You do not have to travel thousands of miles and cross oceans in order to experience something novel and exciting. Some of the most interesting travel destinations may be right outside your door.

When people think of the words "travel" or "vacation," the mind tends to wander toward the extreme -- images of Paris, Venice, or Barcelona. Going to these places does indeed fit the definition of traveling, but try to think on a smaller scale. Right here, within the state of Georgia, there are many places worth visiting before you hop on a nine-hour flight to some exotic land where you constantly have to remind yourself you are on the right side of the road.

Believe it or not, Georgia is not just Athens and Atlanta. The beautiful land that we call home has so much more to offer.

One attraction is Callaway Gardens located in Pine Mountain, Gerogia. Callaway is a beautiful area full of lush gardens and, of course, it also has a butterfly enclosure that is worth seeing at age 7 and 97. It draws nearly one million visitors every year and more of these visitors should be native Georgians.

For those travelers looking for more adventure, there is no shortage of hiking trails and mountains in North Georgia. Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the state of Georgia and offers an amazing view of the Appalachian Mountains. North Georgia also offers hikers a place to start the famous Appalachian Trial. Among other areas in North Georgia is the town of Dahlonega, Georgia. Dahlonega has hikes and trails, but also offers local spots like the historic town square, a memento of the first gold rush in the United States in Dahlonega. Visitors can also partake in wine tours at the local wineries nestled in the mountains.

Another beautiful, scenic destination in Georgia is Tallulah Falls. The Falls are located in the Tallulah Gorge State Park. The gorge is nearly two miles long. There is a suspension bridge 80 feet above the Falls that offers those daring enough a thrill as they see views of the river and waterfalls. Visitors can hike the mountains, use the bike trails, or simply enjoy the natural power of the waterfall.

For individuals looking for a destination of historical significance, Georgia has a lot to offer in that respect. The World of Coke is not the only contribution we bring to the table. One little known place is the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in 1932 after coming to Warm Springs in 1924 hoping to find a cure for his affliction, polio. He swam everyday in the 88-degree natural springs of Georgia but, while it did improve his mobility, it was not a cure. At the house there are many exhibits dedicated to showcasing the life FDR led in Warm Springs. He would invite children with polio to his personal pool at the house to help them with their fight against the shared disease. While posing for a portrait on April 12, 1945 FDR suffered a stroke and later passed away. Today the “Unfinished Portrait" is displayed in the Little White House along with other memorabilia from his terms as President. This is a must-see attraction that I personally visited and will never forget.

These few examples are just a taste of the adventure and history that Georgia has to offer. The next time you start planning that dream vacation to Morocco, remember that some of the best places on Earth are right here at home.