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GEORGIA TOURS

Georgia driving tours, Georgia walking tours, Georgia environmental tours and Georgia nature tours. Tours on your own or with a guide. Learn more about Georgia on one of these guided or do-it-yourself Georgia tours.

Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category

Smiley’s Flea Market

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
 Georgia > Central Region > Bibb County > Macon

fleamarketshopperrgb400.jpgSmiley’s Flea Market is Georgia’s largest with over 1,000 selling spaces and a incredible variety of merchandise for every taste and pocketbook.

Smiley’s, Flea Market, about 4 miles south of Macon is Georgia’s largest and finest flea market with over 1,000 selling spaces. You are sure to find whatever it is that you are looking for, all at bargain prices! It’s conveniently located off I-75 on GA Hwy 247 about halfway between Macon and Warner Robins and open every Saturday and Sunday, 6 am to 5 pm.

Smiley’s Markets & Malls was formed in 1984 by Ben Campen, Sr. He had a vision of providing a place where anyone and everyone could sell their merchandise at an affordable price to the public. Ben has had experience in the flea market business since 1975. In the early 80’s, he wanted to build flea markets throughout the Southeast. When pondering about a name for the flea markets, he wanted something that would reflect a positive light on the business and the people that operated it. Smiley’s was the obvious choice. Contrary to what some people believe, his last name is not Smiley, but he will answer to it almost every time you see him.

That dream came true in the fall of 1984 in Fletcher, NC. Smiley’s opened its doors to a record crowd in the Fall of 1984. Starting on 20 acres and with just over 50,000 square feet of covered selling area, Smiley’s has now grown to well over 100,000 square feet, 700 outside selling spaces, and an antique mall that is longer than a football field. Smiley’s Flea Market in Fletcher, NC is known as the best and biggest flea market in all of the Carolina’s.

The following year, Ben kept his dream alive and opened another flea market in Macon, GA. Smiley’s opened up on July 4, 1985 on 30 acres. Starting with just two buildings totaling 18,000 square feet, it now consists of a facility on 60 acres and making up well over 100,000 square feet of covered selling stalls with 400 outside selling spaces.

In the mid 1990’s, Ben’s children, Ashley and Ben, Jr., came to work for him and Smiley’s Markets & Malls. Both have continued to follow the dreams and goals of their father and have grown the business to new heights. With their new ideas and their exuberant energy, Smiley’s will continue to be the best Flea Markets in the Southeast.

Since 1985 Smiley’s Markets & Malls has grown to be known as the premier Flea Market in the Southeast. Smiley’s is constantly growing and striving to provide a successful venue for people to buy and sell merchandise to the public.

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Nacoochee Village

Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Georgia > Northeast Region > White County > Sautee Nacoochee

Nacoochee Village, located in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, only one half mile south of Alpine Helen, offers a variety of shopping and activities for the entire family … whether out for a leisurely nacoocheevillagergb240.jpgafternoon or a Northeast Georgia Mountain vacation.

These Northeast Georgia attractions include Nora Mill an historic grist mill, powdered by the Chattahoochee River which winds through Alpine Helen, Georgia and Nacoochee Village. On this river, you will find some of the best North Georgia Trout Fishing with your host and fishing guides, Unicoi Outfitters. They are Helen Georgia’s trout fishing professionals with lots of gear and apparel.

Alpine Helen in the North Georgia Mountains has incredible countryside. Families enjoy the riverside trails and the scenic views of the North Georgia Mountains. After a day of activities, relax and spend a comfortable night in Nacoochee Cabins, an exciting choice for vacation rentals in Helen, Georgia. The Nacoochee Grill is a great choice for lunch or dinner. Their extensive menu, much of which is prepared on a live fire grill, makes this North Georgia Restaurant a must-stop for all who visit Helen.

Browsing unique items is almost everyone’s favorite thing to do; and when you walk in the Nacoochee Antique Mall at The Nacoochee Village, you will be surprised to see such a unique collection of merchandise. The Nacoochee Antique Mall has three floors of antiques and collectibles from various eras. Check out the seasonal specials.

Paint your own pottery at The Willows Pottery and shop for home furnishings at The Red Door. Don’t forget, Habersham Vineyards & Winery offers complimentary tastings daily of its award-winning Georgia wines. There’s something for everyone at Nacoochee Village, just south of Helen on GA Hwy. 75.

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Blue Ridge’s Mercier Orchard

Thursday, August 20th, 2009
 Georgia > Northwest Region > Fannin County >Blue Ridge

mercierstore400rgb.jpgThe Mercier Orchards store sends your senses into overdrive. Bushels of apples, fresh from the surrounding orchard, invite you to taste. Bottles of fresh cider, jams, jellies and other gourmet treats are ready for you to take home.

Mercier Orchards nestled in the North Georgia Mountains is a family owned and operated apple orchard. Started back in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier, Mercier Orchards is now celebrating 66 years of fruitful harvests. Bill, an agricultural agent, knew that the sunshine, rainfall, cold nights, and good soil of the Georgia mountains would produce the sweet, tart, juicy apples that Mercier Orchards is known for.

One stop at Mercier Orchards sends your senses into overdrive. Bushels of apples, fresh from the surrounding orchard, invite you to taste. Bottles of fresh cider, jams, jellies and other gourmet treats are ready for you to take home. Share the harvest with fortunate friends and family. Also while visiting, stop by our bakery and try a famous fried apple pie or at the deli and sample our home made pecan chicken salad. We also offer a unique variety of farm toys, pet items, kitchen paraphernalia, home decor and a meat and cheese shop.

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