the state of Georgia, off the beaten path?
 

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

It sounds like you're looking for general travel info about the area, so let me see if I can find a better forum where you'll find more Georgia experts.

If you're travelling up 95 to GA, Jekyll Island is mostly undeveloped, so there's not a lot to see but the beaches are clean and not crowded. Check out the lighthouse on Tybee Island. Sapelo has a wildlife refuge There's a lot to see in Savannah, but it can be expensive. Paula Deen's restaurant is good, although the lines are long.

Jekyll is nice. In addition to beaches there is the old Jekyl Island Club. The linked site has a pretty good overview of 'attractions' along the coast. For a less developed island off the GA coast, go to Cumberland Island.

I second the Savannah recommendation. A beautiful old city!

Also on my 'don't miss' list would be a canoe trip through the Okefenokee Swamp (on the GA/FL border). But, that would definitely depend on the time of year (not in August!!) & your personal interests.

Are you wanting to see all of GA or just along the coast?

I agree with those who suggest staying along the coastal area and agree with their suggestions. Most of interior Georgia, the southern part in particular, is agricultural and a depressed (and depressing) region.

Once you have seen Savannah (recommended), and if you insist on getting off the beaten path, I have a couple of suggestions: If you can find them on a map, I would suggest a driving to Milledgeville and Madison. Madison (I-20 exit US 441), in particular, is an area that did not get torched by General Sherman in the Civil War and still has quite a few lovely old homes. It is certainly worth a drive through. You can continue up US 441 northwards through Athens (college town, home of the University of Georgia) and then hit I-85 to South/North Carolina. Alternatively, you can leave Madison vis I-20 and head directly east to re-join the coastal path.