Despite being part of the Bible Belt, more religions are represented in the state than just Protestant Christianity. For those seeking to expand their understanding of major world religions or are simply curious, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a breathtaking Hindu temple located in the metro-Atlanta area. The gorgeous building is comprised of Turkish Limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone that was carved by hand in India and assembled on-site in Lilburn. Though it is a functioning temple, visitors who are not practitioners of Hinduism are welcome!

Nestled in the heart of Alpharetta, Avalon offers an unmatched blend of luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment in a pedestrian-friendly, open-air setting. This upscale enclave redefines the typical Southern shopping experience with its tree-lined boulevards, bubbling fountains, and an assortment of some of the world’s most coveted brands. For those wishing to prolong their stay, there are several top-tier hotels in Alpharetta in close proximity, offering convenience and luxury to travelers. Beyond shopping, Avalon also hosts a variety of events ranging from yoga on the green to outdoor movie nights. Even if retail therapy isn’t your goal, the relaxed ambiance of Avalon invites visitors to simply stroll, enjoy a gourmet meal, or cozy up to one of its outdoor fireplaces, making it an essential stop when exploring Georgia’s hidden gems.

Georgia is an ecologist’s sweetest dream. The different ecoregions of the state provide such biodiversity that culminate in astonishing scenery that many wouldn’t expect. One of these “natural wonders” is Radium Springs Gardens. Once the Radium Casino, this spring pumps 70,000 gallons per minute of clear, cool water from an underground cave. Visitors can stroll through the courtyard and enjoy foliage-draped hillocks, crystal clear waters, and captivating flora. The park also features a restored terrace, casino garden, and gazebos.

Even though street art originated in the northeast United States, the art form spread quickly throughout the states and eventually the world. The Krog Street Tunnel is a piece that exemplifies this. Atlanta artist, Totem, began to tag the tunnel in protest of the gentrification of neighborhoods in 1995. Eventually, other artists added their pieces and murals which created the canvas you can find today. Often artists do not include their names on their work.

Visitors can still go see the art. Artists often paint over each other so you will likely see something different each time you go.

As a symbol of renewal and optimism, cherry blossoms are the perfect plant to usher in spring each year. Macon, Georgia has so many cherry blossom trees threading through the downtown area that brighten up the city, especially when they are in full bloom.

In addition to seeing these gorgeous plants, visitors can participate in the International Cherry Blossom Festival held in the city each year! If you plan to travel, look out for recommendation on when the cherry blossoms will be in peak bloom as it changes from year to year.

The Victorian era brought architecture that had steeply pitched roofs, bay windows, and decorative brickwork. Though modern trends have replaced this style, you can still find remnants of this era. Rhode Hall is one of the last remaining Victorian mansions in Atlanta.

Originally the home of one the city’s most wealthy citizens, the house was eventually deeded to the State of Georgia. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation later signed lease for the estate with the State of Georgia to use part of the premises as its headquarters. Today, visitors can tour the museum to learn more about its history or attend events!

Despite its name, the Labyrinth of Rome was designed to help people to focus.

In the 1930s, the site began as an erosion control pond developed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Folk artists later used the location to read poetry and play music throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Later, Ed Baker worked with the local government of Rome to establish the area as a labyrinth in the historic Jackson Hill area. It was constructed with over 5,000 bricks—laid end-to-end for over a mile.

Walking the winding path to the center can be a meditative experience to let go of the stress of daily life. The labyrinth has multiple levels.

Waffle House is an integral part of the experience of living in the southeast United States. Some of my favorite high school memories involve a 2 AM trips to the restaurant after a competition or party.

Of the over 400 Waffle Houses that exist in Georgia, the first can be found in Avondale Estates, GA memorialized as the Waffle House Museum. Not only is it a recreation of the first restaurant opened but it is also filled with over 60 years of memorabilia.

While locals may give you mixed responses as to whether Waffle House is a “gem”, one thing remains true. An All Star is good no matter what time of day you eat it.

Georgia is often called the Peach state, but it also has a state vegetable, the Vidalia onion. It earned its state status in 1990 after the greatest agricultural success story in Georgia’s history. A story that is forever memorialized in the Vidalia Onion Museum in Vidalia, Georgia. The interactive, historical experience highlight the onions economic, cultural and culinary significance.

Exhibits in the museum include Pioneers, Problems, and Promise; Recipe for a Vidalia Onion; Protecting a Name and its Fame; A Year-Round Job; Onion Town; and a Living Exhibit.

From the outside, Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium appear to be a religious storefront from the street. However, the indoor décor and bar will quickly let you know that this isn’t the Sunday service experience you were expecting.

Founded by a former Divinity scholar and antique dealer, the bar’s perfect mix of camp and religious imagery makes it fit right in in Atlanta’s electric nightlife scene. Despite the fact that it isn’t an actual church, the focus on fellowship remains the same.

For every glitzy city in Georgia, there are miles and miles of rural land full of trees, animals, and only a select few know what else. Eyewitness reports and stories of a bipedal human-like creature can be found all over the world, but only a handful of people have dedicated their life to solving this mystery. The Expedition Bigfoot: The Sasquatch Museum is dedicated to researching and preserving sightings and other information regarding the sightings of Bigfoot. Believers, skeptics, and “knowers” are welcome. t houses the country’s largest permanent display of footprint casts. Visitors can also enjoy the life-sized and interactive exhibits, gift shop, and “sasquatch” theater.