Uncover Georgia's Past: 9 Ways to Bring the Past to Life
What Makes Georgia, USA So Special?
Georgia exudes an old soul, rich with Southern charm, eerie beauty, emotive blues music, and stately architecture, bringing the past to life. Named after King George II, the state was once a British colony and has played an important role in wars, plantations, high-society scandals, and several pivotal events in America’s modern history.
Georgia is also known for its natural landscapes of mountains and rivers, sitting right above Florida on the Atlantic coast. There’s so much to look back at, reflect, and reminisce. Here are some interesting ways to catch a glimpse into the history and culture of Georgia and the USA.
1. Sweet tea and Southern hospitality
Comfort food served with a Southern charm
Good for: Couples, History, Food
In the warm South, sweet tea and Southern hospitality are on the agenda. Here, you’ll be greeted with kind strangers and a slower pace of life. For some Southern flair, visit Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta for fried green tomatoes and sweet tea, or the Swan Coach House for crab cakes and a strong Georgia Peach screwdriver. For traditional high tea, head to the Gryphon in Savannah.
With Georgia’s hot spring and summer days, many markets are set up indoors. The most concentrated areas for a one-stop food experience are located in and around Atlanta. Visit Ponce City Market for modern indoor kiosks, outdoor farmer’s market, and unique Southern treats like Honeysuckle Gelato’s Honey Lavender and Brown Butter flavors.
Location: Mary Mac’s Tea Room, 224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
Phone: +1 404-876-1800
Sweet tea and Southern hospitality
2. Georgia’s natural landscapes
From intricate rivers to sunny coasts
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Georgia’s natural landscapes range from mountains and coastlines to waterfalls and rivers. The state has over 70,000 miles (112,654 km) of waterways weaving across the region. Ideal for trekkers and campers, Georgia also features the famous Blue Ridge mountain range in the north.
Visitors can enjoy a day’s hiking and rafting at the Chattahoochee National Forest, and explore Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia, with many hiking trails and pet-friendly accommodations. Further south, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island showcases nature’s artistry with abstract forms of dead trees. Here you start to find the warmer ocean currents and diverse wildlife. Namely, Tybee Island is a great place to study marine life like turtles, manatees, and shorebirds.
Georgia’s natural landscapes
3. The cuisine of deep-fried everything
The deep-South tradition of soul food
Good for: Food, History
In Georgia, you can indulge with the rich and flavorful cuisine of deep-fried everything. Soul food is another name for Southern comfort food with recipes based on methods passed down by African Americans during the slavery period. The cooking later evolved into macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, corn bread, fried chicken, fried fish, and also pigs’ intestines, locally known as “chitterlings.” They even deep-fry their peach cobblers.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is known for their chicken and waffles, pimento mac and cheese, and fried chicken with all kinds of spices. The restaurant has 5 levels of hotness: mild, medium, hot, damn hot, and shut the cluck up. Paschal’s is Atlanta’s crowd-favorite fried chicken spot. Don’t miss their acclaimed peach cobbler.
Location: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, 299 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
Phone: +1 678-990-5100
The cuisine of deep-fried everything
4. The art of having fun in the hot weather
Swimming, canoeing, and camping in the great yonder
Good for: Couples, Families, Adventure
With temperatures reaching the high 90s F (over 30 degrees Celsius), Georgians have learned to master the art of having fun in the hot weather. The state boasts over 70,000 miles (112,654 km) of waterways to keep locals cool and content. The Chattooga River is a favorite for camping and kayaking, offering various levels of white-water rafting along its 57 miles (92 km).
Most river trails feature outposts for activities like floating, canoeing, and zip-lining. For a quick getaway, the 48-mile (77-km) Chattahoochee river trail is just 30 minutes from Atlanta. The lower half of the state has the Ocmulgee River Trail, a 200-mile (322-km) water trail that starts from Macon and flows to the eastern coast.
The art of having fun in the hot weather
5. The old Southern architecture
There’s a haunting beauty about historic homes
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
The old Southern architecture in Georgia showcases a timeless beauty rooted in its complex past, with 16 districts preserved from the days of the Confederacy. Those were the times of the plantation society, when cotton production was booming. Historic homes are found throughout the state, not just the famous Savannah quarters. In fact, Macon alone has over 5,500 buildings that are listed under the National Register of Historic Places.
The Antebellum trail stretches 100 miles (160 km) from Athens through Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, and Macon. Introduced by European migrants in the 1800s, the Southern style, known as Antebellum architecture, comprises signature large pillars, large porches and balconies, symmetrical windows, and a central door for the “grand entrance” effect.
Location: Antebellum Trail at the Athens Welcome Center, 280 E Dougherty St, Athens, GA 30601, USA
Phone: +1 706-353-1820
The old Southern architecture
6. Atlanta’s legacy
The city is home to iconic American companies
Good for: Families, History
Atlanta’s legacy for modern America is exemplified by its role as the birthplace and headquarters of several iconic companies. The famous beverage Coca-Cola was conceived here as a patent medicine intended for combating morphine addiction and as an alternative to alcohol. Plan your visit to the World of Coca-Cola and learn about the secret vault of recipes, the vintage bottles, the mixed feelings on the Cherry Coke edition, and sample more than 100 different flavors of their concoctions.
Several other American companies hold their headquarters in Atlanta, including CNN, The Home Depot, and Delta Air Lines. For a fascinating tour showcasing Delta Air Line’s history, vintage aircraft, and interactive exhibits related to aviation, visit the Delta Flight Museum. Read more
Location: The World of Coca-Cola, 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Phone: +1 404-676-5151
Atlanta's legacy
7. American history milestones
The people and places that made America great
Good for: History, Photo
Georgia offers many American history milestones. As the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta has been fondly dubbed “The City Too Busy to Hate” since the 1960s. Explore the history of segregation, post-Civil War strife, and the civil rights movement at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
Tybee Island is a quaint resort town that has seen 7 wars, and many revolutionaries gathered on this eastern coast. Visit the still-functioning Tybee Island Lighthouse, learn about the different day and night signals, and walk 178 steps to the top. About 18 miles (29 km) west is the Saint John Baptist Cathedral, Georgia’s first Roman Catholic Church. This beautiful building is known for its twin spires and stained-glass windows.
Location: International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, 14 -0046-0011-082, 2, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA
American history milestones
8. Creepy superstitions
A hunt for the lingering souls of Savannah
Good for: History, Unusual
Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, is steeped in creepy superstitions that might captivate you. Savannah played a key role during the American Revolution and features beautiful homes, historic plantations, and a somber past. The Pirates’ House restaurant was once a smuggler’s hangout and is rumored to be haunted by Captain Flint and sailors.
The Olde Pink House also has ghost sightings, with reports of its original owner, James Habersham Jr., rearranging furniture and lighting candles. The Marshall House, Savannah’s oldest hotel, was made a temporary hospital during the Civil War, and many human bones were discovered during the 1999 renovation. According to reports, injured soldiers in uniforms were spotted in the corridors and freshly amputated limbs were found on the grounds.
Creepy superstitions
9. Peach industry
You’ve got to try peaches when in Georgia
Good for: History, Food
Georgia’s peach industry has thrived since the Civil War, replacing cotton production. Peaches were introduced to the Georgian soil by Spanish monks in the 16th century and the “Peach Belt” is now concentrated around Macon. The best time for peach-picking is June to August, with beautiful peach blossoms in mid-March.
At Pearson Farm, try their famous peach ice cream and learn about their pecan production. Sample dishes like cobbler, peach salsa, and peach basil crostini with goat cheese. Lane Southern Orchards has a large market selection of wine, jam, fried peach pies, and other Southern goodies alamode. Jaemor Farms has been around for over a century, and has much more than just peaches, from blackberries to strawberries to fresh corn.
Location: Pearson Farm, 5575 Zenith Mill Rd, Fort Valley, GA 31030, USA
Phone: +1 478-827-0750
Peach industry
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