Georgia's Scenic Shortcut
The best-kept secret of travelers in Georgia, Highway 57, is its fastest and most scenic way to get from Macon to The Golden Isles. Beginning at exit 22 on I-16, it passes through exit 11 on I-95 and ends on Highway 17. The Wiregrass Trail will not only shave 42 miles and 30 minutes off of your trip, it also allows you to take a quiet trip past antique stores and Revolutionary War sites, over glinting rivers and through historic coastal hamlets and family farms. Let your mind unwind as you save a little time. Take the Wiregrass Trail. You'll arrive relaxed, not ragged from the rough ride.
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ALINE As you turn off the interstate, now would be a good time to stretch your legs, tank up the car and be sure you speak to the rheas, burro and goats at the pond. They'll bring you good luck. There is a large kiosk here to greet you at the Wiregrass Chevron with plenty of information on where to go and what to see on your relaxing journey through southeast Georgia. COBBTOWN One of the cleanest small towns in America. People take pride here in many of the turn of the century homes and buildings. On your left, you will see the fully restored Coleman Hotel where one of the original "Lucky Strike" girls resides. You will also find the barter & trading post still doing business and The Cobbtown "Mall" with self & full serve pumps. Right outside you will notice lilypad laden watering holes and large fields of green. Look a little closer and you will see that you are passing through one of the largest producing areas of Vidalia onions in the world!
COLLINS Rich in history, Collins is a town that shares its images of the past in lovely homes and ancient trees. Take a moment to visit the first enclosed gymnasium in the state and handpainted local add billboards before you head south. The town has also just completed a new square in town for you to stop and have refreshments before you move along the tree shaded avenue that takes you through town.
REIDSVILLE Some sites that you won't want to miss include Big Hammock Wildlife Management Area, which runs along the Altamaha River, The Gordonia Altamaha State Park, or The Ohoopee Dunes at the Ohoopee River. Stop by the Alexander Hotel and find out why Reidsville is "Friendship City USA". Now is a good time to check in with some of our fine eateries in town.
GLENNVILLE A must see is the Armstrong Cricket Farm, the largest in the world! Find out how they raise pine seedlings at the Rayonier Regeneration Facility or visit the Glenville-Tattnall Museum. As you drive through, you will note the unique stores, historic homes, and a 75-foot mural depicting life in the early 1900s. You will also appreciate the long stretches of pecan and peach groves just outside of town. When the season is right, plan to stop a moment at one our roadside fruit and vegetable stands or the Farmers Market and pickup some goodies to keep your tummy happy.
LUDOWICI One of the State's most beautiful areas, Beards Bluff Campground, has everything you need to make you want to stay forever. History buffs will want to visit Jones Creek Church. In town, You may notice some of the older homes have red tile roofs. These are made from the local clay, and were quite popular throughout the world earlier in the century. Ludowici received its name from the man who invented the celadon tile as well as being the home of the factory that made them. A large hand-painted mural depicting the transition of history from the early indians to life in the mid century covers the wall of a building across from the old train depot. The old well pavilion and earlier homes still stand as a testament to the life of bustling railroad town here at the turn of the century.
DARIEN At Darien, Georgia's second oldest city, you have reached the Gateway to the Golden Isles. You may want to stop at the Outlet Malls here on I-95 before you head on to your final destination. With so much to see here why not take a minute to enjoy the view of the marshes, the islands, Fort King George, or the beautifully historic city of Darien itself? You deserve it.
Along the Trail, you'll see fertile fields of World Famous Vidalia Sweet Onions and cool orchards of pecans and peaches, all for sale at roadside stands. The kids will spot flocks of wild turkeys and lone deer grazing under moss-bearded oaks. You'll see turn-of-the-century courthouses, classic Main Street architecture, and graceful homes.
Historic churches point steeples to smog-free blue skies, and historic markers tell of Revolutionary War forts and Civil War heroes. Signs point to state parks where you can picnic by the lake, let the kids romp, or stretch your legs with a paddle boat ride or a round of golf. You'll glimpse roadside murals that depict life a century ago and fully restored Victorian buildings. You can explore museums, wildlife management areas, or the tabby ruins on the scenic waterfront. Or just keep driving while you enjoy the scenery and yourself on The Wiregrass Trail.
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Want to see how the weather is in a particular town on the Trail?
Click HERE and type the town name in the appropriate box that follows.
If you would like some more information on Glennville, Reidsville, Cobbtown or Collins, why not visit WWW.TATTNALL.COM ? Just tell 'em we sent you.
Interested in the Sapelo Islands? Get some first hand accounts from folks born and raised there at I AM SAPELO for authentic Georgia Gullah facts.
Or contact the good folks over at GEORGIA ON MY MIND for more information on this region as well as the rest of this great state!
Why not take a side trip to historic JONES CREEK CHURCH?
If Genealogy interests you, you might want to visit HERE or HERE.
Find ecological notes on the local FLORA AND FAUNA by clicking here and typing the word "wiregrass" or "sandhill" in their search box.
For more information, please call the Candler County Chamber of Commerce at 912-685-2159.
For more information, please call the Tattnall County Chamber of Commerce at
912-557-6323.Restaurants:
Leo's - a little bit of Key West in the middle of Georgia-Reidsville
Sandwich Depot- Savory Sandwiches - Collins
Smith's- best fried chicken around - Reidsville
Carter's Restaurant- Set a spell with some quality food - Glennville
Roman's Pizza- When you gotta have pizza, you gotta have Roman's- Glennville
Bed & Breakfast:
The Nelson Hotel - Beautifully restored turn-of-the century home with private bath suites. Continental Breakfast included. (912)557-4411 On the Wiregrass Trail
Hotels:
The Glennville Inn 912-654-3407
The Cheeri-O Inn 912-654-2176 in Glennville
Friendship Inn 912-557-6899 in Reidsville
For more information, please call the Long County Chamber of Commerce at
912-545-9034.For more information, please call the Macintosh County Chamber of Commerce at 912-437-4192.
Please Email us with suggestions and info at
mailto: tattdev@pineland.net
Some folks that are extremely helpful and pretty sociable too:
Long County - Probate Clerk of Court 912-545-2123
Tattnall County - Probate Clerk of Court 912-557-6719
One of the largest libraries of genealogy records in the south, the