Visiting Atlanta and Northern Georgia

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.

Atlanta and Northern Georgia Hotel Map