Peach Perfect: Must-Knows for First-Timers in Georgia
The "Peach State" of Georgia offers a delightful blend of Southern charm, vibrant cities, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Georgia has something for everyone. But before you pack your bags, here are a few things every first-time visitor should know:
Getting Around:
Metro vs. Mountains: Georgia is a diverse state. Atlanta, the bustling capital, has a well-developed public transportation system (MARTA) but a rental car is ideal for exploring the charming towns and breathtaking mountain ranges.
Southern Hospitality: Remember, politeness goes a long way. A friendly "yes ma'am" or "no sir" can open doors (literally and figuratively) and enhance your experience.
Watch Chad’s Video About Georgia!
Weather Wise:
Four Seasons of Fun: Georgia enjoys all four seasons. Pack accordingly! Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while summers can be hot and humid, especially in Atlanta. Winters are mild, but there can be occasional frost and snow in the mountains.
Beat the Heat: If you're visiting during the summer months, plan your outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings. Stay hydrated and don't forget the sunscreen!
Must-See Sights:
Atlanta's Gems: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Atlanta. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, or explore the World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta is also a hotbed for film and TV production – see if you can spot a familiar filming location!
Savannah's Southern Charm: Stroll through the moss-draped streets of Savannah's historic district, a visual treat with its antebellum architecture and horse-drawn carriages. Take a ghost tour or explore the scenic squares.
Beyond the Cities: Georgia's natural beauty is a treasure. Hike through the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, go whitewater rafting in the Chattahoochee River, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Jekyll Island.
Foodie Delights:
Southern Comfort Food: Don't miss the chance to savor classic Southern fare like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and peach cobbler. Georgia is also known for its delicious barbecue – be sure to try different regional styles.
Local Brews and Spirits: Georgia's craft beer scene is booming, with breweries offering unique and flavorful options. Sample local wines or explore the state's growing selection of craft spirits.
Extra Tips:
Embrace the Pace: Life in Georgia tends to move at a slower pace than in some other parts of the US. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the Southern hospitality.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary in restaurants and for service providers. A 15-20% tip is generally expected.
With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse attractions, and delicious food, Georgia is a state that will leave a lasting impression. So, come explore the Peach State, and get ready for a truly unforgettable Southern experience!
10 Can’t-Miss Things to See & Do in Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a gorgeous barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida, known for its white quartz sand, turquoise waters, and many beachside amenities. Siesta Key offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family fun destination, or a playground for outdoor adventures. On this episode, Chad Gallivanter highlights 10 can’t miss things to see and do in Siesta Key.
12 Must-Do Things in Sarasota
It was 1927 when John Ringling brought his famous circus to town making Sarasota the official winter home of the Greatest Show on Earth. A once sleepy fishing village on Florida’s Gulf Coast was transformed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. But Sarasota’s charm goes far beyond its circus legacy. This area is often referred to as Florida’s Cultural Coast because of its abundance of performances, galleries and museums packed into a relatively small geographic area. And then there’s natural beauty from one of Florida’s largest state parks to six gorgeous barrier islands that hug 40 miles of coastline, each with their own personality. This travel guide highlights the 12 things you must do when visiting Sarasota.
How to Have the Best Time in Daytona Beach
Are you looking for a place to have some fun in the sun, feel the need for speed, and immerse yourself in history and culture? Well, look no further than Daytona Beach, the ultimate destination for all your vacation needs. Whether you want to chill on the beach, watch a race, or explore a museum, you will find something to make you happy in this coastal city. This video offers some tips on how to have the best time in Daytona Beach.
8 Best Things to See & Do Near Sweetwater, TN
Just off Interstate 75 about halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Sweetwater is the perfect Tennessee small town where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of East Tennessee. Established in the 1850s, it’s believed the name for this community of just over six-thousand originated from the early settlers and their descriptions of area springs.
Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sweetwater is known for an extensive cave system that’s home to America’s largest underground lake which visitors are able to explore.
From natural adventures to exploring the shops and restaurants along Main Street, there’s something for everyone in this town that claims to be the sweetest in Tennessee.
9 Best Things to Do in Vero Beach
Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast between Melbourne and Palm Beach is a coastal community that’s one of the state’s best laid-back vacation spots. In the early 1700’s, a Spanish treasure fleet wrecked off the Vero Beach shoreline during a hurricane attracting English pirates who recovered the loot. Coins from those ships continue to wash ashore to this very day.
Vero Beach was first settled in the late 1800s with Vermonter Henry T. Gifford often receiving the credit for being its modern-day founder. He planted pineapples, helped build the Dixie Highway and was the community’s first postmaster. His wife Sarah is believed to have suggested the name “Vero” for the settlement. In Latin, the word means “to speak the truth.”
Flash forward to the war years of the 1940s when Vero was home to a Naval Air station and training exercises were performed just off the coast. Not long after the war’s end, some of the buildings on the property became the core of Dodgertown, the spring training facility for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Today, Vero is known for its breathtaking beaches as well as being a haven for golf, water sports and fishing. On this episode, we show you 9 of the best things to do in Vero Beach, Florida.
10 Things You Must Do in St. Augustine, Florida
If you’re a history buff, St. Augustine is the one city you have to put on your Sunshine State bucket list.
Established by the Spanish in 1565, this town less than an hour drive south of Jacksonville is the nation’s first enduring settlement. It predates Jamestown in Virginia by more than 40 years.
Flash forward to the 21st century and it’s estimated some 2-million people from all over the world visit St. Augustine every year. They come here for the history, the diverse shopping, the quality food options and the natural beauty of the bay and the beaches.
There’s so much to experience here, you might need a little help sorting it all out, knowing where to start, especially if its your first time. We’ve put together this list to make it simple for you.
20 Essential Tips for a First Visit to Washington, DC
The seat of American government, bustling Washington DC is home to the touchstone by which all other museums are judged as well as monuments and memorials that tell the story of the nation’s rich history.
A DC trip can be easier on the budget than other destinations across the country because so many attractions within the city are free.
If you plan on spending time in the District and you’ve never been here before, we’ve put together a list just for you. In this episode, we share with you 20 essential tips for a first visit to Washington DC.
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Bloom Watch from the National Park Service
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Experience the Cathedral
Explore some of the most beloved Cathedral features at your own pace during posted sightseeing hours. Self-guided tour brochures are included with admission. A limited number of audio tours are available for purchase upon arrival.Advance reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Booking your visit in advance will help ensure a smooth check-in.
Sightseeing Admission Tickets
Adults (18+): $15
Seniors (65+), students, active military and veterans (ID required), and youth (5-17): $10
Kids under 5: Free -
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10 Things You Must Do in Knoxville, Tennessee
Forty years ago, 11-million people from all over the world descended on Knoxville for one of the most popular expos America has ever put on. The 1982 World’s Fair put this scruffy city on the banks of the Tennessee River on the map and some people who attended during the expo’s six-month run never left.
With a growing population of just under 200-thousand, Knoxville is more popular than ever. People gravitate here for its natural beauty and some of the nicest, most hospitable folks you’ll find anywhere.
In this episode, we’re showing you 10 Things You Must Do in Knoxville from the perspective of a native East Tennessean. (That would be me!) Hope you enjoy my take on this special place.
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The official Visit Knoxville website is the most valuable resource in planning your trip to Knoxville.
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The WDVX Blue Plate Special® is a live performance radio show held at noon, with your host Red Hickey. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Visit Knoxville. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria for “The Big Plate”. Then Saturday it’s back Visit Knoxville. Here’s the calendar. It’s always free to join in so please don’t be shy. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.
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The Historic Homes of Knoxville is a local partnership between seven historic homes that offer guided tours throughout the year. You can visit each site individually, or visit all of the sites by purchasing a combo pass at any of the seven locations or from the Knoxville Visitors Center.
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601 South Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902Hours:
M-F: 9am - 4pm
Sat: 10am - 4pm
Sun: 1pm - 5pmAdmission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors 55 & over, and FREE for children 16 and under. A $6 per person Group Rate is available for adult groups of 10 or more. Admission is FREE each Sunday.
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The 4th level of the Sunsphere houses the Observation Deck. It offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World's Fair site (now World's Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains.
There is a $5 admission charge, children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Please click here to purchase tickets to visit the Observation Deck.
