Almost 16% of Georgians are at least 65 years old. It’s important that this age group stays fit, with plenty of resources to do so. WorldAtlas has a list of the eight liveliest towns in the Peach State to help them out:

Peachtree City

“Golf lovers will enjoy Peachtree City, where 135 holes of championship golf are spread across five clubs, both in town and in neighboring Newnan. … Battery Way Park and Boat Ramp sit along the East Lagoon at the east end of the lake. Here, residents launch off from the boat ramp and spend a day fishing, ideal for those whose idea of keeping on the go means being on the water. Northeast of the lake, the Glenloch Recreation Complex offers soccer fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, and exercise studios.”

Valdosta

“The city of Valdosta makes it easy to remain active thanks to the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. … The tower is a hotspot for birdwatchers. … Fifth Day Farms offers a change of pace that keeps you outdoors while surrounded by wildlife. … However, if you want to stay closer to the heart of town, McKey Park is a popular green space that houses the Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center. … The surrounding park also includes a sand volleyball court and walking paths.”

Thomasville

“Known as the ‘City of Roses,’ downtown Thomasville hosts the annual Rose Show and Festival. … Events include an artisan market, antique car show, parade, and, of course, a flower show. … The heart of town is characterized by its Victorian-era buildings, many of which have stood for over a century. Among these, The Bookshelf is a popular local bookstore where you can select your newest read. … Afterward, you can wander around and explore plenty of other hot spots, including the Thomasville History Center.”

Dahlonega

“Seniors who find peace in the great outdoors will appreciate Dahlonega, a mountain town south of Lake Zwerner. Residents are welcome to walk the lake or launch from the boat ramp for a day of fishing. … Those looking to learn more about the town’s history can explore the Consolidated Gold Mining Company through its underground gold mine tour. … Dahlonega also hosts events, including the Bear on the Square Mountain Festival, which gives locals a chance to celebrate Appalachian culture.”

St. Mary’s

“Outdoors-loving seniors will appreciate St. Mary’s, known as the gateway to adjacent Cumberland Island. Walks across the island take you along the Marsh Boardwalk and near the Ice House Museum. … You will also see the Dungeness Ruins, a former 59-room Queen Anne mansion with many of its walls still standing. If you prefer not to visit the island, you can spend time at St. Mary’s Waterfront Park. … Along the way, you can enjoy sights of the St. Mary’s River or even set out on the water from the boat launch. For those who would enjoy getting to know the town better, you can head out on the St. Mary’s History Walk.”

Woodstock

“Seniors stay engaged and occupied in Woodstock, thanks in large part to its walkable downtown, which is packed with activities. For those simply trying to stay out for the day, The Park at City Center features paths winding around the gazebo and fountain, both of which are notable landmarks. … The park is adjacent to the Woodstock Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. Currently regarded as (n)orth Georgia’s best outdoor music venue, the amphitheater hosts the annual Woodstock Summer Concert Series that brings together musical acts from pop to rhythm and blues.”

Adairsville

“Those who want to get out under the sun can head to Manning Mill Park. This local favorite boasts a 5-acre lake where residents can take a stroll. Also, it includes a baseball field, plus basketball and tennis courts for seniors. Historic Downtown is also an easy way to get your steps in as you walk past 19th-century storefronts. The Little Rock Cafe on the north side of the district offers simple home-style Southern food, including catfish and fried taters. One of the liveliest events of the year is the Great Locomotive Festival, an annual event that has taken place for nearly 60 years.”

Decatur

“DeVry University sits in the heart of town just next to the DeKalb History Center Museum. This spot in Decatur Square includes highlights such as the John Lewis Statue, a tribute to the civil rights icon and congressman. While you are here, you can step into the DeKalb museum itself to learn about our country’s past. … Just across the street, you can pop into Foxtail Coffee for blueberry muffin chai or an espresso. Afterward, you can walk through the many stores in the area, for example, HomeGrown Decatur, a gift shop that focuses on handmade artwork.”

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

ATLANTA – A high-speed pursuit on Interstate 20 in Fulton County ended in a deadly gas station crash on Monday afternoon, leaving an innocent bystander dead and three others badly hurt.

What we know:

Investigators said that a Georgia state trooper tried to stop a Hyundai Elantra traveling west on I-20 in Fulton County around 2:40 p.m. The driver was allegedly speeding at 90 mph in a 55 mph zone, authorities said. 

The driver, later identified as 26-year-old Fre’shun Tyai White of Marietta, initially slowed down before suddenly speeding away. White crossed all lanes of I-20 West and exited onto the Boulevard exit ramp before abruptly merging back onto the main highway, nearly causing a crash.

The initial trooper was unable to safely follow White back onto the interstate and was forced to exit onto Boulevard. 

A second trooper who was nearby saw White merge recklessly back into traffic and tried to catch up with the vehicle, police explained. 

Before that second trooper could reach him, White exited onto the Hill Street ramp at a high rate of speed. Investigators believe White lost control of the Hyundai Elantra, crossed Hill Street, and crashed into a gas station parking lot.

The vehicle struck a parked car inside the lot. 

Chatanna Ohiyesha Patterson, 51, was standing beside that parked vehicle and died from injuries caused by the impact.

White, a passenger in his vehicle and the driver of the parked car were all seriously injured in the crash. 

All three were taken to the hospital. 

White is charged with vehicular homicide in the first degree and serious injury by vehicle, along with other related charges. 

What they’re saying:

“Tonight, a family is grieving the sudden loss of a loved one, and our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by this tragedy. Moments like this leave lasting pain for families, friends, witnesses, and the broader community. While the investigation remains ongoing, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers created when drivers make reckless decisions and flee from law enforcement,” the Georgia State Patrol said in a statement. 

What we don’t know:

The current condition of those injured in the crash is unknown. 

Dear Georgia, 

Now, I haven’t written many love letters in my life.

But the ones I have written? Pretty positive reviews overall.

So I figured I’d try writing one to the state of Georgia.

Oddly enough, I had only been in Georgia about two months before all of this — back in March. But it was a completely different part of the state, under completely different circumstances, living what felt like a completely different life.

There was a beach.
It was cold.
And honestly, I thought I was the happiest girl in the world.

I truly believed life couldn’t get any better.

I had no idea that only two months later I’d be hiking the Appalachian Trail doing something I had dreamed about for nearly a decade.

Back then, I was doing cartwheels on the beach and landing… not so gracefully.

Now, I’m slipping down muddy banks trying to collect water without falling directly into a creek.

Back then, I was staying in Airbnbs that probably needed a little work.

Now, I’m sleeping in three-walled shelters and a tent that somehow always ends up on an incline.

Back then, I was searching for seashells.

Now, I’m just trying not to eat dirt after tripping over the twentieth root of the day.

And instead of driving twelve hours south back to my Key West home…

I’m walking north.

Still walking north.

As dramatic as it sounds, I genuinely feel like I was a different person two months ago than the one currently hiking through these mountains.

And let me tell you — this journey has not been all rainbows and daisies.

It’s been sweat.
Dirt.
Blisters.
Exhaustion.

It’s been trying not to lose my mind after eating ramen for the third night in a row.

It’s been looking up at a mountain and wondering why the trail suddenly decided vertical was acceptable.

It’s been wanting to quit sometimes.

Georgia was hard.

But somehow, Georgia was also easy.

Because despite all the climbs and soreness and moments where I questioned every decision I’ve ever made, Georgia also gave me:

• incredible people,






• breathtaking views,






• unforgettable memories,






• and proof that I’m capable of far more than I thought.

I genuinely didn’t expect to fall in love with this state the way I did.

And I think that’s the thing about love:
it isn’t transactional.

Love isn’t only loving something when it’s easy.

There were moments I wanted to scream. Moments I was frustrated. Moments where Georgia absolutely humbled me.

And somehow I still loved it anyway.

I would tell Georgia “I love you” a hundred times over because every brutal climb and miserable rainy day made me stronger.

Nine days doesn’t sound like much in the grand scheme of things.

But out here?

Nine days feels like a lifetime.

And even though Georgia was only the beginning of this journey, it already changed me in ways I don’t think I fully understand yet.

Goodbyes are hard.

But goodbyes are also what open the next door.

And who’s to say I’ll never come back?

For me, Georgia became something I never knew I needed.

And somehow… this is still only the beginning.

Xoxo,

Ari, Piper, and (Trail name to be revealed soon…)

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