The American state of Georgia stands in the southeast of the country. It is abbreviated as ‘GA’ and goes under the nickname ‘The Peach State’. Unusually, the state capital is Georgia’s biggest city: Atlanta. This is where you’ll find most of the visitor attractions. It’s the largest state east of the Mississippi so hiring a car in Georgia helps explore all parts of the state. You’ll soon find that the north is hillier, reaching into the Blue Ridge Mountains, while the south comprises flatter farmland and coastal areas. Other big cities in Georgia include Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah and Athens.
Atlanta is the main gateway to Georgia and this is where most of the big tourist sights are. Look out for the World of Coca-Cola, a huge interactive visitor centre celebrating the company HQ nearby. Other Atlanta sights include Underground Atlanta shopping and entertainment area and the city aquarium, one of the world’s biggest. If you hire a car in Georgia you’ll be able to visit the state’s biggest attraction: Stone Mountain. This natural five-mile-wide dome of rock features the world’s largest carving on one side. It depicts Confederate war heroes. On the coast, the city of Savannah offers an intact picturesque 19th-century centre that has been declared a National Historic Landmark.
Georgia’s roads are generally safe and easy to use. Drive on the right and observe standard American driving practise but look out for a few unusual rules. Passengers under 18 are not allowed to ride in the load bay of a pick-up truck on the interstate roads. You must stop between 15 and 50 feet of any railroad crossing if you see a train coming or flashing signals. Drivers must carry their insurance details in the vehicle and in ‘adverse weather’ you must turn on your headlamps.
