We'd been in Georgia for about two weeks now and yet we were only in the middle of the state. It was just too pretty, the weather pleasantly warm and so much to see to move through here quickly. Our next destination was an area in the western part of the state, not far from Alabama and yet only 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. We wanted to visit F. D. Roosevelt's Summer White House in Warm Springs and camp at F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The drive over was less than two hours through rolling hills, cattle and hay fields, with lots of corn and broccoli planted in the rich red soil.
Staying on small back roads, we passed beautiful homes painted white with shiny black shutters, surrounded by large porches with black rockers and huge ferns. One of the most striking things we keep noticing are the expansive lawns everywhere, all neatly mowed and manicured. It must take HOURS to keep them tamed yet we rarely see yards weedy and over grown. Of course, the mower of preference is a ride-on-mower, so that would at least add a little fun to it...though Paul tells me I'd tire of it quickly.! The magnolia trees are in bloom here now, (maybe they bloom all year) all I know is they are gorgeous and so stately! This also must be a great location for growing pecans, orchards are numerous and the trees are magnificent right now.
We followed State Route 3 north to our park and this beautiful Visitor Center built by the CCC during the Great Depression. On the left is a statue dedicated to the CCC workers. This is the largest Georgia state park and a haven for hikers and backpackers. We kept crossing the walking path of the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail as we drove in through the pine forests. The park amenities include, cottages that were being renovated, and the Liberty Bell Swimming Pool that would open the day were were leaving.
Arriving on a Monday afternoon, we were pretty sure there would be plenty of campsites available so I hadn't made any reservations. (What a change from the planning needed when we are in Florida!) I registered us, got my stickers for our 4 nights of camping and we drove into the campground down quite a steep hill to this beautiful little fishing lake, and the best campsite ever, #101, a pull-through with this fantastic view.
We have mastered the art of getting set up quick and easy and it wasn't long before PK was in his favorite chair relaxing and soaking up all the beauty. And, just as we thought, only four other campers in this campground of 102 campsites. Incredible!!! Memorial day weekend was coming up and schools close at that time out here, so maybe we just hit the best time of year. In fact, the whole park was reserved for the weekend so we didn't have any choice but to leave here Friday morning. But, I'd definitely get back to this campground if we could.
Tuesday morning we had hoped to visit the nearby Callaway Gardens only a ten minute drive from the park, where there are miles and miles of paved bike trails. But my bike tire was flat again for the second time in a week so instead we found the nearest bike repair shop in La Grange 20 miles north. What a fun surprise that turned out to be! The bike shop's location was right on the town square with this lovely fountain and the statue of LaFayette in the center.
Once my bike was in good condition again we walked around the town, had our picnic lunch in the park and stopped at the County History Museum. It was cool inside and we both needed a little break from the temps outside but we're so glad we took a look around. Among all the Civil War memorabilia was a most fascinating story of a well-trained infantry of local women known as the "Nancy Harts", the name of a famed Georgia heroine of the American Revolution. The women formed for self-defense purposes in 1861 and drilled twice weekly for four years learning infantry tactics while also serving as nurses at the Confederate military hospitals set up in La Grange. But with the news of Sherman's continuing Atlanta Campaign, the small infantry of women did stand to defend their town on April 17, 1865. Another quirky thing was the Union forces coming into LaGrange that morning were led by Col. Oscar LaGrange; the exact his same name as the city he was going to attack!
News of the approaching army spread and 1st Lt. Mrs. Nannia Morgan marched the Nancy Harts out to meet the enemy. They numbered about 40 in all, and when Col. LaGrange's 3,000 men came into view the women formed a line and prepared to fight. Evidently a captured Confederate major intervened pleading with the Union officer to avoid bloodshed. LaGrange had no desire to open fire on the Nacny Harts and accepted the offer of a truce. According to eyewitness accounts LaGrange complimented the women on their bravery and offered to spare their homes and families if they would withdraw, which they did. I loved the story and this painting of that day. It's so fun to actually be in the heart of all of it.
The Museum was also the Tourist Center so we got a few more pointers of things to see in town, like this mural and a great place for coffee and the biggest chocolate cupcake for Paul.
After fueling up on caffeine we drove just a few miles north of town to see the Estate and Gardens at Hills & Dales, with a wonderful private tour of the house and gardens. The gardens were created by Sarah Ferrell in the late 1800s and since 1912 have been cared for by the Fuller Callaway Family.
The formal Boxwood garden is said to be the among the best preserved 19th century garden in the southwestern US and was spared when the Union Army came through because the word GOD was formed in the small shrubs.
We did get a little downpour while we were in the garden, just so thankful Paul had gone out about 30 minutes earlier and put the top up on the car. We are (slowly, very s-l-o-w-ly) learning that weather changes here in nano seconds! Never leave the top down on the car, even if there's blue skies above!
The gardens are known for their orchid collection which was beautiful!
View as we waited for the little tram to come up the hill and return us to the Visitor Center.
And...last but not least, not sure where I saw this...but I have to add a photo of this front door decoration we often see here in the south. They're quite colorful, very perky and made of wide netting and ribbons, really big ribbons!!! Gotta say we don't quite have anything like these on the west coast. I think this had been for Easter. Fun!
A great serendipitous day in La Grange, and all because I had a flat tire!
Memorial Day weekend, never an easy time to find availability for camping but after a few calls we decided on driving east towards Macon, GA and a stay at L&D RV Park in the tiny town of Forsyth. All winding backroads added time to our drive but so pretty. I'm amazed at how well Paul can drive our big house down backroads and over jumbly RR tracks and never complain or get out of sorts about the route I've gotten us on. Driving into the town of Forsyth shows the wonderful design of small towns in Georgia. The County Courthouse is the center of town with shops and restaurants on all four side of the town square. Just a few miles out of town we arrived at our campground for the next two nights. A small private little park with about 25 sites, it was clean with a nice laundry area but sites were pretty close together, one of the reasons we most often rather stay at state parks. We went into town for dinner at this cute little cafe and were so blown away by the interior and the fabulous food, what a meal!!!! The very modern interior was a result of remodeling from a fire about a year or so before. Thank goodness they rebuilt and opened again, it's a "must" if ever in this area again. Next door was the Community Theater with a performance that evening but by the time we finished our dinner we ended up just walking around town and going home early. Grits Cafe, one of new favorite restaurants! 
Built in 1847 by John Jarrell the pine cabin and all the out buildings are open to visit with original furniture, tools and operating machines. In the 1860s the 600 acre plantation was farmed by 39 slaves, but eventually all that changed, and the buildings deteriorated until his son, John left teaching to return to the property in 1895 with his family. The cotton plantation became a farm with a sawmill, grist mill, cotton gin sugar cane press and other enterprises. It was children's day at the plantation when we were there, so by the time we finished the parking lot was over-flowing and kids everywhere.
