Currently, the state only allows regulated lottery, charity gambling, and playing casino games on a cruise ship. These are the only land-based options available for Georgia residents to satisfy their gambling needs. 

The gambling history of Georgia

Georgia’s conservative approach towards all matters associated with casinos dates back to the late 19th century. During the first part of the 19th century, a vibrant gambling culture had prevailed across the state. With the introduction of certain laws in the latter half of the 1800s, most forms of gambling were outlawed.

In the 1970s, charity bingo and raffles were legalized in Georgia. This was done on the grounds that the organizers didn’t get to make any personal profit out of them. Nearly a century after the banning of the state lottery, it was once again legalized in the 1990s. 

In 2012, an attempt was made to introduce a land-based casino. The idea was to donate its profits to fund the education program. As it didn’t get any support from the lawmakers, the attempt failed.

Current status of casino regulation in Georgia

The lawmakers in Georgia have still not opened up to the idea of constructing casinos across the state. Amid the legal hassles, some lobbyists are seeking the approval of lawmakers to develop the casino industry. They argue that these casinos can fund the state’s educational program in a big way. One of the best examples is the HOPE Scholarship. 

HOPE stands for Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally. Since its inception, the revenues from the state lottery have already contributed $10 billion to it. Amendments have to be agreed upon in a referendum by the voters in order to legalize casino gambling. A bill in this regard hasn’t been introduced yet.

Legal age for casino gambling in the state

In the state of Georgia, all participants in the state lottery must be over 18 years of age. The players need to be above 21 years of age to gamble at the only casino in the state. This is the Emerald Princess Casino located in Brunswick.

Playing online casino games

Fortunately, the online casinos with offshore servers have come to the rescue of the gamblers. Lawmakers of the state haven’t yet legalized or regulated online casinos. However, those who want to play online casino games with real money can do so on offshore online casinos. This means you can play online casinos while in Georgia. The only condition is that the casino’s servers must not be hosted in the state.

You can find some detailed information about the best online casinos and slot games on Casinos Jungle. It is one of the best casino review sites you’ll ever come across. Some of the popular online casinos have been reviewed and rated by experts on this website. This website also has valuable resources on playing online casinos and responsible gambling. Above all, you can try some of the slot games for free!

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Besides, it has plenty of offerings in store for its visitors. Among them are its majestic cities, where you’ll get the chance to explore some fabulous attractions. Here, we’ve listed some of the important cities you must visit while touring this American state:

1. Atlanta

The capital city of Georgia, Atlanta mostly lies in Fulton County but also cover parts of DeKalb County. It is also the state’s biggest city spread across an area of 134 square miles. It was founded in the early part of the 19th century as ‘Terminus’. This name was given to it owing to its location on the Western and Atlantic Railroad. 

It was changed to Marthasville in 1843 and then to Atlanta four years later. Atlanta is a major cultural and commercial hub of the state. It is renowned for its abundance of green spaces, which has earned it the nickname ‘City in a Forest’.

2. Athens

Athens is located to the east of Atlanta. It has deep musical roots and is home to the main campus of the University of Georgia. This city is dominated by a lively music scene and a vibrant college town culture. It is also the birthplace of many rock bands, such as Widespread Panic and R.E.M. 

If you’re a beer lover, you’ll have a wonderful time in this city. Creature Comforts Downtown Taproom and Brewery is located in the heart of this city. It serves a diverse range of ales in its brewhouse that looks like a rustic cafeteria. Among its delightful selections are the Sun Triple IPA and Koko Buni Milk Porter. 

3. Augusta

Augusta borders South Carolina and covers a large area of more than 306 square miles. Founded in 1736, it has been named after Princess Augusta, the Princess of Wales. This city is well-known for hosting The Masters, which is one of four main PGA golf tournaments. 

The city enjoys a pleasant, warm climate. This is why it has become one of the important resort towns in the state. Don’t forget to visit the August Museum of History while getting around in Augusta. It houses many exhibits on golf and James Brown, who was a famous American singer in the ‘soul’ genre.

4. Columbus

The county seat of Muscogee County, Columbus is the third-largest city of Georgia. It was founded in 1828 and named after the world-famous explorer, Christopher Columbus. The city is located on the Chattahoochee River on Georgia’s western border. 

It is among the best places in the state for tourism as it has many historical landmarks. You’ll get to explore several museums while touring Columbus. The Chattahoochee River is also a popular place among tourists to indulge in some exciting outdoor activities.

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It was recorded by Ray Charles in 1962. This genre of music witnessed a boom in the 1990s and gained massive popularity among educated and high-income audiences. Here are some of the popular country music stars from Georgia:

Trisha Yearwood

She was born Patricia Lynn Yearwood on the 19th of September 1964 in Monticello. Trisha Yearwood achieved great popularity with her debut single She’s in Love with the Boy in 1991. It went on to grab the top spot on the chart of Billboard country singles. Her success continued with a series of country music hits from early to mid-1990s.

She achieved international success with her 1997 single How Do I Live. She is a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Since 2005, she has been married to Garth Brooks, who is also a country music star.

Jason Aldean

Throughout his career in music, Aldean received four Grammy Award nominations. He was born on the 28th of February 1977 as Jason Aldine Williams. He was nominated twice for the Best Country Album award. And was instrumental in bringing a lot of recognition to the city of Macon, where he was born.

Aldean has 19 chart-topping hits and his album sales have crossed over 15 million. His debut single was titled Hicktown, which was released in 2005. His album ‘My Kinda Party, which was released in 2010, has been certified quadruple-platinum by RIAA.

Jennifer Nettles

Her musical career started from singing at the local church and her high school. She was born on the 12th of September 1974 and raised as a small-town girl. Nettles graduated with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Agnes Scott College. While in college, she formed a country music band called ‘Soul Miner’s Daughter’ with a fellow student.

They released a couple of albums consisting of songs that were composed and written by the duo. Nettles teamed up with Kristian Bush in 2003 to form the band ‘Sugarland’. In 2006, Sugarland was nominated for a Grammy award in the category of ‘Best New Artist.

Rhett Atkins

He was born Thomas Rhett Atkins Sr. on the 13th of October 1969. In 1994, his first single What They’re Talkin’ About made it to No.35 on the Billboard country charts. This was followed by I Brake for Brunettes at No.36. His breakthrough hit was That Ain’t My Truck, which was at No.3 on the 1995 country music charts.

Fourteen singles from the albums of Atkins have been on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. They include his No.1 single Don’t Get Me Started from the year 1996. Since 2006, he has not charted a single; but has written for other country music singers. His son Thomas Rhett Atkins Jr. is also a country music artist.

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You’ll also get to indulge in some thrilling outdoor adventures while exploring Georgia. The fabulous terrain in several parts of the state is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and other activities. Here are some of the popular attractions you can visit while in Georgia:

1. Providence Canyon State Park

It has been nicknamed the ‘Little Grand Canyon. Providence Canyon State Park is located in the southwestern part of Georgia. It’s among the seven natural wonders of the state with deep gullies, magnificent cliffs, and multi-coloured soil. 

This park was created as a result of some poor farming practices of the 19th century. Upon visiting this marvellous attraction, you’ll come across breathtaking, Instagram-worthy scenery. The park also has over 16 kilometres of hiking trails.

2. Driftwood Beach

This beach is an excellent natural playground for kids. You can take some amazing snaps of the otherworldly sculpture garden on Driftwood Beach. It was formed due to saltwater and ongoing erosion of sand. It is located on the northern end of one of the barrier islands along the coastline of Georgia. The island is called Jekyll Island. 

You can try climbing the weathered oak trees or use them as backdrops for your Instagram snaps. However, make sure you check the tide schedules before embarking on a trip to this beach.

3. Georgia Aquarium

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to see the whale sharks, sea otters, and other marine beings at the Georgia Aquarium. Located in Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, this aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. 

Visitors get to witness the marine ecosystems around the world and their inhabitants while exploring Georgia Aquarium. The seven fantastic galleries would give you the chance to watch these aquatic species in action closely.

4. Jimmy Carter National Historic Park

While exploring this historic park, you’ll get to see the key buildings associated with Jimmy Carter. He served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. The former president of the United States still lives in the town of Plains in Georgia. 

Jimmy Carter National Historic Park offers some interesting insights into his life. They span the period from his boyhood to becoming the presidential candidate. You can also visit Plains High School, the official state school of Georgia. This is the institution Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had attended and graduated from.  

5. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Folkston, this wildlife refuge is ideal for paddlers. You can paddle through the largest blackwater swamp of North America during your visit. It is also among the seven natural wonders of Georgia along the southern border of the state. 

While exploring this wildlife refuge, you can get closer to the birds, alligators, and other wild species. This is made possible with hikes, nature shows, and train and boat tours in Okefenokee Swamp Park.

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This event is held annually every summer in Hiawassee, which is the seat of Towns County. When it first began in the mid-20th century, it was attended by about 2,000 individuals. Today, the number has grown to over 100,000. You’ll have loads of surprises at the fair with its daily music concerts, craft booths, and food stands.

History

The Georgia Mountain Fair was started jointly by the Towns County officials and the local Lions Club. Initially, it began as a weekend event as a result of the efforts of E.N. Nicholson and Herbert ‘Tall’ Tabor. Nicholson was a county extension agent and Tabor was the president of the civic group. This fair became a week-long event of celebrations by the mid-1950s. 

It featured an opening parade, plenty of countries, gospel, and bluegrass music, and a beauty queen contest. The venue of the fair at the time was the Towns County High School. It was held inside the building as well as on the grounds nearby. The classrooms inside the school were used as display areas for exhibitions and crafts. Events featuring the mountain life and livestock were held on the grounds. 

A hog-shooting contest and an indoor trout stream were two major attractions in the fair’s early days. Food for the hungry visitors was prepared by homemakers of the Towns County. The pickers along with their mandolins, banjos, fiddles, and guitars were sheltered in a big tent.

Exhibitions and other offerings

The fair allows you to buy fried apple pies, cider, home-cooked vegetables, and beef jerky besides the usual fare. Musicians perform at the music hall named after Robert Anderson. He was a former president of the Georgian Mountain Fair. 

You’ll be delighted to visit the Pioneer Village, which showcases the local arts and crafts. Local folks explain the process of making oak shingles and baskets and splitting rails to the visitors. You can also browse the canned goods, needle-craft, and handmade quilts displayed at the fair museum.

Impact

The number of visitors to the fair increased in the years that followed. This had a great impact on the economy of Towns County. In 1956, the fair was attended by 40,000 visitors. The number went up to 60,000 by 1965. Many of the prominent music artists performed at the fair. 

Among them was the famous country music singer, Conway Twitty. He performed in his first professional music show at the Georgia Mountain Fair. The Oak Ridge Boys had also performed in a gospel song with other groups at the event. A few permanent exhibitions were constructed near the Towns County High School on the fairgrounds. 

The officials associated with the fair felt the need for a larger site. This led them to negotiate with the Tennessee Valley Authority for purchasing a site on Lake Chatuge’s shores. In 1978, the fair was held at this new permanent site.

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Your trip to the northern part of Georgia would take you to some fabulous places with mesmerizing natural surroundings. Among them is Lake Chatuge, the Hiawassee, and Young Harris. Besides the vast expanses of beautiful landscapes, these places give you opportunities to enjoy exciting outdoor activities. 

To savour the best offerings of North Georgia, it is essential that you have a comfortable place to stay. From delightful cabins and B&Bs to campgrounds and resorts, there are many options in the accommodation you can choose from. Some of them have been listed below:

1. Hotels and resorts

Most of the resorts in North Georgia are located amid the scenic mountains and around Lake Chatuge. If cost is not a concern for you, the luxury resorts would be the best places for your accommodation. They’re equipped with excellent amenities for guests, such as marinas, spas, golf courses, and world-class dining experiences. 

From their elegant rooms, one can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the lake, green valleys, and the Appalachian Mountains. Your stay in any of these resorts would also make it easier for you to enjoy some thrilling activities. They include horseback riding, hiking, and water sports. 

2. Cabins and cottages

It’s always good to have a home away from home. You’ll have a home-like environment with accommodation in any of the cabins and cottages near Lake Chatuge. They’re great options in lodging for couples, families, groups of friends, or corporate teams. Such types of accommodations are provided with wonderful amenities like fully-equipped country kitchens, fireplaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity.

Some of them are upscale properties, located amid breathtaking natural surroundings. Most of the cabins and cottages also have charcoal grills provided outdoors for barbecue. They offer ideal settings for a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or a memorable corporate retreat.

3. Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, you can book your accommodation in a bed and breakfast (B&B). You’ll find them in Hiawassee, Young Harris, or places close to Lake Chatuge. One of the greatest benefits of B&Bs is that they get personal attention from their owners. 

You’ll also get to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals and some unique itineraries to explore. Some of these B&Bs are nestled in hillside areas that are surrounded by mountains and forests. The more expensive ones offer spa treatments, sauna, hot tub, and massages besides a full breakfast.

4. Campgrounds

If you love camping, this would be an excellent choice. Lake Chatuge gives you the chance to park your RV or pitch your tent by a stream. You’ll get to savour pleasant vistas of the mountains and cook your dinner over a campfire. 

The northern part of Georgia gives you easy access to rivers, lakes, and mountains. You can get closer to the flora and fauna of this region by staying in such camps. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in camping, these campsites give you some amazing outdoor experiences.

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1. Horseback riding

A good way to explore Lake Chatuge and its surrounding areas is to take a horseback ride. Besides the lake, these rides can help you explore the North Georgia Mountains and Young Harris. As you’re taken along the vast network of trails, you’ll experience the serenity that these natural surroundings offer. 

You’ll also get to witness the magnificent Appalachian Mountains while riding along the valleys and streams. Such mountain trail rides are available for individuals and groups, regardless of their level of expertise in horseback riding.

2. Hiking

For hiking enthusiasts, the trails located in Young Harris and Hiawassee provide some memorable experiences. There are different types of trails from the easiest to the strenuous. So, there’s something for every hiker in this part of Georgia. 

The Appalachian Trail stretches from Springer Mountain to Mount Katahdin in Maine. If you love hiking, you can also consider taking the paved, steep trail to the summit of Brasstown Bald. Once you get to the top of this mountain, you’ll get to enjoy some awe-inspiring views of the surroundings.

3. Water sports

What makes Lake Chatuge one of Georgia’s best lakes are the opportunities to enjoy some exciting water sports. They’re facilitated by the marinas, swimming facilities, boat rentals, and other offerings. You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, ski boats, paddleboards, and canoes to enjoy thrilling water sports. If you don’t want to rent the boats, you can bring your own. 

Boating on Lake Chatuge allows you to explore its vast shoreline and the naturally-formed inlets and coves. A trip to Lake Chatuge would also give you the opportunity to unwind on the Towns County Beach. It is open to the public and can be an excellent place to relax under the sun. 

4. Touring Wineries and Vineyards

The mountains of northern Georgia have the perfect conditions for wine production. The soil composition in the north of Georgia is quite similar to that of the Piedmont region in Italy. The wineries near Lake Chatuge are a part of the American Viticultural Area in the Upper Hiawassee Highlands. 

You can tour the local wineries and vineyards during your trip to Lake Chatuge. These tours would also allow you to sample some distinct varieties of wines. 

5. Fishing

Lake Chatuge is also a popular fishing spot among many families and angling enthusiasts. It is a haven for spotted, large-mouthed, hybrid, and striped varieties of fish. The local fishermen catch bream, catfish, and crappie from this lake. 

Boats can be rented from any of the Towns County marinas for fishing. You can also hire the services of the local fishing guides. They’ll take you to the best spots that give you some wonderful fishing experiences. Some of these spots include the Hiawassee River and many of the streams in the area.

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To the southwest of this county is Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest mountain. The northeastern section is dominated by Chatuge Lake, which is an artificial reservoir. Towns County has many offerings for families that want to enjoy a memorable vacation in this part of Georgia. We’ve listed some of them here:

2. Towns County Beach

Families visiting Towns County during summers can unwind on this charming public beach. Ideal for the entire family, including children, it can be reached easily from Hiawassee. Towns County Beach offers a roped area for swimming and a pavilion for picnics. Also located here is a playground where children can have loads of fun.

2. Lake Chatuge

This large, artificial lake was created with the construction of the Chatuge Dam in the 1940s. It crosses into North Carolina and provides great opportunities for families to indulge in swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Recreational activities on this lake begin in early May and can be enjoyed throughout the summer. For easy access, the vacationing families can stay in a cabin or camp by the lake.

3. Hiawassee

A perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of crowds, Hiawassee has a pleasant, small-town feel. It is the county seat of Towns County. During their visit to this town, families can savour hometown food in its family-owned restaurants. Located a short distance away from downtown are some charming hotels and B&Bs. While getting around in Hiawassee, families can shop for local art and other souvenirs.

4. Waterfalls

The families travelling to Hiawassee would come across some breathtaking waterfalls. The closest to the town is Horse Trough Falls and High Shoals Falls. The trail leading to these cascading falls is surrounded by lush greenery, making the hike a pleasant experience. The families exploring these waterfalls would also get ample opportunities to click some breathtaking snaps.

5. Seasonal events

Many big events are hosted at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds every year. Among them are the Georgia Mountain Fair and the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival. Made in Georgia Festival is yet another eagerly-awaited annual event. It gives visiting families the opportunity to buy foods and handmade crafts from the local vendors.

6. Alpaca farms

The families visiting Towns County can see the alpaca during their time spent in this part of Georgia. They are a species of South American camelid mammal. Cupid Falls Farms and Alpaca Tierra are some of the alpaca farms, where they can see these unique species. 

Families that explore the alpaca farms can also try horseback riding during their visit. Besides, they’ll get the chance to explore the local vineyards and sample some wine. The rivers located nearby also allow them to try tubing and camping.

7. Hiking spots

Some amazing hiking experiences await the families visiting Towns County. Among them would be the hike to the observation deck of Brasstown Bald. From there, they can enjoy marvellous views of the five states. The observation area also has a small museum, where they can know more about the site’s history. Another great place to enjoy hiking is the trails of the Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest.

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Among them are the elegant local shops, breathtaking natural areas, and fascinating cultural attractions. Some of the towns host exciting annual festivals and fairs that give you the chance to have loads of fun. Such events also provide great opportunities to know more about the local lifestyle, arts, and culture. So, here we present some of the most beautiful towns of Georgia you must explore:

1. Dahlonega

Located in northern Georgia, this town is well-known for its role during the country’s gold rush era. The seekers of gold arrived in Dahlonega before they began heading west to California. You can learn more about the gold rush history by visiting the Dahlonega Gold Museum. 

This town is also a key player in the state’s vineyard scene. You’ll have many wineries to visit and spend a memorable afternoon in them while you’re in this town. Montaluce, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery, and Cavender Creek Vineyards are among the best wineries in Dahlonega.

2. Hiawassee

This enchanting town is home to Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in the state. You can witness some gorgeous mountain landscapes and thrilling recreational activities in Hiawassee. Most of these activities would be centred on Lake Chatuge, another wonderful place in this town. 

Hiawassee is set in the Appalachian Mountains and was originally inhabited by the Cherokee tribes. It also hosts one of the famous annual events of the state, the Georgia Mountain Fair. If you’re visiting during fall, you’ll get to see the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon of the leaves changing their colour.

3. Athens

Now, you know that the Athens of Greece is world-famous for its amazing beauty. However, the Athens of Georgia has its own charm. It’s a college town that’s lively with lots of regular arts and music events. Those who love architectural attractions would be delighted to see the Antebellum architecture while getting around in this town.

Bear Hollow Zoo and Botanical Garden of Georgia are some of the other popular attractions you can explore. Don’t forget to visit the Creature Comforts Brewing Company, known for its excellent varieties of beer.

4. Tallulah Falls

Not too far from the Tallulah Gorge State Park, this town is great for campers and hikers. Tallulah Falls was designed in the late 19th century as a tourist town. It’s a small town, but would be a perfect place to begin the most exciting outdoor adventures. In the early 20th century, it was a busy resort town that attracted many tourists. 

When you’re in Tallulah Falls, make sure you visit the Panther Creek Recreation Area. Other interesting places that would delight you are the Shortline Trail and Tallulah Point Overlook. Relaxing stays in the wilderness during weekends are made possible with the town’s campgrounds, hotels, cabins, and inns.

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Over the past few decades, this town has undergone many changes. It used to be a quiet rural town at one point in history. Today, it plays an important role in the culture and economy of Georgia.

Origins of the town

The region was originally inhabited by Cherokee-speaking tribes. Native Cherokee communities were forcibly removed from the area by the colonial settlers. By an act of the state legislature, the Towns County was created in 1856. It was carved out of the sections of Rabun and Union counties by the state legislature’s act. 

The town was incorporated in 1870 under its original spelling of Hiwassee. According to a popular myth, this town was named after a Native American princess. However, this is not true. Hiawassee is located at the junction of foot trails, which the Native American tribes formerly used. This might’ve led to its present name.

Clearing of the forest land

Just like several other towns in the mountains of northern Georgia, this town had only a few residents. The economic activities were also carried out on a much smaller scale. The residents had practised subsistence agriculture, as the area was not suitable for staple crop farming. 

In the late 19th century, the local farmers sold off their lands to the northern timber companies. As a result, thousands of acres of north Georgia forest were cleared. The timber companies made huge profits, but the money wasn’t put back into the local economy.

Further transformation

In 1937, the Chattahoochee National Forest was created. Although this had no immediate impact, it began a gradual transformation in the area. In the decades that followed, the forest became a reason for the region’s transition to a tourism-based economy. The Tennessee Valley Authority dammed the Hiwassee River in 1941, thus creating Lake Chatuge. 

It straddles the border between North Carolina and Georgia. In those days, the creation of this lake had submerged 3,500 acres of fertile land. Hundreds of local residents got displaced. Nevertheless, the project also created much-needed jobs in this part of Georgia. When the project was completed, the town found itself on the banks of Lake Chatuge.  

Hiawassee in recent times

In the mid-20th century, a local resident known as E.N. Nicholson organized the Georgia Mountain Fair. It was an agricultural exposition, which also showcased the local arts and crafts besides agriculture. This three-day event was so successful that it got expanded into a week-long event the following year. 

It grew in popularity every year and has now become one of North Georgia’s largest annual events. The Georgia Mountain Fair brings thousands of visitors to Hiawassee and generates millions of dollars for the local economy. 

Other annual events held in this town have also gained immense popularity over the years. Among them is the Bluegrass Festival, which is held in the spring season. This part of Georgia has also become a popular stopping point for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

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