Although we're pre-empted for our membership drive and GHSA Basketball in the coming weeks, some of your favorite Georgia Traveler episodes will be airing on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. This week it's Georgia Traveler Episode 207, the “Mid-Georgia Meander”. Here are some more details about the places we visit in this episode:
Food Find: Mom’s Kitchen (Plains)
Plains, Georgia is the home of former President Jimmy Carter. Most Sundays the people of Plains can find Mr. Carter teaching Sunday school. But after school is over you’ll usually find him at Mom’s Kitchen, which he brought to his home town by convincing the owner that she should open up a second location for her down home country cooking restaurant. Keely feels if it’s good enough for the President, then it’s good enough for her. They don’t have a website just yet, but you can find the Mom’s Kitchen in Plains at 203 E Church Street, Plains, GA 31780. They can be reached by phone at 229-824-5458.
Local Legend: Koinonia Farm (Americus)
Founded in 1942, Koinonia Farm is a Christian farming community that is also the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity. Persecuted in the 1950s and ‘60s for its commitment to brotherhood among all races, Koinonia has flourished into the present day. Pecans and chocolate are produced onsite, and members of the community also operate a bakery. Koinonia is a popular retreat for church groups, and people of all faiths are welcome.
Link: http://www.koinoniapartners.org/
Getaway: Little Ocmulgee State Park (McRae)
Known for its peaceful lodge and cottages near the lake, Little Ocmulgee State Park offers visitors lots of options when they come for a visit. David takes a canoe trip, and then brushes up on his golf game at the putt-putt course. The Wallace Adams Golf Course is located in the park, so David and pro, Don Gillis, take a few swings on the front nine. His golf game not withstanding, David has a great time, and you will too, when you visit Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge.
Link: http://www.gastateparks.org/info/liocmulgee/
Outdoor Activity: Altamaha River (Darien)
Known as the Little Amazon, the Altamaha River winds through middle Georgia all the way to the coast. Along with the owner of Southeast Adventure, Michael Gowen, Georgia Traveler explores this majestic wonder. With only a kayak and a sense of humor Phil tackles the Altamaha and all of its splendor. To set up your own trip or find out more information visit Southeast Adventure at their website at www.southeastadventure.com.
Family Fun: Vidalia Onion Festival (Vidalia)
Known for its famously sweet onions, Vidalia, Georgia is home to the only festival dedicated to our state vegetable, it’s the Vidalia Onion Festival! Phil and David take in all the sites, which include monster trucks, and the death-defying Black Daggers sky diving team. The smell of all those delicious onions in the air draws the guys to the onion eating contest and Phil is declared the winner (big surprise)! And David Zelski…well, he makes a good showing. The Vidalia Onion Festival is held every year near the end of April. Oh, and it’s pronounced “VI-DAY-YA!”
Link: http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com/
The Mid-Georgia Meander airs on GPB this Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30 PM.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
This Weekend in Georgia
It's the last weekend in February, the national Black History Month. If you haven't taken advantage of some of the great ways in Georgia to explore African American heritage this month, you have only a few days left. Here are some exhibits that might catch your interest:
Black Civil War Soldiers Exhibit
through Saturday, February 28
at the
Jefferson Davis Memorial State Historic Site in Fitzgerald, GA
Each February, this exhibit has artifacts added and the new display is available all month. The exhibit highlights the role of African-Americans during the Civil War. The exhibit is open from 9 AM - 5 PM daily. For more information, call 229-831-2335 or visit the website.
Waitin' on Roosevelt: the New Deal in the South
Black Civil War Soldiers Exhibit
through Saturday, February 28
at the
Jefferson Davis Memorial State Historic Site in Fitzgerald, GAEach February, this exhibit has artifacts added and the new display is available all month. The exhibit highlights the role of African-Americans during the Civil War. The exhibit is open from 9 AM - 5 PM daily. For more information, call 229-831-2335 or visit the website.
The Black West: Buffalo Soldiers, Black Cowboys and Untold Stories
through Saturday, February 28
at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville
Showcasing the work of 16 contemporary African American artists, this exhibition sh
eds new light on the important role blacks played in developing the West. In addition to the stories of black cowboys and buffalo soldiers, works of art will also feature black lawmen, explorers, rodeo stars and women. Participating artists include: Bernard Williams, Ed Dwight, Burl Washington, Eddie Dixon, Bobb Vann, Michael Godfrey and many others. For more information, check our their website. You can watch the Georgia Traveler segment about the Booth Western Art Museum by clicking here.
eds new light on the important role blacks played in developing the West. In addition to the stories of black cowboys and buffalo soldiers, works of art will also feature black lawmen, explorers, rodeo stars and women. Participating artists include: Bernard Williams, Ed Dwight, Burl Washington, Eddie Dixon, Bobb Vann, Michael Godfrey and many others. For more information, check our their website. You can watch the Georgia Traveler segment about the Booth Western Art Museum by clicking here.Waitin' on Roosevelt: the New Deal in the South
Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27
at Hickory Hill in Thomson, Georgia
Seventy-five years ago, President-elect Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered his first inaugural address to the American people. In the speech he laid out plans for economic recovery and creating jobs for the masses of skilled Americans now out of work. Those plans were called the 
first New Deal, and would be followed by successive programs until the advent of World War II made them irrelevant. The South did not embrace the New Deal, despite the incredible hardships suffered by Southerners during the Depression. Roosevelt brought his New Deal directly to Georgia with whistle stops in Gainesville and other towns hit hard by the economic depression. Today, we still live with remnants of the New Deal – Social Security, the AFL-CIO, and the REA. In recognition of the monumental public aid program, Hickory Hill presents the exhibit – Waitin’ on Roosevelt: the New Deal in the South. The exhibit and related programs align with the Georgia Performance Standards in Social Studies. For more information, check out this website.
first New Deal, and would be followed by successive programs until the advent of World War II made them irrelevant. The South did not embrace the New Deal, despite the incredible hardships suffered by Southerners during the Depression. Roosevelt brought his New Deal directly to Georgia with whistle stops in Gainesville and other towns hit hard by the economic depression. Today, we still live with remnants of the New Deal – Social Security, the AFL-CIO, and the REA. In recognition of the monumental public aid program, Hickory Hill presents the exhibit – Waitin’ on Roosevelt: the New Deal in the South. The exhibit and related programs align with the Georgia Performance Standards in Social Studies. For more information, check out this website.And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
Friday, February 20, 2009
This Weekend in Georgia
Like all weekends in Georgia, there are some great opportunities out there in our State. Check out these events:
Robert Burns Scottish Weekend, Friday-Sunday, February 20-22, 2009
Organizers tell us that this traditional program starts Friday with a Scottish Ceilidh Musical program beginning at 7pm and ending about 10pm or later with singing, performing musical instruments, reciting poetry, and food and drinks will be available for guests. On Saturday after a big breakfast together, field trips will be taken to the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin, NC, as well as other places like Highlands, Tallulah Falls, the John Campbell Folk School, and other places of interest. Upon returning to the Inn, guests will have a tasting of single malt Scotch whisky at 4pm followed by a traditional Burns Supper, Haggis Ceremony, and traditional toasts for all guests. On Sunday after breakfast, many guests will attend church services at Wiley Presbyterian and other churchs followed by the buffet lunch at the Old Clayton Inn and additional field trips in the area. Guests may stay over Sunday evening if they want at no additional charge. For more information, check out the Old Clayton Inn Website.
Old Clayton Inn in Clayton, GA
Organizers tell us that this traditional program starts Friday with a Scottish Ceilidh Musical program beginning at 7pm and ending about 10pm or later with singing, performing musical instruments, reciting poetry, and food and drinks will be available for guests. On Saturday after a big breakfast together, field trips will be taken to the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin, NC, as well as other places like Highlands, Tallulah Falls, the John Campbell Folk School, and other places of interest. Upon returning to the Inn, guests will have a tasting of single malt Scotch whisky at 4pm followed by a traditional Burns Supper, Haggis Ceremony, and traditional toasts for all guests. On Sunday after breakfast, many guests will attend church services at Wiley Presbyterian and other churchs followed by the buffet lunch at the Old Clayton Inn and additional field trips in the area. Guests may stay over Sunday evening if they want at no additional charge. For more information, check out the Old Clayton Inn Website.Mardi Gras on Tybee Island, Saturday-Sunday, February 21-22, 2009
Tybee Island, GA
Our friends down at "Savannah's Beach" are celebrating their first ever Mardi Gras Tybee! Festivities scheduled to take place on South Beach include a parade, costume contest, live entertainment, ball and more! For more info visit http://www.tybeefest.com/
Tutankhamun: The Golden King & the Great Pharaohs
Ongoing exhibit at the Atlanta Civic Center
The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University presents Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the
Great Pharaohs at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs features over 130 extraordinary objects including many from the reign of Tutankhamun, as well as treasures from the the most significant pharaohs who ruled the Nile throughout 2,000 years of history. This exhibition places Tutankhamun in the context of ancient Egyptian culture and focuses on the splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs, the significance of kingship to the ancient Egyptian people, and the intricate and symbolic ceremonies related to life and death in the palace. Viewers will get a sense of how life and art evolved over many generations in ancient Egypt. For more information, check out the website.
Great Pharaohs at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs features over 130 extraordinary objects including many from the reign of Tutankhamun, as well as treasures from the the most significant pharaohs who ruled the Nile throughout 2,000 years of history. This exhibition places Tutankhamun in the context of ancient Egyptian culture and focuses on the splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs, the significance of kingship to the ancient Egyptian people, and the intricate and symbolic ceremonies related to life and death in the palace. Viewers will get a sense of how life and art evolved over many generations in ancient Egypt. For more information, check out the website.And those are just a few of this weekend's highlights. For more information, check out the new http://www.exploregeorgia.org/ website!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
This Week: Navigating Northwest Georgia
On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, we're "Navigating Northwest Georgia" on U.S. 27 from Lookout Mountain to Carrollton. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Ringgold and sets off for the high-flying outdoor activity of hang gliding at Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Rising Fawn. Keely finds family fun at Zion Farms just outside Rome and a great getaway at the Hearn Academy Inn in Cave Spring. David finds food for the mind and body at the Corner Café and Horton’s Books in Carrollton and Phil uses his sacred harp while exploring the local legend of shape note singing.Georgia Traveler's Scenic Mountain Highways episode airs Friday, February 20 at 9 PM, Saturday, February 21 at 7 PM and Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 PM. You can also see this episode on GPB Knowledge Saturday, February 21 at 8 PM & Sunday, February 22 at 8 AM.
For more information, check out our website at:
http://www.gpb.org/gatraveler/
Friday, February 13, 2009
This Weekend in Georgia
Happy Valentine's Day, Georgia!
This weekend in Georgia, travel to Egypt and visit the tomb of the pharoah, Tutankhamun! Sound incredible? Photographs make it all possible! Emory University's Michael C. Carlos Museum in Atlanta is featuring an exhibit of photographs taken by Harry Burton during the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb; a process that took ten years! In addition to the photographs, the exhibit features explanation and interpretation of the early use of photography in archaeology, the career of Harry Burton, and the connection between these photographs and the infamous curse of Tutankhamun's tomb! Tours are available Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15 from 9 AM until 5 PM. Admission is a $7 donation. For more information, visit the Carlos Museum's website.
If you have an outdoor bent and you're looking for something a little different to do this
Valentine's Day weekend, the Bird Photo Contest at Crooked River State Park in St. Mary's will fit the bill! Running from Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16, visit the park and photograph blackbirds, herons, cardinals, and more of your favorite avian friends. Then enter the photo contest! There is a $3 parking fee. More information is available at Crooked River Creek State Park's website.
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For the space enthusiast, this weekend visit the Museum of Arts and Science in Macon, which is featuring Beyond: Visions of Planetary Landscapes. Raw data from the NASA archives and breathtaking photos from the Magellan, Voyager 1 and 2 probes and the Viking Landers are presented and give visitors the chance to see breathtaking images from space like they've never seen before! The Museum of Arts and Science is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, February 14, and 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, February 15. There is a small admission fee. For more information, click here!
And those are just a few of this weekend's highlights. For more information, check out the new http://www.exploregeorgia.org/ website!
This weekend in Georgia, travel to Egypt and visit the tomb of the pharoah, Tutankhamun! Sound incredible? Photographs make it all possible! Emory University's Michael C. Carlos Museum in Atlanta is featuring an exhibit of photographs taken by Harry Burton during the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb; a process that took ten years! In addition to the photographs, the exhibit features explanation and interpretation of the early use of photography in archaeology, the career of Harry Burton, and the connection between these photographs and the infamous curse of Tutankhamun's tomb! Tours are available Friday, February 13, Saturday, February 14, and Sunday, February 15 from 9 AM until 5 PM. Admission is a $7 donation. For more information, visit the Carlos Museum's website.
If you have an outdoor bent and you're looking for something a little different to do thisValentine's Day weekend, the Bird Photo Contest at Crooked River State Park in St. Mary's will fit the bill! Running from Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16, visit the park and photograph blackbirds, herons, cardinals, and more of your favorite avian friends. Then enter the photo contest! There is a $3 parking fee. More information is available at Crooked River Creek State Park's website.
.jpg)
For the space enthusiast, this weekend visit the Museum of Arts and Science in Macon, which is featuring Beyond: Visions of Planetary Landscapes. Raw data from the NASA archives and breathtaking photos from the Magellan, Voyager 1 and 2 probes and the Viking Landers are presented and give visitors the chance to see breathtaking images from space like they've never seen before! The Museum of Arts and Science is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, February 14, and 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday, February 15. There is a small admission fee. For more information, click here!And those are just a few of this weekend's highlights. For more information, check out the new http://www.exploregeorgia.org/ website!
This Week: Scenic Mountain Highway
On this weeks episode of Georgia Traveler, were exploring "Scenic Mountain Highways U.S. 76 and 19, Georgia 180 and 75. David gets away to the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area near Helen and Keely hikes a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Our tallest talent meets Georgias tallest point when Phil visits the legendary Brasstown Bald. Keely finds down home food at Mary Anns Country Kitchen in Young Harris and the trio has family fun at the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee.Georgia Traveler's Scenic Mountain Highways episode airs Friday, February 13 at 9 PM, Saturday, February 14 at 7 PM and Wednesday, February 18 at 7:30 PM. You can also see this episode on GPB Knowledge Saturday, February 14 at 8 PM & Sunday, February 15 at 8 AM.
For more information, check out our website at:
http://www.gpb.org/gatraveler/
Friday, February 6, 2009
This Week: Coast North (Savannah)
On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, it’s off to Georgia’s historic northern coast. Georgia’s First City of Savannah is our destination. We visit the First African Baptist Church, a place of worship dating back to the late 1700s. Enter the world of uppercrust 19th Century Savannah and tour the beautiful home of Scottish cotton merchant Andrew Low. David Zelski gets some much needed therapy from Spy the Ox at the Melon Bluff Nature Preserve and Palmyra Plantation. Explore Fort Pulaski on Cockspur Island and Fort McAllister in Richmond Hill, two forts that both had roles in protecting Georgia’s coast during wartime. And Phil Proctor learns to make gourmet Shrimp, Greens and Grits at Belford’s in Savannah’s City Market.
First African Baptist Church
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the First African Baptist Church has a rich history, but it is also home to a dynamic fellowship and active congregation. If you like gospel music, visitors are always welcome during Sunday morning worship services. Be sure and see the underground railroad tunnels, the stained glass in the sanctuary and the Church museum.
Official website http://www.firstafricanbc.org/index.shtml
Belford’s
Located in Savannah’s City Market, Belford’s restaurant serves breakfast (Monday-Saturday), lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. As Phil and Gerald discovered, the Shrimp, Greens and Grits are delicious. Intrigued with this innovative take on a traditional dish, the Traveler team returned for dinner and were delighted with the fabulous cuisine. Just thinking about the Filet Mignon with béarnaise sauce is enough to make our mouths water! You can check out their menu online.
Official website http://www.belfordssavannah.com/index.html
Andrew Low House
From 1849 until 1927, Andrew Low, his family and descendants occupied this elegant home on LaFayette Square in Savannah. Andrew’s son William inherited the house upon his death in 1886. That same year he married Juliette Gordon, who in 1912 would create the group that would later become known as the Girl Scouts of America. You can read all about the family’s history on this website, but there is no substitute for visiting the Andrew Low House in person. Tours led by professional docents are offered daily except Thursdays, when the house is closed.
Official website http://www.andrewlowhouse.com/
Fort Pulaski
You can find out all about the Fort Pulaski National Monument on Cockspur Island at this official National Park Service website. For history buffs, there is a link on the website to the Official Park Handbook that chronicles Cockspur Island’s history from 1733 through post-1865 resortation efforts.
Official website http://www.nps.gov/fopu/
Fort McAllister
Visit the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website to find out more about Fort McAllister Historic Park in Richmond Hill. A really unique feature about McAllister is that not only is it a Historic Site, it’s a State Park too. That means there are cottages or tent, RV or trailer campsites that you can reserve if you’re planning a trip. They have a fishing pier and boat ramps. For those who prefer to rough it, they have Pioneer campsites too.
Official website http://gastateparks.org/info/ftmcallister/
Melon Bluff Nature Preserve and Palmyra Plantation
If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful break from the world, explore the Melon Bluff Nature Preserve and nearby Palmyra Plantation. David and Phil certainly enjoyed their stay at the Palmyra Plantation Barn and there are many options for the nature lover in you.
Official website http://www.melonbluff.com/
Georgia Traveler Episode 102 - Coast North (Savannah) airs tonight at 9 PM, tomorrow at 7 PM and Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 PM on GPB television.
Georgia Traveler Episode 102 - Coast North (Savannah) also airs on GPB Knowledge on Saturday, February 6 at 8 PM and Sunday, February 7 at 8 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
First African Baptist Church
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the First African Baptist Church has a rich history, but it is also home to a dynamic fellowship and active congregation. If you like gospel music, visitors are always welcome during Sunday morning worship services. Be sure and see the underground railroad tunnels, the stained glass in the sanctuary and the Church museum.
Official website http://www.firstafricanbc.org/index.shtml
Belford’s
Located in Savannah’s City Market, Belford’s restaurant serves breakfast (Monday-Saturday), lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. As Phil and Gerald discovered, the Shrimp, Greens and Grits are delicious. Intrigued with this innovative take on a traditional dish, the Traveler team returned for dinner and were delighted with the fabulous cuisine. Just thinking about the Filet Mignon with béarnaise sauce is enough to make our mouths water! You can check out their menu online.
Official website http://www.belfordssavannah.com/index.html
Andrew Low House
From 1849 until 1927, Andrew Low, his family and descendants occupied this elegant home on LaFayette Square in Savannah. Andrew’s son William inherited the house upon his death in 1886. That same year he married Juliette Gordon, who in 1912 would create the group that would later become known as the Girl Scouts of America. You can read all about the family’s history on this website, but there is no substitute for visiting the Andrew Low House in person. Tours led by professional docents are offered daily except Thursdays, when the house is closed.
Official website http://www.andrewlowhouse.com/
Fort Pulaski
You can find out all about the Fort Pulaski National Monument on Cockspur Island at this official National Park Service website. For history buffs, there is a link on the website to the Official Park Handbook that chronicles Cockspur Island’s history from 1733 through post-1865 resortation efforts.
Official website http://www.nps.gov/fopu/
Fort McAllister
Visit the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website to find out more about Fort McAllister Historic Park in Richmond Hill. A really unique feature about McAllister is that not only is it a Historic Site, it’s a State Park too. That means there are cottages or tent, RV or trailer campsites that you can reserve if you’re planning a trip. They have a fishing pier and boat ramps. For those who prefer to rough it, they have Pioneer campsites too.
Official website http://gastateparks.org/info/ftmcallister/
Melon Bluff Nature Preserve and Palmyra Plantation
If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful break from the world, explore the Melon Bluff Nature Preserve and nearby Palmyra Plantation. David and Phil certainly enjoyed their stay at the Palmyra Plantation Barn and there are many options for the nature lover in you.
Official website http://www.melonbluff.com/
Georgia Traveler Episode 102 - Coast North (Savannah) airs tonight at 9 PM, tomorrow at 7 PM and Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 PM on GPB television.
Georgia Traveler Episode 102 - Coast North (Savannah) also airs on GPB Knowledge on Saturday, February 6 at 8 PM and Sunday, February 7 at 8 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.
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