Between Columbus And Savannah, Georgia Is A Charming City With Lake Fun, A Scenic State Park, And Tasty Eats

If you needed to decide a journey vacation spot in Georgia, there are a number of choices close to the borders of the state. These embody the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the north, Augusta and Savannah to the east, and Columbus to the west. With the exception of Atlanta, central components of Georgia are sometimes ignored, though the area is filled with locations value visiting. In truth, if you end up touring between Columbus and Savannah, chances are you’ll come throughout the city of McRae-Helena. Situated about two hours from each cities, McRae-Helena might not appear like a lot on the map, nevertheless it has greater than its share of hidden gems.

As the title might counsel, this place was truly shaped by merging two cities — McRae and Helena – again in 2015. It’s often known as the “Crossroads City,” due to its place on the intersection of a number of state highways and rail traces. Perhaps that is why town affords a bit extra to see and do than different close by spots.

For instance, if you happen to’re into nature, you’ll be able to go to Little Ocmulgee State Park, which has a lake, climbing trails, and even a mini-golf course. If you are a foodie, you’ll be able to dine at a wide range of native joints. Overall, regardless of the place you are headed, it is value taking a detour and trying out what McRae-Helena has occurring.

Unlike different related locations, just like the Georgia metropolis of Lavonia, which additionally sits subsequent to a state park, McRae-Helena would not actually have a central downtown district. However, there may be one distinctive attraction that’s value trying out throughout your go to. Rather than having to go to America’s most historic sq. mile to see the Liberty Bell, you’ll be able to see a duplicate of it right here, alongside a smaller model of the Statue of Liberty. These replicas are a part of a memorial honoring fallen troopers — curiously, the statue was comprised of a stump retrieved from an area swamp.

After seeing these monuments up shut, you’ll be able to seize a chunk to eat at close by eating places. One possibility inside strolling distance is JoJo’s Wing Shack, which serves basic consolation meals in an off-the-cuff setting. If you head west, you will get related fare at Waylon’s Family Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you favor one thing extra upscale, head 3 miles south of city to take pleasure in a meal at Cedar Lane Supper Club, which affords steaks, seafood, and a salad bar in a lodge-style constructing overlooking a pond.

On the opposite facet of McRae-Helena, you’ll be able to dine on the Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge. For breakfast, there’s the Fairway Restaurant, which additionally serves a lunch buffet. Alternatively, Mulligan’s Grille overlooks the observe inexperienced of the golf course and serves each lunch and dinner, with occasional each day specials like Taco Tuesday and Wine Down Wednesday.

Although McRae-Helena sits between Columbus and Savannah, the best method to attain town is to fly into the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta. From there, it is a few two-and-a-half-hour drive south. Along the way in which, you may go by Dublin, the “Emerald City” of Georgia, with its personal numerous eating places and cultural landmarks. If you are planning to remain in a single day, there are a number of native inns and motels in McRae-Helena. However, the best choice is probably going the lodge at Little Ocmulgee State Park, which has 60 hotel-style visitor rooms. Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease a cabin or reserve a campsite on the park, relying on the kind of journey you need.

The park itself is likely one of the primary highlights of McRae-Helena, because it affords a number of actions and facilities. Anglers can catch bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish within the stocked lake, and fishing tools is obtainable to borrow on the guests heart. Keep in thoughts that anglers aged 16 and older will need to have a Georgia fishing license. Other lake actions embody boating, paddling, and swimming close to the sandy seaside.  Guests on the lodge even have entry to the pool and splash pad, open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. At the time of this writing, the lake and seaside are closed for upkeep, with no official reopening date scheduled.

Beyond the lake, the park has a full-sized golf course and a mini-golf course for youths, or those that desire a less complicated model of the sport. For climbing, the 2.6-mile Oak Ridge Trail takes you thru swampy, tree-covered terrain. It additionally supplies alternatives to identify a few of Georgia’s uncommon wildlife, such because the gopher tortoise and the indigo snake.