3 beautiful places in Georgia you might not know about

Rock City Gardens

Rock City is more than just rocks. The Rock City Gardens feature more than 400 native species of plants and trees, with something blooming all year.

Entry is timed in 15-minute intervals, and ticket prices vary according to date and time of day. The Gardens recommend buying your tickets in advance, because slots can sell out quickly. Rock City is close enough that you might want to consider a silver, gold or family pass. Don’t forget to bring your four-legged family members, who are welcome.

Just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, this is also a great weekend getaway destination.

Credit: City of Carrollton

Credit: City of Carrollton

Carrollton Greenbelt

You’ve walked, biked or skated every inch of the Atlanta Beltline, but have you seen the Carrollton Greenbelt?

With 18 miles of shared use path, the Greenbelt claims the title of largest paved loop trail system in Georgia. It connects neighborhoods with the city school campus, the University of West Georgia, the city parks and several commercial shopping areas.

Carrollton is near the Georgia line with Alabama and makes a great weekend getaway or short stay on the way to vacation in our neighbor state.

Credit: Handout

Credit: Handout

Radium Springs Garden

One of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders, Radium Springs Gardens is about three hours from Atlanta. The springs pump 70,000 gallons of clear, 68 degree water from an underground cave every minute.

Spend the day walking through a courtyard where the Radium Springs Casino once stood. The park features a restored terrace, sidewalks, a casino garden and gazebos.

The gardens are in Albany, home of the Flint RiverQuarium. While there, you’ll be introduced not only to fish and reptiles, but also to dozens of birds native to the Flint River Basin. The best part is the price. The RiverQuarium costs only $9 for adults and $6.50 for kids.