Season 3

This week the Georgia Traveler team takes a relaxing look at Georgia’s gardens…We journey through the sunflower fields of Rutledge, meditate in the city, fall in love with the Ferrell Gardens in Lagrange and escape to the serene Chattahoochee Hill Country. It’s all this week on Georgia Traveler’s Garden Tour of Georgia.

Serenbe

Just outside of the metropolitan area lies a quiet serene escape that all can enjoy. Located in what the owners call the Chattahoochee Hill Country, Serenbe allows visitors to catch their breath in the beautiful country side. Whether you decide to stay in their Inn or just stroll around town for the day Serenbe is close enough to visit but miles away from everyday life.

Sunflower Farm Festival

Once a year Rutledge, Georgia celebrates the Helianthus Annus, better known as the sunflower. Guests are treated to the spectacular site of over 10 acres of flora at the Sunflower Farm Festival. Visitors can pick as many sunflowers as they can carry. Valarie visits the West Holt Family Farm and learns the mastery of choosing these beautiful flowers.

Tai Chi in the Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden nestled in Midtown offers visitors an array of beautiful flowers, fountains and art. But among the beautiful blooms, guests can enjoy a variety of activities and classes. One such class is Tai Chi in the Garden. Valarie stops by the Atlanta Botanical Garden and becomes one with this soft form of martial arts.

Hills and Dales Estate

Located inside LaGrange, Hills and Dales Estate boasts a garden that took three generations of women to build. Housing one of the oldest garden designs in the southeast the Ferrell Gardens of Hills and Dales gives visitors a flowery treat all year round. David explores the beauty and the story behind this majestic garden.

This week the Georgia Traveler team goes green with the Golf Tour of Georgia. David and Valarie challenge each other to an alpine adventure, combine relaxation with 18 holes at a mountain resort, learn the art of throwing discs under par and seek out a legendary golfer. It’s all this week on Georgia Traveler’s Golf Tour of Georgia.

Helen Putt-Putt

David and Valarie visit Alpine Mini Golf Village where they learn the finesse of the putt putting. Then they venture over to Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf to test their new skills. Watch as the two duke it out over mini golf in the hopes of winning ice cream at Scoop de Scoop Ice Cream Parlor.

GA Vets – Disc Golf
David combines all the fun activities visitors can find at Georgia Veterans State Park while enjoying an afternoon of golf. After getting his fill of traditional golf, David finds out the charms and challenges of disc golf…you might want to duck while watching this segment set in Cordele, Georgia.

Bobby Jones

Valarie sets out to learn about the legendary Georgia golfer Bobby Jones. She visits an exhibit at the Atlanta History Center and gets an inside look into the man and the legend.

Brasstown Valley Resort

David explores the link style course nestled right in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in Young Harris offers visitors the perfect golf getaway and so much more.

This week the Georgia Traveler team celebrates Georgia’s number one export, agriculture in our Georgia Grown Tour. We visit the Agrirama in Tifton, a chicken festival in Gainesville, an organic restaurant in Savannah and a retreat in North Georgia. It’s all this week on Georgia Traveler.

Agrirama

Join David as he checks out the Growings On at the Agrirama. Visit their living history museum, taste some of their cornbread or grits and get ink on your hands at the old print shop…all located down I-75 in Tifton.

Spring Chicken Festival

See what’s fowl in Gainesville every spring. Ever wonder how to best cook chicken, what ingredients make the best sweet tea or why the chicken crossed the road…join David as he explores all these mysteries and more at the Spring Chicken Festival.

Cha Bella

Ever wonder where your food comes from… at Cha Bella the guessing is over…all their food is grown at their farm or farms near by. Valarie gets a tasty lesson in organic farming at Savannah’s locally owned and grown restaurant.

Enota Mountain Retreat

Enjoy a relaxing stay at Hiawasee’s mountain retreat. Valarie learns that a city girl can hang with the country folks. Learn how to milk a cow and gather eggs from a hen house, you can do it all at the Enota Mountain Retreat.

This week the Georgia Traveler team does child’s play on our Kids Tour of Georgia. Come along as we celebrate an American Adventure in Marietta, stomp around in a kid size city in Gainesville, deliver a Cabbage Patch Doll in Cleveland and spend the night with sharks in downtown Atlanta. It’s all this week on Georgia Traveler.

American Adventures

It’s an American Adventure in Marietta. David Zelski and his fearless nephew Costen hop on a few planes trains and spinning things during their visit to American Adventures theme park. The park also has indoor adventures including the spectacular Foam Factory.

Baby Land General

Valarie Edwards scrubs in on a Cabbage Patch Kid delivery in Cleveland, Georgia. Known the world over as the birthplace of the "hand-stitched" Original Cabbage Patch Kids, BabyLand General Hospital is a very real place. You can visit them on line or in person almost every day of the year.

INK

Once a simple playroom in Sheri Hooper’s basement, The Interactive Neighborhood for Kids has grown into a giant “must see” for the whole family. David and his son Conor explore the exhibits inside INK where kids can explore future occupations and hobbies or just have a wild and crazy time.

Georgia Aquarium

The world’s largest aquarium is located right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, but did you know that you can swim in the tanks with the fish? (including sharks!)… Also, did you know that you can spend the night in the aquarium? David journeys to The Georgia Aquarium to check in with a few young marine adventurers.

This week the Georgia Traveler team enjoys a few luxuries of the Peach State. Toast along with our hosts at a winery in Northeast Georgia. Take a step back in time to see timeless luxury in Washington. Maybe sit back and let the concierge take your troubles away at a Sea Island getaway or at a family vacation, the Ritz Carlton way. It’s all this week on Georgia Traveler’s Luxury Tour of Georgia.

Ritz-Carlton at Lake Oconee

It’s a golfer’s paradise! Or is it an oasis of fine dining? Maybe both? The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee defines luxury in more ways than one. David Zelski journeys to this gorgeous getaway located only 60 miles east of Atlanta to find food, fun and total relaxation.

Wine Country

You don’t have to travel to Italy to find a top notch winery. Georgia Wine Country is gaining popularity and respect in the world of fine wine. Valarie Edwards enjoys two of the peach state’s top wineries, Three Sisters & Montaluce, and tries her hand…or foot in the wine making process.

Washington and the Robert Toombs Home

Washington, Georgia was once one of the state’s larger towns and remains one of its most luxurious. David Zelski travels to Washington to learn about the legend of Robert Toombs and the timeless Holly Court Inn.

The Cloister

The Cloister on Sea Island. The name is synonymous with luxury. David Zelski heads to one of the crown jewels in Georgia’s Golden Isles, which is continuously rated among the top resorts and hotels in the world.

This week the Georgia Traveler team is ready to make you merry and bright for our Holiday Tour of Georgia. From Stone Mountain to the Coast, we’ll take you on a tour of some holiday traditions both new and old. Explore some history or be wowed by light displays. Ride the Pink Pig or play in the “snow”. It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

Smyrna Christmas Tree Lighting

No better way to kick of a Holiday tour than a good old-fashioned Christmas tree lighting. A few thousand Smyrna residents witness Santa Claus himself throwing some magic dust on the tree, making it light up the sky. David Zelski also has exclusive interviews with a few proud Smyrnans, Frosty the Snowman and one of Santa’s reindeer.

Holiday Island on Georgia’s Golden Isles

It might not snow on Jekyll and St. Simons Islands off the coast of Brunswick, but the holiday spirit certainly abounds there! Join Georgia Traveler’s Keely Muse as she ventures to the Golden Isles to see how the coast celebrates the season. First there’s the Holidays in History Tour on Jekyll Island, where traditions from the turn of the 20th century are observed in authentic décor and living history interpretations in the island’s historic cottages. Then it’s on to the Jekyll Island Club Hotel for Gingerville, a gingerbread-making workshop. Next is a musical celebration and Gingerbread house competition at The King and Price Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. While on St. Simons, enjoy a handbell concert at the A. W. Jones Heritage Center near the famous lighthouse. Then it’s back to Jekyll to close out our coastal adventure by playing Bingo with Santa!

Pink Pig at Macy’s in Atlanta

Pigs fly high over Atlanta every holiday season, and no flying pig display is more impressive and more fun than the Macy’s Pink Pig ride. This long-time Atlanta tradition passed down from Rich’s to Macy’s has entertained kids and adults alike for generations. David Zelski and Phil Proctor journey to the Pink Pig for different reasons, but both leave thoroughly entertained.

Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford

Traveler co-host Keely Muse and her husband Wynn are off to celebrate a holiday tradition at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort. This episode’s getaway features the driving tour of seven miles of holiday light displays. But don’t forget that there are also luxurious accommodations and a Holiday Village that features a Santa Shop. Join in the fun!

Snow Mountain

Near the end of December right smack in the heart of the holiday season and continuing through the beginning of March is the “coolest” outdoor activity in Georgia…well at least the coldest. At Stone Mountain park visitors can enjoy great scenery, fun family activities and an arctic treat. Join Phil Proctor as he explores the many joys of snow in Georgia at Snow Mountain.

The 2009 Atlanta Holiday House

The 2009 Atlanta Holiday House is a three level French style estate is located at 3410 Ridgewood Road in Atlanta. At 22,000 square feet, it is the largest residential home in Georgia. Valarie Edwards visits this home which is open for tours through December 20th. All proceeds go to the ‘Save a Smile Foundation’ which helps kids born with either a cleft palate or a cleft lip. There is a new Holiday House every year, but this one is a can't miss. And, check out the Holiday House gift shop to find some of the same decorative items you’ll see throughout the house.

This week the Georgia Traveler team embarks on a Book Tour of Georgia. Peach State authors have made their mark in the literary world, from grand epics to stories of little critters. We journey to a few places you can learn about these legendary Georgia talents.

Uncle Remus Museum – Eatonton & The Wren’s Nest – Atlanta

One of Georgia's best loved storytellers is celebrated at two venues around the state: the Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton and the Wren's Nest in Atlanta. Joel Chandler Harris captured the hearts of children and adults alike with his Uncle Remus tales, and David Zelski visits these two Georgia landmarks on a search for the famous "Critters."

The Grit Cookbook

Phil visits a famous vegetarian restaurant that serves up not only great food but a great cookbook too. The Grit in Athens operates with the philosophy that meat eaters can enjoy vegetarian cuisine. Join the Traveler team as The Grit introduces Phil to a meatless world.

Flannery O’Connor - Andalusia

Flannery O'Connor's contribution to the literary world continues to resonate nearly half a century after her death. Contemporary artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Conan O'Brian, the Coen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, John Waters, Tommy Lee Jones, modern dance figures Bill T. Jones and Twyla Tharp, and Bono of the band U2 have all paid tribute to the Savannah born author through music, dance and words. Valarie Edwards tours Milledgeville for a look at O'Connor's legacy in that city, including a stop at Andalusia, the O'Connor family farm where the author penned some of her most popular short stories.

Margaret Mitchell House

Mention Georgia and the Civil War and peoples' thoughts turn instantly to Margaret Mitchell's great novel, Gone With the Wind, and its 1939 film adaptation. Despite its fame and success, it's the book that almost never was. We explore the novel's humble beginnings in the place affectionately known as "The Dump," the Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta.

Journey with the Georgia Traveler team for a Historic Tour of Georgia. Take a step back in time and enjoy everything from traditional family style dining to an 1850s rural village.

Westville – Lumpkin

Westville is the living history village near Lumpkin, Georgia. Actual historic buildings from the area have been moved to the site to save them from destruction. They replicate a working village of year 1850, complete with appropriate gardens, furnishings and dirt streets. Valarie Edwards decides she wants to join in the fun, so the town folk put her to work. Be sure to catch Val digging her high heels into the old shaving horse…We think you’ll be impressed.

Crime and Punishment Museum & Last Meal Café - Ashburn

Times have changed since the days of chain gangs and hangings, but when you step foot into the Crime and Punishment Museum in Ashburn, Georgia, you’ll get an eerie feeling that may make you a little weak in the knees. David Zelski decides to brave the museum and the old resident chambers and also learns about a place where you can get a “Last Meal”, without committing a crime...or at least a major crime.

The Smith House - Dahlonega

The history of The Smith House goes back to 1895 when a gentleman by the name of Captain Hall purchased an acre of land east of the town square. During excavation and the beginning stages of building his home he was delighted to discover that a very rich vein of gold ore. Some gold remains up in them thar hills, but Phil has found a real treasure in The Smith House dining experience. Don’t miss this incredible display of appetite as Phil delves into traditional family-style dining.

Historic Madison

Known as the town Sherman “refused to burn,” Historic Madison boasts one of the State’s largest historic districts. You can’t help but be charmed by the people and places in this jewel of Morgan County. The antebellum homes that escaped the wrath of Sherman’s troops in the March to the Sea are one of the main reasons people visit. Our own David Zelski visited during both the Chamber Music Festival and in May, a tour of homes. Both events were organized by the Madison Morgan Cultural Center, which is a great place to start any visit to Madison. In this segment, you’ll also find great places to stay, like The Brady Inn bed and breakfast and The James Madison Inn, a new boutique-inn in downtown Madison. And of course you know Traveler always finds a great place to eat! In Madison, we visited the Ye Olde Colonial Restaurant for traditional southern fare but were completely “wowed” by the fabulous culinary creations of Chef Francisco de la Torre at Town 220 Restaurant.

On this episode of Georgia Traveler…It’s the Made in Georgia Tour. From moonshine and soda to paintings and prayers we’ll show you a few peach state originals…

World of Coca Cola Museum - Atlanta

David Zelski would like to teach the world to sing during his exciting, thirst quenching exploration of the World of Coca-Cola. When you think of a brand that is made in Georgia and recognized around the world...Coke is it! So sit back, have a Coke and a smile and enjoy our tasty tour of the World of Coca-Cola.

Monastery of the Holy Spirit – Conyers
Valarie Edwards visits the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers. Established nearly 65 years ago, the monks who live and work at the Monastery have a long tradition of supporting themselves ‘by the sweat of their brow.’ Join Valarie as she samples all the home made goodies the Monastery has to offer. Watch as she rolls up her sleeves for a hands-on demonstration on how to make fruitcake.

Plein Air Watercolor Class with the Glynn Art Association - St. Simons Island
Join Traveler Host Keely Muse as she learns about creating art outdoors with painter Bob Fisher on St. Simon’s Island. The Glynn Art Association offers classes of all kinds, but when it comes to enjoying island beauty while painting, a watercolor “Plein Air” class is definitely the way to go! For more information about classes and everything Glynn Art has to offer, go to: http://www.glynnart.org/index.html.

Mountain Moonshine Festival – Dawsonville
The Georgia Traveler crew heads up to Dawsonville for this high octane adventure. Though active moonshine stills no longer exist up in the North Georgia mountains, (right?)… David and Phil find plenty of good food, fun and “moonshine free” drinks called “monkey nuts” to keep them entertained. Meanwhile, Keely hangs out with a few Mountain Moonshine Festival historians who explain how the origins of stock car racing began with moonshine runners feeling the law.

This week Georgia Traveler embarks on a Ghost Tour of Georgia. From Civil War apparitions to paranormal peach state pirates, it’s our scariest episode yet

The Pirates' House

David Zelski opens the show in the beautiful historic coastal city of Savannah, which has been dubbed “America’s most haunted city”; and no better location than the city’s oldest standing building, built in 1734, a restaurant now known as “The Pirates’ House.” Legend has it that the infamous Captain J. Flint died in this former pirate dwelling and several of his “mates” still reside…in some form or another.

The Windsor Hotel
The Windsor Hotel is the centerpiece of Americus, Georgia. Drive into town and it seems everyone has a story about the Windsor to share, whether it’s about the architectural beauty of the Victorian building or about a few of its ghostly inhabitants. Valarie Edwards spends an evening at the Windsor Hotel and does a little ghost hunting of her own to see what all the talk is about.

The Ghosts of Chickamauga
The Battle of Chickamauga was one of the bloodiest battles in the civil war with over 34,000 casualties… but where there is bloodshed, spirits often remain, and the town of Chickamauga has no shortage of ghost stories. From the legend of the Lady in White to Old Green Eyes, ghost sightings are a common occurrence. David Zelski hears a few stories from the battlefield and from a quaint little downtown café known as Scarlett’s Tea Room.

Netherworld
It’s a place where families and friends can gather together for one common goal…to get really scared! Phil Proctor journeys to one of America’s scariest haunted houses, NETHERWORLD!!! This Norcross phenomenon seems to get bigger and better every year. Watch if you dare!