Memorial Day is Monday, marking the end of a three-day weekend. Want to visit a hidden gem?

WorldAtlas released a guide of the most underrated small towns in Georgia “where a vibrant sense of community and exploration awaits.” Below is a look at which towns they highlighted and excerpts of what WorldAtlas had to say about them:

Blue Ridge

“Tucked away in the mountains, Blue Ridge is a sweet little railroad town with a vibrant artistic community and a burgeoning adult beverage scene that is often overshadowed by those of larger cities such as Atlanta. Beverage enthusiasts will find a haven here, with innovative wineries, breweries, and distilleries around every corner. … Tipsy or not, a performance at the Blue Ridge Community Theater is always a good time. … Outdoor enthusiasts can hike at the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest, take a scenic train ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, or frolic in the tranquil waters at Lake Blue Ridge Dam Recreation Area.”

Dahlonega

“The town features a lovely historic downtown where you can embark on a haunted walking tour (or a wine tour) with Dahlonega Walking Tours before diving into the region’s gold mining history at the Dahlonega Gold Museum. … Nature seekers can trek through the breathtaking Chattahoochee National Forest, which provides ample hiking trails, camping, and gushing waterfalls. … Afterward, savor a wine tasting at Frogtown Winery, one of the most awarded wineries outside California.”

Ellijay

“Celebrated as Georgia’s Apple Capital, the area is home to numerous farms and orchards that welcome eager apple pickers. … Beyond apples, Ellijay features a growing wine scene. Local vineyards like Cartecay Vineyards and Chateau Meichtry offer tastings, winery tours, and summer concerts. … Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, as Ellijay is the gateway to Springer Mountain, the starting point of the Appalachian Trail, and features numerous hiking trails for all skill levels. The nearby Cohutta Wildlife Management Area offers fishing, birdwatching, and mountain biking, while the Cartecay River provides tubing opportunities during warmer months.”

Lumpkin

“While unassuming at first, nature lovers are in for a treat, as Lumpkin is a gateway to the stunning Providence Canyon State Park. Spanning 1,000 acres, this breathtaking park features a remarkable collection of canyons and gullies. … Plus, the park is home to the largest natural collection of plumleaf azalea in the world. … While Georgia is overflowing with historic significance, Lumpkin was the first small town in the state to successfully complete a historic preservation project aimed at encouraging tourism. The result? The beautifully restored/preserved Bedingfield Inn on the town’s central square.”

Madison

“It boasts one of the state’s largest historic districts despite its small population. … Visitors can explore historic homes like the Rogers House, which illustrates early 1800s middle-class life, and Rose Cottage, which shares the story of a slave who built her own laundress business. … Outdoor lovers can head to Hard Labor Creek State Park, home to two peaceful lakes, an 18-hole golf course, multi-use trails, and campsites. Additionally, just 30 minutes away is Lake Oconee, a vast reservoir perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing.”

Tybee Island

“Unlike more crowded coastal spots in Georgia, Tybee Island offers a serene atmosphere for visitors to relax and unwind. … One of its iconic landmarks is the Tybee Island Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, alongside the smallest lighthouse in the state, the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. After taking in views of the Atlantic from the lighthouses, embark on a deep-sea fishing tour with Brown’s Reel ‘Em N Deep Sea Fishing. Nature lovers will also enjoy birdwatching, as Tybee is positioned on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.”

Thomasville

“While Atlanta is known as the food capital of Georgia, Thomasville’s restaurant scene is giving it a run for its money. Visitors can enjoy the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour, where local cuisine and stories that highlight the town’s rich history are brought to life. … After you’ve had your fill of delicious food, rent a bike from Hubs and Hops and pedal through the town’s red clay roads. … Nature lovers will also appreciate the Birdsong Nature Center, where miles of trails wind through wildflower meadows, forests, and swamps, showcasing diverse wildlife.”

Tallulah Falls

“The town is home to the breathtaking Tallulah Gorge, a 1,000-foot chasm carved by the Tallulah River, featuring six cascading waterfalls. Hikers can trek along the breathtaking Tallulah Gorge Rim Trails for breathtaking views of the gorge and waterfalls, while Tallulah Gorge State Park is home to picnic areas, a beach, tennis courts, and campgrounds along the shores of Tallulah Lake. … The community spirit in Tallulah Falls shines during Saturday Night Bluegrass Jams, where locals bring their instruments to Main Street for a night of music and camaraderie. Families can sprawl on the grass around a communal bonfire and soak in twangy tunes.”

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

The Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) Class of 2025 met in early May for its fourth session, exploring the impact of education and the economic significance of agriculture in Bulloch and Screven counties. The session offered participants firsthand insight into local schools, agribusiness operations, and the challenges and opportunities shaping these key sectors.

Through interactive panel discussions, expert-led presentations, and immersive site visits, the session deepened participants’ understanding of how education and agriculture intersect to support growth and sustainability in Southeast Georgia. Designed to foster informed, collaborative leadership, the program introduced emerging regional leaders to key voices and institutions influencing the area’s future. 

“Strengthening our efforts in education and supporting agriculture, a fundamental aspect of this area’s economic base, is a perfect example of why LSEGA exists. When leaders learn more, they can collaborate and develop solutions that improve crucial facets of our community and overcome challenges that negatively affect quality of life and reduce opportunities,” said Ric Stewart, Program Manager, LSEGA Class of 2024 graduate, and Development Manager at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

The session opened at Georgia Southern University’s Engineering and Research Building in Statesboro, where Sylvania Mayor Preston Dees welcomed the class.

Session Highlights:

• Higher Education Panel: Facilitated by Suzanne Kirk, the session featured insights from Dr. Kyle Marrero (Georgia Southern University), Dr. Brandy Taylor (Ogeechee Technical College), and Dr. David Schecter (East Georgia State College), followed by a tour of the Engineering and Research Building.
• Migrant Labor and Agriculture: Andrea Hinojosa led a candid conversation on the essential role of migrant workers in Georgia’s agricultural economy.
• Education in Historical Context: Dr. Amber Davis, Director of Leadership at the Southern Education Foundation, delivered a presentation titled “A Brief Overview of Education History in the South.”
• K-12 Panel Discussion: Moderated by Dr. Meca Williams-Johnson, Associate Dean of Research at Georgia Southern’s College of Education, the panel addressed current challenges and innovations in primary and secondary education.
• Agribusiness Site Visits: Participants toured Double B Ranch & Poultry and Wade Hodges Farm, gaining hands-on exposure to local agricultural operations. A Q&A with Benjy Thompson, Director of the Bulloch County Development Authority, and a farmer-led panel discussion rounded out the experience.

“Education and agriculture are cornerstones of any thriving community,” said Kendria Lee, LSEGA Chairwoman. “By developing leaders who understand and support these industries, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term regional success.”

LSEGA’s programs are supported by sponsors including Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Evans General Contractors, Georgia Southern University,  M.E. Sack Engineering, The Sack Company, Thomas & Hutton, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Power, HunterMaclean, Bouhan Falligant, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Area Chamber, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Coleman Company, World Trade Center Savannah, Southeastern Bank, Bank of Newington, Cecilia Russo Marketing, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, and Hussey Gay Bell.

Local sponsors for the Bulloch and Screven counties session included BBWH Insurors, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill and Cannon, BAK Builders, Lee, Hill & Johnston Insurers, St. Andrews Builders, Ellis Wood Contracting, Hall & Navarro, Synovus, Renasant Bank, Morris Bank, and Hussey Gay Bell.

To learn more about the Leadership Southeast Georgia program and its impact on the region, visit lsega.com.

Due to her delayed diagnosis, she said her cancer had spread and she also had blood clots in her lungs.

“Not one doctor took me seriously,” she continued. “Not one doctor did the scans or blood tests I begged for whilst crying on the floor in agony. Instead, they dismissed me. They gaslit me, told me it was nothing, made me feel like I was overreacting. They refused to scan me. They refused to investigate. They REFUSED to listen.”

After publicly sharing her cancer battle, O’Connor explained that she had suffered a miscarriage just before her diagnosis. However, she still chose to stay positive. 

“I’ve been pregnant with a beautiful baby, suffered a miscarriage, then got diagnosed with ‘incurable’ cancer,” she wrote on Instagram February 18 in honor of her 25th birthday. “But I still feel on top of the world!”

One such highlight was her wedding less than two weeks before her passing. O’Connor shared that she had married her longtime boyfriend Adriano Cardinali on May 9, posting photos of the nuptials on Instagram.

As she put it in the caption, “I married the love of my life.”