the road less traveled: highway 27 - message...

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Explore these can’t-miss stops on the snowbird highway

Noah's Ark, Locust Grove

Tellus Science Museum, Cartersville

The journey begins a stone’s throw from the Tennessee border in ringgold, where you’ll find the 40,000-square-foot Gate-way Antique Mall. get lost for hours in pockets like the Daniel Boone Trading post, with its vast collection of antlers, or the Man Cave, which offers collectible model cars, globes, and more. once you’ve worked up an appetite, drive twenty min-utes south and grab a bite at The Dalton Depot. The former Western & atlantic railroad Station has been restored to its original state, and you can view passing trains as you dine on angus burgers and fried green tomatoes.

With its big-time historical sites and small, quirky attractions, Georgia’s I-75 has “road trip” written all over it. Whether you drive it north to south in one long adventure (which is how we’ve explored it here) or choose to break its 339 miles into smaller trips, you’ll get a kick out of the great photo opportunities, scrumptious eats, and educational

possibilities along the way.

by Karina Timmel anTenucci

75Alive

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look

Booth Western Art Museum,

Cartersville

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next, head to Calhoun, home to an adult-sized treehouse featuring the fuselage of a piper navajo airplane (the master bedroom), a boat (the back porch), and a submarine prop from a 1960s Elvis movie. yes, someone does indeed live in Sam’s Treehouse—Sam Edwards, author and former aide to president Jimmy Carter. another must-see gem off exit 312 is known by locals as The Garden. open on weekdays, this magical plot tucked behind the Seventh Day adventist Church features a miniature city of fifty structures—castles, bridges, a monastery, a cemetery, and more—built with pebbles, shells, glass, and ceramic tile. Before departing Calhoun, sat-isfy your barbecue craving with fall-off-the-bone ribs at Dub’s High on the Hog. The nondescript downtown joint doesn’t have a sign (it’s that good!), so take Highway 53 South to Highway 41 north and look for a log cabin with a red roof and a parking lot filled with cars.

now make your way south to Carters-ville for the ultimate in fun for the kiddos—dinosaurs, cowboys, and indians, oh my! get your natural-history kicks at the Tellus Science Museum, with glowing minerals, a massive T. rex, an interactive fossil dig, and much more. From there, explore etowah

indian Mounds Historic Site, the most in-tact Mississippian culture site in the South-east. From 1000 to 1550 aD, it was home to several thousand native americans and is now rich in artifacts. and because your visit wouldn’t be complete without a little cowboy action, stop at the Booth Western Art Museum in downtown Cartersville. it features the largest permanent collection of contemporary Western art in america, including paintings, movie posters, and an interactive kids room.

Wave to atlanta as you travel south to locust grove and Noah’s Ark, a 250-acre nonprofit animal sanctuary where more than 1,500 abused, injured, and orphaned animals (including a lion, tiger, and bear that live together as a family) are cared for. Call ahead to ensure the habitat is open to visitors.

is it time for a slice of peach pie yet? absolutely, and lane Southern or-chards in Fort Valley is happy to oblige. Depending on the season, you can also check out the strawberry patch, corn maze, and farm tours. Hungry for more? Just a hop and a skip down the interstate, you’ll delight in delicious, budget-friendly fare like grandma-style fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans, at

The Road Less TRaveLed: highway 27 Georgia’s Scenic Hometown Highway (georgiaushighway27.com) is what many consider the “scenic route.” Running parallel to I-75, the primarily four-lane highway runs all the way from Tennessee to Florida, passing through Georgia towns steeped in Southern charm, such as Rome, Cedartown, Carrollton, LaGrange, Pine Mountain, Columbus, and Richland. You’ll find gorgeous state parks for camping, picturesque towns for shopping, historic Indian mounds, Civil War and military history, and much more. There’s even a Courthouse Tour (hwy27.com/tour) that covers twenty-one restored and distinctive courthouses along the way.

Horse Creek Winery, Sparks

E x p l o r E g E o r g i a . o r g 3 9

Yoder’s Restaurant, which sits within a Mennonite community in Montezuma. and don’t forget to pop off i-75 for a heaping bag of freshly roasted, georgia-grown peanuts or pecan halves at family-run ellis Bros. in Vienna.

Blink and you’ll miss the Crime and Punishment Museum in ashburn. out-side, the former jail resembles a brick house; inside, you’ll see remnants of the South’s colorful jail history, including a replica of “old Sparky,” georgia’s electric chair. The museum’s unusual last Meal Cafe, named for death-row inmates’ lavish last meals, provides Southern-food lunches by appointment on Saturdays.

our ride down i-75 ends at Horse Creek Winery in Sparks, where its forty acres produce some of the sweetest mus-cadine grapes in the country. a rustic tasting room welcomes you to sample the handmade wines; on a hot day, the signa-ture wine slushy is a must-try.

reSourCeSGateway Antique Mall, exit 353 gatewayantique-mall.com, The Dalton Depot, exit 333 thedaltonde-pot.net, Sam’s Treehouse, exit 312 samstreehouse.com, The Garden, exit 312 1411 Rome Rd., Calhoun, Dub’s High on the Hog, exit 312 706-602-5151, closed Monday and Tuesday, Tellus Science Museum, exit 293 tellusmuseum.org, Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, exit 288 770-387-3747, Booth Western Art Museum, exit 288 boothmuseum.org, Noah’s Ark, exit 212 noahs-ark.org, Lane Southern Orchards, exit 142 lanesouthernorchards.com, Yoder’s Res-taurant, exit 127 478-472-2024, Ellis Bros., exit 109 werenuts.com, Crime and Punishment Museum, exit 82 229-567-9696, Horse Creek Winery, exit 41 horsecreekwinery.com

The Garden,Calhoun

a d v e r t i s e m e n tGoldenIsles.com

ISLANDS IN THE SUNGeorgia’s Golden Isles promise a magical retreat.

O n the southernmost segment of Georgia’s 100-mile

coastline between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville,

Florida, sits the Golden Isles. Nestled along stretches of

salt marshes, the four beloved barrier islands—St. Simons Island,

Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons—and the mainland

port city of Brunswick offer breathtaking landscapes, a variety of

recreational pursuits, and an inherent tranquility.

Each area has its own distinguishing characteristics. Fly into

the city of Brunswick to discover history as rich as its sea-

food—city streets and squares still bearing their colonial names

and uniquely Southern historic sites. The largest of the isles, St.

Simons Island features moss-draped oak-lined streets, sandy

beaches, quality dining and shopping, and highlights of maritime

and military history. A short drive over the causeway brings you

to Sea Island, an internationally acclaimed resort featuring The

Cloister on Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, and

all of the activities under the sun, from a yacht club to a shooting

school. For those seeking a most intimate experience, private-

ly owned Little St. Simons Island offers seven miles of private

beaches and is only accessible by boat from Hampton River

Marina on St. Simons Island. Just to the south lie ten miles of un-

spoiled, dune-lined beaches on Jekyll Island, featuring a National

GOLDEN ISLES OF GEORGIA

St. Simons Island Lighthouse

a d v e r t i s e m e n t GoldenIsles.com

Historic Landmark District that is the home of

the iconic Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Your visit to the Golden Isles is bound to

be a little slice of heaven, whether you choose

to explore one or all.

A cross the immortalized Marshes

of Glynn, made famous by poet

Sidney Lanier, lies St. Simons Island

(goldenisles.com). The picture-perfect, almost

eighteen-square-mile barrier island is filled

with exceptional historic sites, such as Christ

Church, Frederica, one of the oldest churches

in Georgia, with worship held continuously

since 1736. Uncover an array of island activ-

ities, including kayaking, stand-up paddle-

boarding, and hunting for tree spirits, as well

as accommodations and eateries that fit any

taste or budget.


Synonymous with St. Simons Island is The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort (kingandprince.com). For genera-

tions, families and friends have gathered at this oceanfront resort, which combines Southern hospitality and casual

elegance in a picturesque setting. At this most desirable of beachfront locations, select the lodging that suits you

best: hotel rooms, homes, or two- and three-bedroom villas. Playtime at the resort has just as much variety: Take

a dip in the five oceanfront pools, opt for the challenging King and Prince Golf Course renowned for its dramatic

island holes, or simply relax with a massage at the Royal Treatment Cottage.

Ready for a nightcap? Sip the signature Wild Orchid Martini—

a coconut rum and pineapple juice concoction—at Village Inn & Pub’s (villageinnandpub.com) solid mahogany bar, which

was brought over from

England. Situated in the

heart of the Village on St.

Simons Island, the pictur-

esque inn’s twenty-eight

guest rooms are set around

a restored 1930s beach cot-

tage (home to the pub and

concierge desk) and giant

live oaks.

A

After all that island fun, satisfy your appetite at Halyards

(halyardsrestaurant.com). The relaxed grill, with a bar as long as its

wine list, prides itself on an everything-fresh menu heavy on seafood

dishes, such as fried oyster sliders and baked crab cake, and featur-

ing Georgia products. Sit in the outdoor lounge or at a comfortable

banquette in the maritime-themed dining room to enjoy local fav-

orites incorporated in the menu, including Gayla’s Grits from Lanier

County and zipper peas from McIntosh Seed in nearby Darien.

Chef Dave Snyder at Halyards

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Village Inn & Pub

a d v e r t i s e m e n t GoldenIsles.com

The amenities available for the whole family on Sea Island (seaisland.com) make planning a vacation easy as pie.

This resort isle is home to The Cloister at Sea Island and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club, two of the top five

resorts in the continental U.S., according to Travel + Leisure’s 2013 and 2014 World’s Best Awards. Activities satisfy

all tastes—whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a spa addict, you’ll find your happy place. Golfers will appre-

ciate the Golf Performance Center (with a range where your golf balls soar through coastal breezes) and three

championship golf courses at Sea Island Golf Club. Renowned for its hospitality, there are nine dining venues to

choose from as well as real estate ownership opportunities—for those who don’t want to say goodbye.

Pristine Little St. Simons Island (littlessi.com), with

10,000 acres of maritime forests, marshlands, and

shell-strewn beaches, can be enjoyed by no more

than thirty-two overnight guests at a time. This rare

natural sanctuary offers sixteen rustic-chic guest

rooms in a handful of cottages. Each house features

screened patios and fireplaces, which encourage

hangout time. You can also opt to rent the entire

island for an exclusive family affair.


The Golden Isles’ mainland heart is Brunswick (goldenisles.com), which

has been a port city for more than 200 years. Take some time to explore

Old Town Brunswick, which is enjoying a renaissance with the ongoing

restoration of historic buildings and public squares. The city remains

a major transportation center for those flying to and from the isles.

Brunswick Golden Isles Airport ( flygcairports.com), with connection in

Atlanta to more than 350 Delta destinations worldwide, stands ready

to serve just thirty minutes across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

from Jekyll Island.

Biking on Little St. Simons Island

Brunswick Golden Isles Airport

The Cloister at Sea Island

a d v e r t i s e m e n t


W ith miles of beach, marsh, and

maritime forest, Jekyll Island (jekyllisland.com), is a haven of

discovery. Easy to get to, but hard to leave, the southernmost of the Golden Isles claims ten miles of natural beaches, twenty miles of bike trails, a 240-acre historic landmark district, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and an array of lodging choices.

Visit The Georgia Sea Turtle Center to get up close and personal with sea turtle patients as well as their researchers and medical staff. Learn about and witness the turtles’ rehabilita-tion—you may even observe a surgery through an exhibit treatment-room window.

Nature and golf both bring their A games. Known as Georgia’s largest public golf resort, Jekyll Island offers four golf courses, including Pine Lakes, Indian Mound, and Oleander, each a cham-pionship eighteen-hole course that winds through an undeveloped landscape. The fourth, Great Dunes, tees you up to another nine holes and provides stunning ocean views and markers that narrate a timeline of golf on Jekyll Island.

Steeped in history, The Jekyll Island Club Historic Landmark District has been carefully maintained and registered in the National Register of Historic Places. Ride a narrated trolley tour or take a self-guided stroll through the Jekyll Island Museum to learn the stories of wealthy iconic American families, including the Rocke-fellers, Vanderbilts, and Pulitzers, who made the Club their private winter getaway and hunting retreat.

Recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1978, the grand Jekyll Island Club Hotel (jekyllclub.com) sits within the historic village. The hotel is a short walk to Jekyll Wharf, where folks arrived on their yachts to enjoy the Golden Isles as early as 1888. The hotel offers a vision of its past with classic American Queen Anne architecture, distinguished by its famed turret, bay windows and verandas, and period reproductions in its 157 rooms and suites. Today, guests also enjoy an outdoor pool open year round, private beach pavilion, and tournament-level croquet lawn. Guests can also enjoy fine dining at the Grand Dining Room and the Courtyard at Crane located in historic Crane Cottage.

Hole #9 on Pine Lakes Golf Course on Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island Club Hotel



a d v e r t i s e m e n t Jekyllisland.com

Catch a sunset bite at Latitude 31° (latitude31jekyllisland.com) on the Historic Wharf in the Landmark District. Steaks and fresh seafood, including the menu items from adjacent Rah Bar—wild Georgia shrimp, oysters, and Dungeness crab legs—are on the menu. Order up a Rah Margarita and enjoy live music on the weekends. And feel free to invite your furry family members, too, as dogs are welcome.

Clockwise from top left: Jekyll Island’s Driftwood Beach is a favorite photo op; a naturalist measures a nesting sea turtle; more than 20 miles of trails make biking a popular island pastime; chefs and foodies from across the Southeast flock to Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival the third weekend in September.

Latitude 31°

Beyond the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, there are many other lodging options of varying sizes and characteristics on Jekyll Island. The largest—and only fully appointed—condomini-um beach resort on the island, Villas By The Sea Resort (villasbythesearesort.com) features 149 studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas just steps away from the ocean. Delight in the partially shaded, solar-heated swim-ming pool or beach pavilion, or rent a bike and meander down the 400-foot oceanfront boardwalk. End up at Driftwood Bistro for island cuisine.

For additional information on Jekyll Island activities, attractions, shopping, and dining, visit jekyllisland.com.

Villas By The Sea Resort


a d v e r t i s e m e n tJekyllisland.com

It’s all about relaxation at the new Westin Jekyll Island (westinjekyll- island.com). Catch up on your Zs in a plush Westin Heavenly Bed in one of 187 guest rooms and 13 suites. And unwind with other signature amenities, such as the Heavenly Bath (rain shower, White Tea bath products—yes, please), and outdoor pool with direct beach access. Dining options include an indoor-outdoor oceanfront restau-rant, a rooftop lounge, and pool-side and lobby cafes.

Looking for a more boutique experience? The Beachview Club Resort Hotel Jekyll Island (beachviewclub.com) is a small beachfront property that offers a tranquil setting, pool, and sixteen-person spa under a canopy of century-old oak trees. The hotel currently features thirty-eight oceanside efficiencies and suites, the latter of which feature private patios or second-floor balconies overlooking the lush gardens and palm trees surrounding the courtyard.

For a kid-friendly stay, head to the Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island (hijklresort.com), which boasts 157 com-pletely new, contemporary rooms in an environmentally friendly oceanfront facility. The high-energy pool area includes an outdoor deck, lounge, and poolside bar and grill, The Rusty Anchor. Another restaurant, Beach House, focus-es on fresh local seafood and craft beers on tap. The kiddos will love the Kids Club with its on-site activities room, while you make use of the state-of-the-art equipment in the fitness center with panoramic views of the Atlantic.

At the 124-room Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Island (daysinnjekyll.com), the affordable accommodations include ocean- and island-view guestrooms, oceanfront one-bedroom suites, and oceanfront suites complete with galley kitchen, living room (with queen sofa sleeper), and either a large private balcony or patio area. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast along with the two pools, a hot tub, and bike and kayak rentals on the property.

The Westin Jekyll Island

Days Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Beachview Club Resort Hotel Jekyll Island

Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island


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at the intersection of world-class attractions and Southern hospitality, you’ll find atlanta metro.

yes, the bustling city is home to acclaimed restaurants, sprawling museums, professional sports teams,

and celebrated shopping districts. But it’s also filled with historic neighborhoods,

peaceful parks, and thousands of leafy trees.

{ aBove: centennial olymp ic park, atlanta }

SweetWater GrowlerTour Atlanta’s 25,000-square-foot SweetWater Brewery, a pioneer of the city’s beer scene. Be sure to take home a 64-ounce glass growler (that’s almost half a gallon); later, fill it with the famed SweetWater 420 or Blue. $9.

Doux South Pickled FoodsAtlanta chef Nick Melvin pickles organic local produce to create Drunken Tomatoes (with red wine, basil, and garlic) and Angry Cukes (with seriously spicy, crunchy cucumbers), and more. Available at H&F Bottle Shop in Buckhead. $10 each.

atlanta metro

Varsity HatsA classic memento from the world’s largest drive-in, this paper hat has been a part of The Varsity servers’ uniforms since the restaurant’s incep-tion in 1928. It’s available with a purchase at all eight Atlanta-area locations. Free.

taste of the state


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Sugar Marsh Cottage CookiesNothing says the Coast more sweetly than these seashell-shaped shortbread cookies. The buttery coquilles dipped in chocolate and raspberry coatings can be found at artisan confectioner Sugar Marsh Cottage in Darien. $13.

The Salt Table SeasoningSpice up your grill skills with the signature Savannah Grilling Blend from The Salt Table. A mixture of thirteen ingredients—including Himalayan salt, chili pepper, and smoked paprika—it tastes like sweet barbecue with a little zing. $8.95.

coast

With miles of unspoiled shoreline, live oaks draped with spanish moss, and abundant wildlife,

georgia’s coast amazes visitors with timeless beauty. it’s not hard to imagine what this part of the state

looked like centuries ago, when the lovely port town of savannah served as the state’s first capital. come for

the seaside towns, stay for the incredible food, and leave with a bounty of oceanside memories.

{ above: massengale beach park, st. s imons i sland }

Bloody Amazing Bloody Mary Mix and Seasoning

This mix isn’t limited to cocktails—it’s also a full-bodied marinade and season-ing for veggies, seafood, and more. Purchase it at The Still and Winery on St. Simons Island. $9.99.

taste of the state


Chinaberry Foods Cheddar Cheese StrawsMade from scratch with butter and extra-sharp cheddar, these crisp wafers pair well with hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. Purchase them at Chinaberry Foods, a fourth-generation busi-ness in Thomson. $9.95. g

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classic south

Ogeechee River Mill Corn MealWant to purchase some Southern staples on your road trip? Make a stop at Gurley’s IGA in Warrenton for corn meal, perfect for baking cornbread or frying catfish at home. $6.

White Hills Herb Farm TeaThe lavender calamint rooibos tea from the lavender farmers at White Hills Herb Farm in Dearing blends lavender, Georgia calamint, rosehips, and rooibos. Call ahead for an appointment to pick it up from the farm. $8.

home to important sites from the revolutionary and civil wars, georgia’s classic south region is

rooted in history. yet its towns brim with modern-day offerings, from atV rides with helmet cameras

to high-end lodges with award-winning spas. set off on a turkey hunt, swim in one of the region’s

many lakes, or ride a Petersburg boat down the augusta canal.

{ aboVe: augusta arsenal }

taste of the state


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historic heartland

Dickey Farms Peach PreservesDickey Farms in Musella is home to Georgia’s oldest continuously operating peach packinghouse, and it serves up sweet creations, such as preserves made from whole ripe peaches and sugar—perfect with your next biscuit. $5.50.

Terrapin Beer GrowlerAthens’ own Terrapin Beer crafts hoppy ales, IPAs, and porters with playful names,

such as HI-5 IPA, and trippy packaging. Pick up a growler at

5 Points Growler loca-tions in Athens. Starting at $6.

Blue Willow Inn CookbookNow you can whip up cornbread and chicken and dumplings like the chefs at the famed Blue Willow Inn, a Greek-revival mansion and restau-rant in Social Circle. Find it at the restaurant’s gift shop. $19.95.

the days are peachy in georgia’s historic heartland region, home to acre after acre of orchards.

Pick up a jar of jam at a local farm store and head off to explore the region’s many small towns, where

you can still find old-fashioned town squares and soda shops. don’t miss the native american heritage

sites or georgia’s antebellum trail, showcasing historic communities that sherman spared.

{ above: Joshua h ill house, madison }

taste of the state


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magnolia midlands

Claxton FruitcakeSince 1910, Claxton Fruitcake Company has been churning out rich fruitcakes made with pound-cake batter and filled with nuts, raisins, pineapple, cherries, lemon peel, and orange peel. Bring this holiday tradition to your home by visiting their Claxton location. $20.95.

Red Brick Farm Pickled OkraIt’s the staple of every Southern home’s Bloody Mary bar: pickled okra for a salty garnish. Head to family-owned Red Brick Farm in Douglas, where you can grab a hand-packed jar to complement your Bloodies or even to eat as a healthy snack. $5.

M&T Meats Country Ham Let M&T Meats’ fresh ham take center stage at your next gathering. Simply cut from all-natural pork without any processing, it’s available at the extensive meat counter at the butcher’s Hawkins-ville location. $5.99/slice.

For a taste of small-town country life, head to magnolia midlands, the state’s bucolic belt. Here you’ll

find the birthplace of sweet Vidalia onions, the makers of Claxton fruitcake, and the town of alma,

better known as georgia’s Blueberry Capital. When you’re not munching your way through the region,

take a dip in the area’s pristine lakes and rivers and keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife.

{ aBoVe: Canoeing tHe altamaHa riVer, HazleHurst }

taste of the state


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historic high country

Mercier Orchards Hard CiderAfter an action-packed day in Blue Ridge, drop by Mercier Orchards, an area mainstay since 1943. Peruse aisles of local goods and pick up a bottle of crisp hard cider made from apples grown in the orchards, family-owned for four generations. $7.

Barrel and Barley GrowlerInstead of tap-filled growlers (resealable glass jugs filled with draft beer), Barrel and Barley Craft Beer Market in Woodstock uses counter-pressure fillers to ensure your premium beer remains carbonated for several months. $5.

Pigeon Mountain Trading Company HoneyThis LaFayette company’s pure honey is known as “wildflower honey” because the bees that make it drink nectar from the wildflowers that bloom in the region from spring through summer. Find it at their general store. $8.75.

nestled in the foothills of the appalachian mountains, georgia’s historic high country boasts

charming towns, sweeping views, and high-flying adventure (hang gliding, anyone?). it’s also home to

many significant civil War landmarks and native american sites. don’t miss the chance to ride on

the Blue ridge scenic railway, which nods to the region’s rich railroad history.

{ aBove: fort mountain state park, chatsWorth }

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reCurrahee Vineyard and Winery

Blueberry WineOle Blue wine from the lovely Cur-rahee Vineyards and Winery in Toc-coa is handcrafted with muscadine grapes and a little blueberry. Expect a surprising tartness that pairs well with French vanilla ice cream, ac-cording to critics. $14.

Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery Corn WhiskeyUsing recipes handed down through generations of Appala-chian moonshiners, Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery offers corn whiskey in flavors such as Georgia Mountain Apple Pie. Purchase the 109-proof alco-hol at City Liquor of Dawsonville. $22.

northeast mountains

Folks in georgia’s northeast mountains are proud of their appalachian heritage and craft traditions.

Check out the art on display at local festivals, and don’t miss the moonshine-era racecars in

dawsonville, the “moonshine Capital of the World.” spend your days discovering this rich culture

and your evenings lingering over a glass of wine at one of the region’s many vineyards.

{ above: three s i sters vineyards, dahlonega }

Blue Haven Bee Company HoneyAt Blue Haven Bee Company in

Canon, five million honeybees produce some of the best raw honey around. Try the delicious Georgia Wildflower and be sure to pick up a handcrafted

glazed pot for serving. $10.99, honey; $40, pot.

taste of the state


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plantation trace

Foodies swoon over plantation trace, home to culinary artisans of the highest order. Sample

heirloom grits, old World–style cheeses, and even homegrown olive oil. the region’s towns are

equally innovative, offering top-notch theatrical productions and one-of-a-kind museums. don’t

leave without paying a visit to the grand hunting plantations that give the region its name.

{ above: pebble h ill plantation, thomaSville }

Grassroots CoffeeBeloved for its fresh-roasted, single-origin coffees, Grassroots Coffee Company is one of Thomasville’s most popular haunts. Sample the Costa Rica Tarrazu, a medium-bodied brew

with floral notes and hints of lemon and pecan. $13.

Still Pond Distillers Muscadine MoonshineMade from muscadine grapes in-stead of corn, this moonshine from Still Pond Distillers in Arlington is a smooth sipper with no aftertaste. Don’t be fooled, though: It’s still 80 proof. Purchase it from Warehouse Package Store in Albany. $14/pint.

Hot Tar Tartar SauceAdd some kick to your catfish with this creamy

tartar sauce from Hot Tar, a habañero-blending company in Cairo. It packs heat from fresh, Southwest Georgia–grown, chocolate habañero peppers. Find it at Center Drugs and Gifts in Cairo. $7.95.

taste of the state


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presidential pathways

much of the Civil war’s endgame, including its final battle, took place in this region 150 years ago. today,

you’ll discover programs and museums commemorating the historic events and showcasing presidential

pathways’ rich military culture. also be sure to pay visits to Jimmy Carter’s hometown of plains and the little

white house in warm springs, where Franklin delano roosevelt sought relief from polio and politics.

{ above: roosevelt’s little white house state h istoriC s ite, warm springs }

Hotlanta Red WineYou’ll get a kick out of this hand-bottled red table wine, made with locally grown muscadine grapes and spicy jalapeño peppers. Pick up a bottle at Warm Springs Vineyard and Winery, located on fourteen sprawling acres just over a mile from downtown Warm Springs. $15.

Billy Beer CansOn your way through President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, pick up a vintage can of Billy Beer at Bobby Salter’s Plains Peanuts. The collectible item (no longer in produc-tion) was first brewed in 1977 and named after the president’s colorful younger brother, Billy. $4.99.

Stripling’s Wild Mayhaw JellyGrown in South Georgia swamps, wild

mayhaw berries have an apple-like taste. Spread this mayhaw jelly, available at Stripling’s General Store in Cordele, on everything from blueberry muffins to roasted chicken. $6.59.

taste of the state

the road less traveled: highway 27 - message...

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