OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Zell Miller

State of Georgia

October 7, 1997

Dear Mrs. Sarsfield:

Thank you for your recent letter advising me of your Discover America trip and requesting information about Georgia.

Georgia's varied attractions and beautiful natural resources make It a unique place to visit. Its coastal beaches, elegant plantation manors depicting the charm and grace of the Old South, high mountain ranges, Civil War memorials, Indian mounds and museums blending various cultures, as well as its fairs, festivals, recreational attractions and rustic inns, all contribute to make it a state offering something of interest to everyone.

My favorite place is Towns county in the North Georgia mountains where I was born. This area presents a beautiful blend of mountains, lush forests, lakes and streams. Recreational opportunities abound at Lake Chatuge, Brasstown Bald, along the Appalachian Trail, and in the Chattahoochee National Forest. For excellent dining, I can recommend the restaurant at the Brasstown Valley Resort at Young Harris, my home town.

Along our coastal region, you will find the City of Brunswick and The Golden Isles (Jekyll Island, Little Saint Simons Island, Saint Simons Island and Sea Island), once home to the nation's millionaires. Just north of Brunswick is the state's historic jewel, the City of Savannah. This beautiful city, you may remember, was spared by General Sherman during his "march to the sea" in the War Between the St ates and presented to President Lincoln as a Chri stmas gift. I encourage you to take the time to explore Savannah's historic district homes and to enjoy delicious seafood and numerous water sports along the Atlantic Ocean.

Atlanta, host of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games is one of the most vibrant cities in the nation' the hub of a vast transportation network and home of the World Champion Atlanta Braves, an abundance of museums, live theater, and world-class symphony orchestra. Important attractions include The Carter Center, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, and the State Capitol.

You will want to visit Plains, the birthplace of former President Jimmy Carter. (Travel I-75 South to Cordele and look for the directional sign to Plains.) You will also want to visit President Franklin Roosevelt's "Little White House" in Warm Springs. (Travel I-85 South toward Columbus to the Warm Springs exit.)

Two of my favorite attractions are the Butterfly House at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain (also off I-85 South near Warm Springs) and the Civil War carving on Stone Mountain which is located on Georgia Highway 78 east of Atlanta.

There are many wonderful places to visit in Georgia, but I believe you will be most delighted by the "Southern Hospitality" extended by our warm and caring citizens.

You and your husband have my best wishes for a memorable trip.

With kindest regards, I remain

Sincerely,

Zell Miller
Governor