Georgia Highlights
That Georgia has a fascinating history is quickly seen in the cities. Beyond this lies a beautiful nature of forests of cedars, pines and oaks, swamps with snakes and alligators and a massive mountain range of metamorphic rock and granite.
Traffic In And Around Georgia
According to Electronicsmatter, the US state of Georgia is located in the deep south of the country. It borders the Atlantic Ocean, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, South Carolina, and Florida. A tour of the state will take you through five distinct geographic regions: the Coastal Plain, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont Region, the Appalachian Plateau, and the Ridge and Valley Appalachian Mountains. But before you enjoy all these wonderful areas, you should first be aware of the traffic rules that apply in this state.
Please adhere to the maximum speeds. You are not allowed to drive faster than 40-70 km/h on urban roads, but on the highways this increases to 96-120 km/h. In urban areas the roads are wider than we are used to in the Netherlands. You often drive here on four to six lane roads. If you want to overtake, you can do so on both the left and right side. In America, the ‘Stay in your lane’ principle applies. This means you can stay in your own lane, but look both ways if you want to change lanes.
At intersections you are often allowed to turn right at a red light. Before doing so, you should stop to make sure no other traffic is entering the road. In addition, you should watch out for pedestrians who may cross. At some intersections it is indicated that you may not turn at a red light. So stick to this.
Driving in America is a pleasant experience that you will quickly master. The driving behavior of the Americans is quite calm, so you will not feel rushed.
Atlanta, Where Old Meets New
Atlanta is a particularly interesting city because here you can dive into the past of the city, but also have enough opportunities to see modern America. For example, major international companies such as Coca-Cola and CNN are located here, but it is also the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jimmy Carter, the only president from Georgia. Georgia Aquarium is great fun for the kids to visit. It is the largest aquarium in the world and is home to more than 100,000 marine animals. There is a colorful coral reef, you can attend dolphin shows and there are tanks in which you can touch the animals. Moreover, it is possible to follow a tour behind the scenes and you can swim among the largest fish in the world: the whale sharks.
Visit Georgia’s Oldest City
Savannah is the state’s oldest city, dating back to 1733. The city’s nickname, “The Hostess City of the South,” owes it to its hospitality and southern charm. Downtown is one of the largest historic districts and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996. You really take a step back in time here. Savannah has no less than 24 squares, each with its own rustic atmosphere. Stroll along the boardwalk past stately homes and lush urban parks such as Forsyth Park, which features a beautiful fountain and monuments. To get a good sense of the city’s past, visit the Savannah History Museum. This combines well with the Battlefield Memorial Park opposite: a huge monument to the soldiers who died here in 1779 during the War of Independence. The city also has a dark side. Almost every historic building has a ghost story. Wright Square is one of the haunted squares, while Bonaventure Cemetery is home to many unusual tombstones.
Go On An Adventure In Okefenokee Swamp
We now get into the rental car to drive towards Okefenokee Swamp. This marshy area is one of the largest swamps in the US and is located on the border of Georgia and Florida. What was once the bottom of an ocean is now home to 120,000 alligators and more than 200 bird species. You can sail along the special flora and fauna via a boat trip, but you can also board a canoe yourself to explore the more than 120 miles of waterways.
Georgia is a state that you really should discover for yourself. In addition to nature, rich history and fascinating cities, Georgia also borders other states that are easy to reach from here and give a completely different picture of America.
