Homeland GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Homeland, Georgia.
1. Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform
ICONIC RAILWAY OBSERVATION POINT
The Folkston Funnel Train Viewing Platform offers visitors a unique opportunity to watch freight and passenger trains pass through the famous railway bottleneck. Visitors can enjoy comfortable seating, informational displays about train history, and excellent photography opportunities from this specially designed platform. Many train enthusiasts gather here throughout the day to witness the impressive parade of locomotives that funnel through this strategic railway junction.
2. Suwanee Canal Recreation Area
GATEWAY TO OKEFENOKEE SWAMP
Suwanee Canal Recreation Area serves as the primary entrance to the vast Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, offering visitors boat tours, canoe rentals, and hiking opportunities. The area features a visitor center with educational exhibits about the swamp's unique ecosystem and wildlife. Nature enthusiasts can explore the historic canal, spot alligators and rare birds, or venture deeper into one of America's largest blackwater swamps.
3. Chesser Island Homestead
HISTORIC SWAMP SETTLEMENT
Chesser Island Homestead preserves a traditional swamp dwelling that showcases how pioneers lived in the challenging Okefenokee environment. Visitors can tour the restored 1920s homestead with authentic furniture and household items that demonstrate the self-sufficient lifestyle of early settlers. The homestead connects to a cypress boardwalk leading to an observation tower with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
4. Okefenokee Swamp Park
ANCIENT NATURAL WONDER
Okefenokee Swamp Park provides access to one of North America's oldest and most well-preserved freshwater systems, dating back approximately 6,500 years. The park offers guided boat tours, a scenic railroad, and wildlife shows featuring native species like alligators and snakes. Visitors can learn about the ecological importance of this vast wetland through interpretive exhibits and explore elevated walkways through diverse habitats.
5. Georgia Aquarium
WORLD-CLASS MARINE ATTRACTION
Georgia Aquarium stands as one of the largest aquariums in the world, housing thousands of aquatic species in more than 10 million gallons of water. Visitors can witness massive whale sharks gliding through the Ocean Voyager exhibit, interact with dolphins at the Dolphin Celebration, and touch stingrays in the touch pool. The aquarium combines entertainment with conservation efforts through educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours.
6. World of Coca-Cola
ICONIC BEVERAGE MUSEUM
World of Coca-Cola celebrates the history and cultural impact of the world's most famous soft drink through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Visitors can explore the vault where the secret formula is kept, sample over 100 different Coca-Cola products from around the globe, and watch the bottling process in action. The museum showcases vintage advertisements, artwork, and the evolution of this iconic American brand since its 1886 creation.
7. Rock City
NATURAL WONDER GARDENS
Rock City features massive ancient rock formations, lush gardens, and breathtaking panoramic views from Lover's Leap, where visitors can allegedly see seven states on a clear day. The attraction includes enchanting features like Fairyland Caverns, Mother Goose Village, and a 100-foot waterfall cascading down the mountain. Since opening in 1932, this unique destination has drawn millions with its distinctive blend of natural wonders and whimsical folklore elements.
8. Narikala Fortress
ANCIENT HILLTOP CITADEL
Narikala Fortress dominates Tbilisi's skyline as an ancient symbol of the city's strategic importance dating back to the 4th century. Visitors can explore the fortress walls and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the old town, Mtkvari River, and surrounding mountains. The recently restored St. Nicholas Church sits within the fortress complex, featuring beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from both the Bible and Georgian history.
9. Mother of Georgia Statue
SYMBOLIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Mother of Georgia statue (Kartlis Deda) stands as a 20-meter aluminum figure overlooking Tbilisi, symbolizing the Georgian national character. In her left hand she holds a bowl of wine to greet friends, while her right hand wields a sword to confront enemies, representing both hospitality and strength. Visitors can reach this iconic monument via cable car from Rike Park, enjoying spectacular city views during the journey.
10. Tbilisi Sulfur Baths
HISTORIC HEALING WATERS
Tbilisi Sulfur Baths represent the heart of the city's ancient spa culture, with naturally hot sulfur waters that have attracted visitors for centuries. The district features distinctive brick domes rising from the ground, housing various private bathing rooms where visitors can experience traditional sulfur soaks and scrub massages. These historic baths played a central role in Tbilisi's development, with the city's name itself derived from the Georgian word 'tbili' meaning warm.
11. Metekhi Church
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE LANDMARK
Metekhi Church perches dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Mtkvari River, representing one of Tbilisi's most historic and photographed landmarks. The current 13th-century structure stands on the site where Georgia's King Vakhtang Gorgasali built his palace and the original church in the 5th century. Visitors can admire the simple yet beautiful interior with traditional Orthodox iconography and enjoy spectacular views of the old town from the adjacent viewing platform.
12. Bridge of Peace
MODERN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Bridge of Peace stretches 150 meters across the Mtkvari River as a stunning contemporary glass and steel pedestrian crossing designed by Italian architect Michele De Lucchi. At night, the bridge illuminates with thousands of LED lights that display an interactive light show and morse code message about elements from the periodic table. This modern landmark symbolizes Georgia's connection between its historic past and progressive future while providing spectacular views of Tbilisi's historic sites.
13. Anchiskhati Basilica
OLDEST CHURCH IN TBILISI
Anchiskhati Basilica stands as Tbilisi's oldest surviving church, dating back to the 6th century during King Dachi of Iberia's reign. The church houses a precious 17th-century icon of the Savior and features distinctive architecture with three naves and traditional Georgian stone masonry. Visitors can experience the spiritual atmosphere enhanced by beautiful chanting during services and admire the historical significance of this monument that has survived numerous invasions and earthquakes.
14. Rike Park
MODERN RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Rike Park offers a contemporary recreational space along the Mtkvari River featuring distinctive architectural elements, musical fountains, and children's play areas. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts at the park's amphitheater, relax in manicured gardens, or catch the cable car to Narikala Fortress. The park serves as a vibrant gathering place where modern leisure facilities complement views of Tbilisi's historic Old Town across the river.
15. Puppet Theatre Clock Tower
WHIMSICAL THEATRICAL LANDMARK
The Puppet Theatre Clock Tower created by renowned Georgian theater director Rezo Gabriadze stands as a delightfully crooked tower with a fairytale aesthetic in Tbilisi's Old Town. Every hour, an angel emerges from a small door to strike the bell while other carved figures circle the tower in a charming mechanical performance. This whimsical landmark represents Georgian artistic creativity and houses the equally enchanting puppet theater showcasing unique performances beneath its leaning tower.