Classic South

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The Classic South travel region is located in east central Georgia, just over two hours from Atlanta. Here, the gentle hills of Georgia’s piedmont meet the beginnings of the coastal plain, creating a backdrop of natural beauty that accentuates the region’s history and heritage. Paddle or cruise the historic Augusta Canal, fish the crystal clear lakes or take a leisurely stroll through manicured gardens.

Augusta, nestled along the Savannah River, is the second oldest and largest city in
the state. Home to the Masters ® Golf Tournament, Augusta holds much more, including the Riverwalk, a two-tiered promenade known as the city’s front porch. Explore the surrounding shops, restaurants and museums like the National Science Center’sFort Discovery, the Morris Museum of Art, the Augusta Museum of History and the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame’s Botanical Gardens. Visit the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, tour Meadow Garden, home of the Declaration of Independence’s youngest signer, or discover in the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History how this trailblazer changed education for African Americans. 

The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is the only designated heritage area in
Georgia and includes the nation’s only industrial power canal still in use for its original purposes. You’ll enjoy history, recreation and unique experiences along the 8.5 miles of towpath and waterway of the 1845 canal. Visit the Interpretive Center at Enterprise Mill for interactive exhibits and authentic mill equipment, or cruise the canal in a replica of an original canal cargo boat.   

Clarks Hill/ Thurmond Lake is the largest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project east of the Mississippi. Explore more than 1,200 miles of shoreline and 11 recreation areas, five marinas, 13 campgrounds, and 10 parks. This outdoor haven provides endless recreational opportunities for the whole family.

When visiting Georgia’s Lake Country, the Lake Welcome Center is your first stop
for information on Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second-largest lake. Golf Digest magazine has designated the area one of the Top 50 golf destinations in the world for its championship golf courses. Camping, boating, fishing and hunting are also popular activities. Relax and enjoy one of Lake Oconee’s numerous fine resorts such as The Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation, Harbor Club, Reynolds Landing, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee and Reynolds Plantation.

The Classic South Travel Region boasts six Georgia State Parks and one state historic site. All the state parks in the Classic South offer camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and nature trails, and some offer cottages for overnight visitors. House museum tours and special events are offered at most of the parks as well.

The Laurel and Hardy Museum and Festival Harlem is the birthplace of Oliver Hardy, and the city celebrates the life and comedy of this famous entertainer on the first Saturday in October each year with the Annual Oliver Hardy Festival. The Laurel and Hardy Museum features memorabilia, artifacts, old Laurel and Hardy movies and other unique collections.

Reed Creek Wetlands Interpretive Park is located at Park Land West just off Fury’s
Ferry Roadin Martinez. Open dawn to dusk daily, the park’s 15 acres includes upland and riparian habitats, much of which you can view from a 300-foot boardwalk over the wetlands.

The Woodpecker Trail was originally designated a scenic route in 1947 and after
almost 50 years it has been rededicated in Georgia. The trail, which stretches 200 miles, highlights the unique sites and attractions along highway 25 and 121 from Augusta to the Okefenokee Swamp. This route, once billed as the fastest way to the coast, is a great way to see some of Georgia’s most historic, nature-based and cultural sites.