As 2023 winds down, the Georgia office that promotes economic development has released a list of the 12 best trips to plan for 2024.
Explore Georgia, which is part of the state’s Department of Economic Development, released the list which is designed to give visitors a taste of all that Georgia has to offer.
“We look forward to building on our momentum in tourism to welcome new and returning travelers across Georgia,” the news release stated. “With nine visitor information centers and a statewide team of partners and businesses working to keep Georgia on everyone’s mind – and drive a key sector of the economy – the state is promoting the best vacations in 2024 to domestic and international consumers.”
The guide calls on tourists to “Take on Augusta’s Aquatic Adventures” and highlight the myriad water-based adventures on and around the Savannah River, Augusta Canal, and Clarks Hill Lake.
“If you like to keep it above the surface, you’ll love taking the Serene 18 Paddle Trail challenge (https://www.exploregeorgia.org/evans/outdoors-nature/trails-tours/serene18-paddle-trail), which invites you to paddle the Augusta Canal, the Savannah River and Clarks Hill Lake. If you can collect all five stamps on a souvenir passport along the trail, you’ll get a free T-shirt.”
The state also highlighted “for a guided float through areas of Columbia County, head to Stallings Island, where Cole Watkins Tours (https://www.exploregeorgia.org/martinez/water-sports-recreation/outfitters-equipment-guides-rentals/cole-watkins-kayak-tours) lead you to the best spots via kayak to see wild deer, otters and friendly donkeys, the latter of which you can stop and pet or take a selfie with.”
Fishermen can drop a line at the lake or in the river, but there is another option available at Mistletoe State Park in Appling (https://www.exploregeorgia.org/appling/outdoors-nature/fishing/mistletoe-state-park). The park also offers nature walks and concerts.
Landlubbers can find suggestions that keep them high and dry. One recommendation is for Augusta’s newest attraction, the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge which includes activities especially for children. That puts tourists just a quick walk to the Augusta Riverwalk (https://www.exploregeorgia.org/augusta/outdoors-nature/trails-tours/augusta-riverwalk) “where, along with the natural wonders of the Japanese Gardens, you’ll find weekly programming such as the Sunday Candlelight Jazz Series between May and August, and Saturday markets at the Eighth Street Plaza and Bulkhead,” the news release stated.
Food, lodging, and cocktails with a view round out the recommendations for Augusta with Cork and Flame, The Brunch House, and Edgar’s Above Broad restaurants getting the nod. Overnight visitors are directed to the historic Partridge Inn, with its rooftop bar.
Elsewhere around the state, there are recommendations directing sports lovers to Atlanta, home to professional baseball, basketball, football, and soccer. Film buffs are urged to explore some of the lesser-known TV and movie locations in Senoia, Conyers, and Covington.
Lovers of history are urged to, “Uncover Gullah Ogeechee Culture on Sapelo Island” where they’ll experience history and culture “including the Gullah Geechee — descendants of peoples from West Africa who were enslaved on cotton, sugarcane, indigo, and rice plantations. Admire baskets made of sweetgrass and other artifacts in the center’s interpretive exhibit on the Hog Hammock Gullah Geechee community.”
The complete list is available at: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/.
Travelers can also request the 2024 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide at: www.georgia.org/industries/georgia-tourism.
