The southern US state of Georgia is best known for its golf, carpets and zombies! Home to the prestigious Master Golf Tournament at Augusta and dubbed the ‘Carpet Capital of the World’, Georgia has also catapulted into the limelight recently thanks to ‘The Walking Dead’ zombie-based TV series!
Search for zombies in Senoia
The city of Senoia is something of a TV and movie hotspot: as well as the downright scary Walking Dead (starring superb Brit actor Andrew Lincoln) it’s also been the setting for several mainstream films. Yes, Driving Miss Daisy, Sweet Home Alabama and the excellent Fried Green Tomatoes were all set in Senoia. And as the city is just 25 miles south of Georgia’s state capital, Atlanta, there’s no reason not to take a zombie-inspired TV set tour – if you’re brave enough of course!
Walk the historic squares of Savannah
The state itself was name after Britain’s King George II and Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia. Settled in 1733, Savannah is based upon 24 public squares which are all named after British colonists and important local figures. Each square is home to traditional Colonial architecture and a wealth of historically important sights. Oglethorpe Square is named after founder General James Edward Oglethorpe and is the site of the magnificent regency Owens-Thomas House which is quite possibly the finest example in the US. Curiously, co-founder Colonel William Bull doesn’t have a square named him.
Discover Coca-Cola’s heritage in Atlanta
The world’s biggest beverage, Coca-Cola, is based in downtown Atlanta alongside the state capitol building, CNN center and the city hall. Discover the history and heritage of one the world’s most iconic brands at the World of Coca-Cola Museum, where samples flow freely. Another must-see in Atlanta is the birthplace and resting place of the legendary Martin Luther King, Jr. in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn district. Atlanta is also one of the cheapest US cities to explore this summer!
Did you know that Georgia is the Carpet Capital of the World?
Here’s one for facts fans – the town of Dalton in Georgia is indeed the ‘Carpet Capital of the World’ thanks to 80% of the tufted carpets in the world being produced here! And the Dalton Freight Depot has exhibits which detail the Civil war within Dalton and of course, how the carpet industry grew and flourished. And if you’re in the market for a new rug or carpet, Dalton is bursting with outlet stores where you can pick up real bargains. Just remember your luggage allowance!
Wonder at Stone Mountain
Mighty Stone Mountain rises to 1,686 feet (514 meters) and features the huge Confederate Memorial Carving. The biggest high-relief sculpture on earth is in memory of the three civil war heroes: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The stonework was started by Gutzon Borglum, of Mount Rushmore fame, in 1915 and not completed until 1972. Today the site at Metro Atlanta is home to hiking and biking trails, as well as golf courses, fishing opportunities and the Summit Skyride cable car.
Soak up the golf and history of Augusta
As well as being known across the world as the site of the annual Golf Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, the city also contains many important old buildings. The city was largely spared from the destruction of the Civil War, so retains its interesting historical sites. Don’t miss the faithfully preserved Victorian mansion where a young Woodrow Wilson lived as a boy before he became President. Visit the beautiful Sacred Heart Cultural Center which is a former Catholic Church and learn of the local history at the Augusta Museum of History.
Chill on out on Tybee Island, aka, Savannah’s Beach
Just a few miles away from Savannah is Tybee Island, which is Georgia’s most easterly point, where natural beauty and intriguing history await. Visitors can go on a dolphin exploration, try their hand at jet skiing and have a go at deep sea fishing. Try kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and biking the island. There are also beautiful beaches and historical attractions such as the 1732 Tybee Lighthouse and the Fort Pulaski National Monument.
