For most of America’s history, Georgia was known to move at a slower pace, enjoy the passing of time, and not be in a hurry to do anything new. Things have changed in the South and now Georgia is leading the way in new technology and growth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still find old Georgia tucked away in communities across the state. From the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, to the mountain town of Helen, you can find the southern charm and hospitality that made Georgia famous.

No visit to Georgia would be complete without a few days in beautiful Savannah. There are many tours and activities to do in Savannah, but to really get a feel for this laid-back city, you simply have to wander the streets. Start at River Street and walk towards Forsyth Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of old Savannah homes, interesting bookstores, art shops filled with pieces by locals and students from the Savannah School of Art and Design, and unique restaurants like Lady and Sons.

Drive a few hours north and you’ll find the college town of Athens, Georgia. This city is far enough away from sprawling Atlanta to retain its soul. Plan your trip to Athens so that you can take part in one of the spring or autumn festivals or a football game day. Downtown Athens is packed with unique shops and some of the best restaurants in Northeast Georgia, like Basil Press and the always open Grill. Take a stroll through UGA Arches on College Street and enjoy the old oak trees and Greek-style buildings of North Campus.

After you’ve enjoyed the college town of Athens, head into the mountains and visit the cheesy but fun town of Helen. This Bavarian facade will make you smile. If you visit in summer, don’t miss the opportunity to “shoot the beer” in an inflatable tube. Floating down the Chattahoochee River on a hot summer day is a family favorite. Helen really comes alive again in the fall when she celebrates the October Festival. Watch baseball games at a beer garden before taking a horseback and buggy ride back to your chalet or hotel.

About an hour from Helen is Dahlonega. Home to America’s first gold rush, this mountain town still celebrates its heritage with an annual gold rush festival and plenty of shops to buy items made from gold. The elite North Georgia Military College is located on the outskirts of the city in Dahlonega.

Probably the most beautiful place in Georgia is Young Harris. This small town sits in a valley and is home to the prestigious Young Harris College which has graduated students like Zell Millar and country singer Trisha Yearwood. Park your car and walk around the Young Harris campus and see a play in one of the school’s two theaters.

There is a lot to do in Georgia. More than we can cover in this article, so we hope you take a trip to Georgia and get away from Atlanta so you can experience the true south. Learn more about the real Georgia at GeckosGeorgia.com. We hope to see you all soon.