The US State of Georgia is primarily known for its stunning natural beauty, delicious peaches, and important African American historical figures and their influence on the Civil Rights Movement. It is home to some of the most bustling cities in America including Atlanta, but travelers can also find stunning beaches lining its coast.
Breathtaking National Parks and forests dot the southeastern state, offering a wealth of outdoor activities for tourists and locals alike.
Georgia is also one of the original thirteen colonies, meaning it has much more American history than some of the other states. Whether you are interested in the American Revolution or the Civil War, you’ll find plenty of museums showcasing those defining events.
There is so much Georgia is known for, which is why we have decided to write this article highlighting its 20 most famous attributes!
What Is Georgia Known For?
1. The Varsity
What better place to kick off our list of things the incredible state of Georgia is known for, than with the world’s largest drive-in restaurant?
Located just off of the Interstate-85, in the heart of downtown Atlanta, The Varsity is a whopping 800-seat diner-style eatery serving American classics, including juicy triple-stack burgers, fresh fries, onion rings, and perhaps the best (and messiest) of all, chili cheese dogs.
The Varsity is an American institution, so much so, that even various US Presidents have visited, including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush.
2. The Peach State
If you’re traveling through Georgia, you may notice an abundance of peach-related things that might take you by surprise. Everything from road and building names to government-backed programs and incentives have all been named after the humble pink fruit.
Georgian-grown peaches are known the world over for their incredible flavor and almost perfect-like appearance, and it’s thought that the state’s sub-tropical climate is the ideal condition for its growth.
Sample the food Georgia is famous for yourself and visit during the annual Georgia Peach Festival. If your trip doesn’t coincide with this week-long celebration of all things peach, then fear not, as there are a huge number of peach orchards located all over the state for you to visit.
3. Empire State of the South
Georgia is known historically as always being one of the major states of what makes up the United States of America. This is largely down to its size, being the largest state east of the Mississippi River.
Even before the American Civil War in 1861, Georgia was a land of immense opportunity and as a result, economic growth in the state was expanding rapidly.
Today, Georgia is still nicknamed the ‘Empire State of the South’ in part thanks to the Southern city of Atlanta. It’s the location of the busiest airport in the world. It’s home to major brands and corporations too.
Georgia is one of, if not the, most important state in southern America.
4. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. is thought of as one of the most influential figures regarding racial equality in America.
Born and raised in the Georgian capital of Atlanta, Luther King Jr. was the figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ‘60s which tirelessly campaigned for the abolition of racial segregation and discrimination throughout the United States.
King Jr organized and led marches and peaceful demonstrations on a huge number of civil rights issues, perhaps most famously through his iconic way of words.
His ‘I Have A Dream’ speech was a beacon of hope for African Americans across the US at the time, and it was so influential that that moment in history is now taught in schools across the globe.
Arguably the most famous person from Georgia, the state opened Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park in his honor and today is one of Atlanta’s best attractions.
5. Coca-Cola
Enjoyed in pretty much every single country on the planet, bar two (we’ll let you figure out which…), Coca-Cola is one of the best-selling and most famous beverages of all time.
The brainchild of Atlanta-born pharmacist Dr. John S. Pemberton, Coca-Cola started its life as a non-alcoholic coca wine sold as a medicine for popular diseases and ailments.
Fast-forward 135 years, and several recipe changes later, almost 2 billion servings of Coca-Cola are sold daily.
In the carbonated beverages hometown of Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola is a 20-acre fortress of all things Coke and you can visit the complex today to view the exhibits and learn about the history of the drink and the brand.
6. Peanuts
Similarly to the tasty peach, Georgia is the United States’ single largest producer of peanuts and as a result, accounts for practically half of the country’s peanut production numbers.
Astonishingly, over 2 billion lbs of peanuts come out of the state each year generating an estimated $600 million in sales. As we’ve mentioned, the peach is the official fruit of the state of Georgia, and now, the peanut is its official state crop.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll be able to find peanuts all over the state, in various flavors and styles. Boiled peanuts are particularly famous and are definitely worth trying as are the honey-roasted ones.
7. Atlanta
We’ve mentioned Atlanta several times in our list so far, and it’s with good reason, as it’s the most famous city in Georgia. Filled with an amazing variety of restaurants, a bustling nightlife scene, and attractions to rival the most cultured of cities, there’s certainly no chance of becoming bored in the state’s capital.
If you’re a sports fan, head down to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and catch the city’s MLS team, Atlanta United in action. Alternatively, if live music is more your jam, then Atlanta’s Westside is full of bars for you to catch a performance.
History buffs will love touring the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site or visiting The King Center, which houses his tomb alongside other important artifacts related to his life and legacy.
📚 Read More: 11 Things Atlanta Is Known For!
8. Civil Rights Movement
Before the rise of the prominent civil rights movement of the late ‘50s and early ’60s, racial segregation was unfortunately the law in Georgia and the rest of the South.
World War II was a turning point in the state, as brave and heroic Black American soldiers were returning from the frontline only to find they still couldn’t wait for the train in the same area as Whites. Nor could they shop in the same shops or use the same toilets.
The Civil Rights Movement in Georgia was an integral part of the larger civil rights struggle throughout the United States. At that time, many protests, boycotts, and campaigns were organized in Georgia to fight for racial equality and desegregation.
The most famous of which is the Albany Movement from 1961 to 1962 led by Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
9. Stone Mountain Park
If you’re wondering what Georgia’s most visited attraction is, then you’ve found it. Stone Mountain Park is a mesmerizingly huge national park covering over 3,200 acres of pristine woodland and mountainous terrain. Packed full of things to do, it’s a perfect day trip for any nature enthusiast nearby.
At the heart of the park is Stone Mountain itself, which stands tall at a height of 1,686ft. Adventurists can reach the summit via a well-marked hiking trail, or for an easier and slightly less strenuous route, a cable car is also available.
Don’t forget your camera because the views are nothing short of spectacular.
10. World’s Busiest Airport
The average Joe might not know this, but aviation enthusiasts certainly will. Georgia is home to the world’s busiest airport – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
A whopping 110 million people passed through the gates of the airport in 2019 which, I think you’ll agree, is an incredible amount of people. The numbers were slightly skewed in the preceding year due to the pandemic, however, airport traffic is slowly recovering back to normal.
11. Savannah
Largely in Atlanta’s shadow, the stunningly charming city of Savannah is perhaps one of Georgia’s most underrated places for the traveler to visit.
Dating back to 1733, it’s also one of the oldest cities in the United States and, as a result, is steeped in history. Historical buildings and architecture can be seen in most areas, with the city’s quaint cobbled streets taking center stage.
Savannah’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means world-class seafood is available in most restaurants. Crab Stew is a particular highlight, as are the local Oysters and the classic Southern dish of Shrimp ‘n’ Grits.
12. Jackie Robinson
Baseball fans need no introduction to the great Jackie Robinson.
Jackie Robinson was one of the sport’s greatest players for those who don’t take an interest in baseball or are not familiar with the name. Not only that, but he was also the first black player to play in the major league after appearing for the Brooklyn Dodgers back in 1947.
Though Jackie grew up in California, he was born in the Georgian city of Cairo and continued with his allegiance to the state of Georgia long after his baseball career, also pledging allegiance to the civil rights movement of the 1950s.
On July 23, 1962, Jackie Robinson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame!
In other words, Jackie is very much a state hero for Georgia.
13. Quail Hunting Capital of the World
Few pastimes require the skill, precision, and perseverance that quail hunting does. It’s a sport that dates back hundreds of years, from when Europeans first arrived on American shores, and has been the chosen sport of individuals and families across the country ever since.
If you’re looking for the best place to partake in this relaxing and age-old tradition, then Georgia is the location. Albany is widely known as the Quail Hunting Capital of the World, thanks to the sheer amount of plantations in the area where the bird resides.
14. Popular Filming Location
Having such a vast, open and beautiful state means that each year, Hollywood location scouts descend in their droves to the famous landmarks in Georgia to find the perfect spot to shoot their scenes.
Any avid film enthusiast will likely have spotted some of Georgia’s most picturesque, ‘typically American’ locations in some of film and television’s famous productions.
Fans of Hollywood legend Tom Hanks will likely recognize Chippewa Square, as this spot in the city of Savannah features in the hugely popular classic ‘Forrest Gump’. The iconic TV series ‘The Walking Dead’ was also filmed in numerous locations all over Georgia too.
15. Jimmy Carter
Born in the sleepy town of Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. aka Jimmy Carter, began his career in politics shortly after successfully expanding his family’s peanut business.
At a time of widespread political unrest, partly due to the rising civil rights movement of the late ‘50s and ‘60s, he had numerous roles within the Georgian State Senate, eventually becoming Governor of Georgia in 1970.
Six years later, Carter famously defied the odds and was elected as the 39th President of the United States, beating heavy favorite Gerald Ford. Also noted for his tireless humanitarian work, Carter received the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
16. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
The history of habitation on our planet will always be a fascination for us humans, as we chase the details of our ancestors and how they once lived.
Near the busy city of Macon is an incredible historical site where, after painstaking excavation works in the 1930s, archaeologists uncovered evidence of humans living in the immediate vicinity from 12,000 years ago.
Also intriguing are the huge mounds that rise from the ground, built by workers thousands of years ago for the elite members of the ancient society that lived there. You can visit the national park today and see the mounds, and thousands of artifacts for yourself.
17. Pecan Capital of the U.S
Nut lovers (and squirrels) will be glad to know that Georgia is known for producing pecan nuts as well as peanuts. The state is known as the nation’s largest supplier of pecans and is responsible for about 1/3 of the US’s production.
Over 600,000 pecan trees are planted across the state, producing an estimated 100 million pounds of the nut. This incredible quantity injects over $300 million into Georgia’s GDP, so it’s an extremely valuable crop to the state, and country.
It’s the only nut that’s purely native to the United States and as a result, April 14th has been declared National Pecan Day.
18. Civil War
Georgia was at the heart of the American Civil War, being one of the seven slave states that formed the Confederate States of America. It is estimated that around 120,000 Confederate soldiers were from Georgia, making up a large percentage of the Confederate Army.
Numerous well-known battles took place in the Southern state, including the Battle of Chickamauga and what many historians believe was the last of the Civil War, the Battle of Columbus on the Georgian border.
19. Cherokee Indians
The Cherokee Indians are perhaps one of the more well-known indigenous tribes of the United States and inhabit the northern mountainous regions of Georgia as well as other neighboring states.
The Cherokee were known for their strong cultural identity, rich oral tradition, and intricate artwork. Their art is highly distinctive and includes traditional basket weaving, pottery making, woodcarving, and beadwork.
Evidence uncovered in their homeland points to habitation in the area in the fifteenth century, long before Europeans and Africans descended on the area.
20. Beautiful Fall Foliage
Georgia in the colorful season of Fall is nothing short of spectacular, and with a huge number of national parks, lakes, and forests for you to discover, we’re certain you’ll get the opportunity to take some stunning pictures when you’re out and about.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is jaw-droppingly pretty if you’re on the hunt for a new laptop wallpaper, or perhaps something to frame and hang up on the wall at home. For city dwellers, Piedmont Park in Atlanta is also an attractive option.
Did You Find Out What Georgia Is Known For?
If you were not sure what is Georgia known for, we sure hope you are not anymore! Georgia is one of our favorite states in the US, thanks to its rich history and beautiful nature, so make sure you add it to the list of places to go!
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