For people looking to trim their budgets, a summer getaway may feel out of reach. But it doesn’t take a lot of money to have a great vacation experience – and it will pay off in lasting ways.
“New research shows that experiences mean more to people than material items,” said Dr. Jeff Ashby, Professor of Counseling Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta. “Experiences, like summer family vacations, can be shared and bring a greater sense of joy and happiness for a longer period of time.”
There are plenty of trip ideas that are easy on the wallet and can all be found in Georgia.
OUTDOOR DELIGHTS
- Hike nature trails and waterfalls in awe-inspiring Amicalola Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, or Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain.
- Raft, paddle and tube in Georgia’s Chattooga River, a premier whitewater destination. Explore the magnificent ecosystem of the Altamaha River on your own or with local outfitters and guides who can help arrange a paddling or fishing trip.
- Fish in one of Georgia’s 12,000 miles of warm water streams or deep-sea fish in coastal waters.
- Camp in one of the state’s 45 state parks stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast.
- Explore pristine environments such as the swamp at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest freshwater areas in the country.
- Get in the swing with golf specials at Georgia’s many courses including Bull Creek Golf Course in Columbus and the Stone Mountain Golf Club, close to downtown Atlanta.
ISLAND HOPPING
Georgia’s beaches and coastal islands are a favorite summertime destination.
- Jekyll Island is known for its golf, bike trails, bird watching and refined history, boasting the Jekyll Island Club as one of America’s top coastal summer destinations.
- St. Simons Island offers golf, fishing, trails, lighthouses, historic Fort Frederica and other adventures.
- Cumberland Island, anchoring the state’s coastline in the south, is covered with pristine maritime forests, wild horses, undeveloped beaches and splendid estate ruins.
ART EXPERIENCES
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, has a partnership with the world-renowned Musée du Louvre in Paris, and offers visitors a rare experience until September 6. “The Louvre and the Masterpiece” exhibition features 91 works of art from all eight of the Louvre’s collection areas, spanning 4,000 years. Everything from paintings to sculpture, decorative arts to drawings are on display.
TIME TRAVEL
History buffs and curious travelers can explore Georgia’s historical attractions, including 27 Civil War battlefields. Walk in the footsteps of three presidents – Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter. Their homes and stories are found in sites from Augusta to Warm Springs, Plains and Atlanta. And learn about the Civil Rights movement at The King Center in Atlanta and the Albany Civil Rights Movement Museum.
FABULOUS FOOD
Celebrity chefs, top-notch restaurants, fun festivals and fresh produce all make Georgia a foodie’s paradise. Take a cooking class at The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah or Château Élan in Braselton. Find fresh delights at the Tom Watson Watermelon Festival in Thomson or at Georgia’s Blueberry Festival in Alma.