How2Day: Georgia Travel Tips

Atlanta is the busiest city in Georgia. Jumper/Photodisc/Getty Images
Hillbillies, moonshine and peanuts are not the only thing Georgia brings to the table. Visit this state any time of year but consider the humid, hot summers to be less inviting than the mild, dry winters. With regions including the coast, southern plains and swamps and northern mountains, Georgia has a diverse landscape. The capital city of Atlanta is the largest and most populated in the southeast, so expect traffic delays on a regular basis and dozens of attractions open year-round.

In the north, traffic runs along two lane roads for the most part, with major highways and dirt roads interspersed. Expect curvy two-lane roads when traveling in the mountain areas with no gas stations or eateries once you start up most mountains.

Atlanta's major highways driving straight through the heart of the city are well-maintained. If you are heading south, the main highway, I-95, will be the best route. However, once you are south of Macon, most of the exits are located in rural areas and payphones, 24-hour gas stations and restaurants are lacking, so stock up and fill your gas tank in Macon.

Valdosta is a college town and the last metropolitan city on I-95 in Georgia, only 18 miles from Florida and is a mid-level urban area with plenty of hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Atlanta is in the heart of Georgia and hosts exciting events year-round, such as summertime Atlanta Braves baseball games and the Georgia Peach Drop for New Year's Eve. Summer is usually hot and humid with scorching days when the temperature exceeds 100 F. During the winter, mild weather and the occasional snow flurries make it easy traveling by vehicle. Once in the city, take MARTA to save time and money on finding parking.

The north Georgia mountains are popular during October and November. Drive through the mountain regions across the north end of the state to see the leaves changing and creating a breathtaking landscape in the valleys and on mountain ridges.

Helen, a mountain resort town in northeast Georgia is built around the old world Bavarian style, from the architecture to the restaurant menus. Helen hosts an Oktoberfest that is known worldwide and runs September 9 through October 31, according to the Georgia website.

South Georgia is typically ten degrees hotter than the northern area but holds local festivals and agricultural events throughout the year as the winter season is short and mild. During the summer South Georgia is known for torrential downpours on a regular basis as well as flash flooding.

Travelers pass by massive plantation homes with majestic white columns, such as Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, when in South Georgia. Towns in South Georgia are less populated and more spread out, so they should be careful to not get lost. In most areas, cell phone reception is minimal.

Swamps and marshlands are signature to this region, including part of the Okefenokee Swamp, and alligators, wild hogs and egrets are in their natural habitat. For this reason, when traveling at night, stay on the road, as your vehicle could get stuck in the sinking wetland ditches lining the roadways.

Coastal city Savannah and neighboring Tybee, Jekyll and St. Simon's islands are perfect for summer travel, with ocean breezes cutting through the hot Georgia days. Savannah hosts one of the world's largest St. Patrick's Day events, featuring parades and green beer drinking on River Street next to the Savannah River.

The islands off the coast of Georgia are family-friendly, featuring working lighthouses and landscape that is preserved and protected. Travel to the islands for a quiet, relaxing beach weekend.

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