season2

Join Keely, Phil and David for a special episode of Georgia Traveler featuring some of our favorite stories from the second season. We celebrate the different ways we have explored the State by bringing you a Food Find, an Outdoor Activity, Family Fun, a Local Legend and a Getaway.

Local Legend: Chattooga River (Clayton) – Watch This Segment Online
Paddles, rafts, and a boat full of fun, that is how the Georgia Traveler team explores this local legend. As one of the first streams added to the National Wild and Scenic River System, the Chattooga River was the site for the filming of the movie Deliverance. The team travels down the river to unlock its secrets and discover an adventure that would leave them screaming for more. To plan your own trip or find out more history about the Chattooga River visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s website at www.noc.com.

Food Find: Sweet Grass Dairy (Thomasville) – Watch This Segment Online
On a back-roads cheese run David stumbles across Sweet Grass Dairy, home of the best cheese anywhere! The 140-acre farm is family-owned and operated and is home to dozens of contented goats who are more than happy to give up their milk to make delicious gourmet cheese. To that end, David tries a hand a milking, and enjoys a tasty treat of fresh goat’s milk. The goats seem happy to have a new friend, so happy they almost didn’t let David leave! www.sweetgrassdairy.com

Outdoor Activity: Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding (Rising Fawn) – Watch This Segment Online
They’ve been teaching folks to hang glide since 1978 out at the Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Rising Fawn, so, what better place for our hosts to take the leap? Well, actually, Keely and David we towed up by an ultralight for their tandem flights with Instructor Dan Zink. If you’re interested in a similar hang gliding experience, what we did is called the “Discovery Tandem Flight. Check out their website to find out more. www.hanglide.com

Family Fun: Wild Adventures (Valdosta) – Watch This Segment Online
"Part theme park, part zoo, and 100 percent fun" aptly describes Valdosta’s Wild Adventures theme park. The whole Traveler crew takes a break from the road to relax and have some fun at the park. Keely and Tuesday visit Bugsville, the part of the park especially for kids, while David dives into Splash Island and Phil finds some scaly friends at the exhibit called Fangs. Anyone taking bets on who wins the Georgia Traveler Coaster Challenge? Hint: it’s not David Zelski! www.wildadventures.net

Getaway: The King & Prince Resort (St. Simon's) – Watch This Segment Online
The Traveler Trio takes a break from the daily grind of bringing you fun things to do and see, and kicks back at the King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island. Founded as a dance club in 1935, the King and Prince is on the National Registry of Historic Places. David and Phil squeeze in 18 holes at the resort’s own golf course. They find out it takes a little teamwork. Keely hangs back at the beach with her daughter, Tuesday, showing you don’t have to work yourself to death to have a good time! After spending a few days relaxing at the resort, eating amazing breakfasts in the Delegal Dining Room, playing the links, and hanging out by the pool, the guys are ready for their next set of adventures! www.kingandprince.com

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On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore Georgia 520, known as Corridor Z, from Albany to St. Simons Island. David enjoys the family fun at the Parks at Chehaw while Phil finds great food at Jimmie’s Hotdogs, both in Albany. We explore the local legend of Hogzilla in Alapaha and Keely takes Phil on a canoe ride through the Okefenokee Swamp. The whole team “coasts” to a stop and experiences fabulous luxury at The King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island.

Family Fun: The Parks at Chehaw (Albany) – Watch This Segment Online
While traveling down Corridor Z, our own Z Man, David Zelski, stops off to see some great wildlife at the Parks at Chehaw. Home to such exotic species as the black rhinoceros, the wild cheetah, and even the blue tongue skink, the Parks at Chehaw boasts the state’s most impressive collection of animals from all over the world. Jim Fowler of Wild Kingdom fame had a hand in the design of the zoo, and David takes a hand cleaning up W’s mess, which is followed naturally by a ride on the Wiregrass Express.

Food Find: Jimmie’s Hotdogs (Albany) – Watch This Segment Online
If you find yourself in Albany and have a hankering for some hotdogs, the best course of action is to pull over and make a stop at Jimmie’s Hotdogs. Cheese, chili, onions, whatever your heart desires on your dogs, Jimmie’s has it, along with their custom of no seats inside the restaurant. Jimmie’s has been around since 1947, and with such a long tradition in serving up wieners, they’ve got to be doing something right! Rumor has it Jimmie’s serves up to 2,000 hotdogs a day. Well, that’s before they met our Phil Proctor. Following Phil’s visit, we think that number has significantly increased. www.albany.ga.us

Local Legends: Hogzilla (Alapaha) – Watch This Segment Online
Stories have come have through the ages of great tusked-beasts who leave nothing but a path of death and destruction in their wake. One such story was uncovered by our supernatural correspondent, David Zelski. Come with us on a journey into the macabre world of giant killer hogs! The Hogzilla legend has its birth at River Oaks Plantation and Ken’s Fish Farm in Alapaha, Georgia. Owner, Ken Holyoak says the legendary hog had 20-inch tusks, and its head weighed over 100 pounds. David tries to get to the bottom of the mystery, and in the process stumbles upon Hollywood’s own take on the tusked-terror! www.kens-fishfarm.com

Outdoor Activity: Canoeing the Okefenokee Swamp (Fargo) – Watch This Segment Online
Keely and Phil hook up with Okefenokee Adventures and set out on a canoe adventure through the Okefenokee Swamp. The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is a four hundred thousand acre wilderness in the southeast corner of Georgia. It’s some of the wildest terrain in the United States. This is Phil’s first time through the swamp, and for a guy from the city, canoeing the six miles to Coffee Bay Shelter was some experience! After a lunch break and a little relaxation, it’s time to canoe the six miles back. In a 12-mile canoe trip, team work is important, and Keely and Phil soon find their respective places on the team! Stroke, stroke! www.okefenokeeadventures.com and www.fws.gov/okefenokee

Getaway: The King & Prince Resort (St. Simon's) – Watch This Segment Online
The Traveler Trio takes a break from the daily grind of bringing you fun things to do and see, and kicks back at the King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island. Founded as a dance club in 1935, the King and Prince is on the National Registry of Historic Places. David and Phil squeeze in 18 holes at the resort’s own golf course. They find out it takes a little teamwork. Keely hangs back at the beach with her daughter, Tuesday, showing you don’t have to work yourself to death to have a good time! After spending a few days relaxing at the resort, eating amazing breakfasts in the Delegal Dining Room, playing the links, and hanging out by the pool, the guys are ready for their next set of adventures! www.kingandprince.com

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On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we’re on a "Southeast Georgia Sojourn" exploring Georgia 40 from St. Mary’s to Folkston. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Kingsland/St. Mary’s and heads for the beauty of the Cumberland Island National Seashore. Keely goes sea kayaking and David gets away to the Greyfield Inn. Phil finds fantastic food shore-side at Lang's Marina Restaurant in St. Mary’s and joins David for the family fun of the Catfish Festival in Kingsland. Keely's on the right track when she wraps up this show from the Folkston Funnel, a legendary train watching platform.

Outdoor Activity: Sea Kayaking (Cumberland Island) – Watch This Segment Online
Sea kayaking is a great way to burn some calories and see a unique part of Georgia along the way. After getting her gear and guide at Up the Creek Expeditions in St. Mary’s, Keely sets out on a kayaking expedition to Cumberland Island. Upon arriving on Cumberland, Keely sets out for the plum orchards, and sneaks a quick peak at the 1898 Carnegie mansion, which is slated to open to the public soon. www.nps.gov

Getaway: Greyfield Inn (Cumberland Island) – Watch This Segment Online
On recommendation from Keely, David seeks out another famous house on the island, Greyfield Inn. Operated as a resort since the 1960s, Greyfield offers visitors a spectacular stay in a fairy tale setting. Not to be missed are the wild horses that inhabit Cumberland Island. The first horses to set foot on Cumberland were brought by the Spanish in the 1500s, but were later removed. The current equine residents are descendents of horses that came with the Carnegies in the 19th Century. The folks at Greyfield hope that visitors leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, and David certainly attests to that! www.greyfieldinn.com

Food Find: Lang's Marina Seafood (St. Mary's) – Watch This Segment Online
Seafood rules on the Georgia coast, and when you’re in St. Mary’s, seafood means one thing—Lang’s Marina Restaurant. The Lang family’s history in the seafood business stretches over a hundred years, and the Lang’s Marina Restaurant has been the premiere place for great eating for about a decade. Aside from being purveyors of legendary shrimp, the Lang family operates the ferry boat service on the island, a private charter, and owns the two marinas. When Phil found out about their all you can eat specials, we couldn’t keep him away, and it looks like he’s not the only one with that idea, so come early! Lang’s Marina is located at 307 West St. Mary’s Street, in St. Mary’s, Georgia. Give ‘em a call at (912) 882-4432. www.ci.st-marys.ga.us

Family Fun: Kingsland Catfish Festival (Kingsland) – Watch This Segment Online
Down in Kingsland there’s only one thing to do every Labor Day, and that’s hang out at the Kingsland Catfish Festival! Phil and David drop in on the festival and chat with Kingsley the Lion and Cecil the Catfish. The two warring mascots duke it out while our hosts check out all the things to do and see. The most important thing at a catfish festival is the catfish, of course, and David and Phil pile their plates high. Watch out, David, Phil’s got his eye on your plate! There’s music, food, and fun with furry friends at the Kingsland Catfish Festival! www.kingslandcatfishfestival.com

Local Legend: Folkston Trains (Folkston) – Watch This Segment Online
In Folkston, Georgia, train spotting is serious business. So serious, in fact, that the town erected a pavilion along the tracks, called the Folkston Funnel, so that locals and visitors alike can have a special place to watch the trains. The reason for all the excitement is because Folkston lies between two major rail hubs, Waycross and Jacksonville. Keely’s on the trail of these lumbering locomotives, and stops off at the Folkston Funnel to chat with the experts. Good-natured arguments are all part of the fun here, so whether you want to argue over how giraffes fit onto circus trains or why molten sulfur is transported the way it is, put on your engineer’s cap, don a bandanna, and head on down to Folkston. All aboard!

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On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we we’re on a "Georgia Foothills Journey", exploring U.S. Interstate 575 from Jasper to Cartersville. Phil goes on a getaway to the Woodbridge Inn Restaurant and Lodge in Jasper while Keely discovers the local legend of the Tate House. Two Brothers Barbeque in Ball Ground serves up some fine food for Phil and David experiences family fun at the Archeology Day and Iron Pour at Red Top Mountain State Park. Keely and Phil enjoy all kinds of water sports at Lake Allatoona, with some help from a new friend at Paradise Boat Rental at Park Marina.

Getaway: Woodbridge Inn and Lodge (Jasper) – Watch This Segment Online
Tucked away in the north Georgia foothills of Jasper, the Woodbridge Inn Restaurant and Lodge serves up some of the finest food and hospitality this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. Owner Joe Rueffert takes great pride in the satisfaction of his guests. Originally the 19th Century Lenning Hotel, the Woodbridge Inn was purchased by Joe and Brenda Rueffert in 1967. They have established a reputation for great cuisine and friendly service. The restaurant is open every day except Monday, and the Woodbridge features 18 guest rooms. So if you’re looking for a great getaway on an empty stomach, stop in and pay Joe and Brenda Rueffert a visit. And while you’re there, be sure and ask Joe about his favorite pastime…it’s MARBLEOUS! www.jasper-ga.us and www.woodbridgeinn.net

Local Legend: Tate House (Tate) – Watch This Segment Online
Pickens County is home to some of the best marble in the United States, and the Tate family has been involved in the marble business since the 1850s. The Tates founded the Georgia Marble Company, and supplied marble for the Lincoln Memorial, the New York Stock Exchange, and Atlanta’s Emory University. Keely visits the Tate House, built by Sam Tate out of native Georgia Etowah marble, and discovers the inherent beauty of this Georgia stone. Today the home remains a favorite spot for weddings and special events. www.pickenscountyga.gov and www.tatehouse.com

Food Find: Two Brothers Barbeque (Ball Ground) – Watch This Segment Online
When Phil and David run out of gas on a back road in Ball Ground, they stumble upon some good eating at a place called Two Brothers Barbeque! Although David runs ahead to left the staff know that Phil’s coming, they have no trouble feeding our Food Finder. Two Brothers was founded in 1976 when Ken and Grady converted their father’s store into a finger-licking good barbeque stop. Two Brothers has all the classic cuisine you would expect: pulled pork, ribs, baked beans, French fries, and, yes, even cole slaw. Move over, Phil! Two Brothers doesn’t have a website, but you can call them at (770) 735-2900. They’re located at 1695 Old Canton Road in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Family Fun: Archeology Day & Iron Pour at Red Top Mountain (Cartersville) – Watch This Segment Online
David visits the Archeology Day and Iron Pour at Red Top Mountain State Park. Here in Cartersville, there’s lots of iron ore in the ground, which made the area attractive to the iron industry after 1840. Visitors to the Iron Pour can carve their own iron works of art in sandstone in reverse! The molds are then filled with molten iron that retains the image or words that were carved. David finds his artistic side with a smokin’ Georgia Peach! www.gastateparks.org

Outdoor Activity: Lake Allatoona Water Sports (Cartersville) – Watch This Segment Online
Looking for some fun in the summer sun, Keely and Phil head out to the water on Lake Allatoona. They hook up with Scott from Paradise Rental Boats and get wet and wild! Keely first tries her hand at waterskiing, and after a few tries gets up on her feet. Meanwhile Phil goes in for some personal power on a personal water craft. Watch out, Keely! Keely and Phil remind you that on the water, safety always comes first, but be sure and have a good time…our crew sure did! www.parkmarine.com

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On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore U.S. 41 from Macon to Cordele. The nation's first planned highway, U.S. 41 is often referred to as the "Old Dixie Highway". The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Macon and David sets off for fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café in Juliette. Phil celebrates the state fruit at the Peach Festival in Fort Valley while Keely shoots skeet on her getaway to Henderson Village in Perry. Everyone joins in the outdoor activity of golfing at Lake Blackshear in Cordele and David dives into the local legend of the Grit in Warwick.

Food Find: Whistle Stop Café (Juliette) – Watch This Segment Online
Georgia’s own little taste of Hollywood is in Juliette, home of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. Converted from an old country store into the now famous restaurant for the movie, the Whistle Stop Café attracts folks from all over anxious to try the fabled Fried Green Tomatoes. While visiting, David gets behind the counter and takes a stab at being a short order cook, but he decides to leave it to the professionals. The next time you’re walking along the tracks, stop off in Juliette and the Whistle Stop Café. And remember, the secret’s in the sauce!

Family Fun: Peach Festival (Fort Valley) – Watch This Segment Online
Georgia may be the Peach State, but there’s one place where the Peach is really king, it’s in Peach County, home of the Peach Festival! Phil takes the opportunity of a visit from the state’s greatest tourism show to the state’s greatest fruit to find great things to eat. And in a festival devoted to peaches, he didn’t have to look far: the Peach Festival is home to the world’s largest peach cobbler! Measuring five feet by eleven feet, and eight inches deep, this confection feeds Phil with just enough left over for the rest of the fair patrons! From the Peach Festival, visitors can take the free shuttle out to the Lane Packing Company, and see just how peaches are grown and turned into, among other things, delicious peach ice cream. If you’re like Phil, the experience will leave you debating the age-old question: peach or peach ice cream??? www.gapeachfestival.com

Getaway: Henderson Village (Perry) – Watch This Segment Online
Keely takes a step back in time when she visits Henderson Village, a bed and breakfast resort made up of an array of historic 19th Century buildings. Situated on 19 acres, Henderson Village features cozy rooms, fine dining, beautiful gardens, and a 3200-acre hunting preserve. Keely shoulders her firearm and snags a few clays before deciding she’s more into the quiet and peaceful side of Henderson Village. Whatever your interest, Henderson Village has got it. www.hendersonvillage.com

Outdoor Activity: Georgia Veterans State Park (Cordele) – Watch This Segment Online
When our Traveler crew pulled up at Lake Blackshear Golf Course at Georgia Veterans State Park, some thought the Three Stooges had arrived. Instead of Larry, Moe, and Curly, it was Keely, Phil, and David, but the hilarious hijinks were on a roll. Join the Traveler Trio as they show their golf skills, or lack thereof, and have a great time putting around at Lake Blackshear Golf Course. www.lakeblackshearresort.com and www.gastateparks.org

Local Legend: Grits Festival (Warwick) – Watch This Segment Online
"You can eat it with butter, you can eat it with cheese, you can eat it any time with any old thing you please. As long as it’s grits, baby!" Every year in Warwick, the Grits Capital of the World, grits lovers from all over come down to take part in the Grits Festival. Our David Zelski meets up with such local notables as Granny Grits, Mike McDaniel, who came in first place in the Grits Eating Contest, and even the Grits Queen. By the end of the day, David finds himself submerged in a vat of grits. The only things that were missing were the butter and cheese! www.gritsfest.com

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On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're exploring "Pine Mountain Passages" in west Georgia. Keely and Phil begin with a great getaway to Callaway Gardens and enjoy gardens, golf and the new lodge and spa. David meets a new species of friend at the Wild Animal Safari and Keely hikes the Pine Mountain Trail. Phil finds fantastic food at the Bulloch House and David takes a legendary swim in Warm Springs.

Getaway: Callaway Gardens (Pine Mountain) – Watch This Segment Online
Callaway Gardens features a vast array of things to do and see, and Keely and Phil jump right into fray. Keely gets a massage in the spa, and Phil explores his feminine side with a manicure. The golf course at Callaway is legendary, and Phil doesn’t lose anytime getting acquainted with it. After a refreshing round of golf, it’s off to the Day Butterfly Center, a glass conservatory with over 1000 butterflies in free flight at all times. Always a sport, outdoors expert Keely challenges Phil to identify as many winged friends as they can. Competition may be fierce, but there’s always time to relax at Callaway Gardens! www.callawaygardens.com

Family Fun: Wild Animal Safari (Pine Mountain) – Watch This Segment Online
Lions, tigers, and ze-donks; oh, my! That’s right, Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain features some of the wildest animals you’ve ever seen. David Zelski takes a safari deep into west Georgia and discovers some pretty peculiar quadrupeds. Take Too Tall, the only giraffe we know of with a personal bodyguard! Or how about the ligers? Papa was a lion; mama was a tiger. Seriously. Whatever combination you’re looking for, Wild Animal Safari probably has it. Even the dreaded girocadile! www.animalsafari.com

Outdoor Activity: Pine Mountain Hiking Trail (Pine Mountain) – Watch This Segment Online
The Pine Mountain Hiking Trail begins in FDR State Park, one of the oldest and largest state parks in Georgia. Accessibility to the trail is key, and several parking lots are located along the length of it to facilitate long hikes or short loops. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, himself, helped to supervise the construction of FDR State Park as a project of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This historic park features the famous Liberty Bell Pool as well as Dowdell’s Knob, FDR’s favorite picnic spot, overlooking the gorgeous valley below. Join Keely as she hikes the trail and discovers what made FDR fall in love with this part of Georgia. www.pinemountaintrail.org and www.gastateparks.org

Food Find: Bulloch House (Warm Springs) – Watch This Segment Online
"They come here to visit the Little White House, and they come and eat with us." The Bulloch House is famous for serving up the tastiest Southern cuisine around, and co-host Phil Proctor takes his place at the buffet to see how it’s all done. Converted from a historic home into a fine restaurant, the Bulloch House’s success is attributed to its staff. Come along as Phil tastes some delicious food and discovers the legend of the Pulley Bone! The folks at the Bulloch House don’t have a website but you can call them at (706) 655-9068. They’re located at 47 Bulloch St on GA Hwy 41 in Warm Springs, GA.

Local Legend: Dip Into the Past (Warm Springs) – Watch This Segment Online
Warm Springs is home to the Little White House, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s vacation home. FDR’s battle with polio led him to the area, and he found the fresh spring water beneficial to his paralysis. He established the Warm Springs Institute here to treat patients with polio and other diseases. David visits “Dip Into the Past,” an event that opens the original spring water pools that the president and patients used to visitors. He also stops off at the Institute to see the “Whatever Happened to Polio” exhibit. With the natural beauty of the pools and the smiling faces of the locals, it’s easy to see why Georgia’s favorite president loved this area so much. www.warmspringsga.com, www.gastateparks.org, and www.rooseveltrehab.org

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This Wednesday, December 12 at 8 PM, you have a chance to show your support for GPB's original productions during our membership drive. Tune in for "Mountains to the Coast: A Georgia Traveler Special" and become a member during this one hour special presentation. Co-hosts Keely Muse and David Zelski will be joined in studio by Gerald Bryant as we bring you highlights of our first two seasons from two of our State's most popular destinations, the mountains and the coast. To the north, we'll explore the Chattooga River, the Blue Ridge Railway, hang gliding at Lookout Mountain and the serenity of the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area. On the coast, it's adventures on Sapelo, Jekyll and Tybee Islands and Brunswick, gateway to the Golden Isles. Be sure and tune in! If you have plans to support GPB during this membership campaign, please call during "Mountains to the Coast: A Georgia Traveler Special" this Wednesday, December 12 from 8 to 9 PM.

Chattooga River (Clayton) – Watch This Segment Online
Paddles, rafts, and a boat full of fun, that is how the Georgia Traveler team explores this local legend. As one of the first streams added to the National Wild and Scenic River System, the Chattooga River was the site for the filming of the movie Deliverance. The team travels down the river to unlock its secrets and discover an adventure that would leave them screaming for more. To plan your own trip or find out more history about the Chattooga River visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s website at www.noc.com.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Blue Ridge) – Watch This Segment Online
All Aboard for mountain fun! The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway takes you back in time to the heyday of passenger rail cars. You’ll discover local history and beautiful views as you wind your way 13 miles north of Blue Ridge to McCaysville, Georgia-Copper Hill, Tennessee community. After an hour and half to shop and eat in McCaysville area, the excursion train brings you back to Blue Ridge. The whole outing takes about 3 ½ hours and trips are available most days April through December. www.brscenic.com

Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding (Rising Fawn) – Watch This Segment Online
They’ve been teaching folks to hang glide since 1978 out at the Lookout Mountain Flight Park in Rising Fawn, so, what better place for our hosts to take the leap? Well, actually, Keely and David we towed up by an ultralight for their tandem flights with Instructor Dan Zink. If you’re interested in a similar hang gliding experience, what we did is called the “Discovery Tandem Flight. Check out their website to find out more. www.hanglide.com

Smithgall Woods and Duke’s Creek (Helen) – Watch This Segment Online
At 6000 acres of pristine forest and recreation area, Smithgall Woods is the second largest state park in Georgia. Donated to the state in 1994 by Charles Smithgall, Smithgall Woods is the perfect spot to get away from it all. Visitors can enjoy hunting, overnight stays, take part in the Master Naturalist program, or, as David Zelski discovers, you just might catch a big one in Duke’s Creek! www.gastateparks.org

Sapelo Island – Watch This Segment Online
Sapelo Island is a beautiful and well conserved example of a barrier island. But most important for the traveler, reservations are required for a visit to the island itself. Every trip to Sapelo begins and ends the same way – on a ferry. The Sapelo ferry and visitor center operated by Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites are located in Meridian, 8 miles northeast of Darien. The Reynolds Mansion, home of R.J. Reynolds, the last private owner of the island, is available for group retreats. Check out the website for details. Accommodations are also available in the last intact Geechee community on the Georgia coast, Hog Hammock. www.gastateparks.org/net and www.georgia.org/Travel

Jekyll Island Club Hotel (Jekyll Island) – Watch This Segment Online
The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is the island’s only four star resort and National Historic Landmark. The Georgia Traveler team certainly enjoyed our stay and relished some extraordinary food in the Grand Dining Room as well. Rest assured, if David is coordinated enough to ride a bike around the island, we think you can too. www.jekyllclub.com

Paddle Surfing (Tybee Island) – Watch This Segment Online
Paddle surfing, or stand-up paddle boarding, may be a new to Georgia, but it is an ancient Hawaiian sport. Co-host Keely Muse got a lesson from Tim Malins of the High Tide Surf Shop on Tybee Island. Tim also gave us a fantastic Kite Surfing demonstration. Less than 30 miles from US 17, Tybee is known as "Savannah's Beach". It’s a great public beach and welcoming island- be sure and check out the black and white lighthouse, and the breakfast can’t be beat at the locally famous Breakfast Club. The restaurant, located at the corner of Butler Street (US 80) and 15th is only open from 6:30am to 12:30pm, so get there early! www.hightidesurfshop.com and tybeelighthouse.org

Brunswick Stewbilee (Brunswick) – Watch This Segment Online
Stew lovers, you just can’t miss the Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee! This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, October 14 at the Mary Ross Waterfront Park. You can find more details on the official website- including registration information for any stew crew hopefuls. “Stew Daddy” Ron Adams tells us that if you think you make the best Brunswick stew, you can enter, there are still slots available! Last year there were 51 teams in the competition and we did our level best to taste every stew. We challenge you to do the same. www.brunswickstewbilee.com

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Georgia Traveler Episode 201 – "Coasting Along the Atlantic"

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're "Coasting Along the Atlantic", exploring U.S. 17 from Savannah to Darien. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors' Information Center just outside Savannah and sets off. Phil finds fantastic food at the famous Lady and Sons while David discovers local legends and haunting fun on Savannah’s Ghosts and Gravestones tour. Keely tries a new outdoor activity on Tybee Island with the help of the High Tide Surf Shop and later joins Phil on a getaway to the community of Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island. Our last stop: family fun at the Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Darien.

Food Find: The Lady & Sons (Savannah) – Watch This Segment Online
What can you say about a down home Southern place that has become a legend in its own time? The Lady is the one and only Paula Deen and the Sons are her sons, Jamie and Bobby. You can read all about the family on The Lady and Sons website. True to their excellent upbringing, the Sons were the consummate hosts for our co-host, Phil Proctor. And the crew was treated like family too – we just can’t say enough about our new friends at The Lady and Sons. Lunch or dinner – it’s outstanding fare, but be prepared to be out standing in line until Jellyroll rings the triangle announcing meal time. The line for lunch forms at 9:30 in the morning! The restaurant doesn’t take reservations except on certain dates. Check out their website to be sure.

Local Legend: Ghosts & Gravestones Tour (Savannah) – Watch This Segment Online
If you enjoy ghost stories, try riding the "trolley of the doomed" in Savannah. Billed as a "frightseeing" experience, the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour is offered after dark in America’s most haunted city. Operated by Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah, the tour usually starts at 7pm, but be sure and check their website, or call for details. The tales told by the "gravediggers" are drawn from nearly 300 years of Savannah's history. Although travelers of all ages are welcome, the tour is not recommended for young children. It’s scary!

Outdoor Activity: Paddle Surfing (Tybee Island) – Watch This Segment Online
Paddle surfing, or stand-up paddle boarding, may be new to Georgia, but it is an ancient Hawaiian sport. Co-host Keely Muse got a lesson from Tim Malins of the High Tide Surf Shop on Tybee Island. Tim also gave us a fantastic kite surfing demonstration. Less than 30 miles from US 17, Tybee is known as "Savannah's Beach." It’s a great public beach and welcoming island – be sure and check out the black and white lighthouse, and the breakfast can’t be beat at the locally famous Breakfast Club. The restaurant, located at the corner of Butler Street (US 80) and 15th is only open from 6:30am to 12:30pm, so get there early!

Getaway: Sapelo Island - Watch This Segment Online
Sapelo Island is a beautiful and well-conserved example of a barrier island. But most important for the traveler, reservations are required for a visit to the island itself. Every trip to Sapelo begins and ends the same way – on a ferry. The Sapelo ferry and visitor center, operated by Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, are located in Meridian, eight miles northeast of Darien. The Reynolds Mansion, home of R.J. Reynolds, the last private owner of the island, is available for group retreats. Check out the website for details. Accommodations are also available in the last intact Geechee community on the Georgia coast, Hog Hammock.

Family Fun: Blessing of the Fleet (Darien) – Watch This Segment Online
Darien sits halfway down the Georgia coast on the Darien River. This close to the ocean, you can’t help but crave seafood, and Darien’s long and rich history includes generations of shrimpers. Each year, Darien’s fleet of shrimpers bring their boats to the Darien River Bridge seeking favorable conditions for a bountiful harvest. The event is called The Blessing of the Fleet and it is definitely an occasion for family fun. While our team was in town, we were "blessed" to stay on a nearby private island, Eagle Island, named for the pair of nesting bald eagles that call the island home. If that sounds like an experience that might interest you, check out the Private Islands of Georgia website and say hello to our new friend, Andy Hill.

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On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, we’re on a “Mid-Georgia Meander” exploring U.S. 280 from Plains to Vidalia. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Plains and sets off for the country cooking at Mom’s Kitchen. Keely explores the local Americus legend Koinonia Farms while David experiences a great getaway to the Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge in McRae. Phil paddles part of the Altamaha Canoe Trail and joins David at the Vidalia Onion Festival in- you guessed it- Vidalia!

Food Find: Mom’s Kitchen (Plains) – Watch This Segment Online
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) – Watch This Segment Online
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. www.koinoniapartners.org

Getaway: Little Ocmulgee State Park (McRae) – Watch This Segment Online
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. www.gastateparks.org

Outdoor Activity: Altamaha Canoe Trail (Lumber City) – Watch This Segment Online
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) – Watch This Segment Online
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!”

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On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're exploring U.S. 84, the Wiregrass Highway from Valdosta to Bainbridge. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Valdosta and sets off in search of family fun at the Wild Adventures Theme Park. David discovers the local legend of the Carolina Bays and gets a taste of the farm life at the Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville. Keely explores the Plantation Parkway and Phil goes fishing at Lake Seminole with professional angler and Bainbridge native Pam Martin-Wells.

Family Fun: Wild Adventures (Valdosta) – Watch This Segment Online
"Part theme park, part zoo, and 100 percent fun" aptly describes Valdosta’s Wild Adventures theme park. The whole Traveler crew takes a break from the road to relax and have some fun at the park. Keely and Tuesday visit Bugsville, the part of the park especially for kids, while David dives into Splash Island and Phil finds some scaly friends at the exhibit called Fangs. Anyone taking bets on who wins the Georgia Traveler Coaster Challenge? Hint: it’s not David Zelski! www.wildadventures.net

Local Legend: Carolina Bays (Naylor) – Watch This Segment Online
Things get mysterious as David Zelski visits Grand Bay, one of the many thousands of huge Carolina Bays that dot the eastern United States. Were these strange wetland areas created by an ancient meteor shower, great winds, giant prehistoric beavers, or visitors from another planet? Join David as he treks through Grand Bay and tries to find out. www.georgiawildlife.org

Getaway: Plantation Parkway (Thomasville) – Watch This Segment Online
Keely takes a step back in time and stops along the Plantation Parkway, an area filled with magnificent homes of a by-gone era. Many of these homes have found new life today as bed and breakfasts, resorts, and museums. Tourists can stay overnight at the Coalson Plantation, built in 1825, or visit the museum at Pebble Hill Plantation. Nearby Greenwood Plantation is managed by the Nature Conservancy and features 5200 acres of longleaf pine forest. www.coalsonplantation.com , www.pebblehill.com and www.nature.org

Food Find: Sweet Grass Dairy (Thomasville) – Watch This Segment Online
On a back-roads cheese run David stumbles across Sweet Grass Dairy, home of the best cheese anywhere! The 140-acre farm is family-owned and operated and is home to dozens of contented goats who are more than happy to give up their milk to make delicious gourmet cheese. To that end, David tries a hand a milking, and enjoys a tasty treat of fresh goat’s milk. The goats seem happy to have a new friend, so happy they almost didn’t let David leave! www.sweetgrassdairy.com

Outdoor Activity: Lake Seminole (Bainbridge) – Watch This Segment Online
Phil teams up with a pro as he goes fishing on Lake Seminole. Woman’s Bassmaster Champion Pam Martin-Wells shows Phil the ropes (he already had the line and the bait!). The best time for bass fishing on Lake Seminole is from about March to May, so Phil and Pam had better luck pole fishing for brim and blue gill. Whoa, Phil, watch the side of the boat! For more information on fishing on Lake Seminole, check out Jack Wingate’s Lunker Lodge; it’s the base of operation for Pam and Steven Wells’s guide service. www.wingateslodge.com

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