Summer snuck up on us, and it is almost time to hit the road for your family adventure. Before you load up the van, read up on these area attractions that are not to be missed. Visit them as a pitstop, or make a day trip to see some of the most unique sights in the state.
Tank Town USA
If you are craving some crazy excitement, or just have always wanted to see a Tank up close—Tank Town is your spot. They pride themselves on being the “ultimate heavy equipment playground.” One of their professional instructors will guide you through a 5 acre course. Adventure packages range from tank driving to car crushing. Don’t forget to check out the many military vehicles they offer for sale. Even if you’re not in the market (would be cool for the carpool line thigh, eh?), just taking a look is worth the trip.
Find It: 10408 Appalachian Hwy Morganton, GA 30560
World’s Largest Peanut Monument
In 1995 the Georgia State Legislature named the peanut the state’s official crop, so this monument is perfectly fitting. You don’t have to worry about allergies here, so enjoy taking a peek at this 20-foot tall monument. There’s a plaque on the brick base that says it was built in 1975, designed by A.R Smith, Jr. and dedicated to the memory of Nora Lawrence Smith who was a member of the Georgia Journalism Hall of Fame.
Find It: Just off 75 at 300 Sylvia Dr. Ashburn, GA 31714
Babyland General Hospital
Admission is free, so why not stop by for a visit. Babyland General Hospital is a great place to enjoy with kids of all ages. The hospital is in the hometown of Xavier Roberts, who was the creator of the Kids. Sitting on 650 acres of gorgeous land this 70,000 square foot “hospital” is filled with thousands of hand sculpted Cabbage Patch Kids to adopt. Check out the waiting room to take a look at some high valued collector kids.
Find It: 300 N. O.K. Dr. Cleveland, GA 30528
Lunch Box Museum
Miss your favorite metal lunch box? Revisit the past at Allen Woodall Jr.’s Lunch Box Museum! The museum is just one room, but it’s big and lined with shelves of lunch boxes that are alphabetically placed. There are too many to count, (find your favorite from your school days) but Woodall says the number is in the thousands. Feeling especially nostalgic, head to the barter room where duplicate boxes are displayed for trade or sale.
Find It: 318 10th Ave., Columbus, GA
The Big Chicken
A cool Georgia landmark is the 56 foot tall Big Chicken. Its beak and eye both move! The chicken was first built in 1963 to advertise Johnny Reb’s Chick Chuck and Shake restaurant. The chicken was restored in 1996 and is now housed on top of a KFC. Stop by the gift shop for Big Chicken souvenirs.
Find It: 12 Cobb Pkwy. NE, Marietta, GA
Stature of Liberty Replica
Visit the Lions Club built replica of the Statue of Liberty. It was crafted in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original. The statue is a 1/12 scale version and made with stuff they found lying around town. Her torch hand is made from a large insulated electrician’s glove. Stop by at night to see lady liberty illuminated by spotlights.
Find It: US Hwy 341, McRae, GA
World of Coca-Cola
Stop by the World of Coca-Cola to learn all there is to know about the history of your favorite drink. With a lot of amazing exhibits for the whole family to enjoy, it’s truly worth the trip. They are open from 10-5 everyday. Stop by the café, gift shop and the Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain to get the whole experience.
Find It: 12 Baker St. Atlanta, GA 30313
What whacky sights does your family like to see in Georgia? Share with us in the comments section below.
—Jessica Obenschain
Photos courtesy of Roadside America, Tank Town USA via Facebook, betz macgeish, Angela M.O, Robert Kimberly, Kendrick Shackleford, James Reddish, anitag13, and Mark Small on Flickr via Creative Commons
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