Travel

  Rendering of the Mercure Telavi Hotel

With only 100 miles of coastline, it is easy to forget that the Peach State has beaches, let alone consider the islands scattered off the coast of Georgia. On the east coast of the U.S., usually when people think about vacationing to the islands, they are thinking of the Caribbean — or maybe a few islands in Florida like Captiva, Amelia Island, or the Florida Keys — not the Georgia Islands.

Yet there are 15 Georgia barrier islands, from Tybee Island off the coast of Savannah, to Cumberland Island, just north of Jacksonville, Florida. The sandy beaches are generally wide and flat with waves meant for jumping and body surfing.
The salt marshes are ideal for kayaking and fishing, and the laid-back vibe makes for the perfect family vacation destination in the state of Georgia. You won’t find rowdy boardwalks and party people here. It is a spot for appreciating nature and good, old-fashioned family fun.
Georgia’s Barrier Islands are not just for locals either. With plenty of flight options into Savannah, Jacksonville, or even the smaller Brunswick airport, the Georgia coast is an accessible getaway for many, including New Englanders like me.

Ranked the Best Festival and Family Amusement of Cobb 2021, one of the largest fairs in the state is coming to town! Attracting over 300,000 people every year from Cobb County and surrounding area, the North Georgia State Fair is a highly anticipated, family-fun event! The fair features affordable tickets, a variety of free attractions and concerts, petting zoos, iconic fair foods, and the most exciting roller coasters, rides, and carnival games. You will not want to miss out on the delicious dining, local shopping, and thrilling entertainment the fair has waiting for you!  

Come One, Come All
When does the fair take place? 

• The North Georgia State fair will take place on Thursday, September 23, through Sunday, October 3, 2021. Hours are Monday through Thursday: 4pm-11pm , Fridays: 4pm-12am, Saturdays: 10am-12am, and Sundays: 12:30pm-10pm.

Where is it located? 

• The fairgrounds are located at Jim R. Miller Park, and the address is as follows: 2245 Callaway Road S.W., Marietta, Georgia 30008.

How much is the fair? 

Conveniently right off I-75 and almost midway between Chattanooga and Atlanta, the city of Calhoun, Georgia, is the perfect stop for your next road trip. It has plenty of family-friendly fun, from farms to the historic downtown to one of Georgia’s coolest roadside attractions, and you won’t have to blow your vacation budget, either.
Here’s what you can’t miss when you’re in town.
Copper Creek Farm
If you’ll be in Calhoun during the summer or fall, you’ve got to visit Copper Creek Farm.
Their summer Sunflower Festival features fields of yellow blooms towering above you, for u-pick or just cool family photos. You can enjoy a taste of farm life, browse the old-timey general store and catch fireworks on select nights. Plus, there are plenty of kids’ activities: pig races, pony rides, an animated chicken show, corn pit, petting barn, slide and gem mining, among others.
Image Credit: Copper Creek Farm
In late September, the Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch opens. It includes many of the same activities as in the summer with some tweaks, such as a pumpkin cannon instead of a watermelon cannon and corn mazes and a pumpkin patch instead of sunflowers. If you’re traveling with teens, take the hayride to the back of the farm for the haunted corn maze, and be ready to scream.
New Echota Historic Site

Photo Credit: Michael Scott – @mscott8
Lush greenery, mountainous landscapes, and natural beauty beckon guests to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites year-round. When paired with a camera lens, photos taken in Georgia’s great outdoors spruce up any social media feed and will send friends, family, and followers into a frenzy over the jaw-dropping sites. No matter the season or reason, when venturing to any state park, snap a photo and watch as likes and comments soar. In no particular order, guests can take the perfect photo at these top seven Instagrammable Georgia State Parks & Historic Site locations.
Photo Credit: Tad Jones – @atadcreativenature
Photo Credit: Tad Jones – @atadcreativenature