The state of Georgia is blessed with natural beauty from borders north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to a tree-lined border in the west.
The state also offers an assortment of state parks. While enjoyment of these state treasure may have been slowed down a little during the self quarantine times of COVID-19, they are back open and welcoming visitors.
A recent visit to one of these state parks offered golf, sight seeing, swimming and relaxation, but here’s a summary of a few of Georgia’s feature-rich state parks.
Check out the specials at Georgia State Parks here.
Young Harris, GA, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a luxurious retreat for a mountain getaway. Activities abound on this 503-acre property which features an 18-hole championship golf course, horse stables and trail riding, a 7,500-sq. ft. Equani spa and an array of outdoor activities. Accommodations consist of a 102-room main lodge, 32 cottage guest rooms and one deluxe spa suite.
Situated within Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park in the historic town of Cordele, Ga., Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club as a popular destination for both local and long-distance travelers. The state park’s 1,300 acres serves as a playground for a variety of outdoor activities and houses the SAM Shortline Excursion Train and the Military Museum, which pays tribute to veterans from the Revolutionary War through the present day. Activities include golf, archery and air rifle, biking, disc golf, volleyball, hiking and a variety of water activities: boating, jet skiing, paddling by kayak or canoe, fishing and swimming. The resort is outfitted with 14 renovated main lodge guest rooms, 64 villa guest rooms and ten lakeside cabins.
Located amongst the peaceful pine trees of the South in Helena, Georgia, Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge is a charming destination for a relaxing getaway. Little Ocmulgee State Park is home to 1,360-acres of activities, including first-class golf at Wallace Adams Golf Course, a children’s splash pad, a private pool and Little Ocmulgee lake. Accommodations consist of a 60-room main lodge, 10 lakeside cabins and 54 campsites. Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge is managed by Coral Hospitality, a full-service hospitality management and investment company.
Located along the shores of Lake Walter F. George in Fort Gaines, GA, George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge is a secluded retreat for a relaxing getaway. George T. Bagby State Park is home to the 48,000-acre Lake Walter F. George and Meadow Links Golf Course, ranked by Golf Digest as “the nation’s sixth best new affordable public course.” Popular attractions include swimming at the lakeshore beach and the lodge’s private pool, trophy fishing, volleyball, tennis and more. Accommodations consist of a 60-room main lodge and five secluded cabins. George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge is managed by Coral Hospitality, a full-service hospitality management and investment company.
Stay and Play at Little Ocmulgee
Located a little over two hours from most points in Atlanta is Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge. Situated among the trees in charming Helena-McRae, Little Ocmulgee is an easy drive from Atlanta.
Particulars:
Price: $5 for parking
Address: 80 Live Oak Trail, Helena, GA
Why You Need To Go: A beautiful lodge with a pool and hiking trails. There is also an accessible campground, a lake for fishing and and many selfie opportunities if you are having a solo travel day. The Fairway Grill, a full-service restaurant serving traditional Southern meals, overlooks the sixth and seventh holes of the golf course. Don’t miss the golf! 18 well manicured championship holes that can be enjoyed by all players. The course isn’t easy, but it’s a lot of fun and super-playable.
The Lodge
Newly renovated. 60 rooms in the main lodge building. Each comfortable, modern room comes standard with Double Queens, Queen or King beds. Suites have a fullsize refrigerator and microwave and a comfortable seating area. All rooms have private bathrooms, 50″ flat screen and cable TV, plus daily housekeeping services.
The Cabins
The 10 secluded lakeside cabins at Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge range from efficiencies to 2-bedroom cabins and they are ideal for a quiet getaway. The cabins offer living rooms with cable TV, full kitchens including a microwave, stove, coffeemaker, toaster, refrigerator, cookware, flatware, and dinnerware. Two-bedroom cabins have 4 beds, one-bedrooms have 2 beds, and efficiencies have 1 bed. Bath linens are provided. The cabins are ideal for families looking to strike a balance between rustic camping and hotel-style accommodations. The cabins provide the comforts of home with a feel of the outdoors.
In McRae
There are plenty of chain stores to pick up groceries, snacks and sundries.
In downtown McRae, check out Liberty Square, home of a Statue of Liberty replica that is one-twelfth the size of the original. It has a replica of the Liberty Bell and a marble memorial to Telfair County residents who died in military service.
Also, dine at Southern Star Grill. Right off Downtown McRae and easy to find, this is Southern cooking at its best. There is a set menu, but also daily specials. It’s open for lunch and dinner and can get busy, so you may have to wait a bit. Locally owned and great service!
Southern Star Grill: 153 E Oak St.; McRae, Georgia
