Georgia Magazine - June 2010 - (Page 18)

Readers share their favorite Georgia vacations COMPILED BY JENNIFER J. HEWETT Vogel State Park ➤ F rom the mountains to the coast, and everywhere in between, Georgia’s a great vacation destination! Over the past few months, our readers have sent in stories about their first sighting of the Atlantic Ocean, fun family photos of fishing at the lake and other nostalgic memories of their favorite Georgia vacations. Travel with us this month as we present the “best of the best” reader stories. Each reader whose essay is printed below wins $50. we’d spend every vacation here. We’ve stayed at a windmill motel, a castle inn, a barrel cottage up in Unicoi and campgrounds. Now, 26 years later, we’re still “vacationing” here—full time. We hike, discover waterfalls, enjoy festivals and belong to the most spiritfilled little church in town. We’ve made some wonderful friends, and it feels like we’re on vacation every day. Now my children and grandchildren come on their vacations, and we get to do those touristy things all over again. May our vacation never end! —Madeline Lewis, Cleveland (Habersham EMC) An adventure a day In summer 2008, my family visited the beautiful city of Blairsville. Our 10-member group ranged from age 2 to 67. Being from Southeast Georgia and the swampland, we were on an adventure of a lifetime in the mountains of North Georgia! Each day we would set out on sightseeing trips that were within a short driving distance. At Vogel State Park we strolled www.georgiamagazine.org THE MOUNTAINS Gold mining At home in my vacation spot Back in 1984, when my daughter was 3, we surprised her with a birthday trip to BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland. After adopting a new “baby” into our growing family, we took side trips to Dahlonega and Helen. Naturally, we did all the “touristy” things—pan for gems and gold, enjoy town squares, stand in awe of an Alpine village so close to home (Florida at the time) and the mountain vistas. We couldn’t get enough of this area, and 18 down the trail around the shimmering lake. As we neared the far end we were excited to find a dazzling waterfall! Then the children enjoyed the beach side of the lake and a wade in the cool water. Another day trip included a visit to the Misty Mountain Railroad and its breathtaking, model train exhibit with various scenes from the Appalachians. We particularly enjoyed the scenes of Atlanta, Blairsville and the “Great Train Race.” One of our final trips was to Brasstown Bald. After we parked, we decided to hike the remainder of the way to the top. The trail was scenic and lovely. Although we visited on a fairly cloudy day, the view from the observation deck was impressive and humbling. This was my favorite vacation in Georgia because each day offered a new adventure with discoveries around Blairsville and the surrounding areas. —Christy R. Hurst, Pearson (Satilla REMC) A dream train trip The best vacation I ever had was in December 2005 because it was such a thoughtful and sweet gesture by my children. My husband had passed away earlier, and I was sad about the coming holidays without him. To cheer me up, my children took me on a surprise trip to Blue Ridge, where a lifetime dream of mine came true. GEORGIA MAGAZINE ➤ http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - June 2010

Georgia Magazine - June 2010
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Currents
Special Energy Report
Winning Reader Stories
Honorable Mentions: More Vacation Stories
Georgia on a Budget
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Gardening Tips
Georgia Cooks
Cookbook of the Month
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - June 2010