Travel Series: Georgia, “The Peach State”

Welcome back to KPG Healthcare’s Travel Series! This week, we are taking a trip to Georgia, also known as “the Peach State”. Did you know Georgia is the country’s top producer of pecans, peanuts, Vidalia onions, and of course, the Georgia peach!

KPG Healthcare is proud to offer travel nursing assignments in Georgia. We staff facilities across the state including Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Macon and more! Get in touch with one of our Travel Nursing Recruiters today or send your resume to [email protected]!

Let’s take a (virtual) trip to Georgia, starting with Atlanta!

Atlanta

The ATL. Hotlanta. A-town. Otherwise known as the state capital of Georgia, Atlanta offers visitors a deep, rich history, creative minds, nonstop fun and plenty of Southern hospitality. Although coronavirus is still limiting the majority of the activities throughout the country, Atlanta has no shortage of fun things to do.

Interested in American history? You can visit the birthplace and home of the Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., visit a variety of history museums, and find other historic sites and landmarks. At the MLK Jr. National Historic Site, visitors can visit his home, enjoy the roses at the International World Peace Rose Garden, listen to sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church, pay your respects to Dr. and Mrs. King’s Tomb and walk the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame.

A must-do while in Atlanta is to visit the iconic roller-skating rink Cascade. Roller skating is great for people of all ages to get exercise and have fun at the same time. At Cascade, the hours and rates change depending on the day, but you can also visit the rink during one of its weekly events for families, teens and adults. This iconic rink has also been featured in the 2006 hit film “ATL,” so it’s worth checking out!

It must be worth noting that the food scene in Atlanta is off the charts offering flavors for the familiar or the new, family-owned to dining districts, and some killer Southern cuisine. Atlanta was named one of Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Best Cities for Barbecue,” offering flavors coming from Texas to the Carolina’s and everything in between. Brunch continues to be one of the most popular meals for Atlantans, so it’s worth checking out some of the great spots in ATL. There’s so much food in Atlanta no matter what you choose you will find something to satisfy your taste buds.

As you can see, Atlanta has more than enough to do even with the pandemic happening, visitors can still find so many great things to do. Just remember to wear a mask!

Things to do in Atlanta: Thrillist’s COVID Things To Do20 Free Things To Do20 Best Things To DoTimeOut’s 21 Best Things To Do

Savannah

A coastal city straddling the South Carolina state line, Savannah is a Georgia city known for its beautiful coastline, horse-drawn carriages, architecture and a vibrant history.

Savannah is a history buffs dream come true with historic landmarks and sites waiting to be rediscovered. Did you know Savannah was a gift to President Lincoln in the Civil War? A gift from Union General Sherman after sparing the city from destruction during his infamous southbound march. Beyond that, the First African Baptist Church, history of emancipation, Old fort JacksonTricentennial Park and the Colonial Park Cemetery are just some of the other historic sites to visit while in Savannah.

A trip to Tybee Island, which is 20 minutes from downtown, is a must-do for any first-time or returning visitors. Here you can take a lovely walk along the sandy beaches, visit more historic sites like Fort Pulaskikayak in the Atlantic oceanchow down on some fresh seafood, or even set up a camp. Tybee Island is also extremely dog-friendly – so if you’re traveling with any fur babies then you’re good to go! If you come between May and October, you may be able to see sea turtle hatchlings for sea turtle season.

No trip to Savannah is complete without a visit to the Historic District. The Historic District is full of landmarks, museums22 park squares, 18th-century homes, ghost tours and over 100 restaurants. Also located in the Historic District is the City Market, a collection of bistros, shops, galleries and restaurants. By night, the market transforms into a party scene featuring local street musicians, bands and “to-go” cups.

It is safe to say that Savannah is a coastal city full of American history that likes to party.

Things to do in Savannah: 15 Free Things To DoUS News 15 Best Things To Do in Savannah15 Can’t-Miss in Savannah

Augusta

Nestled along the Savannah River, Augusta is perhaps best known as the home of the Masters Golf Tournament. Besides golf, the city is a wonderful mix of Southern charm and city fun that combines arts and culture, mouthwatering food and a dynamic outdoor recreation scene.

As a city that sits along a river, Augustans are well versed in outdoor recreation with nearby trailsswamps to explore, a river to enjoy and plenty of city parks for walks. Biking is another great option for exploration, exercise and enjoyment with some bike trails along the river. If exercise is not on the to-do list then head to the Augusta Riverwalk to enjoy outdoor concertsriver marketsmuseums and playgrounds for the little ones.

Downtown Augusta is another must do as it is where Augusta’s major attractions, restaurants and nightlife scene really take center stage. Broad Street runs right in the middle of downtown and boasts a unique, artistic and historical personality for the city. Start the evening off with one of the many restaurants lined on Broad Street, then make your way to some bars, clubs or even the James Brown Arena to see some of your favorite artists. Downtown Augusta is the place to be for a night on the town.

Regardless of what you do, Augusta has something for everyone to enjoy.

Things to do in Augusta: Free Things to Do15 Best Things to Do25 Best Things to Do

Macon

Located in central Georgia along the Ocmulgee River, Macon was once home to a variety of Native American tribes for a thousand years. Today, Macon has grown into an urban city with five universities with a thriving agriculture industry.

As we mentioned, Macon was home to four different Native American tribes dating back to the Paleo-Indians during the Ice Age. Those who are fascinated by history can visit the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which has seen 17,000 years of continuous human habitation. At this national historical park, visitors can witness the great Earth Lodge, which has been reconstructed above the original flooring, and the constructed mounds that were built for the tribe elite. Visitors are also given the opportunity for a Lantern Light Tour of the ground over the weekend.

Did you know Macon is known as the “Festival Capital of Georgia”? Macon hosts over 20 annual festivals celebrating the arts and culture the city has to offer. Visitors have the opportunity to attend the largest exhibit of sculptural pottery in Georgia at Fired Works or witness over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees at the annual International Cherry Blossom Festival. There are so many other cultural opportunities to partake in while visiting Macon.

We forgot to mention that Macon is cursed! According to Gateway Macon, legend has it that the banks of the Ocmulgee River are cursed by the elders of the Creek Nation. The curse is a bit odd as it states those who settled along the banks of the Ocmulgee River would “NEVER BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE”. As long as you reframe from camping along the river, you will be perfectly fine!

Things to do in Macon: 15 Best Things to Do

Athens

Just 60 miles east of Atlanta, the city of Athens, named after Athens, Greece, is also known as the “Classic City” and is best known for being the home to the University of Georgia.

While the University of Georgia (UGA) is an achievement alone, the city also prides itself on having an incredible, one of a kind live music scene. The city has produced internationally acclaimed artists like R.E.M., The B-52’s, Drive-By Tuckers and Widespread Panic – to name a few. Today, the music scene in Athens is thriving and more vibrant than ever with regular performances happening throughout the city and providing Athenians the chance to dance the night away.

Being a college town, UGA provides Athenians an opportunity to partake in the university’s collection of art, gardens and a special collections library. The Georgia Museum of Art at UGA houses a permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art and hosts over 20 temporary exhibits throughout the year. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is one of the town’s most popular attraction with over 313-acres of themed gardens to walk, smell and explore. Lastly, the UGA Special Collections Library is a must for history geeks looking to dive deeper into Georgia’s rich cultural history.

Athens is just another amazing reason to take a travel nursing assignment in Georgia offering visitors so much to do and see!

Things to do in Athens: Thrillist’s Things to Do During COVID-19Guide to AthensTop 10 Things to Do in AthensFree Things To Do

 

Although the pandemic has left many cities to close businesses, cancel events and limit the capacity of certain activities, there are still plenty of travel nursing opportunities to tackle! The cities above are just some of the great cities we staff in Georgia, so the next question is – what are you waiting for?

Get in contact with us on where we can get you a Travel Nursing assignment today! Email your resumes to [email protected] or DM us on one of our social media accounts (FacebookInstagramLinkedIn).