BanksNewsTODAY

As the temperatures begin to fall and the leaves start to change, it’s time for a visit to the mountains and Blue Ridge is a great destination for North Georgia residents.

A train ride through the picturesque country-side on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and a morning of picking apples at Mercier Orchards were the highlights of our weekend visit to Blue Ridge.

Aska Lodge, nestled on a mountain side with wonderful views from the swing on the front porch, is a great place to make your headquarters during your visit to Blue Ridge. [Full Story »] 

As the home of the king of blues, B.B. King, and the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley, Memphis, Tenn., is a city filled with music. From strolling down Beale Street with blues music all around you to visiting historic recording studios and touring the legendary Elvis Presley’s home, a visit to Memphis, Tenn., is a music wonderland.

Music fans will love exploring Beale Street while visiting Memphis. Just wander along the famous street and you will find a number of places to stop and listen to blues, as well as rock, soul and all kinds of music. As the sun goes down, the neon lights of the businesses begin to glow and the crowd grows. It’s soon bustling and filled with energy and excitement. [Full Story »] 

Soaring above the Great Smoky Mountains for a birds-eye view of the natural beauty of East Tennessee…getting a glimpse of hundreds of creatures found in a rainforest…gasping in amazement and wonder as Chinese artists perform and digging in to a five-course meal that starts with apple fritters and ends with apple cobbler.

These are just a few of the things awaiting visitors to Sevierville, Tenn. During a four-day visit, these were the highlights of our visit to country superstar Dolly Parton’s hometown. [Full Story »] 

Following the Civil War trail through West Tennessee includes stops at well-known Shiloh Battlefield and less known Battle of Britton’s Lane. More Civil War conflicts took place in Tennessee than in any other state except for Virginia and visitors can follow the trail on battlefields and historic sites throughout the state. [Full Story »] 

The original honeymoon dress worn by Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With the Wind” is one of the items of memorabilia that is displayed in a museum in Marietta dedicated to the timeless classic.

Touring the museum, taking a trolley ride with a narrated history of the area, dinner on the square and then taking a pedicab ride around downtown and a enjoying a hearty gourmet breakfast were highlights of a recent visit to the charming Southern town. [Full Story »] 

Wandering through a village that uses reconstructions of daily life in ancient times to understand the history, land and culture of Biblical times and then having a “Biblical meal” with authentic foods from Jesus’ Passover Meal, commonly called The Last Supper.

Spending a morning on the water as well-known fishing guide and television host Joey Mines gives you a nature tour of the lake. Enjoying an afternoon strolling through the pre-Civil War gardens at Hills & Dales estate and then touring the new Kia automotive plant.

These are just a few adventures awaiting visitors to Troup County, home of Lagrange and West Point. Only a couple of hours drive away, the area is an affordable destination with plenty of family-friendly activities. [Full Story »]