Stone Mountain
If you are traveling with the whole family, the Stone Mountain theme park is an interesting attraction. This park is located near Atlanta and is said to be an amusement park ‘for all ages’. As with other American amusement parks, it is possible to spend the night here in one of the luxurious resorts. If you think this is very pricey, don’t worry! You can always choose to pitch your tent at the nearby campsite.
Which attractions can you expect next? An exciting laser show or an atmospheric ride in a train that runs around Stone Mountain, for example. If you are not afraid of heights, you can opt for the great ‘skyride’. This is a huge bucket elevator that takes you past the amazing rock sculptures on Stone Mountain, highly recommended and fun for the whole family!
Another attraction is to see the original antebellum buildings built here. Experience the atmosphere of former Georgia long before the American Civil War and experience how the people lived in these beautiful country houses. Send the kids to the nearby farmyard while you check out some history and they can play to their heart’s content with all the goats and sheep.
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
In Plains, Georgia, lies a special piece of history that you should not miss during your visit to Georgia. This is where the only president Georgia ever produced was born and raised. This was Farmer James Earl, aka Jimmy Carter. In the 1970s, this intelligent yet humble peanut farmer ran for president and won.
Carter as President
He was elected the 39th President of the United States. This man resisted the racism still prevalent in the south and turned out to be a champion of peace and human rights. His childhood home and other important places from Carter’s childhood are now under the management of the National Park Service. Carter’s high school has now been converted into a visitor center and museum.
The president is still committed. This historic landmark is more than a piece of history about this president. It is a center from which the president fights with his wife and many others for a better world where unnecessary suffering is central. In addition, there is the presidential library with the museum where you can experience the life of Carter in book and photo form.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
One of Georgia’s finest treasures is the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. They are actually two forests in one and they are located in the north of the state. With over 3500 square kilometers there is plenty to see in these forests. Cherokee and Creek Indians used to live here. The forests get their name from the Chattahoochee River that flows here. At the beginning of the last century, the purchase of several plots of forest was started because people began to see the importance of preserving this beautiful environment.
Things to do in Chattahoochee-Oconee
One thing is certain: if you are on holiday here, you will certainly not be bored! Did you know that no less than 720 kilometers of walking and cycling paths have been built in these forests? An exceptional way to explore the park is on horseback, special trails have also been laid out for this. Do you prefer water sports? Don’t worry, you can fish for trout in the Chattahoochee River and Andrews Creek and canoe on the Toccoa River. This river is ideal for novice canoeists and is passable all year round.
If you haven’t had enough of Chattahoochee-Oconee yet, choose to stay here! Throughout the park, various camping spots have been specially set up for people who would like to stay a day longer. Be well informed in advance about prices and the opening season!
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
A legend in American history, especially in African American history, is Martin Luther King Jr. Near Atlanta is Sweet Auburn, the birthplace of legendary racial segregation campaigner Martin Luther King Junior.
King’s dream
He became known for his non-violent struggle and beautiful speeches with the well-known phrase: “I have a dream”. He uttered these words on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In the speech, King calls for equality, brotherhood and equality. Every sentence in this speech started with “I have a dream”.
National Hero
He also spoke out against the Vietnam War and the part that the Americans had in it. All the peaceful protests made him much loved by many people across the US. In 1964 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for this. Unfortunately, his resistance also caused a lot of bad blood. In 1968 he paid the highest price for his resistance: he was shot in cold blood on the balcony of the Lorraine hotel in Memphis.
All of America was shocked and in mourning. There was a lot of unrest everywhere and there were major riots. Then-President Johnson declared his death a day of national mourning. Sweet Auburn was officially designated a National Historic Site in 1980.
Birth Home
In 1929, the little revolutionary Martin was born in the so-called King Birth Home. This is one of the buildings that played an important role in his youth and is now open to the public. You can’t just wander around the house; the tour is always accompanied by a park ranger and there is at least one rule: first come, first served. Interested parties register immediately upon arrival at the visitor center.
The King family was very active in their faith. The Ebenezer Baptist Church is the church where Martin Luther Jr. worked with his father Martin Luther Sr. His father was a pastor and young Martin succeeded his father in 1960. He preached here until his death. You can also visit this church, but then completely on your own. From time to time, a service is held on certain special occasions.
There is a visitor center complete with a museum where you can learn all about the beliefs of Martin Luther King Jr. Bring your camera, no problem! Please note that photography is not allowed in the ‘Birth Home’. In the rest of the area you can shoot as many shots as you want.
Little White House
Little White House is the textbook example of an educational and politically responsible outing. Near Warm Springs in western Georgia you can visit the country house of former president FD Roosevelt. Roosevelt was paralyzed in the early 1920s. First on one leg, later on both legs and even in the face. He managed to overcome his facial paralysis, but unfortunately his lower body remained paralyzed.
Roosevelt was then governor of New York and hoped to receive treatment for his paralysis in Warm Springs. He was elected president in 1933 and continued to maintain the Warm Springs country retreat. Little White House was also the place where Roosevelt died. While he was being portrayed, he suffered a stroke from which he died shortly afterwards. This painting is known today as the Unfinished portrait.
In America Roosevelt is seen by most as a national hero. It is therefore not surprising that every effort has been made to make this place a memorial site in honor of Roosevelt. If you’re in the Warm Springs area or maybe a history buff, this place is a must-see.
(Un)finished portrait
A museum has been built near Roosevelt’s house where Roosevelt’s Unfinised Portrait hangs. The Finished Portrait that the artist in question made after Roosevelt’s death is also displayed here. She made this new portrait because she couldn’t bring herself to finish the other painting. You can visit the museum where you can see the whole story about this folk hero. Definitely worth it! In summer you can also enjoy yourself at the lake with long walks, adventurous trips through the wild landscape on a mountain bike or just float around on the water.
