Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia and Savannah, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia and Savannah, Georgia are two attractive places to visit in Georgia. Visiting both can make an excellent road trip, taking in many of the state’s highlights. The halfway point of the trip is Bartow, GA, which is a small city in the outskirts of Jefferson County. Below are the top five things to do on a road trip from Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia.
1. Visit the University of Georgia, Athens
The University of Georgia belongs to the oldest and well-respected universities in Georgia. The Athens campus area reverberates with the Bulldogs’ pride, the name of their popular sports teams. The university offers the visitors a beautiful campus and a chance to glimpse college life. The Georgian neoclassical-style campus is a stunning sight to behold. It is worth taking a stroll on the North Campus to witness the Demosthenian Hall, Memorial Hall, and the iconic Arch. The Arch also takes visitors to the entrance of the university.
Fun fact: The University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and was the first state-chartered university in the United States.
2. Take a Walking Tour of the Savannah Historic District
Savannah is a unique city that visitors should take the time to explore. The Savannah Historic District’s cobbled streets are lined with 18th-century buildings, and many of the squares and parks have fountains, sculptures, and monuments. Visitors can opt for a free walking tour while listening to tour guides tell Savannah’s story. Most visitors come to Savannah to see the ancient trees covered in Spanish moss, which makes the city even more enchanting.
Fun fact: The world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in Savannah every year.
3. Go to the Oconee Forest Park
Oconee Forest Park offers visitors the ultimate outdoor experience. The park has over 60 miles of trails that visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride. The trails wind through the mountainous landscape, which is ideal for all skill levels. The forest park also has a lake that visitors can swim in or go boating. There are picnic areas that families can use to have a shaded spot to relax and have lunch.
Fun fact: The Oconee Forest Park was designated an “Important Bird Area” by the Audubon Society.
4. Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is a cultural icon of the safekeeping of the American coastline. Located on Cockspur Island, on the Savannah River, the fort was built in the 19th century to protect the waterways around Savannah and was used during the Civil War. The fort tour will take visitors through the intricate workings of the building, including the expansive brick walls, towering arches, and underground chambers.
Fun fact: The fort was breached in 1862 by Union forces who used new high powered rifled cannons.
5. Drive the Wormsloe Historic Site
The Wormsloe Historic Site is a short drive down Skidaway Road from the Savannah Historic District. It is famous for the picturesque driveway that leads to the visitors' center. Visitors can walk the hundred yards down the archway of palm trees to the former colonial estate. There, visitors can enjoy the scenery of ruined tabby-colored walls that enclose another of the mansion's archways.
Fun fact: The Wormsloe Historic Site is served as the backdrop for the Disney movie "Glory Road."
Conclusion
Visiting the University of Georgia, Athens, and taking a Savannah Historic District walking tour will provide visitors with excellent educational experiences and a chance to see beautiful parts of Georgia. The Oconee Forest Park has outdoor activities for families and nature lovers. The Fort Pulaski National Monument offers visitors an insight into the state's historical significance, while the Wormsloe Historic Site has been the backdrop of so many facets of American history. The whole stretch of this trip should take about 2-3 hours, leaving ample time for visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds along the way.