friends

Fall rolls around in Georgia, not necessarily because the temperatures have dropped, but because every other billboard says the Georgia National Fair has arrived to Perry, Georgia. Usually the second and third weeks of October is something that every middle Georgian looks forward to. It’s not a question of if they’re going to the fair, but when and how many times. The fair is literally a part off middle Georgia culture. Friends meet at the clock tower, watch incredibly talented performers, ride rides, and eat the greasiest, most delicious food in the world. Some make a game plan, checking show times online to see all the entertainment available. Others go for the rides, buying an armband and screaming their heart out on the beautifully lit roller coasters. This fair is different than any other. I’ve met people from all over the country coming to enjoy this incredible week-long experience. The Georgia National Fair is a one stop shop to experience Georgia culture, Southern charm, and entertainment of every kind.

georgia national fairgrounds in perry georgia — @jessicamaephotography

Scarecrows of famous characters line the front of a large building that’s filled with locally crafted art created by all ages. From photography and paintings to handmade quilts, these masterpieces depict the very essence of Georgia culture. A photo of an FFA (Future Farmers of America) high schooler spending quality time with his award winning cow warms the heart of everyone who stops to look. Paintings of woodlands with every creature imaginable depict what Georgians value most about their home. It’s eye-opening to discover how much talent is in our neck of the woods.

couple at georgia national fairgrounds in perry georgia — Jessica Mae Photography

Something that’s also pretty cool to experience is Georgia’s emphasis on agriculture, especially at the fairgrounds. An entire warehouse is dedicated to selling, sampling, and promoting locally grown produce and locally raised cattle. This warehouse, called the Georgia Grown building, has honey, barbecue sauce, roasted pecans, and many other delicious treats grown right in our hometown. Free recipe books are handed out to let the public know all that they can cook with Georgia’s farm-fresh food. One of the best desserts available at the Georgia National Fair is, of course, the piping hot peach cobbler with melting vanilla ice cream on top.

georgia national fairgrounds in perry georgia food — Jessica Mae Photography

“Thank you, ma’am.” “Howdy, sir.” Georgia is still a place where everyone is expected to address someone older with the utmost respect. While we may only be joking when using the word, “howdy,” listen closely and you’ll hear the southern slang that makes Georgia so intriguing. Another taste of Southern living can be found in our music happening daily at the fair. The wonderful performers, mostly singing country music, get people up and dancing in their boots. Many emerging artists come and show off their newly discovered talent every night while a major music star will have a large concert the Friday before the fair leaves town. My first concert ever was at the Georgia National Fair when the Jonas Brothers came to town (still sad they are no longer a band.) This year, people flooded the fair grounds to see the talented Trace Adkins rock the stage.

black and white ferris wheel photography — @jessicamaephotography

So plan a trip to see the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia this year. Mark your calendar for mid to late October and enjoy some sugar roasted pecans, boot-stomping rhythms, and a good Southern time. Stay until 10:00 pm to end the perfect day with fireworks over the lake. See this nostalgic, beloved place light up one last time before it turns in for the night and rests for the next day.

fourth of july red fireworks — Jessica Mae Photography

Other sites around Perry, Georgia:

Perry’s town square is worth stopping by during your stay. With cute boutiques, pottery painting, and 2 Jerks Soda for dessert, downtown Perry makes for a fun little town to experience. I also recommend a trip to the Oil Lamp, which is highly popular with the locals, for some delicious country-style dinner.

Addresses:

Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter
401 Golden Isles Pkwy, Perry, GA 31069
Oil Lamp
401 General Courtney Hodges Blvd, Perry, GA 31069
Peach Palette Pottery
907 Carroll St, Perry, GA 31069

Main Street Light Extravaganza

While celebrating one of my friend’s return from Study Abroad yesterday, I had the best experience in downtown Macon, GA at the Main Street Light Extravaganza!

Macon Georgia’s Poplar Street has become the talk of the town for an event that just began this Christmas and hopefully becomes an annual tradition. The entire street is filled with lights that climb all the way to treetops. These lights are synchronized to music performed by the local Macon Pops who sing classic holiday tunes all night long. This light show plays three times a night, at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00pm and the lights stay on until 11:00pm. Find a spot along the road or, on a busy Saturday night, drive around until a spot frees up like we did. Get out to walk down the grass median that has turned into a winter wonderland for the holidays.

Yesterday, the extravaganza was packed! If you want a lively atmosphere filled with all ages, see the lights on the weekend. However, if you want less crowds and a shorter wait at the Rookery (the best burgers in town), go on a weeknight. The wait at the Rookery was 45 minutes last night, so we drove to The Brick, which serves huge slices of delicious pizza. The best thing about the new light extravaganza is that we no longer have to drive 2 plus hours to get in the Christmas spirit. Before the Macon lights, middle Georgians had to make a day trip to either Lake Lanier, Callaway Gardens, or the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Now, these three places have incredible light displays, but they are quite a trek and can be very costly. The Macon lights are something that we can drive to at night and enjoy for free, leaving enough room in the budget to enjoy all of the delicious treats downtown.

Located on Poplar Street as well, with a green awning over the glass-door entrance, is a cozy coffee shop, Taste and See, with drinks and pastries. I saw several visitors stop by and grab a hot cocoa before they walked through the lights across the street. Some of my favorite restaurants around the lights are the Rookery, El Camino, and Ocmulgee Brewpub, which are all within a few blocks of the lights, but some may be better to move your car closer to rather than walk. My favorite burger I’ve ever had was at the Rookery where I ate the Allman Burger, but the Taco Salad at El Camino is good too if you’re craving Mexican Food. They also do $2 Taco Tuesdays. The Ocmulgee Brewpub has yummy truffle fries, burgers, and Buffalo Chicken Salad, which is an appetizer, but is plenty large enough to serve as a main course.

Pate Road Christmas Drive Through Lights

If you have time, don’t just stop at the lights downtown, but continue north for a few more miles to see the lights that are giving other houses a run for their money. 1403 Pate Road – Juliette, Georgia puts on a light display like no other house in middle Georgia. On the weekends, people will line their cars up for an hour just to wait to drive through this beautiful presentation of Christmas spirit. Thanks to a sweet family who wants to spread Christmas joy, people from all over Middle Georgia are posting their experiences on Facebook and Instagram, sharing how much they enjoyed the Christmas lights on Pate Road. I have not visited these lights yet, but have made plans to go and have heard wonderful things about them from friends. One of my friends has gone to the light shows 3 times in a row!

I’m just so excited that middle Georgia finally has a perfect place to celebrate Christmas time with friends and family, in fact, we have 2 places! Take a day trip to Macon, GA and see what the entire city is proud to show off thanks to local Christmas cheer and talent. I hope to see you there!

Lovely Travels,

Katie

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