strolls upon the exquisite lakefront resort, a spa retreat, shopping and of course, cuisine prepared by talented chefs. Golfers can choose from five nationally ranked golf courses designed by famed golf course architects including Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Bob Cupp.

Great Water Golf Course (Photo by Evan Schiller)

Those who want more than just a luxurious guest room, the cottages and The Lake House at The Ritz Carlton feature multiple bedrooms, kitchens, private outdoor space, and a living room.

For those who want to experience what it is like to live at one of Reynolds Lake Oconee communities, choose from National Club cottages, The Landing Cottages or The Village at Lake Club Pointe.  To whet your appetite for this experience check it out here: https://bit.ly/440CiZN

Water enthusiasts, get ready for an exhilarating jet-ski experience, a fishing outing, or head out on a pontoon boat or classic Hacker-Craft boat.

There’s no shortage of places to get into the water. The Infinity pool has spectacular views of the lake. Kids will embrace the family pool where they can splash and play in the geysers and on the splash pads. Splash Shack comes to the rescue when hunger hits, featuring light fare, frozen cocktails, wine, and beer.Lap swimmers can get their exercise in the Indoor spa pool. Hours are set aside for adult lap swimming as well as family swim time. Those who enjoy the beach will welcome the private beach at Lake Oconee. Hungry or need a drink to cool down at the beach… check out the Sand Bar.

Family pool at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee)

Live it up by renting a poolside cabana. Not only will you enjoy private seating…the amenities include a freshly sliced-fruit tray, sunscreen, television, cooling system, phone charger, refrigerator with water and soft drinks.

I knew it was going to be a relaxing experience dining at the resort’s “Gaby’s by the Lake” restaurant when I saw the slogan on the sign that says, “No shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure.” The signature dish, Lobster Grilled Cheese is a must. Chock full of lobster salad with hints of tarragon, it is topped with Havarti cheese and served on brioche bread. The BBQ Pork Nachos (pulled pork, tortilla chips, Queso cheese, Cotija cheese and bourbon BBQ sauce, served with Pico de Gallo, guacamole, salsa and sour cream) is enough to share. I am told the “Philly” (ribeye, peppers, onions, provolone, garlic aioli served on a hoagie roll) could perhaps win a Philly Cheesesteak competition! While dining, you’ll enjoy the most inspiring vistas of Lake Oconee.

Entrance to Gaby’s by the Lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee where the motto is “No shirt, No Shoes, Our Pleasure.” (Photo by Stephen Fries)

Dine alfresco at Gaby’s By the Lake at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee (Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee)

For more formal dining, Linger Longer Steakhouse serves dinner where you can peek into the open kitchen and watch the chefs meticulously performing their craft. The design of the restaurant makes you feel as if you were dining in a stylish lakeside home. The two-sided stone fireplace adds to the elegance of the room. Prepared on the wood-fired grill, choose from the 8-ounce barrel-cut filet mignon, 7-ounce Australian Wagyu striploin, an 18-ounce Delmonico ribeye among other cuts. Indulge with the “Butcher’s Reserve,” a 40-ounce Porterhouse with foie gras butter. Choose from a selection of sauces: red wine, Bearnaise, green peppercorn, chimichurri, or horseradish cream. Not a red meat eater, no worries. The menu includes a selection of fish dishes: striped bass, king salmon, diver sea scallops, and little neck clams. Leave it to the chef – with the “Chef’s Adventure” menu, where you’ll discover what inspired the chef that day. The menu describes it as “a one-of-a-kind tasting menu – culinary adventure featuring seasonal flavors, textures, and creativity.”

Bourbon connoisseurs, get ready for the Barrel Room, where certified bourbon stewards will match your tastes with the perfect pour. The stewards have curated a collection so you can experience rare bourbons and whiskeys. Of course, wines, from the extensive list, and other cocktails, can be sipped on as well, in the beautifully appointed room. Although libations may be the focus, there are creative small plates available to savor while sipping. You’ll be tempted to try Roasted Spicy Cauliflower (pan roasted, herb blue cheese spread, fennel, petite arugula), Barrel Room Sliders (angus beef patty, horseradish-cheddar cheese, caramelized onions) or Brisket Flatbread (smoked brisket, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, cilantro, blueberry BBQ sauce). And, for dessert, Georgia Peach (white chocolate-peach mousse, spiced-peach core, oatmeal-amaretto cookie crumble, passionfruit gel). Chocoholics can get their fix with the German Chocolate Cake (flourless chocolate cake, caramel coconut pecan filling, chocolate sauce, cherry limeade sorbet, toasted marshmallow, chocolate crumble).

Guests at The Ritz Carlton have access to Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. It was here where I learned clay shooting for the first time (very fun)! Justin Jones, an expert in the development and management of elite resort shooting facilities, has the patience to bring comfort and confidence as you learn the sport. There is a 20- station sporting clays course, plus shooting and archery ranges. Not into this sport, there is fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and an off-roading course. Check out the scenery here – as Justin talks about Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds https://bit.ly/3V8xP3h

Bringing the kids along…  Ritz Kids Lake Adventures will keep those who are ages five to twelve occupied for a full or half-day. Their clubhouse has an interactive play floor where they can have loads of fun. Each day, there is a themed experience planned.

On select weekend evenings, the songwriter series hosts songwriters and bands providing music of different genres.

Check out this video where Anne Titlebaum, Director of Operations at The Ritz Carlton talks about the amenities at the resort. https://youtu.be/hTJlbiQux1s

For those who own a home at Reynolds Lake Oconee, planned activities and events will keep you busy. Those interested in the culinary arts will be pleased with the chef series, classes, and curated wine dinners. Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout is at the helm, overseeing the vast food and beverage establishments of the community. I had the opportunity to take one of his classes. Ricotta gnocchi (gnudi) was on the menu.

Reynolds Lake Oconee Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout shows off the gnudi dish the class made. (Photo by Stephen Fries)

3 cups ricotta, moisture removed

4 eggs

2 cups grated parmesan

2 cups flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Put the ricotta and eggs in a large bowl and mix well, add the parmesan, flour salt and pepper and mix to incorporate all of the ingredients. If mixture is too moist and sticky, add a bit more flour. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into ropes, about ¾ inch in diameter. Cut the log into ¾ inch pieces and use a gnocchi roller for making the ridged surface that allows the sauce you use to adhere to the gnudi. You could also choose to roll into small balls. Gently place the gnudi in the boiling water a few at a time. When they float to the top carefully remove from the boiling water. Enjoy with your favorite sauce.

The finished dish from the fun gnudi making class with Reynolds Lake Oconee Executive Chef Zouhair Bellout (Photo by Chris Bartlett)

No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to nearby Madison, Ga. This historic town escaped widespread destruction during the Civil War. It is an internationally renowned destination for history, gardening, architectural and antique enthusiasts. Check out Town 220 Restaurant, www.town220.com , Oconee Coffee Roasters, Madison ChopHouse https://www.oconeecoffee.com/  Grille www.madisonchophousegrille.com  and Patisserie on Main https://bit.ly/445O3y2  For more about historic Madison, named “1 Of the 55 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America” by Architectural Digest, go to www.visitmadisonga.com .  It says, “When you think of a quaint Southern town with magnolia trees and antebellum homes, Madison-60 miles east of Atlanta –is just that.”

Stephen Fries, is a newly retired professor and coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, in New Haven, CT. He has been a food and culinary travel columnist for the past 14 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven, CT. He is a board member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Stephen@stephenfries.com For more, go to stephenfries.com.

[snowfragrance]

Atlanta Georgia trip

FOOD:

Delicious bbq at Foxy Bros Bar-B-Q, decent pricing 2 meats and 2 sides for about $23. Got the cheddar jalapeno sausage and brisket which was amazing. Wished I didn't get the green beans but they weren't terrible. The side of chili was really delicious.

Very well seasoned and good jambalaya for cheap price $15 at The Food Shoppe. Wish there had a bit more sauce to mix with the rice but it wasn't dry either. The bowl appeared small but i was unable to finish it despite being really hungry.

Mary Mac's Tea Room had some good southern soul food. Our group did the Southern Special where we all shared three types of entrees, 3 types of side dishes, and one type of dessert with a variety of different breads all for $30 each person. Not allowed to take any leftovers.

Had the cajun shrimp and grits at Margaritaville. They only gave 5 shrimps but the dish was very flavorful and seasoned well. Fried pickles were great. Size and price are fair.

Went to the Fins & Feathers and got the stuffed chicken breasts for $23. Comes with 2 sides but the entree itself was very small for the price. Restaurant was apparently a hookah bar so you must be 21+ and they check bags.

The little chinatown has amazing food. Pretty far way but worth the trip. Has a cute little garden area in it but no AC just fans.

PLACE:

Stayed at Days Inn which did not serve complementary breakfast as advertised and smelled like old cigarettes even though we got the nonsmoking room. There's definitely smoking bc the carpet is dirty. About an hr away from downtown ATL.

Next was a hostel where we stayed for Dragoncon. Bugs everywhere, no masking, and poor communication. No lights upstairs in hallway 🙄. The people that we stayed with were nice though but definitely a cheap stay.

Citipass is the way to go for attractions. If u do the MARTA beter to just buy day passes instead of individual one way fill ups.

[annajewelsphotography]

Savannah - Georgia - USA (by Anna Jewels (@earthpeek))

https://www.instagram.com/earthpeek/

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"At the end of the day, I'm a fan of great stories and great songs."

--Darius Rucker

Photo: Savannah, Georgia

[victorycollen]

good morning🧋

ig: alteralunis

[rabbitcruiser]

The Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics (French: Jeux olympiques d'été de 1996), known officially as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially as the Centennial Olympic Games, was held in Atlanta on July 19, 1996.  

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Datviani -MANDO- Cottage in a Zoological Park in Tskhvarichamia, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Georgia.

Look at how close this one is to the bear enclosure. 

It’s the vacation place for animal lovers.

Aww, he wants a belly rub.

Is that a dog and a rabbit dancing on the lawn?

Isn’t this cute inside?

Has a kitchenette.

And, a sleep loft.

The bath is nice.

Here’s a fox resident and also have horses that you can ride.

https://www.booked.net/hotels/georgia/tskhvarichamia-349803

[womenusingwords]

Can’t Buy Me Love

The details… Title: Money Can’t Buy Me Love Author: Georgia Beers Publisher: Bold Strokes Books Publication date: August 13, 2024 Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook File size: 1564 KB Print length: 240 pages Audiobook: 9 hours and 23 minutes; narrated by Lula Larkin Genre: contemporary romance Themes: friendship, women loving women, sapphic relationships, ice queens,…

[ardri-na-bpiteog]

it's always faintly amusing to me when people post pictures of like, the Eiffel Tower and they're like "photographed in Paris, France" like thanks for specifying it was France I thought it might be the famous Eiffel Tower of Paris, Texas

[cease-theday]

ATLANTAA

Oct 3-7

Where to stay and what to do?

Someone help because Google isn't it.

[andfinallywecansee]

Atlanta Georgia Sky 1:28 PM 7/7/24

New York City Sky 7:07 PM 7/8/24

Denver, Colorado Sky 4:04 PM 7/11/24

Tracy, California Sky 6:38 PM 5/4/24

[jellyf1she]

✨Night of my Life✨@ medieval times @gwenlovesam

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The sky is so pretty from above, thats it, that’s the post

[kreeture-19]

This is definitely the best souvenir from my trip to Savannah earlier this month. I just couldn't leave without paying tribute to the place where I started figuring myself out. A million thanks to Frankie at Savannah Ink for bringing my silly little vision to life. <3

I've also included a photo of the inspiration behind my new tat. It's a street sign near the apartment complex where I lived for 3 years while attending SCAD.

(Sorry it took me so long to post lol. I have no excuse other than…well…life, ya know?)