Explorer's Guide Georgia () by Carol Thalimer

Author:Carol Thalimer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Countryman Press

MADISON TO WASHINGTON

The Piedmont country between Georgia’s mountainous region and its coastal plain is the heart of the state’s Historic South region. Not only is it centrally located, but it is also the most stereotypically Southern area of Georgia. Although Union general William Tecumseh Sherman’s infamous March to the Sea came right through the heartland and resulted in immense destruction of plantations and towns, much was spared and survives to this day. In fact, Madison is known as the “town Sherman refused to burn.” This entire area of Georgia’s historic heartland is a living museum to a less harried time in U.S. history, and it contains shining examples of plantation architecture.

Many of the wonderful historic plantation and in-town properties are featured on much-anticipated annual tours of homes, which sell out early, so don’t lollygag when making your reservations. Others are used as elegant bed & breakfasts. Outside of Savannah, this area has one of the largest concentrations of B&Bs in the state, and in a region where expansive front porches are de rigueur, it’s no surprise that Southern hospitality is at its best here. Still other historic properties create homes for a variety of museums. The region is an important part of the Georgia Antique Trail and the Antebellum Trail. After you get off the interstate, scenic byways wind past pastoral fields and through quaint villages inviting visitors to stop by for a spell.

Cotton may have been king at one time, but recreation—and golf in particular—is king now. State parks and resorts offer outstanding opportunities for golfers of all abilities. Several lakes and state parks as well as a national forest provide innumerable choices for water sports and other outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, swimming, birdwatching, boating, fishing, horseback riding, and shooting sports. Lake Oconee claims to have more fish per cubic yard than any other lake in Georgia.

GUIDANCE Before visiting Madison, Buckhead, or Rutledge, contact the Madison–Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Madison Welcome Center (706-342-4454 or 1-800-709-7406; www.madisonga.org), 115 East Jefferson Street, Madison 30650. Open 9–4:30 weekdays, 10–4 Saturday, 1–3 Sunday.

When planning a trip to the Eatonton area, contact the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce (706-485-7701; www.eatonton.com), 305 North Madison Avenue, Eatonton 31024. Open 8:30–5 weekdays. Information is available here for the Alice Walker Driving Tour, Historic Walking Tour of Eatonton, and the Antebellum Trail.

For information about Greensboro, consult the Greene County Chamber of Commerce (706-453-7592 or 1-866-341-4466; www.greeneccoc.org or www.oconee.com), 111 North Main Street, Greensboro 30642. Open 9–5 weekdays.

When planning a trip to the Washington area, contact the Washington–Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce (706-678-5111; www.washingtonwilkes.org), 20 West Square, Washington 30673. Open 9–4 weekdays, 8–3 Saturday.

GETTING THERE By air: Most visitors to this area who are arriving by air fly into Atlanta but could also fly into Macon. See “What’s Where in Georgia” for airport, airline, and car rental information at either.

By bus: Greyhound Lines (706-549-2255 or 1-800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com) operates service to Crawfordville, Greensboro, Madison, and Washington, but then a visitor would need a rental car.

By

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.