Franklin Roosevelt at Flat Shoals on the Flint River near the Little White House in Warm Springs. Roosevelt visited Georgia 41 times between 1924 and 1945, often touring the countryside including, in addition to Flat Shoals, Gay, Greenville, the Cove, Manchester and Dowdell Knob. View the Interactive Map to plan a Roosevelt Driving Tour in West Central Georgia.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, a wealthy aristocrat and nationally known Democratic political leader, came to Georgia looking for a way to fight the polio that was crippling his body. Between 1924 and 1946, he visited Warm Springs and Georgia forty-one times. He sought relief at the warm springs in Meriwether County. After being elected as the thirty-second president of the United States in 1932, he used his new home at Warm Springs, “The Little White House,” as a retreat from the rigors of leading a nation.

Between therapeutic sessions in the warm springs pools, Roosevelt would fish the waters of the Flint River, drive the countryside between Manchester, Greenville and Gay, visit the Cove for bootlegged whiskey and fiddle playing, and spend hours on Dowdell Knob just thinking as he looked out over the great river valley below him. (View the Interactive Map). He would see an impoverished land where people lived as sharecroppers on un-mechanized farms where planting, harvesting and maintenance were done with the aid of mules and black field hands, who worked for a dollar and a half a day. The roads were unpaved, there was no electricity, radio reception was poor and staticky, electricity was available on a very erratic basis, and most farms had no electrical appliances.

Those years were years when the entire country would be plunged into the greatest depression it had ever known and then into the greatest world war ever known. During those years, Roosevelt bought farmland and woodland in Harris and Meriwether counties expressly to demonstrate to other farmers that a farm could be profitable - that they could grow something other than cotton. Roosevelt experimented with cattle and goat raising, timbering, peach and apple orchards, various vegetables and grapes. During those years, Roosevelt would serve an unprecedented three terms as President of the United States, and many of the New Deal policies that he would formulate to lead the country out of depression and financial ruin would stem from what he saw and learned from the rural counties and people that touched his life in Warm Springs.

Roosevelt died at the Little White House in April of 1945. To a generation of west Georgians, he was both a president and a trusted friend who could be seen waving as he passed by in his convertible or rode by in a train on his way to Washington.

Links:

• Visit Roosevelt’s Little White House in Warm Springs.

 Georgia > West Central Region > Muscogee County > Columbus

The RiverCenter, a 240,000-square-foot facility that is the heart of Columbus Uptown’s arts and entertainment district, is a stunning blend of the past and the present, mixing the brick and iron work of the area’s historic buildings with a modern multi-level glass and steel facade.

Columbus artists and arts enthusiasts as well as arts and entertainment patrons from the region and all around Georgia benefit from the 240,000-square-foot RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in the heart of Uptown Columbus.

This beautiful center is the crowning glory of Columbus’ arts and entertainment district.

RiverCenter’s state-of-the-art facilities include the 2,000-seat Bill Heard Theatre, the center’s main venue and home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Featuring orchestra, mezzanine and balcony seating, the hall is designed to meet the complex technical needs of attractions, such as Broadway shows, symphonic concerts, dance performances, pop concerts, lectures and conferences. Performances have included James Taylor, Jerry Seinfield, and Broadway productions, including Annie, Cats and Rent.

The center’s second largest performance space, Legacy Hall, has 430 seats and an elegant ambiance that includes orchestra and parterre levels and a balcony that wraps entirely around the stage. Known for its perfect acoustics and impressive Jordan Concert Organ, the hall is a popular venue with many noted musicians. The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, violinist Robert McDuffie, organist Olivier Latry and others have sung the hall’s praises after performing on its stage.

Legacy Hall and the facility’s 150-seat, black-box Studio Theater also provide rehearsal and performance space for the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music. The music school’s classrooms, studios, rehearsal rooms and practice rooms also are located at RiverCenter.

Unique and entertaining programs are presented throughout the year.

Links:

• Read more about Columbus RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, including a schedule of up-coming events.
• Find more Columbus, Georgia, travel and recreation resources.

 Georgia > West Central > Muscogee County > Columbus

The Coca-Cola Space Science Center, operated by Columbus State University, houses a Challenger Learning Center, a world-class planetarium / theater, the Mead Observatory and many interactive exhibits.

“Walk in space” for a day at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus. Groups of 20-30 can “Voyage to Mars,” Return to the Moon,” Rendezvous with a Comet,” or “Encounter Earth,” at this exciting Challenger Learning Center. Gaze at the stars and other gems of the sky in the Mead Observatory. View a full-size replica of the nose cone of a NASA space shuttle orbiter in the museum. Other items of interest include the first Coca-Cola drink dispenser taken into space, a space suit, and an interactive view of 88 constellations in the night sky. Columbus State University’s Coca-Cola Space Science Center is located in the heart of uptown Columbus along the beautiful Chattahoochee Riverwalk and adjacent to the Columbus Historic District and the Iron Works Convention and Trade Center.

The state-of-the-art facility houses a Challenger Learning Center, the Omnisphere Theater and the Mead Observatory. Visit the Plaza area for many interactive exhibits and displays.

Links:

• Read more about Columbus’ Coca-Cola Space Science Center, including a schedule of up-coming events.
• Read more about other Columbus, Georgia, travel and recreation resources.

 Georgia > West Central Region > Muscogee County > Columbus

Columbus Riverwalk is a 22 mile-long linear park along the east bank of the Chattahoochee River that provides a unique combination of urban and natural environments for casual strollers and hikers, joggers, bicyclists and fishermen. Links below take you to an interactive map and a virtual tour.

Beginning in 1987/88 as a response to federal mandated sewage and water upgrades, the Water Works of Columbus along with local government and civic leaders created a partnership that has resulted in one of the cities premier tourist attractions.

The award-winning engineering design was done by Jordan, Jones and Goulding, both an Atlanta and Columbus based environmental engineering consulting firm. This design template is still in use today as additional phases are brought in, and a changing usage base is cultivated. Original construction began in 1989 and Phase I had a grand opening on Columbus Day 1992 with a large kazoo parade behind Golden Park. This one-mile area spanned from the dam at The River Club to behind the Trade Center and featured restrooms, ADA accessibility, and easy access from downtown at Bay Avenue.

Phase II was a large project that took the length of the Riverwalk to 12 miles. It passed Golden Park, The Civic Center, Rotary Park and Rigdon Park, linking all of these together. Long term planning provided access to the Naval Museum, Leisure pools, and the Oxbow Environmental Learning Center with it’s varied attractions, including three canopy rope bridges. Phase III extended another three miles to the Infantry Center at Fort Benning and was awarded the best Military Installation in the world.

Phases IV and V included the northern section of the Riverwalk from TSYS campus to Bibb Mill, on to Lake Oliver. A 22-mile linear park provides an asphalt trail with restrooms and access for all persons from the sports minded hiker or cyclist to the perfect spot for fishing. Columbus State University and the River Center have added to the usage of the Riverwalk by providing a home to the CSU School of Music in the downtown area by utilizing the area as a downtown campus.

Links:

• Read more about Columbus Riverwalk including a tour map, access points, and a virtual tour.
• Find other Columbus, Georgia travel and recreation resources.

 Georgia > West Central Region > Muscogee County > Columbus

More than 6,000 displays, including “World War II Street,” are included in the $100 million Columbus National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning.

Put yourself in the boots of the infantrymen from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution to events in Vietnam to the sands of the Persian Gulf at this unique historical center and its ever-changing kaleidoscope of more than 6,000 displays.

The new $100 million, National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center sits on 200 acres of majestic pines and hardwoods where Columbus meets Fort Benning, the home of the Infantry. It is the first world-class museum to pay tribute to the U.S. Army infantryman and his 230-plus years of service to America.

Heritage Walk. A 20-foot wide walkway that connects the museum with a five-acre parade field where friends and family can watch loved ones graduate from infantry training. The walk is lined with the flags of all 50 states and custom engraved granite pavers honoring those who’ve served or anyone who has supported a service member.

World War II Street. Visit an authentically re-created company street from the 1940s, featuring a chapel, barracks, mess hall and the headquarters and sleeping quarters once used by General George Patton.

Rifle Range. As kids of all ages try their hand in a weapons firing simulator just like the Army uses, they’ll learn the lessons that freedom is not free.

IMAX 3D Theater at Patriot Park. The area’s only 3D IMAX theater, where award-winning documentaries and Hollywood blockbusters alike are shown on a screen 5 stories high and 70 feet high.

The Fife and Drum Restaurant. Enjoy a fine dining experience with classic American fare served by a professional, dedicated staff well versed in Southern hospitality.

Soldier Store Gift Shop. Stop at the Soldier Store to purchase everything from teddy bears in camouflage t-shirts to hand-crafted art glass pieces.

Links:

• Read more about Columbus National Infantry Museum.
• Read more about other Columbus, Georgia, travel and recreation resources.

 Georgia > West Central Region >  Muscogee County > Columbus

On display at Port Columbus is this 30-foot section of the CSS Chattahoochee, a Confederate gunboat designed to protect the Confederate manufacturing center of Columbus during the Civil War.

Traverse the majestic, gaping hull of the ironclad ram CSS Jackson, known as the “Muscogee.” Originally over four million pounds of heart pine and solid oak encased in iron, built for coastal defense, and revolutionary low-profile engineering, it was sunk by invading Union troops and remained submerged until its resurrection nearly 100 years later.

Experience the hulking mass of the CSS Chattahoochee, a rare surviving example of Confederate shipbuilding. This 30-foot section of the stern and steam engines of the famed Confederate gunboat, designed to protect the growing manufacturing center of Columbus, represents Confederate innovation and resourcefulness in developing its defensive fleet.

View the recreated turret of the USS Monitor as she sailed battle-worn from her infamous battle with the CSS Virginia (Merrimac).

Ramble through the Berth Deck, Ward Room and Captain’s Cabin of Admiral David Farragut’s recreated flagship, the USS Hartford. Then survive Admiral Farragut’s surprise Union attach in Mobile Bay in the battle theater aboard the ironclad CSS Albemarle, where it’s “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!’

Port Columbus boasts the largest Civil War Naval Flag exhibit in the country, including the officer-on-board flag of Admiral Franklin Buchanan - the Confederate Navy’s first admiral - and the flag of the CSS Tennessee, whose crew faced the entire Union fleet alone during the Battle of Mobile Bay. Also featured are the Confederacy’s 1st National Flag from the CSS Arkansas, which was hidden away and virtually unknown until its display at Port Columbus, and such beauties as the mammoth CSS Atlanta flag measuring sixteen by twenty-four feet!

Numerous displays of the poignant art and artifacts of the Civil War lead the way throughout the tour, from weapons to confiscated items of commerce. The capstones of which are some rare surviving examples of naval uniforms, a Ship’s Boy smock, and the pristine uniform coat of Commander Catesby R. Jones, who commanded the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) in one of the most famous naval battles in all history.

The sights, sounds and encounters that lie in store at the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus transport you to some of the most pivotal events in the American Civil War.

Links:

• Read more about Port Columbus Confederate Naval Museum.
• Find other Columbus, Georgia, travel and recreation resources.

 Georgia > West Central > Meriwether County > Gay

Year-round accessibility to clay courses draws experienced and beginning shooters to Big Red Oak Plantation in Gay.

The decline of the native Bob White Quail led to the establishment of the hunting preserve in 1974 to restore the quail population and as a side line to farming. Now where cotton, peaches, corn and soybeans were grown, the 3,500-acre farm is planted in switch grass, love grass, small grains, clover, partridge pea, and bi-color lespedeza strictly for wildlife management.

In 2004, we added a state-of-the-art Sporting Clay Range with 5-Stand. The range is a fully automated course, set amongst hard woods to fields, always keeping in mind the comforts of our customers.  A great joy for the novice and the experienced alike.  We also added a few new buildings, a Pro-Shop with a full line of Shooting Inventory and ammunition, a Pavilion that can accommodate 150 plus people and a covered Bar-B-Q area.

Now, you can experience it first hand. Close enough to town for convenience, yet far enough out in the country for real enjoyment.  Gay is centrally located approximately an hour’s drive from either Atlanta, Columbus, or Macon on Ga. State Highway 85/74, and only thirty minutes from LaGrange, Newnan, Fayetteville, Thomaston or Griffin.  All major airports and many smaller airports are easily accessible.

Arthur Estes, the founder of Big Red Oak Plantation, is a sixth-generation family member to live and work on the land. He operates and maintains the hunting preserve year round. “Quail hunting and bird dogs have been my lifelong passion.”

Links:

• Read more about Big Red Oak Plantation

Find organically grown food,  farmers markets and restaurants that use organically grown food using the Local Food Guide.

The Local Food Guide 2009-2010, produced by the Georgia Organics and edited by Suzanne Welander is the state’s most complete guide to organic farms, farmers markets and restaurants that have involvement with organically grown food.

The organic farms and farmers markets and restaurants are organized geographically by county into five regions – Mountain, Atlanta Metro, Piedmont, East Coastal Plain and West Coastal Plain. So, using the guide you can organize a tour close to home or around a location to which you are traveling.

Here for example is a typical Farm listing:
Holt Heritage Farm and Supply, LLC
1235 Euharlee Road, Euharlee, GA 30145
Chaz & Georgia Holt, 770.386.8305
chaz@holtfarmsupply.com
www.holtfarmsupply.com
We offer: over 40 herb/vegetable/fruit crops throughout the year; children’s summer farm camps and school field trips on our farm; and a farm store selling exclusively organic farming supplies, plants, and sustainable living supplies.

The farmers’ markets in the Guide are all producer markets where you can buy fresh produce, meats, and dairy directly from the farmer who grew the food. The Guide does not include markets that predominately feature brokers or resellers, or markets that do not feature local producers selling locally grown food products.

Here is a typical Farmers Market Listing
Riverside Farmers Market
Riverside Park, Roswell, GA 30050
Louise Estabrook, 404.613.7670
laesta@uga.edu
The Riverside Farmers Market brings together vendors and shoppers in a celebration of farming and wholesome Georgia-grown produce. Enjoy events such as music, cook’s tours, chili cook-offs, watermelon eating contests, and a harvest festival! Open Saturdays 8am until noon, late May through October.

RESTAURANTS
All restaurants in the Guide are business level members of Georgia Organics. Some of the listed restaurants are committed to featuring fresh, locally produced food on their menus every day, year-round. Others purchase locally produced food occasionally. Georgia Organics urges you to contact the restaurants directly to find out more about their commitment
to feature sustainable and local food.

Here is a typical Restaurant Listing
Beechwood Inn
220 Beechwood Drive P.O. Box 429
Clayton, GA 30525
David G. Darugh, 706.782.5485
david-gayle@beechwoodinn.ws
www.beechwoodinn.ws
Most of our seasonal foods are from local and sustainable farms, orchards, and gardens, and much of it is organic and natural. Most of our dinner entrée meats are natural (organic, no hormones, no antibiotics, no feed lots). We are proud of our local suppliers.

Links

• Download a 88-page copy of Georgia Organics Local Food Guide.
• Read more about Georgia Organics.

A craftsman shows young Westville visitors the fine points of weaving a traditional cotton basket.

Westville is an outdoor history museum which depicts an 1850 west Georgia village. You may have seen pictures of little towns like Westville. They dotted the 1850s countryside in the southern United States.

Westville has been designed so that visitors can experience a community in the 21st century similar to the ones in which our ancestors lived in the middle of the nineteenth century. See where the antebellum townspeople worshiped, voted, and went to school. Westville has over 30 authentically restored and furnished pre-Civil War buildings: houses, stores, workshops, churches, school, and courthouse. In fact, it has all the ingredients of a functioning town.

Guides and interpreters are in 1850’s dress and will take you through the town and share with you the history of Westville, its people, and their times.

Plains, Georgia, birthplace of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States. For details on specific tour points, see below. See a larger image of the map. In 1928 the Carter family moved to Archery, a few miles to the west. For a photo of the Archery farm and a hand-drawn map of the compound by President Carter, see below.

American settlers founded the community of the Plains of Dura in Sumter County in the mid-1830s on the Americus-Preston Road. The name of the town was a biblical reference from Daniel 3:1 where Nebuchadnezzer set up a golden idol that the Israelites refused to worship, and according to biblical tradition, were cast into a burning furnace from which they emerged alive and unhurt as a sign of God’s favor. From the Arabic dhurah, the name is probably related to the Latin duras, meaning to endure. (more…)