By Penelope Lane
Georgia is a wonderful destination for families. With big city excitement, charming village experiences and unique natural environments, families won't find themselves short of fun things to do. From a cabbage patch factory and a world-famous aquarium to charming, boiled peanut stands, Georgia is a destination state for diverse experiences. Discover the urban adventures in
Atlanta, the outdoor adventure of the North Georgia mountains and the history behind America's most haunted city, Savannah.
Atlanta
Ballpark excitement awaits at Turner Field.
Families looking for urban excitement should head straight to the biggest city in the south, Atlanta. Kids will love visiting the Georgia Aquarium, which features the largest collection of marine animals in the entire world. Weave through tunnels and walk beneath aquatic creatures, including sea turtles, sharks and exotic fish. Experience hands-on exhibits that allow for interaction with horseshoe crabs, stingrays and sea stars. While downtown, be sure to visit the media giant CNN for a studio tour. Learn about breakthrough journalism by visiting the bustling environment. Enjoy unique experiences? The newly renovated World of Coca-Cola allows an interactive experience with the popular brand, including a sampling of 60 company beverages. Additionally, check out the popular Zoo Atlanta (located in Grant Park), the breathtaking Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Margaret Mitchell House for fun, urban excursions.
The Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 581-4000
Georgiaaquarium.org
The World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30313-1807
(800) 676-COKE (2653)
Worldofcoca-cola.com
CNN Center Studio Tours
One CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
(877) 4CNNTOUR
Cnn.com
atltour@cnn.com
North Georgia Mountains
The alpine village of Helen is a popular destination for families.
Head to North Georgia to escape summer humidity and view dramatic mountain vistas. Stop into the town of Dahlonega---located just off 400-North, a short drive from Atlanta---for kid-friendly activities and charming village shops. Discover the history of the U.S. gold rush by panning for gold for a fun afternoon. Outdoor enthusiasts can access the Appalachian trail, go river tubing or kayak in the surrounding rivers. Lunch at The Picnic Cafe for delicious soups in bread bowls and delectable sandwich offerings. Wind along the scenic drive on Town Creek Church Road and witness grazing horses, working farms, flourishing vineyards and lush, rolling fields. Stop in the town of Cleveland for a one-of-a-kind experience at the BabyLand General Hospital, where children can witness the "birth" of their next cabbage patch doll. Continue driving north to the border and encounter the alpine village of Helen. The family-friendly spot is popular in the summer months (and during October). Families can play miniature golf on a course with windmills and old-world artifacts, eat caramel apples made at Hansel & Gretel's Candy Kitchen and buy a bag of boiled peanuts from local stands for the drive home.
The Picnic Cafe
30 Public Sq St.
Dahlonega, GA 30533
(706) 864-1095
Cabbage Patch BabyLand General Hospital
73 W. Underwood Street
Cleveland, GA 30528
(706) 865-2171
(706) 865-6980 fax
Cabbagepatchkids.com
Hansel & Gretel's Candy Kitchen
8651 Main Street
Helen, GA 30545
(800) 524-3008
Hanselandgretelcandykitchen.com
Savannah
Spanish moss adorns Savannah year-round.
Southern charm is abundant in the famous city of Savannah. Families should stay at a friendly bed and breakfast (such as the Marshall House) for quick access to downtown and River Street. Take the kids on a trolley tour through the historic centers and wind through cobblestone streets and moss-draped courtyards. Listen to tales about the Civil War, the famous residents in Savannah and the book that gave it a world-wide reputation ("Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"). Families with older children may enjoy one of the popular nightly ghost tours to learn about local legends and reported apparitions. Dine at the famous restaurant owned by Paula Deen, The Lady & Sons for delectable southern dishes like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. Want to spend some time at the beach? Relax at Tybee Island, a short twenty-minute drive from Savannah. This popular getaway offers soft beaches, water activities and shopping opportunities that will entertain the whole family.
The Marshall House
123 E Broughton St.
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 644-7896
Marshallhouse.com
The Lady & Sons Restaurant
102 W. Congress St.
Historic District, Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 233-2600
Ladyandsons.com
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