Georgia Magazine - February 2024 - 4

MailBOX
Around GEORGIA Story and photos by Jim Kelly
From THE EDITOR
Comments from our readers * Compiled by Jennifer J. Hewett
This month we head to the
The Russell-Brasstown Scenic
Byway off ers this view from atop
Brasstown Bald in Hiawassee.
More to visit along the scenic byways
We really enjoy our Georgia Magazine and look forward to it
every month. I read your article " Take a drive on Georgia's
" Tybee Road Scenic Byway. " [See Around Georgia, January
scenic byways " and especially enjoyed the section titled
B
Take a drive on
Georgia's scenic byways
efore interstate highways, Georgia's roads traced the
paths of Native Americans, intrepid explorers and early
tourists. Over time, as family automobiles appeared
in more garages, the meandering Sunday drive became an
American tradition.
While the 70 mph pace of modern times requires
superhighways and multilane parkways, the Georgia Scenic
Byways Program operated by the Georgia Department of
Transportation designated 17 corridors of back roads that
venture into bustling towns, roll across rural farmlands and
drop travelers on the doorstep of history. These byways are
perfect for a road trip back in time-to a slower pace and into
the culture and beauty of Georgia.
A Georgia Scenic Byways designation starts with local
leaders, community organizers and individuals who wish to
" identify, preserve, promote and protect ... scenic, historic,
natural, archaeological, cultural or recreational resources that
give the byway its character and appeal, " according to the
Georgia Department of Transportation's website.
The marked byways scattered throughout Georgia invite
the traveler to start, end and detour anywhere along the route.
28 Georgia Magazine January 2024
28-30_Around_GA_0124.indd 28
2024; bit.ly/gabyways.]
So consult your map, put air in the tires and buckle up before
rambling along the picturesque roads that many travelers miss.
Here are six byways to get you started.
Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway
First up is the Altamaha Historic Scenic Byway.
Tracking coastal highway U.S. 17 and State Route 99 for
a brief 17 miles, this route skirts a notable fort (Fort King
George State Historic Site in Darien), tabby ruins (an old
style of concrete made from crushed oyster shells, lime, sand
and water that was used to make warehouses and churches
in Darien), antebellum rice plantations (the Butler Island
Plantation in Darien and the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
in Brunswick) and the 3,154-acre Altamaha Waterfowl
Management Area in Townsend.
Vacationers in the early 1900s traveled this route
on their way to Brunswick, St. Simons Island and Jekyll
Island. Today, vacationers can cross the tallest (486 feet)
and longest (7,780 feet) cable-stayed suspension bridge
in Georgia, the Sidney Lanier Bridge that spans the
Brunswick River.
I was born in Savannah and have an old family place there
now. We spend time there for a week or two each month. I
World War I soldiers. I believe there was a 40-ton granite
12/11/23 10:26 PM
now. We spend time there for a week or two each month. I
understand that Victory Drive itself is a 1919 memorial to
World War I soldiers. I believe there was a 40-ton granite
monument with the names of the World War I Chatham County soldiers who were
killed in action listed on it. It was originally in the median at Waters Avenue and
Victory Drive. It was relocated, and I haven't been able to find out where it is now.
Can you help with that?
Also, the article mentioned a small park and fountain honoring Korean War
veterans at the end of Highway 80. Can you give me a precise location for it? I'd like
to visit both locations on one of our next trips to Savannah. Thanks in advance
for your help.
-Bill Brown, via email
Editor's note: Th anks for your note! We checked with writer Jim Kelly, and he
says this: " Th e monument-all 14,200 pounds of it-with the names of the soldiers sits
in Daffi n Park at the corner of Victory Drive and Waters Avenue. Th e Google Plus
Code coordinates are 2WX8+52 Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Brown is correct that it was
moved off the original median and relocated in 1999.
Th e Korean War veterans memorial sits at the end of U.S. 80. It is in a small park
(Park of 7 Flags) at the intersections of Butler Avenue (U.S. 80), Inlet Avenue and
Tybrisa Street (Google Plus Code coordinates: X5R2+R5 Tybee Island, Georgia). "
Share your thoughts. Email us at magazine@georgiaemc.com. Please include your name, address
and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
Find it this month!
Want to win a $25 gift card?
Are you a resourceful reader? One lucky reader who fi nds and submits
the correct answers to these trivia questions will win a $25 Target gift card.
1) Mike Massey provides jams and jellies to what nonprofi t organization?
2) What is Gen. Beauregard Lee's success rate, according to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in his annual Feb. 2 weather
predictions?
3) Whose pink uniform is displayed at the Delta Flight Museum?
4) Which university acquired the Kit Jones after its time as a University of
Georgia research vessel?
5) Rutha Mae Harris earned her bachelor's degree in music from which
Georgia university?
How to enter:
Send an email to trivia@georgiaemc.com with
the answers to all five questions by Feb. 29, 2024.
Be sure to include your name, address and phone
number. (If more than one person answers all the
questions correctly, we'll draw from among all
correct answers to determine the $25 Target
gift card winner.)
4 Georgia Magazine February 2024
Jennifer J. Hewett
Editor
Gathering Place in Southeast Georgia
to visit with sisters Lucy Brown and
Mattie Collins. Food, family and
fellowship inspire these women, who
both own farms and run their own
businesses in Metter and Cobbtown,
respectively. Turn to " From Metter with
love " on page 30 to learn more about
these sisters and try some of their
favorite recipes.
Next, we catch up with Rutha Mae
Harris, a member of the original
Freedom Singers, who used her voice-
and music-to inspire change and
spread the message of nonviolence.
After taking part in the March on
Washington and many other pivotal
events during the civil rights era, she
returned to her Albany roots to help
make a difference in the lives of
students during her 30-year teaching
career and in her community through
activism and song.
Today Harris leads a new Freedom
Singers group and still uses her voice
for good. Turn to page 16 to learn more.
February's issue has many more
great stories, including one about
a critter (Georgia's weather-forecasting
groundhog); a look at creative places
where squirrels can perch (along
the Bushy Tail Art Trail); one about
" Jam Man " Mike Massey's generosity to
his neighbors (in Hometown Heroes);
and news of how Georgia's electric
cooperatives are having an impact on
their communities (in Currents). I
hope you'll find several stories that
you enjoy.
Let us know: Who or what
has inspired you so far this year?
Share your thoughts with us at
magazine@georgiaemc.com. We'd
love to hear from you!
Happy reading!
TARGET
gift card
$25

http://bit.ly/gabyways

Georgia Magazine - February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - February 2024