the state of Georgia, off the beaten path?

I'd like to hear from travellers who've done the route from Florida and (up the coast) into Georgia, and eventually the Carolina's (but focusing on Georgia). I'd like to go the route but only if there's enough interesting stops along the way? What would be considered interesting in that part of America?

Well, maybe architecture? Old homes, mansions. Perhaps, nature? National/State Parks that can't be missed? I'd like to avoid commercial areas in lieu of more unique experiences. That includes cuisine (what's soul food)??? Why would travellers (foreigners) find Georgia or the Carolina's interesting (or even parts of North Florida)?

Can you recommend a place along the way? I can look them up, and if they're one of a kind, I will add them as a stopover. So, what places are NOT-TO-MISS in Georgia?

I'd like to hear reports from people who've been to unique places (that aren't so overated like so much else out there but instead are one of a kind and worth the stop) (i.e. cities, towns, neighbourhoods, national/state parks, beaches, lookout points, mountains, photographic scenary, and other natural/historic or architectural highlights) in the state of Georgia.

I'll have all the time in the world in every place I go, so yime is not an issue, but money is.

So what do you recommend that you've ACTUALLY been to and can vouch for?

thanx

and p.s.
Can i hitchhike this route? Do Americans pickup backpackers pointing out their thumb on the highway? If so, what time of day is best to get picked up, and in what part of the highway?