Georgia Adventures in Green

Day 1

6:30 AM Depart Harrisburg
7:00 AM Depart Mechanicsburg
Travel to Charlottesville, VA. We begin our garden journey as we travel to Monticello Home of President Thomas Jefferson. Explore Thomas Jefferson’s life, Monticello’s iconic architecture, and the plantation. Includes first floor rooms and outdoor spaces. Includes tour of historic herb gardens with docent. After our visit to Monticello we travel to Charlotte, NC for our overnight stay and dinner . Overnight 1st Class Lodging-Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte A local dinner is included tonight.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, Check out and depart for Helen, GA to visit the Bavarian German Village and enjoy Lunch on your own. You will find several great restaurants to choose from including Bodensee, Hofer's or Heidelburg. Next we head to Hardman Farms in Helen, GA, This is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of North Georgia. Located just south of Helen, the farm is best known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century Italianate mansion, known as the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound House. The property also features the iconic Nacoochee Indian Mound, a landmark that holds significant historical and cultural importance. Here you will participate in butter, biscuit, or sorghum demonstration and a tour. Afterwards we travel to Red Oak Lavender Farm. This farm is a serene and picturesque destination known for its vibrant fields of fragrant lavender. We’ll enjoy a meeting with the Gardener/owner who will tell us about growing lavender and its uses. Arrive in Athens, GA and check in for your overnight 1st class lodging accommodations

Day 3

Start your day off right with breakfast at the hotel.
Next we will enjoy a guided tour of The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located in Athens, GA, this is a lush and expansive garden that serves as a center for botanical research, education, and conservation. Spanning over 300 acres, the garden features a diverse array of plant collections and themed gardens, including the International Garden, Heritage Garden, and Flower Garden, each showcasing unique plant species and landscaping styles. Today lunch is on your own with a stop in Social Circle, GA. Also take in some sight seeing as well. Followed by a Covington Movie Tour-Trolley Tour, Explore over 40 filming locations on live sets of your favorite movie and shows. Stand where Carrol O’Conner stood while being the Chief of Police in Sparta. See where the Duke boys jumped the General Lee in the opening of Dukes of Hazzard. See the houses used in Vampire Diaries and more.
Check in for 2 Nights 1st Class Lodging- Hyatt House Downtown Atlanta and freshen up before dinner at Paschal's Restaurant

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Georgia Aquarium. This is the biggest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, whether you measure by the number of fish (tens of thousands) or
the volume of water (more than 11 million gallons or 41.6 million liters). You have a behind the scenes tour and will see the whale shark feeding and the way they grow their own coral reef. .You will have a Lunch Meal Voucher for The Varsity.There’s not a faster, fresher, or more fun-filled dining experience like it anywhere! Gordy family-owned and operated since 1928, The Varsity is a downtown Atlanta institution, and The World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant. Next it is the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Since the Garden opened its doors in 1976, it has become the emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta culture. Dinner at Pappadeaux's Seafood Kitchen tonight.

Day 5

Start your morning off right with a delicious hot breakfast at the hotel. This morning experience a guided tour of Atlanta, GA with downtown sights such as Centennial Olympic Park, Sweet Auburn Street, MLK National Park, ATL Beltline and more. Next we travel to Beautiful and Historic Senoia, Georgia. This charming town known for its picturesque streets and rich film history. Step-On Guide: Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a local guide, once the formal introductions are over, you will have time to explore downtown Senoia on your own. This vibrant area is famed for its beautifully preserved historic buildings and role as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows, including "The Walking Dead." Stroll along Main Street to see iconic sites such as the Woodbury Shoppe, which offers exclusive merchandise related to the show, and various quaint boutiques and artisan shops. Take some time to enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries. Senoia offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafés to more. Next we are off to LaGrange, GA. To Hills & Dales Estate & Gardens. This is a beautifully preserved historic estate known for its stunning gardens and classical architecture. The centerpiece of the estate is the grand Italianate mansion, built in 1916. Surrounding the mansion are the meticulously maintained gardens, originally designed in the 19th century by Sarah Ferrell. These gardens include a variety of formal and informal plantings, terraced lawns, fountains, and statuary. Notable areas include the Boxwood Garden, the Pecan Grove, and the Herb Garden, each showcasing a diverse array of plant species and horticultural artistry. You will have an opportunity to hear from the master gardener and PhD in horticulture. Overnight 1st Class Lodging- Hampton Inn LaGrange, GA

Day 6

Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel, before departing for Callaway Gardens. Enjoy a tour of Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Enjoy an immersive experience in one of the Southeast's most beautiful and expansive botanical gardens. Spanning over 2,500 acres, the gardens are known for their stunning landscapes, diverse plant collections, and wide range of outdoor activities. Afterwards we’ll have lunch at Bullock House. Next you will enjoy a tour of Little White House, Now a National Historic Landmark, Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932 while governor of New York, prior to being inaugurated as president in 1933. He first came to Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for the infantile paralysis (polio) that had struck him in 1921. Swimming in the 88-degree, buoyant spring waters brought him no miracle cure, but it did bring improvement. Check in at the Hampton Inn Peachtree City before dinner at Smokey Bones.

Day 7

Start your morning off right with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing for a tour at Alo Farms, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of sustainable farming and innovative agricultural practices. Alo Farms is known for its focus on hydroponic and vertical farming, where crops are grown in a controlled, soil-less environment that maximizes space and efficiency. We’ll tour the farm and learn about the cutting-edge techniques used to grow fresh, organic produce year-round, from leafy greens to herbs and vegetables. After our tour at Alo Farms we make a lunch “on our own” en route to Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, GA, this is a stunning 300-acre estate garden that offers a breathtaking display of nature's beauty across a variety of themed landscapes. Founded by horticulturist Jim Gibbs, the garden is one of the largest residential estate gardens in the United States and features 16 different garden areas, each with its own unique charm and character. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, one of the largest in the nation, with tranquil ponds, footbridges, and vibrant maples; the Waterlily Garden, showcasing hundreds of colorful waterlilies in serene pools; and the Daffodil Gardens, where millions of daffodils bloom in a spectacular display each spring. Visitors can also explore the Manor House Gardens, filled with seasonal flowers, and the Fern Dell, a shaded area lush with ferns and woodland plants. Winding pathways, cascading waterfalls, and reflective pools add to the peaceful ambiance, making Gibbs Gardens a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a serene escape. Depart for Chattanooga with a dinner stop at Nic & Norman's. This a popular restaurant known for its relaxed vibe, creative menu, and strong ties to the Entertainment industry. Co-owned by Greg Nicotero and Norman Reedus, stars of the hit TV show The Walking Dead, the restaurant offers a blend of Southern comfort food and modern American cuisine. Overnight 1st Class Lodging- Knoxville, TN

Day 8

Start your day off right with breakfast at the hotel. Before checking out and departing for home.
Stop at the Natural Bridge Virginia, which offers a breathtaking experience of the 200-foot-tall rock formation carved by nature.. Enjoy lunch 'on your own' at the Cedar Creek Café.
6:00 PM Approximate return to Mechanicsburg
6:30 PM Approximate return to Harrisburg

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner