Georgia on My Mind: A Gonzo-Style Tour of the Peach State
A Land Steeped in HistoryAs I set out on my journey to explore the state, I found myself amazed by the rich history Georgia has to offer. From the prehistoric Indian mounds of Ocmulgee National Monument, to the antebellum charm of Savannah, to the Civil War battlefields that dot the landscape, Georgia is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered.Thrills and Chills in AtlantaAtlanta, the powerhouse of the South, boasts a dizzying array of experiences. I began my adventure at the World of Coca-Cola, a veritable shrine to the sweet nectar that has mesmerized generations. After sipping my way through an international array of fizzy concoctions, I stumbled upon the nearby Georgia Aquarium, where I was entranced by the whale sharks gracefully swimming through the Ocean Voyager exhibit.Once I'd had my fill of underwater wonders, I moved on to the Center for Puppetry Arts, a tribute to the unsung heroes of the entertainment world. I was greeted by a host of familiar faces from my childhood, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and was soon swept away by the magic of puppetry. As I left the center, my thoughts turned to the skies above, and I made my way to the Delta Flight Museum, where I gazed upon the marvels of aviation history.- Ocmulgee National Monument
- Antebellum Savannah
- Civil War battlefields
- World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- Center for Puppetry Arts
- Delta Flight Museum
Savannah's Southern CharmWith Atlanta in my rearview mirror, I ventured to the coastal city of Savannah. Entering the city felt like stepping back in time, with its cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and stately historic homes. I indulged in a heaping plate of shrimp and grits at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room and then meandered through the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, final resting place of many of the city's notable residents.My journey continued through Savannah's historic district, where I paused to admire the charming Forsyth Park and its ornate fountain. As I strolled along River Street, I felt a sudden urge to set sail, and so I boarded a riverboat for a leisurely cruise along the Savannah River. My sea legs soon gave way to my thirst, and I found myself sipping on a mint julep at the legendary Pirate's House, where I pondered the tales of swashbucklers that once frequented the establishment.- Moss-draped oaks
- Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room
- Bonaventure Cemetery
- Forsyth Park
- River Street
- Savannah River cruise
- Pirate's House
On the Road to High AdventureWith a longing for the great outdoors, I set out for the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia. I traversed the winding roads of the stunningly scenic Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, stopping at the summit of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in the state. From there, I embarked on a vigorous hike along the Appalachian Trail, where I marveled at the unspoiled beauty of the wilderness and pondered the hardy souls that have trekked its entire length.My journey continued to the town of Dahlonega, the site of the first gold rush in the United States. I tried my hand at panning for gold at the Consolidated Gold Mine and, while I didn't strike it rich, I did find a newfound appreciation for the miners who toiled away in search of fortune. My thoughts turned to liquid gold, and I found solace in a glass of locally-produced wine at one of the many vineyards that dot the region.- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
- Brasstown Bald
- Appalachian Trail
- Dahlonega
- Consolidated Gold Mine
- Local vineyards
Coastal Escapades on the Golden IslesAs my Georgia odyssey neared its end, I found myself on the shores of the Golden Isles. I marveled at the wonders of the sea at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, where I learned about ongoing efforts to conserve these magnificent creatures. My thirst for adventure led me to Cumberland Island, where I explored the ruins of the opulent Dungeness Mansion and caught sight of the island's famed wild horses.As I watched the sun set over the marshes of the Golden Isles, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the incredible journey I'd taken through the Peach State. As the saying goes, I truly had "Georgia on my mind."- Georgia Sea Turtle Center
- Cumberland Island
- Dungeness Mansion
- Wild horses
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