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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2007 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Laurel & Hardy Museum
Harlem
706.556.0401
When you step into Harlem, GA, you will notice that "Oliver Hardy is all around you-especially in the Laurel & Hardy Museum." The people of Harlem, Hardy's birthplace, "really put their hearts into" turning an old post office into a museum that celebrates the "greatest comedy duo ever," Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel. The museum welcomes Laurel & Hardy fan club conventions from all over the world, offers screenings of the duo's films, and "is a wonderful place to remember and laugh out loud." Read more.
Sope Creek Hiking Trails
Marietta
678.538.1200
As one of the "greatest and most challenging" biking trails in Georgia, the Sope Creek Hiking trails are "not an easy hike" on foot either, although it is "very beautiful." As part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, locals come here "for quiet reflection," a weekend picnic, or "one heck of a workout!" Read more.
Twilight Criterium
Athens
706.549.6800

Martini Fridays at Fernbank Museum
Atlanta
404.929.6400
"Learning has never been so much fun" as it is at Martini Fridays at the Fernbank Museum. "Leave the kids at home" and "see the museum through different glasses" as you sip "sophisticated" cocktails, indulge in "delicious" cuisine, and listen to live jazz music before enjoying the IMAX film presentation. If martinis are not your cocktail of choice, a wine bar is also offered, as are desserts and coffee. Read more.
The Tree That Owns Itself
Athens
The Tree that Owns Itself is a large white oak at the corner of the residential streets Dearing and Finley Streets that is "an Athens legend," due to a deed executed many years ago by Colonel W.H. Jackson: "For and in consideration of the great love I bear this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and the land within eight feet of it on all sides." Thanks to the "delicate care" of the Athens Junior Ladies Garden Club, the tree "has flourished," and is a "great place for reflection and independence" for Athens locals as they walk along the only cobblestone street in Athens.
Rhineharts
Augusta
706.860.2337
"Do not wear a suit and tie" for a night out at Rhineharts, but "sweat pants are definitely welcome." Serving since 1983, Craig and Amy Rhinehart started this "understated seafood palace" with a little more than a small refrigerator. Bikers are known to park their bikes at this establishment where "amazing oysters and sensational snow crab legs" are served on paper plates. Read more.
Town of Dahlonega
Lumpkin County
706.864.3711

The Brick Store Pub
Decatur
404.687.0990
For some "flavorful, hearty, and diverse" food to "delight your palate," grab a glass to match your favorite beer at the Brick Store Pub and enjoy! Located across the street from the Decatur courthouse, this "cozy, warm, and intimate" pub feels "just like a small-town pub in the United Kingdom." The beer selection is the "best you'll see in Georgia" with several "great" Belgian Brews and an "infamous" Brick Burger. Read more.
Smoak's Bakery
Augusta
706.733.5931
After you take one bite into Smoaks' cinnamon roles, you'll be saying "Smoaks is a legend-the best in Augusta, from breads to cakes to pastries." Locals "really line up" for Smoaks' baked goods, but this bakery also offers "an excellent variety" of sandwiches, salads, and platters. Dieters beware: Smoak's is the "most dangerous place in the world for a person trying to lose weight." Read more.
McKinney's Pond Restaurant
Midville
478.589.7186
Be greeted with a "warm welcome and a smile" from Harry and Beth Kennedy as you enter their historic McKinney's Pond Restaurant. Located on a 200-acre pond, McKinney's is "tranquil and romantic," especially "when you can see the stars' reflection in the pond." Indulge in some "fresh seafood" and "real Southern" steaks, but McKinney's fried shrimp is "the most popular" and "so tasty." Read more.
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
