Augusta National Golf Course

From Thomson in east-central Georgia, to Columbus and LaGrange in the west, it is time to make Central Georgia your travel destination. Visit Augusta and experience classic southern charm, from friendly people, to antebellum architecture and historic destinations. Well known as host of the Masters Golf Classic, April at Augusta National Golf Course, it is a delightful visit any time of year. Americus, the hub of Sumter County is a central hotel location for visiting fall's Plains Peanut Festival or the Andersonville Historic Fair. Warner Robins, home of Robins Air Force Base, is hosting the 2011 Georgia Golden Olympics. Enjoy a visit to Central Georgia this season.

LaGrange, north of Columbus, is the county seat of Troup County. Near West Point and the Kia plant, LaGrange has hotels convenient for business travelers to the area. Architecture enthusiasts don’t miss touring Bellevue, the Greek-Revivial style antebellum mansion near downtown, or the historic Hills and Dales Estate, an Italian Villa formerly home of magnate Fuller Callaway. The Explorations in Antiquity Center, on Gordon Commercial Drive in LaGrange, is an interactive museum bringing ancient times and biblical lands to life. Bring the kids for an archaeological experience at the Kid’s Dig.

Thomson makes an excellent landing spot for activities in east-central Georgia. The county seat of McDuffie County, the city is nicknamed “the Camellia City of the South”. While the weather is warm, enjoy Clarks Hill Lake (J. Strom Thurmond Lake) one of the largest US Army Corps of Engineers lake projects. The lake is ideal for fishing, water recreation and wildlife viewing. Horse lovers don’t miss an excursion to Pine Top Farm for their exciting English-style equestrian events. Plan now for a holiday visit to Thomson, where the Festival Off Main kicks off December 3rd and 4th. Enjoy the annual Christmas Parade, the 5K Depot Dash, entertainment and arts fair.

Set along the banks of the Savannah River, beautiful Augusta has something to entice everyone for a visit. Called the Garden City, Augusta is rich in history, southern charm and modern culture. Celebrate Georgia history at the childhood home of US President Woodrow Wilson in downtown Augusta, stop for a look at the Confederate Powderworks Chimney, the only surviving Confederate structure, or visit the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History to honor Augusta’s African-American heritage. Art lovers,enjoy the Morris Museum of Arts, showcasing art and artists of the American South.

Augusta’s 2011 Westobou Festival runs for 10 days beginning September 29th. Showcasing outstanding performing and fine arts, the festival events take place in Augusta, Augusta State University and North Augusta. Visitors enjoy music from Roseanne Cash and Lizz Wright, a documentary film on Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird and words by Ira Glass. Westobou Festival is a top cultural event in Central Georgia.

For some traditional fun, the Augusta Exchange Club Fair Grounds hosts the Georgia Carolina State Fair, October 14th through the 23rd. 2011 is the 89th year for the fair. Enjoy carnival rides from James E Strates Shows, browse the best of Central Georgia livestock and agriculture and enjoy local entertainment throughout the fairgrounds.

Historic Savannah Georgia

The Georgia Coast is calling – historic ports, towns rich in southern heritage and Georgia’s Atlantic shores.Getaway and relax in charming southern towns like Brunswick, Hinesville or Kingsland, or immerse yourself in Savannah’s cultural excitement. Stroll Old Town Brunswick past grand historic residences and Victorian era commercial buildings. Take a boat ride near Kingsland through the Okefenokee Swamp spotting alligators and wildlife along the way. Walk on Kingsland beaches where wild horses make their home. Visit Liberty County, home of Hinesville and Fort Stewart and the 3rd Infantry Division, and enjoy the raw natural beauty, history and heritage of Coastal Georgia.

The 30th Anniversary Savannah Jazz Festival is September 18th through 25th. The City of Savannah Cultural Affairs hosts the free event, welcoming all visitors. Enjoy Huxie Scott & Friends at Forsyth Park, a jam session with Teddy Adams or the Children’s Jazz Festival Sunday evening. Athletes; keep up your training and check November 5th on your calendars for the Rock n’ Roll Savannah Marathon and ½ Marathon. Power Balance is the 2011 sponsor of the weekend's Health and Fitness Expo showcasing over 60 exhibitors. The race starts at Bay Street, with the finish in Forsyth Park.

Visit the Georgia Historical Society Headquarters in Savannah for the exhibition “Conquered Banners: Georgia’s Civil War Flags”. Running through the end of 2011, this exhibit features rare flags made and carried during the Civil War. Oktoberfest comes to Savannah’s Riverfront September 30th through October 2nd. Don’t miss the Wiener Dog Races, while you enjoy German culture Savannah style – enjoy a variety of food and drinks and the fireworks spectacular as it lights up the river.

Fort Stewart and the Fort Stewart Museum are four miles west of Hinesville. The museum chronicles the founding and history of Fort Stewart including tanks, helicopters and uniforms along with photographs and programs of the 3rd Infantry Division and its home base. Hinesville hotels are a convenient and peaceful option for visitors to Fort Stewart. Check out the Best Western hotel west of Hinesville off EG Miles Parkway.

Kingsland is less than 40 miles north of Jacksonville Florida on the southern Georgia coast. A magnificent natural region filled with rivers and marshlands creating pristine habitat for wildlife. Labor Day is a great time for a visit to attend Georgia’s Annual Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival. September 3rd through the 5th brings a parade, concerts, exhibitions and southern fried catfish to Kingsland. Run the 5K, enjoy a pancake breakfast and bring the kids to enjoy the amusement area.

October brings Hay Days to St Mary’s near Kingsland. A three-week event, come enjoy the Scarecrow Stroll, hayrides down Main Street and collect treats from downtown shops. Stick around for another day to attend Kingsland Fall Festival on Monday October 31st. Come to Kingsville and St Mary’s for a safe and fun Halloween.

Atlanta Midtown

Atlanta and North Georgia are in full gear for fall. A season dominated by sports, downtown Atlanta’s Georgia Dome is filled with the excitement of Atlanta Falcons football through December. The NBA Atlanta Hawks and WNBA Atlanta Dream make Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta home. With the start of the NBA season pending,Hawks regular season is much anticipated, lasting through April. Atlanta, home to Georgia Tech, Emory University and Georgia State University, offers endless events and activities for college sports fans. The Georgia Dome hosts the post-season Chick-fil-A Bowl, pitting top teams from the ACC and SEC in a New Year's Eve match-up. Georgia is synonymous with sports.

Famous as the home of the University of Georgia and Georgia Bulldogs Athletics, Athens is 70-miles east of Atlanta. Arguably the biggest draw for fall visitors to Athens, Georgia Football is a passion. Join Hairy the Dawg to cheer on Bulldogs football through November 19th, the last home Eastern Conference game against Kentucky. The final 2011 game is November 26th against Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Arrive early for tailgating at Sanford Stadium, and make game day a full-day of fun.

The Georgia Museum of Art, located on the East Campus of University of Georgia in Athens, has several award-winning exhibits on its schedule. The recently expanded museum features four named Study Centers for the Humanities. The special exhibition “Introduction to the Centers” introduces three of the centers, including the CL Morehead Jr Center, the Pierre Daura Center and the Jacob Burns Foundation Center. “Introduction to the Centers” runs through November 20th.

The inaugural exhibit of GMOA’s Jane and Harry Wilson Sculpture Garden, “Horizons” runs through January 31st, 2012. Showcasing works by Icelandic artist Steinunn Porarinsdottir, this is a must-see exhibit for sculpture lovers and art enthusiasts. Atlanta artist Anthony Coicolea’s exhibition “snowscape” features a photo mural and video installation celebrating GMOAs reopening early this year. Be sure to visit Athens to see “snowscape” before it closes November 30th.

Rome’s Chieftains Museum located on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, is the former Major Ridge Home. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark, The Chieftains makes a wonderful holiday destination. Christmas at the Chieftains’ features trees throughout the home decorated in period style holiday finery. Visit the Chieftains and see visions of Christmases past, from the Victorian and Civil War eras through the 1950’s. A fun family activity for visitors to Rome, the 2011 Christmas at the Chieftains runs December 2nd through January 14th.

Football fans mark December 17th on your calendar for the 2011 Russell Athletic – NAIA, Football Championship hosted in Rome. Join the excitement of championship football at the 56th annual game at Barron Stadium with kick-off at 4:30 pm. Events the week prior to the game include the Champions of Character meet and greets at Rome and Floyd County schools and the Champions of Character Luncheon. Catch the teams in their practice sessions starting Wednesday, and arrive at the game early for tailgating at the Levee.