Last year, while visiting Paula and her grandkids in Cartersville, we noticed that there were lots of interesting places in Georgia that we had never visited. Paula decided to remedy that with a 10 day road trip. She researched sites to see, reserved BandB's and other really unique places for us to stay and figured out the routes we would take. (I think she lost her calling as a Travel Agent.) We rented a 12 passager van with one row of seats removed and the 7 of us set off November 1st for our adventure. We basically we each took responsibility for planning one of the days. First stop was historical Madison with a city tour guide. We learned some Civil War and slavery history, visited a cemetary, and heard stories of some of the occupants of a few beautiful and historical homes. The B and B was over the top in service and accommodations. They definitely spoiled us.
Second day was Athens, UGA, and the Varsity. We had a nice tour of the campus and then ate lunch at the famous Varsity. We continued on to Betty and Richard's unique log cabin compound in the mountains, where we ate too much and partied a little too hard.
Day 3 was Dahlonega Gold Museum, lunch and back to the compound to watch the UGA football game.
Day 4 This was Marcia's day because she is from Summerville. Weather and timing was perfect - the fall colors at Gibbs Garden were spectacular !
There were 2 beds -- a bed above the kitchen and bathroom -- To access you climbed up about 6 very narrow (width and depth), tall, and hand rail-less ledges. The downstairs bed was a 3 put-it-together-yourself-pads. We only figured out how to get 2 of them to fit -- which meant it was sort of like a Katie Size dog bed. Good thing I am a side-sleeper
Habitat for Humanity Center -- examples of what type of buildings Habitat builds for the people around the world.
Americus and the Windsor Hotel
Day 4 This was Marcia's day because she is from Summerville. Weather and timing was perfect - the fall colors at Gibbs Garden were spectacular !
Next stop in Summerville was to visit the querky artist Howard Finster's "Paradise Garden". Zac would love it here -- he definitely has a few of Howard's traits. Howard has been on the "Cover of the Rolling Stone" and REM and Talking Heads album covers. Coke also sponsered him when he went thru his Coke bottle art phase.
The next two nights we stayed in Tiny Houses
Showering was in a small wooden tub -- with the shower curtain - it was sort of like trying to wash yourself while in a giant condom
Day 5 - My day - sort of
This was Tacky Day -- we went to Ruby Falls, Incline Railroad and Rock City. Rock City was originally NOT on my list (I had added Battles of Chattanooga and Cloudland Canyon) but Rock City WAS on Paula's List and with lots of begging she won me over and we added it as our last stop. (And
don’t tell Paula – but I ended up really enjoying Rock City)
This day included a "tacky souvenir contest" - who purchased the most tacky souvenir from one of the parks -The price was limited to under 10 $ with bonus points for items less than 5 $ - Maria won.
Day 6 - LaGrange
This day included Berry College, Cave Springs and a fun drive thru the back country...
Day 7
Hogg Mine. I know it sounds strange but it was a lot of fun. We trudged around in the dirt and mud looking for rocks. Lots of quartz, tourmaline, beryl and mica.
Hotel in Warm Springs
Day 8
The Little White House and Warm Springs Winery
Most of the wines were made with Muscadine grapes - very sweet
Animal Crackers to cleanse the palate
Bullock House was where we ate lunch - buffet style Southern Home cooking.
Next stop was Providence Canyon - Beautiful colors, even on a cloudy day.
Day 9
Plains Georgia and Americus Georgia
We did all things connected with Jimmy Carter. Carter's old homestead and then a tour of Habitat for Humanity Center in Americus
Surpisingly VERY interesting - make sure you take all those cell toting kids with you.
First 'Portable Phone'
Americus and the Windsor Hotel
Interesting....
Day 10 Heading home
One last stop......
All in all - it was a great trip. Our big van was a nice way to tour the state, we switched drivers between 4 of us and we each took turns planning one of the days adventures and meals. In the future I would vote for fewer days and mayby not so many different hotels -- the 2 night stays were much more relaxing. My favorites were the funkier hotels (tiny houses and the B and Bs) and the unusual destinations. I like the fact that we were doing this during the 'off' season (kids in school) - but be aware that some of the restaurants are closed on Mondays.
