Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - scenery in Georgia?

Lairi, As a lifelong resident and a publisher of community magazines on Georgia, let me tell you a few "tidbits" about our beautiful, diverse state... First, Georgia is one of the original 13 colonies where history abounds. Anteellum, Victorian and Greek Revival architecture is prevalent...Our state is the largest state east of the Mississippi River and it might surprise you to know that is is one of the top five leading production sites for the film industry due to the diverse terrain of our countryside.-- On the coast are majestic oak trees which grace the historic roads leading to our Atlantic beach communities such as St. Simons and Jekyll Island, home to the golden-toned "marshes of Glynn", made famous by poet Sydney Lanier. Watch wild horse romp on Cumberland Island, near the Florida border, or explore the shops on the cobblestone riverfront shops of Savannah, home to some of the best candy made in America, especially pralines! Historic Savannah is truly a southern treasure exhibiting magnificent homes, fountains, squares and cemeteries. The best coastal cuisine can be found on St. Simons Island and in Savannah. Southern Georgia boasts the famous Okefennokee Swamp and further westward is the picture post card town of Thomasville. This area boasts more plantations than any other area in the South. Heading north, off U.S. l9, Americus boasts a restored 1891 vintage hote (The Windsor) and the turn-of-the-century Rylander Theatre. You can tour the international headquarters of Habitat For Humanity, or take a short drive to two national historic sites,--Andersonville and Plains. Head north to Macon, home of the Georgia Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. You will be astounded by how many nationally-known artists have Georgia connections. Head north towards Atlanta, you may want to take sightseeing diversions along the way to the communities of Milledgeville and Madison if you enjoy historic homes and lovely countryside. Atlanta itself is certainly worth the trip, especially if you visit the quaint Virgina Highlands area, home to some funky restaurants and nigh clubs. Or, you may prefer upscale Buckhead area of Atlanta. You desire mountain scenery. Less than two hours north of Atlanta off Georgia 400, are spectacular Amicalola Falls (not far from the picturesque gold-mining town of Dahlonega), Anna Ruby Falls (on the outskirts of the re-created Alpine village of Helen) and further north are other pristine state parks and mountain hideaways, also graced with waterfalls, streams and mountain walking trails. Check out Fort Mountain in Murray Country if you desire a more primitive area to explore, which is also not far from Chattanooga Tennesse, another interesting place to visit. If you enjoy white water rafting, look into a trip down the Chatooga, made famous by the movie "Deliverance".--Unfortunately, this is the false image many people have of Georgia.--Rest assured, Laira, most of us do have decent teeth and incest is not a common practice... Seriously, you'll find a cordial welcome wherever you go in our state. We wrote the book on southern hospitality. If you need more specific information, send me an e-mail. I'll be happy to give you some dining suggestions. Have a great trip. If you contact the state of Georgia Department of Industry & Trade in Atlanta they will send you a free travel planner which I think can be accesed by going to: georgiaonmymind.com