Photo by C. Taylor Crothers
What are some of your favorite places in Georgia?
Zac: Dahlonega, up in the North Georgia mountains, is definitely one of my favorite places. I love being up on the Chestatee River. I also love Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood; it’s a real melting pot. East Atlanta is really becoming a neat place as well. I have a lot of family in Alpharetta, and that’s a pretty place, too. Out on the east side, Madison is beautiful.
What are some of the most memorable family vacations or school trips that you’ve taken in Georgia?
Going to Callaway Gardens and seeing the butterflies and the botanical gardens. When I was young, I remember going to Fernbank and the planetarium and Zoo Atlanta. One of my favorites is Burt’s Farm in Dawsonville. It’s a pretty colossal pumpkin farm, and I always loved Halloween and all of the fall activities, fall flavors—hot cider and pumpkin pie—and those things associated with the fall.
What are some destinations that you consider must-sees for a visitor?
If you’re gonna get outdoors, Amicalola Falls is a gorgeous place. The hiking is great. Also, the backside hike up Blood Mountain is definitely one of my favorites. I love to ride motorcycles, and one of my favorite rides is the loop that goes up through Dahlonega. There are also some great places around Brasstown Bald.
There are some iconic old-school places to eat around the state. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack in Atlanta is one I always tell people to try, and if you make it up to Dahlonega, you should try to eat at the Smith House, have a sit-down family-style meal. And of course, if you want to see a show, there’s the Fox Theatre. It’s a beautiful place.
