“Come on in! I’ll get y’all some Champagne,” calls a bellman. My husband and I have arrived at Old Edwards Inn and Spa in downtown Highlands, North Carolina, for a quick getaway. After a busy week, this kind of welcome is just what we need. We settle into rocking chairs on the front porch of the lobby and sip our Champagne. Despite being on a plateau in the Appalachians, our surroundings—gently sloping lawns, lush trees, and winding walkways bordered by shrubs and flower gardens—remind us of the English countryside.
The original inn now known as Old Edwards dates back more than 130 years. It was once a boardinghouse, then a hotel. But a change of ownership in 2001 and a $150 million expansion in 2013 catapulted it to the upper echelons of American resorts. The property occupies several city blocks and includes numerous cottages, two restaurants, two cocktail lounges, a famed spa, a large fitness center, a boutique, two outdoor heated mineral pools and whirlpools, and a nearby golf course.
Heated whirlpool at Hickory
Photograph courtesy of Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Our cottage suite is a blend of historic and modern, with dark hardwood floors, an antique desk and chair, and a cozy sitting area with a touch-of-a-button fire in a stone fireplace. The private porch looks onto tall evergreens and is just steps from a pool and Jacuzzi. The bathroom beckons with a large soaking tub, a rainfall shower with multiple jets, heated floors, and a towel warmer. It’s an invitation to unwind.
For dinner, we head to Madison’s, the resort’s signature restaurant. Located just off the main lobby, it’s casual yet elegant. Our table overlooks the wine garden, complete with a footbridge, fountains, and wine-tasting area. After starting our meal with house-made pimento cheese, we enjoy a bacon-wrapped quail appetizer, followed by roasted halibut with broccolini and a seared ribeye so tender it’s served with a butter knife. After finishing our wine, we return to our cottage to find that turndown service has left little homemade cookies for a sweet ending to the evening.
Guests enjoy cocktails at the spa’s cafe
Photograph courtesy of Old Edwards Inn and Spa
In the morning, I head to ground zero for Old Edwards devotees: the spa. After checking in, an attendant escorts me to get robed, then shows me the waiting area with a fireplace, plush seating, and a selection of hot teas and infused waters. Off to the side, guests enjoy light fare and wine in the spa cafe. Even pre-treatment, it’s a sanctuary of relaxation.
Soon my massage therapist, Nalu, escorts me to a treatment room. My fifty-minute customized massage is deeply relaxing, featuring an essential oil blend with eucalyptus and rosemary that Nalu selects when I mention feeling an oncoming head cold. Afterward, I practically float out to the meditation area, which is essentially a sleeping porch with giant chaise lounges and a fountain. Nalu encourages me to stay as long as I like to enjoy the steam room, sauna, whirlpool, and fourteen-head rainfall showers. There’s no rush.
She’s right: There really isn’t any rush when you’re on “mountain time,” a phrase used often here. Sip a glass of Champagne at the Lodge. Indulge in a leisurely gourmet meal. Soak in the whirlpool. Fall asleep on the porch. No one is in a hurry. And really, isn’t that the greatest luxury of all?
445 Main Street, Highlands, North Carolina • (866) 526-8008 • oldedwardsinn.com
While You’re There
Natural Splendor Close to downtown Highlands, Sunset Rock offers the perfect vantage point from which to watch a sunset or enjoy a panoramic view of fall leaves. Trailhead parking is across the street from the Highlands Nature Center, and the entire hike is 1.2 miles round-trip.
This article appears in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of Southbound.Â
Apprehension grips me as I watch my young daughter climb onto a boogie board amid the rushing waves. I’ve just witnessed full-grown adults wipe out on their surfboards in this same spot. But the up-tempo country tune playing in the background and the lifeguard standing by remind me that she’ll be fine. I cheer as she rides the powerful waves that don’t stop, eventually tumbling off with a big splash and coming up soaked and laughing. She gives a thumbs-up as her sister steps up for her turn on the Crowd Surfer, one of the rides here at SoundWaves, Gaylord Opryland Resort’s new $90 million water experience.
SoundWaves comprises more than four acres of water attractions. Its year-round indoor experience opened last winter, while the outdoor section debuts this May. Only resort guests may access SoundWaves, so the crowd is manageable.
There’s something for every age, including rapid and lazy rivers; an activity pool with an obstacle course and basketball hoops; a wide rock wall behind a waterfall; a water tower (decorated with 4,000 live plants!) that leads up to multiple slides; kids’ splash areas with play structures; a wave pool; and an adults-only indoor pool, bar, and lounging area. Even in winter, guests may sunbathe indoors, thanks to the balmy, 84-degree temperature and a special roof that allows UV rays (bring your sunscreen).
Delta Atrium
Photograph courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort
Gaylord Opryland opened in 1977 as a 600-room property for small meetings and leisure traffic from the old Opryland theme park (now Opry Mills shopping area), but has since grown to become the largest non-gaming resort in the United States with more than 2,800 rooms. Upon arrival, guests are given a map to find their way around the massive property. Just exploring the complex is entertainment enough. The Garden Conservatory is gorgeous, with a stunning atrium that houses more than 10,000 plants and flowers. The Cascades Atrium, where we’re staying, has twin four-story waterfalls that lull us to sleep each night. The Delta Atrium—where the convention facilities are located—even has an indoor river with a boat tour and a nightly fountain show. Gift and clothing shops, the largest spa in Tennessee, and nineteen restaurants and bars make it unnecessary to leave the hotel, but if you want to explore Nashville’s hotspots, just catch the hotel shuttle downtown.
SoundWaves plays on the hometown vibe with music- or concert-themed names for each ride or attraction. Case in point: the Crowd Surfer. After my girls are through riding the waves, we grab large tubes and float along Down Tempo, the lazy river with a cave and waterfalls. When my husband takes the girls to ride the Stage Dive body slides, I head up to Status Cymbal, the bar at the adults-only area on the third level. I order a Standing Ovation—the signature cocktail with rum and pineapple—and find the perfect spot in an oversized lounger. I put my feet up and listen to Keith Urban’s “Never Comin Down” while watching the fun below.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum still shines from its $100 million expansion five years ago. Hear interviews with Emmylou Harris, see glitzy costumes worn by Taylor Swift or The Judds, and marvel over the massive wall of gold and platinum records by country’s biggest stars. Don’t miss touring Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest letterpress shops that created concert posters and handbills for Elvis Presley and countless Grand Ole Opry greats.Â
This article appears in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Southbound.
As we descend the narrow, stone-lined path down the hillside leading to the boathouse, raindrops begin to fall. Our group continues on, climbing aboard the polished mahogany Hacker-Craft called Miss Lucy for a sunset cruise. But less than three minutes into our trip, heavy rain pelts down and we return, resigned to wait until tomorrow. An inn employee rushes down the path with umbrellas, and we clamber up the hill for cocktails in the mansion instead.
Making the best of life’s storms is something Lucy Camp Armstrong, for whom the boat is named, knew well. The Greystone Inn, situated on North Carolina’s stunning Lake Toxaway, was once a private vacation home she shared with her shipping tycoon husband, George. Lucy had fallen in love with the area, petitioned George to build a home, and in 1915, Hillmont mansion was complete. It was a glittering time for Lake Toxaway, with the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and other industry titans also summering at the privately owned lake. But the good times didn’t last: After a dam break and flood in 1916, the lake dried up and along with it, the local economy. Lucy continued to come every year and moved here permanently after George died in 1924. (She later married lumber magnate Carl Moltz.) In the early 1960s, developers rebuilt the dam and restored the waters, returning the lake to its original grandeur. After Lucy’s death in 1970 and some years of disrepair, Hillmont was purchased and became The Greystone Inn in 1985. It recently reopened after changing ownership and undergoing extensive renovations.
It’s no wonder Lucy was enchanted by this place. Often called “the Switzerland of America,” 640-acre Lake Toxaway is surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The inn is situated on a peninsula and offers spectacular views best enjoyed from the Adirondack chairs dotting the sloping lawns and lush gardens.
The main house, called Moltz Mansion, includes an intimate restaurant and bar, a library with books and games, and antique-filled sitting areas. In an adjacent building, the Lakeside Dining Room offers floor-to-ceiling water views and deliciously prepared specialties, such as North Carolina trout and beef filet with wild mushrooms.
Fisher Suite
Courtesy of The Greystone Inn
Guest rooms marry comfort and luxury, with soft bedding, spacious bathrooms with deep tubs, and nightly turndown service. Mine has a private porch with wicker furniture, where I sip my coffee each morning and watch the mist rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
After a morning massage in the cozy spa, lunch in the mansion bar, and an afternoon of canoeing and paddle boarding, we embark on the Miss Lucy once again. With late afternoon sunshine filtering through the trees and sparkling on the water, the boat glides out on the lake. It’s breezy and peaceful. For all the hardship and change this area endured over the course of the last century, the calm waters are restored, and it seems blue skies are ahead.
220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina • (828) 966-4700 • greystoneinn.com
While You’re There
Fall leaves and waterfalls Transylvania County boasts 250 waterfalls. In Panthertown Valley, School House Falls descends into a pool that’s safe for swimming and wading. Nearby Whitewater Falls can be accessed via a family-friendly hike; the trailhead has a parking area with picnic tables and restrooms. wncwaterfalls.info
Book early December 16 through February 28, Greystone guests may purchase a snowboarding package that includes a private snowboarding lesson and two full-day lift tickets for two at nearby Sapphire Valley ski resort. During Christmas, request a live, decorated Christmas tree for your room (additional fee), and treat the tots to an Elf Tuck-In with milk, cookies, and a bedtime story. greystoneinn.com/experience-enhancements
This article appears in our Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Southbound.
In the early twentieth century, Nashville’s Union Station was a bustling terminal, serving passengers traveling on eight railroads. It was also an architectural marvel, with Romanesque Revival–style towers and turrets that made it a stunning downtown landmark. But by mid-century, the station—along with the popularity of rail travel—had begun to decline, and in 1979, it was abandoned. Nearly a decade later, with the help of some preservation-minded investors, Union Station Hotel was born. A $15.5 million renovation last year restored its polish and added modern touches, including marble bathrooms, ergonomic work spaces, and striking commissioned art pieces.
My husband and I decided to bring our young daughters—who adore staying in even pedestrian hotels—to experience the property, but I admit I had reservations about bringing children to a boutique hotel without a pool. Turns out, I needn’t have fretted.
Their jaws dropped as soon as we passed through the massive lobby doors. Warm light poured in through the original stained glass of the barrel-vaulted ceiling, which holds three massive crystal chandeliers. Gold-accented “angels of commerce” figures graced the atrium walls; below them, giant limestone fireplaces anchored the ends of the marble-floored sitting area.
Union Station Hotel Nashville room
Photograph courtesy of Union Station Hotel Nashville
Upon entering our suite, we discovered that our room with a king bed, white oak accent wall, and custom cowhide headboard gave way to an adorable second room with bunk beds, bean bags, and a magnetic dartboard. My worries about child-friendliness flew out the window.
Before heading out for dinner, we opted for a drink in the lobby at Carter’s Bar, situated at the terminal’s former ticket counter. I knew we made the right decision as I sipped the “Gladys,” made with local Pickers Vodka and named after Gladys “Happy” Carter, a beloved terminal worker from the station’s heyday. Seated in front of one of the fireplaces, we listened to live music (a frequent happening here) by a country duo called the Young Fables; my music-loving younger daughter was smitten with their Patsy Cline covers and original songs.
As I finished my drink, I looked around the lobby at guests wheeling suitcases and people pointing at the stained-glass ceiling. In many ways, Union Station is experiencing another heyday, with travelers filling its terminal once again.
Enlighten One of Nashville’s most beautiful historic landmarks—the 1934 old main post office—houses Frist Center for the Visual Arts. See both regional and international exhibitions, including this fall’s Nick Cave: Feat., showcasing the Chicago-based artist’s eye-catching “soundsuits,” elaborate human-shaped sculptural forms made from repurposed and found materials. Opening November 10. fristcenter.org
Indulge Born of buildings that housed Marathon Motor Works in the early 1900s, Marathon Village is a unique enclave of Nashville artisans and craftspeople. Snag a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry at Island Cowgirl or a premium leather handbag at Ceri Hoover. Don’t miss Mike Wolfe’s store, Antique Archeology, made famous on the TV show American Pickers. Finally, toast your shopping luck at Grinders Switch Winery or Corsair Artisan Brewery and Taproom. marathonvillage.com
Once the commercial heart of the city, Savannah’s Broughton Street has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. But in recent years, the street has reemerged as a thriving, pedestrian-friendly destination. There’s no doubting the influence of Savannah College of Art and Design in Broughton’s revival: Students fill the coffee shops and sidewalk cafes, and the presence of design studios, art supply stores, and SCAD’s Gutstein Gallery speaks to the vital role the school plays here. But it’s not just the SCAD community that infuses the street with life. Local professionals and visitors also flock to Broughton, home to a melange of longstanding establishments (the landmark Trustees Theater and family-owned Globe Shoes, for example) and newer, big-name retailers (Kendra Scott, Lululemon, Kate Spade). Ongoing streetscape and redevelopment projects have prioritized historic preservation, and because the old has graciously welcomed the new, the best of Savannah still shines through.
Savannah Bee Company Beekeeper and honey aficionado Ted Dennard opened this buzzing flagship store in 2008. Sample more than ten varieties of honey at the tasting bar, then treat yourself to honey-based body products like lip balms and body butters. Beeswax candles and bottled honeys make perfect host gifts, as do chocolate-honey truffles made by Broughton Street chocolatier Adam Turoni. savannahbee.com
Chive Sea Bar & Lounge Sip a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc and share a bowl of fragrant mussels at this tony, dimly lit seafood restaurant. The decor evokes 1920s decadence, with plush velvet banquettes, glamorous lighting, and a jazzy bar. Smart signature cocktails (try the Sidecar or the Bohemian) and specials like crab-stuffed sea bass over risotto make this intimate spot truly special. chivelounge.com
24E Design Co. Owner Ruel
Joyner has curated an eclectic collection of contemporary and quirky home fashions at his furniture store, which has been in his family for generations. Shoppers might well find a giant lamp made from an old ship lantern alongside a vintage foosball table. The inventory extends to letterpress stamps, Low Country Luxe candles, and jewelry by local designer Keri Dylan. 24estyle.com
The Marshall House The rocking chairs on the balcony of Savannah’s oldest hotel overlook Broughton Street, offering the perfect vantage point from which to plan your itinerary. You’ll also delight in genteel service, rooms with claw-foot tubs and antique furnishings, breakfast in the sunlit atrium, and nightly wine and cheese in the lounge. marshallhouse.com
Leopold’s Ice Cream Brave the line to indulge in a scoop—or three—of Butter Pecan or Tutti Frutti ice cream at this nearly 100-year-old institution. Owned by Savannah native and Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold, the shop features pedestal tables, curved-back wooden chairs, vintage tile flooring, and autographed movie posters. Bonus for travelers with dogs: With an ice cream purchase, get a free doggie sundae containing locally made Ollie B. Biscuits. leopoldsicecream.com
Zia Boutique Former SCAD student and Kenya-born owner Zia Sachedina imports jewelry from around the world, including gold cuffs from Brazil and beautiful amber pieces from Poland. Bold, heavy designs are balanced out by delicate, intricate pieces made by Zia himself, such as his Raindrop earrings and spectacular Waterfall necklace. ziaboutique.com
The Paris Market and Brocante
This giant French flea market is a gift-giver’s dream. On the main level, you’ll find luxe papers and cards, candles, chic baby items, even a vintage candy counter. Descend the creaky wooden stairs to the lower level and check out elaborate table settings featuring vintage china, as well as jams and jellies, full-leaf teas and silver tea strainers, and antique furniture and prints. theparismarket.com
Planet Fun This shop is fully stocked with nostalgia in the form of old-school toys and games. Score an original Barbie Dream Pool set for $145; search for Power Rangers and Transformers action figures; or peruse the comic book cases for Archie and Jughead, Spidey, or Thor. In the gaming section, try your hand at vintage favorites such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. facebook.com/planetfuntoys
Just east of Memphislies a town seemingly right out of midcentury America. The shady park, community bandstand, and fifties classics wafting from storefront speakers evoke nostalgia, but downtown Collierville is anything but dated. Well-known Memphis restaurateur Mac Edwards is opening a new eatery, Brooks Pharm 2 Fork, in the old Brooks Pharmacy on Mulberry Street. And the former post office will soon be home to 148 North, an upscale French-Southern eatery. Strolling past the plentiful shops, boutiques, and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Parade magazine recently recognized the town as home to “America’s Best Main Street,” selecting it from more than 2,000 nominees. Get a taste of local history at the Morton Museum, just a couple of blocks north of the square. Situated in a historical church, the museum presents exhibitions on a range of subjects, from the city’s once-booming dairy industry to its connections to that all-American pastime, baseball. After your visit, spend the day exploring the special spots that make this downtown a winner indeed.
The Brooks Collection This garden and gift shop stocks great Southern-made items, including Peter’s Pottery out of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; patterned Spartina 449 handbags and wallets made on Daufuskie Island; and Charleston-based Rewined candles, poured in repurposed wine bottles. brookscollection.com
Hewlett & Dunn Jean & Boot Barn
Patricia’s Boutique Pick out a handmade necklace or pair of earrings from Collierville-based Kitzi Jewelry on the shop’s clothing and accessories side. Then cross over to the home goods section for T. Puterbaugh Gill and Fingerprint pottery, both made in Mississippi, and paintings by various Southeastern artists. patriciasonthesquare.com
Hewlett & Dunn Jean & Boot Barn Get fitted for handmade, custom boots, or choose from high-end brands such as Lucchese and Rod Patrick. Peruse the different rooms—featuring displays of vintage radios and antique tools—to score denim, Western apparel, hats, belts, and buckles for the entire family. hewlettdunn.com
Dixie Pickers
Dixie Pickers Dawn and Damon Waxler stock new and vintage items in their expertly curated “mantique” situated in the town’s former hardware store. Pick up Steiner sports memorabilia, socks from Nashville’s Odd Fellow Sock Co., preppy bowties, and university gear. Selling everything from Aftco fishing apparel to Yeti coolers, this is a mecca for sports-loving, outdoorsy, Southern gentlemen. dixiepickersstore.com
Cafe Piazza Indulge in fettuccine with crawfish etouffe—a local favorite—at this Italian restaurant run by husband-and-wife team Pat and MaryBeth Lucchesi. In addition to pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, Mary Beth’s homemade cakes, cannoli, and tiramisu are worth the caloric splurge. cafepiazzaonline.com
Bazaar
Bazaar Impress your next dinner-party host with a bottle of blood orange olive oil or cranberry-pear balsamic vinegar from this self-proclaimed “crazy little food shop.” Proprietors John and Sandy Barrios offer a variety of infused oils and vinegars, as well as spices, salts, gourmet wares, and racks of recipe cards offering culinary inspiration. bazaaroliveoil.com
Dyer’s More than a century ago, Elmer “Doc” Dyer opened a cafe and began serving his secret-recipe skillet-grilled burgers. Go for “Doc’s Original” served the old-fashioned way—two patties, cheese, mustard, pickle, and onion. Wash it down with a chocolate shake or Coke float, and soak up the red-checkered-tablecloth nostalgia. dyerscollierville.com
Dyer’s
Natural Creations Visit designer Tim Miller’s shop for new, reproduction, and antique furniture, as well as luxury bedding, scented candles, and other home decor items. Miller also designs custom florals for weddings (his resume includes the nuptials of George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s daughter, Georgette) and elaborate Christmas displays. timsnaturalcreations.com
From internationally renowned museums, orchestras, and dance and theater companies to inviting community centers and folk-life performances, visitors will discover an astonishing array of ways to experience Georgia’s vibrant arts scene and rich cultural heritage.
Atlanta Metro
1. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
The Southeast’s only design museum features interactive exhibits, a monthly lecture series and education programs to illustrate how design influences our world. This year, MODA presents SCORE Sports + Art & Design (Feb. 2–April 27), demonstrating how art, design and technology impact athletic performance through equipment, uniforms, training and more. 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 404-979-6455
2. Center for Puppetry Arts The country’s largest organization devoted solely to puppetry arts, the center has earned international recognition for its outstanding performances, museum and education programs. Upcoming performances include 1001 Nights: A Love Story About Loving Stories and Charlotte’s Web, as well as the New Directions Series Performances for Adults and Teens featuring Great Expectations. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, 404-873-3391
3. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (ACAC) Devoted to the creation and advancement of contemporary art, the recently renovated ACAC presents a solo exhibition with Simone Leigh, whose sculptural installations are influenced by African rituals and popular culture, as well as a group show, Coloring, in which artists use color to examine optical and physical sensations. 535 Means St., Atlanta, 404-688-1970
4. Atlanta Shakespeare Company Based at the New American Shakespeare Tavern, the company’s performances feature hand-made period costumes and live music and sound effects. Perfect for date night, upcoming productions include The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing. Enjoy authentic pub food with a selection of Irish ales. 499 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 404-874-5299
5. Michael C. Carlos Museum This Emory University museum is known for its permanent collection of Egyptian, Classical, African and Asian art. Current exhibitions include photography from Rome’s famous Fratelli Alinari Photography Firm (through Feb. 2) as well as Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey (through March 9), which artistically links classical mythology with African American culture. 571 S. Kilgo Cir., Atlanta, 404-727-4282
6. Atlanta Performs Atlanta Performs represents dozens of Atlanta-area theater and dance companies, like the esteemed Alliance Theatre and Theatrical Outfit. The organization is a prime resource for upcoming productions and operates AtlanTIX, a discount ticketing service for last-minute and day-of shows online and at its Underground Atlanta Visitors Center booth. 65 Upper Alabama St. SW Atlanta, 404-588-9890 ext. 106
7. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra The multiple Grammy Award–winning ASO performs more than 200 concerts a year. This season, don’t miss Fire Angels, a world premiere in March inspired by the events of 9/11; Verdi’s Aida in June; and a guest appearance from acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 404-733-4900
8. Atlanta Ballet Founded in 1926, this premier dance company’s repertoire spans from beloved classics to modern originals. Timeless favorites such as the annual Nutcracker performances delight audiences every year, while modern and innovative new programs and world premieres push the boundaries of the craft. Atlanta Ballet is the resident company of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, 404-892-3303
9. ART Station A nonprofit arts center founded in 1986, ART Station houses its own professional equity theater company, five art galleries, a children’s gallery, a gift shop, and classroom and production space. Dramatic performances, gallery exhibits, seasonal classes and camps, and an annual storytelling festival nurture talent and ignite artistic creativity. 5384 Manor Dr., Stone Mountain, 770-469-1105
10. Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia (MOCA GA) MOCA GA exhibits and archives significant works by Georgia artists. Located in the TULA Arts Center, MOCA GA is home to a permanent collection of more than 800 pieces. In February and March, see SCORE: Artist in Overtime, which captures the experience of being an athlete. 75 Bennett St., Ste. A-2, Atlanta, 404-367-8700
11. High Museum of Art The Southeast’s most prestigious art museum boasts a permanent collection including European paintings; photography; and African, decorative and folk art. This year’s exhibitions include art inspired by the Louvre’s Tuileries Garden, as well as Go West!, featuring artwork created for Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West show, sculptures by Frederic Remington and other frontier paintings and artifacts. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 404-733-4400
12. Fox Theatre You haven’t been to the theater in Atlanta unless you’ve been to “the fabulous Fox.” Just as noteworthy as all the Broadway musicals it hosts are its stunning Moorish architecture and the twinkling stars in the evening sky of its painted ceiling. Don’t miss the summer movie series each year. 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, 404-881-2100
The Coast
13. Telfair Museums The Telfair Museums, comprised of three distinct sites, offers a diverse range of art. These include classic artwork at the Telfair Academy, the South’s oldest public museum, which opened its doors in 1886; period furnishings in lavish 19th-century Owens-Thomas House museum; and contemporary holdings at the sleek Jepson Center. 124 Abercorn St., Savannah, 912-790-8800
14. Woodbine Opry Got a hankering for old-time, knee-slapping tunes, where performers of all ages sing, dance and play the fiddle or banjo? Toe-tap over to the Woodbine Opry. Every Friday brings bluegrass, gospel and country musicians to the stage, while Saturday nights are devoted solely to country music. Second Ave. and Camden Ave., Woodbine
15. Geechee Kunda Devoted to preserving the heritage of the Geechee culture, this living museum situated on a former rice and indigo plantation houses African art, textiles, paintings, tools and craftwork used by the Gullah-Geechee from the 1700s to the 1900s. Year-round activities include classes, lectures and performances. 622 Ways Temple Rd., Riceboro, 912-884-4440
16. Savannah Theatre The oldest American theater still in operation reopened its doors in 2002. Once a movie house, the venue now features a live band and a cast of singers and dancers who present Broadway-style productions and two-hour musical shows as well as an annual Christmas production. 222 Bull St., Savannah, 912-233-7764
17. Savannah Music Festival Georgia’s largest music festival boasts an extensive, cross-genre lineup that has garnered international acclaim, and this year’s celebration of the 25th season promises music fans of all types an unforgettable experience. Performances will take place throughout the city’s Historic District from March 20 to April 5. Multiple locations in Savannah, 912-525-5050
18. SCAD Museum of Art Savannah College of Art and Design’s contemporary art and design museum enriches the education of the school’s students and faculty and attracts visitors from around the world. Housed in a Greek Revival–style former railway headquarters, the museum consists of multiple galleries, a conservation lab, a 250-seat theater and outdoor exhibition spaces. 601 Turner Blvd., Savannah, 912-525-7191
19. Chesser Island Homestead In the late 1800s, W.T. Chesser and his family settled on a small island just east of the Okefenokee Swamp. The family grew cash crops and tapped turpentine. Explore the primitive homestead and support buildings, including a smokehouse, syrup shed and chicken coop. Seven miles southwest of Folkston, along GA Hwys. 121/23, 912-496-7836
20. Salzburger Museum and Church In 1734, Protestant colonists fled what is now Austria to build a “religious utopia on the Georgia frontier.” The Salzburgers and their descendants played an important role in the cultural history of the state, and the museum preserves and celebrates that heritage. The adjacent Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church is the oldest church in Georgia. 2980 Ebenezer Rd., Rincon, 912-754-7001
21. Congregation Mickve Israel In 1733, just five months after the founding of the colony of Georgia, a group of pioneering Jews landed in Savannah and established this congregation, the third oldest in America. Mickve Israel still houses the Torah they brought, the oldest in the country. Tour the sanctuary, museum and Judaica shop. 20 E. Gordon St., Savannah, 912-233-1547
22. Goodyear Cottage, Jekyll Island Arts Association (as depicted by Louise L. Hooper), Jekyll Island Historic District
Illustration by Louise L. Hooper
22. Goodyear Cottage, Jekyll Island Arts Association This gorgeous 1906 home located in Jekyll Island’s Historic District showcases a variety of work by local and visiting artists, including paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery, textiles and ceramics. Annual events include a three-day arts festival in March, a chamber music weekend in the summer, children’s programs and art classes. 321 W. Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island Historic District, 912-635-3920
23. Gogo Jewelry Cumberland Island’s flora, fauna and sea life serve as the inspiration for famed jewelry designer Gogo Ferguson’s amazing creations. A descendant of a Carnegie steel baron, Ferguson lives and designs on the island and uses everything from ancient seashells to rattlesnake vertebrae in her simple yet exquisite pieces cast in silver, gold and other metals. Gogo’s Place, Cumberland Island; 217 Redfern Village, St. Simons Island, 912-634-8875
Classic South
24. Augusta’s Artists Row Downtown Augusta’s Broad Street boasts historic buildings and lofts and is an enclave for artists and art enthusiasts. Browse the galleries, coffeehouses and bookstores to find one-of-a-kind pieces, and stay later for live music and festivities at the once-a-month “First Friday” art walks. Broad St. and nearby side streets, downtown Augusta
25. Morris Museum of Art
Located on Augusta’s scenic Riverwalk, the Morris is the first museum devoted solely to art of the American South, from paintings and photography to sculpture and works on paper. Each year also brings eight to ten special exhibitions. The Morris is home to the Center for the Study of Southern Art. 1 10th St., Augusta, 706-724-7501
26. Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art The contemporary art exhibited in this gallery serves as a counterpoint to the structure in which it is housed—a stunning, Federal-style mansion dating back to 1818. The visual arts school offers classes in a variety of media, and the institute hosts an annual Spring Artists Market and Festival with hands-on activities and artist demonstrations. 506 Telfair St., Augusta, 706-722-5495
27. Sacred Heart Cultural Center Once a Catholic church, this historic site is now a hub for cultural exhibits, concerts and festivals. Local and regional artists display their work; authors give lectures; and annual events such as holiday concerts, a silent movie night and the Garden Festival draw patrons to this versatile venue and event space. 1301 Greene St., Augusta, 706-826-4700
28. Cirque de la Symphonie, Symphony Orchestra of Augusta
Photograph courtesy of Cirque de la Symphonie
28. Symphony Orchestra of Augusta This outstanding orchestra serves two states and 17 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Don’t miss Cirque de la Symphonie, combining music and acrobatics for a stimulating experience on March 6, and Pops: Under the Stars, an annual free, outdoor concert on May 10. Various performance venues depending on event, call for information, 706-826-4705
29. Genuine Georgia Selling only Georgia-made art, Genuine Georgia brings customers and admirers face-to-face with artists and their work. At this downtown Greensboro shop, artists weave, paint, carve and pot in the storefront windows and discuss techniques with customers. 102 S. Main St., Greensboro, 706-453-1440
30. Emanuel Arts Center Emanuel County’s cultural association hosts a range of fine arts events, from gallery exhibitions and art strolls to a music jam and theatrical performances. Don’t miss the Arts Emanuel International Festival each fall, featuring music, food, dancing and an artists market celebrating diverse media and cultures. 303 N. Green St., Swainsboro, 478-237-2592
31. Columbia County Ballet Founded as a dance school in 1985 by a couple of Atlanta Ballet alums, the company presents three major performances each year, including The Nutcracker and The Roar of Love, based on C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Dancers from small children to adults train and perform with the company. 639 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Martinez, 706-860-1852
32. Lincoln Artisans Gallery Located in the heart of downtown Lincolnton, this gallery and retail space focuses on local and regional artists and craftspeople. Visitors will find paintings, pottery, woodwork, blown glass, photography, works on paper, and other creations. The gallery hosts an annual Youth Art Month (YAM) each March, showcasing art by young people. 111 Main St., Lincolnton, 706-359-6789
33. Mac on Main Thomson’s downtown cooperative hosts 20 artists, whose works include sculpture, woodwork, paintings, jewelry, pottery and stained glass. Quarterly events, Sip and Dips (enjoy wine while learning to paint) and Friday evening receptions featuring new art allow patrons to enjoy and test their artistic skills in an inspiring setting. 107 Main St., Thomson, 706-699-0307
34. Museum of Cultural Heritage Housed in a historic depot and now the site of the Warren County Chamber of Commerce, this museum preserves its region’s history with permanent displays and special exhibits. 46 S. Norwood St., Warrenton, 706-465-9604
Historic Heartland
35. Andalusia Iconic Southern author Flannery O’Connor lived the last 13 years of her life on this 544-acre estate and farm, where she completed both of her novels and two short-story collections. The property includes the farmhouse, a pea fowl aviary, a cow barn and a milk-processing shed and provides great insight into the agrarian culture from that time. West side of US Hwy. 441, four miles northwest of Milledgeville, 478-454-4029
36. Georgia Museum of Art
An academic museum located on the University of Georgia campus, GMOA is also the state’s official museum. American paintings figure prominently in the permanent collection, including works by Georgia O’Keefe and Winslow Homer. The museum boasts impressive Italian Renaissance paintings, Southern decorative art and Asian art. 90 Carlton St., Athens, 706-542-4662
37. Ware-Lyndon House/Lyndon House Arts Center This restored Greek Revival home is now a visual arts complex for the community, with gallery and event space, a children’s wing, class studios, and a research library. More than 100 Athens-area artists are represented with pottery, paintings, woodwork, glasswork, jewelry and knitting. Admission is free to this treasure on the National Register of Historic Places. 293 Hoyt St., Athens, 706-613-3623
38. Canopy Studio Experience the art of flying dance trapeze at this unique aerial arts center. Build strength and confidence through classes, workshops or private lessons taught by members of the repertory company, or just sit back and watch the 17 studio artists take to the air in one of their two major annual performances. 160 Tracy St., Athens, 706-549-8501
39. Fired Works From April 26 through May 4, 70 artists will showcase more than 6,000 pieces of their pottery at the largest pottery exhibit and sale in the state. Presented by the Macon Arts Alliance, the festival celebrates the rich heritage of pottery-making along the banks of the Ocmulgee River. Historic Round Building, Central City Park, Macon, 478-743-6940
40. Cox Capitol Theatre This movie house and live entertainment venue dates back to 1916, and its refurbishment in the early 21st century speaks to Macon’s larger downtown revitalization. From animated family movies like The Lion King to live musical acts like 80s throwback band Great White, the theater caters to patrons of all ages and tastes. 382 Second St., Macon, 478-257-6391
41. Steffen Thomas Museum of Art German-born artist Steffen Thomas was celebrated for sculpting busts and statues of dignitaries, such as George Washington Carver. The museum was created in 1997 by Thomas’s widow to celebrate his work. The museum displays his Expressionist pieces and regularly hosts exhibitions for local artists. 4200 Bethany Rd., Buckhead, 706-342-7557
42. Tubman African American Museum Boasting the Southeast’s largest collection of African American artifacts, the Tubman Museum is dedicated to the culture, history and creative expression of this important heritage. The permanent collections include an impressive showcase of folk art, a black inventors gallery and artifacts relating specifically to Macon and Middle Georgia. Between four and six special exhibitions are featured each year. 340 Walnut St., Macon, 478-743-8544
43. Madison Morgan Cultural Center, Madison
Photograph courtesy of the Madison Morgan Cultural Center
43. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center In this restored Romanesque Revival brick building that housed Georgia’s first “graded” school, a community arts center was born in 1976. Galleries provide a space for visual arts, and an intimate theater that was once the school auditorium has hosted the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Royal Shakespeare Company and the Vienna Boys Choir. 434 S. Main St., Madison, 706-342-4743
44. Happy Valley Pottery In 1970, Kathy and Jerry Chappelle bought a small farm and created Happy Valley with the goal of helping establish an arts community in Oconee County. Visiting artists, on-site pottery-making demonstrations, and even glassblowing are offered at this “incubator for artists.” 1210 Carson Graves Rd., Watkinsville, 706-769-5922
45. Monroe Art Guild Housed in a renovated and converted 1913 post office, the Monroe Art Guild is part gallery and part studio. Original artwork from regional artists and rotating exhibits are displayed in one of several gallery rooms and in the sculpture garden. 205 S. Broad St., Monroe, 770-207-8937
Magnolia Midlands
46. Tales from the Altamaha, Lyons
Photograph by Daphne Walker
46. Tales from the Altamaha The late Col. Thomas Ross Sharpe, a noted citizen of southeast Georgia’s Tattnall and Toombs counties, once penned a column entitled “Tales from the Altamaha” for the local paper. Today, his stories serve as the inspiration for these popular folk life plays performed each spring around the same time as the Vidalia Onion Festival. US Hwy. 1, Lyons, 912-526-6445
47. Hawkinsville Opera House A restored historic building, this venue features musical theater and children’s productions as well as musical performances of all genres, including classical, rock, country, bluegrass, R&B and gospel. Annual events include a patriotic concert, and rotating shows include folklore comedy and tribute concerts. 42 S. Lumpkin, Hawkinsville, 478-783-1884
48. Southern Soy Candle These locally made, hand-poured, scented soy candles feature only skin-safe products. Adding to their Southern flair, the “Georgia Line” candles are made in 16-ounce Mason jars. St. Mathews Church Rd., Metter, 912-685-6100
49. The Performing Arts Center at GSU Enjoy performing arts, music and dance at this Georgia Southern University center. This season’s shows include the Moscow Festival Ballet’s Cinderella (Feb. 21); Liza & Judy: Together Again!, a tribute show to Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland (March 6); and Hot on Broadway (April 11), which brings together a cast of performers from favorite Broadway musicals. 847 Plant Dr., Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, 912-478-7199
50. Averitt Center for the Arts & Emma Kelly Theater The center’s main gallery hosts rotating art exhibits, while the theater presents a performance season, including musical acts such as the Spelman College Glee Club (Feb. 7) and bluesman Guy Davis (March 1). Stage plays this year will include Heartbreaks and Hallelujahs (Feb. 13–15) and The Music Man (April 10–13). 33 E. Main St., Statesboro, 912-212-2787
51. Magnolia Music and Medicine Show Billed as “family entertainment coupled with nostalgia for a time past,” the outfit’s house band and cast are joined several times a year by musicians representing a range of genres from country, rockabilly and honky-tonk to swing, gospel and folk. Magnolia Theatre, Eastman, 478-374-4723
52. Archaeology of Camp Lawton When Georgia Southern University students and faculty began excavating the nearby Jenkins County site of Camp Lawton, a Civil War POW camp, they discovered fascinating artifacts. Now on display in a permanent exhibit at the Georgia Southern Museum, these artifacts include part of a stockade wall, coins, medallions, ammunition remnants and more. 2142 Southern Dr., Rosenwald Building, Statesboro, 912-478-5444
53. The Soda Shop Gallery Once a soda shop and popular teen hangout in the 1940s and 50s, this space now houses a gallery for local artists to display and sell their work. 113 N. Main St., Sylvania, 912-564-7200
54. Giana Eden Pottery With more than three decades of pottery experience from Japan to New York to Oregon, Eden now resides in Jesup, where she displays and sells her work. Eden uses traditional Japanese throwing techniques, and her works reflect the country’s craft aesthetic of the interdependence of beauty, utility and a touch of whimsy. All pieces are functional and made with lead-free glaze. 417 S. Hickory St., Jesup, 912-427-6081
55. The Glennville–Tattnall Museum Giving visitors a peek into the history of Glennville, the museum features an old school room, old-timey kitchen, turpentine still, Indian artifacts and a mural of the original township hand-painted by a local artist. 211 S. Tillman St., Glennville, 912-654-3756
56. The Shoppes at Fourth & Cherry This downtown Ocilla shop just celebrated its 10th anniversary and offers locally made products such as muscadine juices, jellies and preserves from nearby Paulk Vineyards, as well as cornmeal and grits from C.A.S.E. Farm (Center for Agricultural Study and Excellence), a local high school program. Lunch is served Monday through Friday and features favorite homemade specials like pimento cheese sandwiches and seasonal desserts. 205 E. Fourth St., Ocilla, 229-468-4426
Historic High CountryÂ
57. Paradise Garden The late Howard Finster’s acclaimed folk art property consists of a maze of buildings, sculptures and displays that include more than 47,000 painted works and art made from found objects and recycled materials. During his life, Finster’s work received international attention, and Paradise Garden is a must-see destination. 200 N. Lewis St., Summerville, 706-808-0800
58. Martha Berry Museum Art Collection Oak Hill, the Greek Revival home of Berry College founder Martha Berry, houses the museum and affords visitors a glimpse into the history of the college, as well as Berry’s personal art collection. Particularly impressive are the Italian Renaissance paintings donated by Berry’s sister, who married an Italian prince in 1902. 24 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Rome, 706-368-6789
59. Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville
Photography courtesy of the Booth Western Art Museum
59. Booth Western Art Museum An affiliate of the Smithsonian, the Booth houses the largest collection of contemporary Western art east of the Mississippi. Permanent exhibitions include Faces of the West and Heading West, which displays a stagecoach and covered wagon. The Art of Bernard Williams (May 15–Oct. 5) tells the story of African Americans in the West. 501 N. Museum Dr., Cartersville, 770-387-1300
60. Downtown Blue Ridge With multiple galleries and an art association center featuring resident artist studios, this charming mountain town has become a popular getaway for art enthusiasts. Twice a year, the town hosts the Arts in the Park festival, featuring more than 185 fine arts, crafts and food booths. This year’s festival dates are May 24–25 and Oct. 11–12. 420 W. Main St., Blue Ridge, 706-632-2144
61. Creative Arts Guild The guild cultivates fine arts in the community by hosting classes, performances and exhibitions. See dance and theater groups perform in various local theater spaces throughout the year. Head to the gallery and sculpture garden to see regional exhibitions. 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, 706-278-0168
62. 1902 Stock Exchange and Public Opera House A restored mercantile listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1902 Stock Exchange now houses individual gallery shops and Maggie May’s Tea Room. Upstairs, the Public Square Opera House hosts shows and dinner theater throughout the year, many highlighting Adairsville’s heritage. 124 Public Sq., Adairsville, 770-733-1902
63. Harris Arts Center and Roland Hayes Museum In addition to various arts and cultural events throughout the year, the center offers a gallery with rotating exhibitions, a community chorus venue and a theater. The Roland Hayes Museum honors its native son, who was the first African American classical singer to achieve international status on the concert and operatic stages. 212 S. Wall St., Calhoun, 706-629-2599
64. Carrollton Cultural Arts Center Downtown Carrollton’s cultural hub offers yearly events such as concerts, theater performances, art classes and juried shows, including Mecca Fest, a crafts festival each October. Its active community theater showcases performers of all ages. 118 S. White St., Carrollton, 770-832-1161
65. Rock City Gardens An iconic tourist stop, Rock City has become non-negotiable on “must-see” lists. The natural rock formations atop Lookout Mountain embody nature’s inadvertant art. Look for the famous red “See Rock City” barns, and don’t leave without purchasing a birdhouse or holiday ornament replica of these famous structures. 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain, 706-820-2531
66. Funk Heritage Center Visitors to this center will find Native American art and artifacts that tell the story of the Indian culture in the southeastern U.S. See the award-winning film The Southeastern Indians and view intricately designed dioramas depicting 12,000 years of history in the Hall of the Ancients. 7300 Reinhardt Cir., Waleska, 770-720-5970
67. Milltown Music Hall West Georgia’s largest concert and entertainment venue opened in early 2012 and hosts multiple genres. On tap for 2014 are Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson, and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. Plans are underway to open the Harold Shedd Music Mill Gallery, to honor the life of the country music industry executive and producer who discovered and promoted clients such as Toby Keith, Shania Twain and Reba McEntire. 1031 Alabama Ave., Bremen, 770-537-6455
Northeast Mountains
68. Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center, Mountain City
Photograph by Lee Carpenter
68. Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center
Experience the proud, self-sufficient, pioneer lifestyle of the Southern Appalachian mountain people at this unique homeplace and cultural center. More than 20 of the log cabins are authentic structures dating as far back as 180 years. See the tools, trades and crafts of the period, and take the self-guided walking tour. 200 Foxfire Ln., Mountain City, 706-746-5828
69. Land of Spirit Local storytelling comes to life through this all-volunteer arts organization that has produced folk life plays for six years. Volunteers gather stories from local citizens, which are transcribed, sent to a playwright and made available for public readings and input. Performances feature local actors. Lavonia Cultural Center, 12005 Augusta Rd., Lavonia, 706-356-1855
70. Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center The legacy of the Georgia mountain poet, novelist and farmer is honored and preserved at the Reece homeplace and farm. The restored grounds include a barn, smokehouse, farm exhibits, pedestrian bridge across Wolf Creek and Reece’s writing studio located along Poetry Trail. 8552 Gainesville Hwy., Blairsville, 706-745-2034
71. The Cumming Playhouse Situated in a 1920s-era schoolhouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the community theater hosts a variety of productions, with highlights this year including Tarzan (June 8–22) and Gypsy: The Musical (Oct. 17–Nov. 9). 101 School St., Cumming, 770-781-9178
72. The Holly Theatre Downtown Dahlonega, site of a number of art galleries, is also home to this historic movie house that produces live theater and concerts. The intimate theater’s claim to fame is that no seat is more than 20 feet from the action. 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega, 706-864-3759
73. Sautee-Nacoochee Center & Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia This region of the state is known for its pottery tradition, and the museum showcases the art form with an annual pottery show and sale as well as demonstrations and other events. The center also houses three art galleries, hosts a performing arts series and offers workshops. 283 GA Hwy. 255 N, Sautee, 706-878-3300
74. Savannah River Playhouse This regional theater troupe will produce three musicals and three dinner theater murder mysteries this year as well as a special production of writer/director Kay Legg’s play The Stone Carvers, about four immigrant granite workers who ended up in nearby Elberton, the granite capital of the world. 86 S. Forest Ave., Hartwell, 706-376-7397
75. Habersham Community Theater Built in 1937 as a movie theater, HCT now contributes to the local arts community with plays, musicals, dinner theater, art exhibits and children’s productions. This year, the theater will feature The Dixie Swim Club, 12 Angry Men and The King and I, among other productions. 1370 Washington St., Clarkesville, 706-839-1315
76. Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm Remember learning about Eli Whitney and the cotton gin in grade school? See an actual example of the machine, along with blacksmith and carpentry shops, a gristmill, a milking barn and other examples of a bygone era of farm life at this outdoor agricultural museum. 2355 Ethridge Rd., Jefferson, 706-367-2949
77. Mark of the Potter For more than four decades, potters have been creating functional stoneware at this shop located in a former gristmill. You can watch the potters at the wheel, see the inner working of the historic mill and feed the fish at the on-site pond. All pottery is food-safe, using only lead-free glazes and clays. 9982 Hwy. 197 N, Clarkesville, 706-947-3440
78. Quinlan Visual Arts Center Gallery exhibitions, workshops, children’s art education programs and an annual fine art auction are part of the offerings at Quinlan. Confirmed exhibitors for this year are award-winning local artist Jay Kemp (April 17–June 7), who creates amazingly realistic nature and wildlife paintings, and noted Atlanta-based painter Carol Christie (June 12–Aug. 16). 514 Green St., Gainesville, 770-536-2575
Plantation Trace
79. Swamp Gravy Georgia’s official folklife play is steeped in Southern tradition. Swamp Gravy presents musical theater based on stories from locals about life and death, family and community, with a mixture of comedy, drama and song. Don’t miss Swamp Gravy: Brothers and Sisters, playing March 7–29, and May Haw, Colquitt’s own comedy and variety show, April 18–26. Cotton Hall Theater, 166 E. Main St., Colquitt, tickets: 800-514-3849
80. Pebble Hill Plantation The grand plantation is rich in art and history. The Main House gallery displays one of the top private sporting art collections in the country, original Audubon lithographs and rotating exhibits. Explore the grounds to see picturesque stables, gardens and even a pump house. 1251 US Hwy 319 S, Thomasville, 229-226-2344
81. Terrell County Historic Courthouse The tallest courthouse in the state, this 1892 Victorian building is also one of the oldest. Indigenous materials were used in its construction—Georgia clay for the bricks, Georgia granite for the arches and native pine for the structure and floors. The original clock still chimes in the tower every half hour. 205 Lee St. SE, Dawson, 229-995-2011
82. Millenium Mural Project, Colquitt
Mural: "We've Got a Story to Tell" Painted by Chrissie Orr, Photograph by Jerry Miller
82. Millennium Mural Project To encourage the arts in the community, the town of Colquitt commissioned a variety of painted murals inspired by true stories from people in the area and created by artists from all over the country. Eleven murals are spread across downtown, the last one completed in 2005 with the help of local schoolchildren. Colquitt,229-758-5450
83. Milltown Murals Lakeland honors its roots with painted murals on more than two dozen buildings, depicting homes and businesses as they were in 1925 in Milltown, when the community was renamed in honor of the cypress tree–laden Banks Lake. The installations of life-size figures of local citizens from the era bring the charming murals to life. Lakeland, 229-482-9755
84. Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum and Institute Adjacent to the Old Mt. Zion Church, site of one of the first mass meetings of the Albany movement, the 12,000-plus-square-foot museum pays homage to this community’s civil rights struggle through photographs, documents, artifacts and exhibits. Don’t miss the Freedom Singers, who engage visitors with oral histories and freedom songs on the second Saturday of each month. 326 Whitney Ave., Albany, 229-432-1696
85. Albany Museum of Art With more than 20 exhibitions annually, Albany’s museum displays American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a large collection of traditional African art. Concerts, painting classes for adults and summer camps for children are among activities offered. 311 Meadowlark Dr., Albany, 229-439-8400
86. Peach State Summer Theatre This professional summer stock musical theater, the official musical theater of Georgia, is produced by Valdosta State University as an extension of the school’s theater program. Recent performances include favorites such as The Sound of Music and A Little Night Music. The troupe also offers occasional “pay what you can” shows. Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, 204 W. Brookwood Dr., Valdosta, 229-259-7770
87. Thomasville Center for the Arts Housed in a restored historic school, the center focuses on visual, performing, literary and applied arts. Quarterly art exhibits display the work of emerging and established artists. The center also puts on the Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival, an annual event in the fall that hearkens to the town’s history as a plantation community and showcases sporting and wildlife artists and their work. 600 E. Washington St., Thomasville, 229-226-0588
88. Albany Symphony Orchestra Highlights this year include Classically Jazzed Quartet with Ken Trimmins (Feb. 15), which traces the roots of jazz; The Orchestra Sings family concert (March 14), which includes an interactive “orchestra instrument petting zoo”; and the 50th anniversary gala concert, Evening of Italian Opera (April 12), with overtures, arias and ensembles performed by choirs from universities around the region. Performances at Darton State College theater or at Albany Municipal Auditorium, Albany, 229-430-8933
89. Georgia Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village This living-history center features more than 35 restored and preserved structures and includes an art gallery and a country store. Experience working farmsteads; ride a steam-engine train; visit the blacksmith shop, print shop and waterwheel gristmill; and enjoy the interpreters as they demonstrate life in the South between 1870 and 1910. 1392 Whiddon Mill Rd., Tifton, 229-391-5205
Presidential Pathways
90. LaGrange Art Museum A Victorian-style 1890s jailhouse now houses contemporary art by emerging and established artists at this respected regional museum. Twentieth-century American Southern art is the focus of the permanent collection, while visiting exhibitions extend a broader reach. Art classes, fundraisers and an annual “Mess Fest,” allowing children to get creative, are offered. 112 Lafayette Pkwy., LaGrange, 706-882-3267
91. The Columbus Museum Regional history and American art are highlighted in this museum’s permanent collection. Galleries showcase American Impressionism, women’s fashion through the years, Colonial art, post-war painting and contemporary realism. Explore the interactive children’s gallery, or relax and reflect in the Bradley Olmsted Garden. 1251 Wynnton Rd., Columbus, 706-748-2562
93. LaGrange Symphony Orchestra The LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO) kindles a love for classical music with inspired seasons that feature celebrated musicians such as LaGrange native son David Malis, an internationally renowned baritone. LSO also frequently collaborates with musicians from the LaGrange Youth Orchestra and LaGrange College. Performances at Callaway Auditorium at LaGrange College, LaGrange, 706-882-0662
94. Columbus Walking Tour Admire the city’s architecture—from the Italianate 700 Broadway house to the Art Moderne bus station turned restaurant, Country’s Barbeque—on this self-guided walking tour. Other historic highlights include residences of Dr. John Stith Pemberton, who developed the original formula for Coca-Cola. Columbus Visitors Center, 900 Front Ave., Columbus, 706-322-1613
95. Pasaquan Created by the late Eddie Owens Martin, a self-taught, visionary folk artist who called himself “St. EOM,” Pasaquan is a seven-acre site with six buildings painted in bright colors and bold patterns and incorporating human figures and nature imagery. More than 2,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings and other pieces reside at the site, now part of the Marion County Historical Society. 238 Eddie Martin Rd., Buena Vista, 229-649-9444
96. ArtbeatColumbus This celebration of the arts from March 13–28 will offer more than 40 art exhibits, musical performances, workshops, films and creative discussions, all taking place in downtown Columbus. A sculpture walk is also part of the event, with permanent and temporary sculptures along the route. Many events are free to the public. Various locations, downtown Columbus
97. SAM Shortline, Plains
Photograph courtesy of GDECD
97. SAM Shortline Climb aboard the Southwest Georgia Excursion Train for a scenic countryside tour through four towns: Cordele, Americus, Leslie and Plains. The air-conditioned, 1949 vintage cars carry passengers through each town, where they may briefly stop or get off until the return trip or the next day for extended sightseeing. 105 E. 19th Ave., Cordele, 229-276-0755
98. Explorations in Antiquity Center This unique museum explores life in biblical times through archaeological replicas from Israel and the Middle East. Visitors can see reproductions of period tombs, sit in an authentic goat hair tent and even share a Passover meal. Visit the recently added gallery featuring more than 300 biblical–era items on loan from the Israel Antiquities Authority. 130 Gordon Commercial Dr., LaGrange, 706-885-0363
99. Habitat for Humanity Global Village & Discovery Center See life-size examples of Habitat houses from countries around the world, and learn about construction technologies to build sustainable and energy-efficient housing for those fighting poverty. 721 W. Church St., Americus, 229-410-9737
100. Rylander Theatre The historic, art deco theater was built for vaudeville in 1921. Shuttered for 40 years, it reopened in 1999 following a painstaking restoration. Today, the Rylander offers live performances, screens movies and hosts special events year-round. In March, catch A Raisin in the Sun. 310 W. Lamar St., Americus, 229-931-0001
My husband and I decided to bring our young daughters—who adore staying in even pedestrian hotels—to experience the property, but I admit I had reservations about bringing children to a boutique hotel without a pool. Turns out, I needn’t have fretted.
Once the commercial heart of the city, Savannah’s Broughton Street has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. But in recent years, the street has reemerged as a thriving, pedestrian-friendly destination. There’s no doubting the influence of Savannah College of Art and Design in Broughton’s revival: Students fill the coffee shops and sidewalk cafes, and the presence of design studios, art supply stores, and SCAD’s Gutstein Gallery speaks to the vital role the school plays here. But it’s not just the SCAD community that infuses the street with life. Local professionals and visitors also flock to Broughton, home to a melange of longstanding establishments (the landmark Trustees Theater and family-owned Globe Shoes, for example) and newer, big-name retailers (Kendra Scott, Lululemon, Kate Spade). Ongoing streetscape and redevelopment projects have prioritized historic preservation, and because the old has graciously welcomed the new, the best of Savannah still shines through.
Just east of Memphis lies a town seemingly right out of midcentury America. The shady park, community bandstand, and fifties classics wafting from storefront speakers evoke nostalgia, but downtown Collierville is anything but dated. Well-known Memphis restaurateur Mac Edwards is opening a new eatery, Brooks Pharm 2 Fork, in the old Brooks Pharmacy on Mulberry Street. And the former post office will soon be home to 148 North, an upscale French-Southern eatery. Strolling past the plentiful shops, boutiques, and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Parade magazine recently recognized the town as home to “America’s Best Main Street,” selecting it from more than 2,000 nominees. Get a taste of local history at the Morton Museum, just a couple of blocks north of the square. Situated in a historical church, the museum presents exhibitions on a range of subjects, from the city’s once-booming dairy industry to its connections to that all-American pastime, baseball. After your visit, spend the day exploring the special spots that make this downtown a winner indeed.
