Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit the southern state of Georgia. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to see in Georgia, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do as you tour the best places to visit in Georgia.
Don’t Forget Your Manners
Georgia is a Southern State, so you’ll need to mind your manners when you visit Georgia. In Georgia, people still say “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir” and they hold doors open for each other. If you want to blend in with the locals and be on the receiving end of that famous Southern hospitality, then don’t forget your manners.
Five Things You Will Love & Hate About the South
Don’t Get in a Hurry
Another trait of the South is the slow pace you’ll find. Nobody is in a hurry, and that can be frustrating until you get used to it. You’ll even hear Savannah referred to as “Slowvanna.” It’s not quite as slow as Island Time, but you just have to brace yourself and be patient with everyone. You are not going to change the culture, so just go with the flow.
Don’t Worry if You Can’t Breathe
Or….don’t visit in July and August! The heat and humidity of a Georgia summer are nearly unbearable. On my first summer trip to Georgia, I thought I might die when I left the airport because it was so humid I could not breathe. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Georgia, but if you must come in the summer, head to one of Georgia’s beaches. At least you’ll have a breeze off the ocean! If you have seasonal allergies, though, don’t come to Georgia in March because the pollen is terrible!
Don’t Assume You Know What You’re In For
Many people have a stereotype of what Georgia is all about. But Georgia is a diverse state. You have mountain towns, big cities, and beach towns. So keep an open mind when planning your Georgia trip, and don’t come into it with any assumptions.
Don’t Miss Out on Local Advice
Locals are typically very friendly in Georgia, and most will gladly dole out advice on their favorite spots. Whether it’s restaurants, museums, or beaches, don’t hesitate to ask a local for travel advice.
Don’t Make These Mistakes with Georgia Cuisine
- Don’t think grits are just for breakfast. Grits are a staple in Southern cuisine, but you can enjoy them at any meal, not just breakfast! Shrimp and grits are one of the best things to eat in Georgia.
- Don’t bother with unsweetened tea. Georgia sweet tea is the bomb!
- Don’t diss boiled peanuts. They season peanuts and then boil them and they are phenomenal. But don’t eat the shell; just suck on it and spit it out after you crack it.
Don’t Freak Out About the Bugs
Georgia has palmetto bugs, which are basically giant flying cockroaches. The first time I saw one, I thought it was a bat flying by. They are big! So be prepared, and try not to freak out! They also have pretty bad mosquitos and biting bugs that hang out in the Spanish moss that drips from the trees.
Don’t Go Out if Snow or Ice is in the Forecast
You may be from the North and think an inch of snow is no big deal, but it will shut down the state. Locals will make a mad dash to buy out the local grocery stores ahead of a snowstorm or ice storm, so don’t bother going out. The state is just not prepared for ice and snow because they don’t have to deal with it that often.
Don’t Miss These Top Ten Places to Visit in Georgia
Savannah, Georgia is our favorite town in Georgia. It’s a beautiful city with historic, Southern charm. A lot of effort has gone into historical preservation, so you almost feel like you’ve stepped into the past. Savannah also probably has the best food in Georgia. A trolley tour is a great way to orient yourself to the layout of downtown Savannah, and you’ll learn a lot about the history of the town as well. Don’t forget the nearby beaches, too!
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Savannah, Georgia
Helen, Georgia is a Bavarian town in the northern mountains of Georgia. When you visit Helen, it really feels like you’ve been transported to Germany. They have half-timbered houses, and German-themed stores and restaurants. It’s a super cute town, and it’s surrounded by outdoor adventures in the nearby National Forests and State Parks.
Madison, Georgia is a small town between Atlanta and Augusta. The population is under 4,000, yet they have an extraordinary number of spots on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly 100 antebellum homes have been restored, and Madison was once voted as one of the world’s most picturesque villages.
Athens, Georgia is home to the Georgia Bulldogs, of the University of Georgia. College towns are usually pretty fun, and Athens is no exception. There’s a great music scene; REM and the B-52s both got their start in Athens. The Georgia Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia are both cool places to visit.
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has over 4,000 acres of protected swampland in southern Georgia. One thing we like to do is to rent a canoe or join a guided canoe trip; it’s a great way to explore the swamp and see some wildlife.
St. Simons Island is a great Georgia destination for beach lovers. It’s down near the Florida border, about 90 minutes north of Jacksonville. Much of the island is undeveloped, so it still harbors a lot of wildlife. There’s also a lighthouse on the island, and some of the best beaches in Georgia.
Macon, Georgia is a fun city in Central Georgia, between Atlanta and Savannah. Like Madison, there are many restored homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Macon is also home to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Macon also has amazing soul food, so it’s a great place to stop and eat on your way to Savannah.
Augusta Georgia is best known for the Master’s Golf Tournament. It’s also the second-oldest town in Georgia, with a small but charming historic city center. The riverwalk is a great place to explore, with shops and restaurants along the way.
Thomasville Georgia is the best place in Georgia if you want to visit plantations. You can tour several of the old plantation homes and learn about the history of the region.
Don’t Skip Atlanta.
Georgia’s capital city is home to CNN, Coca-Cola, and notoriously bad traffic. My favorite Atlanta attraction is the World of Coca-Cola. The Aquarium is also fantastic. Check out all the best Atlanta attractions at Discover Atlanta.
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Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Georgia! It has everything from swamps to beaches to mountains, and so many cool towns in between. And let’s not forget the tasty Southern cuisine!
Want more travel tips for the southern states? Check out some of our other blog posts: