heartland

David Zelski kicks off our European Tour of Georgia in Athens. From Jittery Joes coffee to dining at Farm 255, David enjoys the home of the University of Georgia. Learn about Coffee Roasting at Jittery Joes or enjoy some music at one of Athens' hot music venues like the 40 Watt or the Melting Point. Also featured are the Foundry Park Inn and Spa, the T.R.R. Cobb House and Full Moon Farms, which happens to grow most of the veggies served at Farm 255.

Known as the Antebellum Capitol of Georgia, Milledgeville is a wonderful example of Southern charm and beauty. It's a great destination for causal tourists and history buffs alike. We take a trolley tour of the town and visit Lockerly Hall and Arboretum, Andalusia, the picturesque farm of American author Flannery O'Connor, Memory Hill Cemetery, and the famous "Antebellum Inn" Bed & Breakfast.

Both the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame can be found in Macon. So whether you're interested in rock or jocks, there's a Hall of Fame for you. Both museums feature great collections of artifacts from famous Georgians as well as great interactive displays.

You don't want to miss the Georgia National Fair in Perry. Great rides, fun shows – it's tons of fun for the whole family. Be sure and have an "elephant ear" for your friend Gerald!

Southern fare and southern charm are served at the historic Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle. Food editor Phil Proctor helps make some chicken and dumplings as he makes himself at home at a southern-style buffet that's sure to make your mouth water!

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a 313-acre preserve set aside by the University of Georgia to foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of plants and nature through collections and displays, horticultural gardens, educational programs, and research. The Garden is a "living laboratory," a vital resource for the teaching, research, and public service missions of the University. Georgia Traveler visits these beautiful grounds.

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

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

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!

What do you call it when you combine a moose, two University of Georgia alumni and mammoth burgers? We call it a fantastic food find. Loco's Grill and Pub founded by Jamey Loftin and Hughes Lowrance resides in Athens, Georgia. Relying on their original ingredients of great food, fun, and family, it’s no wonder they’ve been around since the mid 80’s. Check out their menu or more history on their website at www.locosgrill.com.