12 Reasons Why Georgia Is The BEST Place To Take Your Mom

Your mom will undoubtedly recognize the Swan House in Atlanta as the filming location of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” The house was specifically scouted as the location for Panem’s Presidential palace. A guided tour by the Atlanta History Center’s Capitol Tours will make sure Mom gets an exclusive look at some behind-the-scenes exhibits, which includes actual props from the movie, as well as access to the gardens, also prominently featured.

Enjoy Sunday Brunch in the breathtaking Ocean’s Ballroom in the world’s largest aquarium in Atlanta. Whale sharks, manta rays and beluga’s will enviously stare at your Wolfgang Puck catered brunch plate. Your brunch ticket includes access to the entire aquarium following brunch, including the Dolphin Tales show. This is such a unique opportunity to enjoy a celeb chef meal in an incredible dinning space! See more on where to stay nearby here.

Instead of buying her a single bouquet that will wilt in a matter of days, bring Mom to The Rhododendron Festival at Hamilton Gardens, near Hiawassee. You’ll glimpse hundreds of varieties of these blooms in an explosion of colors and varieties. She can bring home one of the many types of Rhododendrons that will be on sale at the retail shop, with all proceeds going to the maintenance of the gardens. What a feel good present!

For the 75th anniversary of Gone with the Wind, re-visit the whole experience with Mom. The Marietta Gone With the Wind museum is part of an entire tour, noted by CNN as one of the Top 50 Things to Experience in America. The museum has an extensive collection of memorabilia, including costumes like Scarlett’s honeymoon wedding gown as well as author Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of her novel.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden has 30 acres of display gardens and shady woodlands with everything from roses, rare and endangered tropical and desert plants, CARNIVOROUS plants, and more. Not to be missed is the Fuqua Orchid Center which includes a High Elevation Orchid House and a Tropical Orchid House.

Bring Mom to the Mommie’s and Poppies event at the Sunflower Farm, an hour drive from Atlanta. Enjoy a stroll around wildflower gardens, shop the outdoor market and chat with garden experts about some tricks of the trade. Be sure to check out the Antique and Collectibles sale in the Antiques Barn. You’ll also be treated to a delicious brunch and enjoy tunes from local musicians.

The 313-acre State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens is home to a TON of beautiful flower gardens including the All-American Selections Garden, the American Daffodil Society Display Garden, and the Audubon Society Important Bird Area.You’ll be guaranteed to to spot some incredible flora and fauna. Five miles of trails extend into natural areas and you can always replenish your energy stores with lunch at the café.

Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city, a graceful town known for its architecture and the fine Southern hospitality. Savannah is the perfect mix of hip and historic, with plenty of amazing cuisine to sample and landmarks to stumble over.
Stay in the historic downtown of Savannah at The Mansion on Forsyth Park to get the real Southern hospitality experience.

Take it easy in Thomasville and enjoy shady tree lined streets and stately southern architecture. This town’s aristocratic elegance has long attracted everyone from the Rockefellers to Jackie O, who fled to the leisurely Thomasville following the Kennedy assassination. The town offers plenty of museums and plantation houses where you’ll see a glimpse into the grand Victorian Era, during which Thomasville was known as THE “Winter Resort of the South.”

Experience some classic southern hospitality in a historic Antebellum house in Macon by staying at the 1842 Inn. It is reputably haunted (!!!) but no less charming! Mom will love Macon, even if you’ve arrived a few weeks late for their annual Cherry Blossom festival. Over 50 of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places so there is no lack of architectural eye candy! Get more info here.