Your travel source with a personal
touch!
Be sure to visit the Getting Away Blog
at:
http://gettingawaywithjimbruner.blogspot.com
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Information on attractions, accommodations, and dining in Georgia -
and much more, including things to see and do, parks and recreational areas, annual and special events, and climate information!
Special Travel Information for US Veterans and Their
Families
I lived in Georgia for about 30 years now. During that time I have written many
travel articles about the state of Georgia, been the Travel Editor or a regional magazine,
published a travel newsletter, and hosted my own travel information/call-in radio show on AM 750-WSB in Atlanta. I like living here for several reasons. I can either drive to the mountains or the beach from my house, I can enjoy a bit of seasonal weather with none of the seasons being too much to an extreme (Except that it really does get rather hot and humid during the summer.), and the entire world is at my doorstep with Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport just a half hour from my house.
And, this is a great state for a vacation getaway for an extended period, a long weekend, or just an day-trip from a neighboring state. Hopefully some of the following information will help you plan a great getaway to the “Peach State” of Georgia.
Pingo Phone Cards reduced its rates by up to 60% off on 70 country destinations!
Visitor Information
Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism
http://www.georgia.org.
There are welcome centers on each of the Interstates as you enter Georgia as well as in Augusta, Columbus, Kingsland, Lavonia, Plains, Ringgold, Savannah, Sylvania, Tallapoosa, Valdosta, and West Point. Information from these centers is normally available between the house of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
If you arrive in Georgia (or the United States) by air at Hartsfield International Airport, you will find a good variety of restaurants and fast food outlets and lounges in the main concourse as well as all of the other departure and arrival concourses. Gift shops and stores are located throughout the airport and there is a duty free shop. Arriving international passengers will enjoy access to a bureau de change, ATMs and a bank. As I live in the Atlanta area, and am a frequent visitor to our airport, I know it quite well. For those of you who are not familiar with Hartsfield, click on Hartsfield International Airport for additional information. There is also an airport information desk located in the central Atrium. Multilingual customer service representatives are also on hand throughout the airport to provide passengers with assistance. For airport information on other international airports The International Airport Guide which provides information on over 100 major airports in the United States and cities throughout the world. Additional information may be found at Hartsfield International Airport.
Click on Atlanta,
Columbus
and Savannah for travel guides, brochures, and money savers to help
you plan your visit to these Georgia. Area Travel Packets
was created to
help travelers get the most out of popular destination and to help them
plan their vacations ahead of time.
State of Georgia; 1-800-VISIT-GA. Available 24 hours a day as an answering service.
The
Atlanta
Convention & Visitors Bureau
web site provides complete information on attractions, visitor travel,
accommodations and the entire Atlanta, Georgia area.
Be sure to take some time to review the site before making your
final plans to visit the Atlanta area. I am sure you will find it a useful
and professional web site. Atlanta.net
is the official travel portal of Atlanta, Georgia and is presented by the
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The following links were provided by the Atlanta Convention
and Visitors Bureau:
www.gay-atlanta.com
www.atlantaheritage.com
www.atlantahotelsdirect.com
www.atlantadining.net
www.atlanta-travel.net
Downtown Atlanta - Your comprehensive, interactive guide to ALL things happening in Downtown Atlanta. There is always something going on in downtown Atlanta and, Downtown Atlanta gives you the best information you can find anywhere. Be sure to visit them often.
Mobil Travel Guide 2001 Southeast : Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee - Mobile Travel Guides are the perfect travel planner no matter where in America you want to go. Revised and updated, these comprehensive, exhaustively researched guides provide travelers with reliable advice on finding good values, quality service, and the distinctive attractions that give a destination its character.
www.downtownATL is a think tank for what's UP in and around in DOWNtown Atlanta. This web site is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven service which serves as a resource to showcase Downtown Atlanta as a fun place to be - working, living or playing! On the site you will find events, venues, maps, volunteer opportunities, and other important information. Don't miss out on the excitement - sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter, the downtownATL: Social Crew, and stay up-to-date on everything you need to know about downtown Atlanta! Visit their website at www.downtownatl.com for all of the information.
| Recommended Country Inns : The South : Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee - You'll find the best of Southern hospitality, as well as the best buys, with this guide. Immerse yourself in idyllic surroundings and discern with ease the best inn for a romantic getaway, family vacation, business conference, or special celebration. The book features only the inns worth visiting, giving you the most value for your money. Full descriptions of each inn provide the most up-to-date, essential information available. Inns deserving special commendation - not just the most expensive - receive Top Pick status and are described in fuller detail. Handy icons help you to recognize at a glance which inns you want to know more about. Special indexes round out this guide, helping you find the inns with features that are most important to you! |
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| National Geographic's Driving Guides to: Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky - Discover the region's best Driving Tours with National Geographic as your guide. The guide features the region's best routes and attractions, including: Towns and cities, historical and cultural sites, natural areas, plus many surprises and out-of-the-way places. You will also find entertaining commentary and useful travel tips along with over 20 original, color photographs and detailed maps for each drive keyed to descriptions in text along with directions, mileages, and visitor information. |
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Getting
There and Around and Driving Information
There is a mandatory safety belt law in Georgia for persons in the front of all vehicles and all minors anywhere in a vehicle. Ages 3 and 4 may use a regulation safety belt and age 2 and under must use an approved safety seat. For additional information call 404/657-9300.
British Airways (ba.ccom)
flies between Atlanta and Gatwick.
| Launched in August 2000,
Ford Direct
has
more than 3,600 member dealers located in all 50 states. Ford Direct is a
joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its Ford franchised dealers to
provide information and online vehicle sales services directly to consumers.
Ford Direct allows consumers to choose, customize, locate, and finance new and
pre-owned vehicles using fast, secure, and easy-to-use Internet technology.
Build your vehicle - Choose colors and options then find matching inventory at FordDirect.com |
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GE Motor Club
Looking for peace of mind? The
GE Motor Club will give you just that with its 24-hour emergency roadside protection.
Why go it alone?
GE
Motor Club can provide 24-hour
roadside assistance across the United States and Canada in practically any
car. On the expressway or in your driveway . . . in any eligible private,
non-commercial car that you own, lease, rent, or borrow . . . if you need
help,
GE
Motor Club will be there.
| GE Motor Club cuts out the worry as you make a short trip to the grocery store for milk or decide to take that long family vacation you’ve been thinking about. Does this interest you? It should! You don’t have to have a new car to enjoy the perks of driving one. Here are some of the roadside emergency services you will enjoy as a member of the GE Motor Club: |
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*Towing up to 100 miles *Lockout service *Battery boost/jump start *Flat tire service *Fuel delivery *Winching/stuck vehicle |
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Select your airport and enter your travel itinerary,
Save On Airport Parking At Over 65 US Airports |
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Discount Airport Parking! Some parking lots may be listed more than once
because they provide multiple parking choices including self-park,
valet, covered, and indoor.
Save On Airport Parking.
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| Rent a GPS for travel within the
United States and Canada. Each GPS system is sized for both
automotive & handheld travel and features, state-of-the-art gps navigation,
sharp graphics maps, voice guidance and pre-loaded points of interest. With
top GPS models from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom & Mio - we select the best fit
for your destination. Combining easy ordering and shipment right to your
door, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without one! Elegant and simple!
Touch the screen and receive turn-by-turn directions with street names as
you enjoy your driving experience throughout major metropolitan areas within
Mexico.
Customize your navigation method or route to travel safely and
stress-free. built-in AAA travel information, and maps of the entire
United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For additional
information, click on
Domestic GPS Rental |
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XM Just Got Better...Howard Stern, Playboy, NFL, NASCAR, and Martha Stewart now available on XM
Special Travel Information for US Veterans and Their Families
| Are you ready to start
saving on Travel, Electronics, Food, Gifts, Movies, Cruises, and so much
more? Enjoy real travel savings nationwide 365 days a year. Now with
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for 30 days. Sign up
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| Don't wait -- as a VA Travel Card member, you can start saving today. A $4.95 processing fee is applicable now for enrollment and your free companion ticket. Act now and get your 30-DAY TRIAL Plus FREE companion ticket. Join today and enjoy thousands in real travel savings nationwide. PLUS...proceeds from every card benefit U.S. troops returning from duty overseas. Show your patriotic pride and sign up now! For additional information, CLICK HERE! |
Parks and Recreation Areas
Georgia is filled with wonderful state parks, recreation areas, national forest lands, and national parks and recreation areas. Many of these areas offer accommodations from primitive campsites to luxurious lodges including cottages, hotels, and motels. There are also many good improved camping areas everywhere from the ocean to the mountains. Cottage reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance and there is a 2-day minimum stay. For additional information on accommodations at state parks and recreation areas call 1-800-864-7275. (Georgia State Parks and Recreation Areas)
Activities in state parks and recreational areas, as well as national parks and recreation areas within the state, include water-related activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, riding, skiing (mostly cross-country), and picnicking. For detailed information on the recreational opportunities, and for general information on Georgia’s state parks and recreational areas, contact the Department of Natural Resources, State Parks & Historic Sites, 205 Butler Street, S.E., Suite 1352, Atlanta, GA 30334; telephone 404/656-3530.
http://www.gadnr.org
Unique to Georgia is in interesting any mysterious Okefenokee
Swamp Park near Waycross Georgia. By exploring this park you can
experience a significant part of American heritage, and catch a glimpse of an
alligator or two. This is a great family outing.
See
Attractions and Things to See and Do for additional
links to parks in Georgia.
Annual Events
January
In Savannah you can enjoy the Georgia Heritage Festival with several open houses at historic sites, walking tours, a waterfront festival, parade, concerts, and a crafts show. 912/233-7787.
March
The Augusta Invitational Rowing Regatta is held each March in Augusta at the
Augusta Riverfront Marina. 706/823-6600.
For auto racing enthusiasts there are NASCAR Winston Cup, Busch Grand National, IMSA, and ARCA events at the
Atlanta Motor Speedway. 770/946-4211.
Head to Macon for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival where you can enjoy the parade, sporting events, hot air balloons, concerts, and historic homes tours. 912/751-7429.
April
Augusta National Golf Course hosts the annual Masters Golf Tournament. 706/667-6000.
The Athens-Clark Heritage Foundation hosts an Historic Homes Tour each April. 706/353-1801.
The Savannah Seafood Festival is always a popular favorite with lots of great food as local restaurants offer samples. There is also a lot of festivities along the waterfront including entertainments, arts, and crafts. 912/234-0295.
May
The PGA Tour comes to Atlanta for the BellSouth Golf
Classic. 770/951-8777.
October
Macon is host to the annual Georgia State
Fair. 912/746-7184.
December
Christmas in Savannah is a month-long celebration that includes tours of houses, historical presentations, music and caroling, cultural events, and a parade. 1-800-444-CHARM.
Some Favorites in
Georgia
Atlanta - I like the Landmark Diner on Roswell Road. Open 24 hours with a great menu. 404.816.9090.
McCaysville - "Family Style" dining with good food, fresh vegetables and homemade desserts at Pat's Country Kitchen, Highway 5, 706.492.5477.
