Historic Heartland Offers Visitors’ Guide to Georgia

Historic Heartland Travel Association

The Historic Heartland Travel Association had its monthly meeting on December 5, convening in Covington, Georgia, for its last gathering of the year. Held on the first Wednesday of every month, the meetings are meant to highlight the tourism units of cities throughout the state.

Michael Lachowski explained why he sees the organization as a worthwhile use of his time as public relations coordinator for the museum. He said, “The Historic Heartland Travel Association is one way that the museum is able to keep its role as a tourism attraction in the minds of tourism professionals in our region — because in their capacities in their local tourism offices or welcome centers, attractions or lodgings, these people have opportunities to assist travelers with recommendations for other places. Monthly meetings feature speakers on a variety of tourism topics. State tourism staff assist with the association and provide updates on activities and opportunities at the state level. This is a low-cost way for the museum to reiterate its role as the official state museum of art.”

The Historic Heartland Region of Georgia consists of cities from Athens and Watkinsville to Perry and Augusta. The association aims to help visitors explore the state of Georgia through various trails and local guides.

Athens, one of the most exciting cities in the region, is well represented throughout this association. Among other stops, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Lyndon House Arts Center and Georgia Theatre all top the list of ways to spend your days in town. The most recent meeting of the association boasted new highlights for the area, including Maepole’s opening, Condor Chocolate factory tours and 600 new hotel rooms opening in the downtown area.

And, of course, the Georgia Museum of Art is a must-see stop on the Athens program. With a world-class permanent collection and rotating temporary and traveling exhibitions, our free museum is a valuable asset to local Athens residents and visitors alike.

To learn more about the Historic Heartland’s official Athens recommendations, you can view its guide here.