15 More Enchanting Places In Georgia You Won’t Believe Really Exist

Castle in Alpharetta, 12570 Arnold Mill Rd., Alpharetta, GA

"Castle" and "Alpharetta" don't even belong in the same sentence. However, if you’re ever driving down Arnold Mill Road in Alpharetta, don’t be shocked when you see a castle off by itself on a huge lot. That’s right, you’ll see a castle, but the wild part is that someone lives there! Rumor has it that a long-haul truck driver named Rudy McLaughlin told his wife, Ruth, he would build her a castle in the '50s.

Well, clearly he came all the way through! It’s complete with a private fence and a moat that leads to a large pool. A moat, people! Now, excuse me as I relay this same message to my future husband.

Babyland General Hospital, 300 NOK Dr., Cleveland, GA

Nothing is stranger than a place filled with Cabbage Patch Kids. Creepy.

If you’ve ever wondered where Cabbage Patch dolls came from, look no further. Babyland General Hospital houses an entire facility of dolls. It’s set up basically like a hospital; it has a birthing unit, nursery and adoption area.

You can also purchase a Cabbage Patch doll if you like, but be sure to check the price tag! They range from $35 all the way up to $37,000! Oh, and if you choose to adopt, be ready to raise your right hand because you’ll have to take an oath. Yes, it’s just that serious.

Ray Charles Memorial, Riverfront Trail, Albany, GA

Sitting front and center at Riverfront Park is a glorious statue of the late Ray Charles playing his piano.

An architectural firm commissioned and created this masterpiece for Albany, Ray Charles' birthplace. But it isn’t just an ordinary statue — it’s a live concert! That’s right, as you’re taking selfies, you'll hear some fine tunes from one of the most celebrated artists to ever live.

Lunch Box Museum, 3218 Hamilton Rd., Columbus, GA

Can you believe there’s a place in Georgia that actually houses… lunch boxes?

No, I don’t mean a storage unit of sorts, every lunch box you grew up with, wanted or hated is housed at the Lunch Box Museum! This is the place to reminisce about your childhood. Every television show back in the day that was plastered on a lunchbox is here. If you ever get the chance to visit, the creator, Allen Woodall, gladly shares his love for lunch boxes and how he came about collecting them.

Titan I Missile, 1815 E. 16th Ave., Cordele, GA

In the small town of Cordele, you’ll find a super tall, real but not live, 98-foot-tall missile monument!

Literally, at any moment, this missile could be activated! It landed in Cordele after John S. Pate Jr, the Rotary Club president at the time, decided to find a way to honor the United States Air Force. It's been standing tall in the same place since July 1969.

Providence Canyon State Park, 8930 Canyon Rd., Lumpkin, GA

The state of Georgia tried so hard to be like Arizona. Interestingly enough, poor farming practices from the 1800s are apparently what gave this place its gorgeous sunset-reminiscent hues.

Located in Lumpkin is “Little Grand Canyon,” also known as Providence Canyon State Park. The view from this park will take your breath away. Of course, it's not quite like the Grand Canyon, but it’s pretty close! It makes for a perfect hiking adventure. Also, if you live in Atlanta, it’s less than three hours away.

Jimmy Carter Smiling Peanut, 148 GA-45, Plains, GA

If you ever wondered what former President Jimmy Carter's smile has to do with a huge peanut, there's a statue that answers all your questions!

Jimmy Carter is known for many things. Apparently, one of those things is his smile. So, in his hometown of Plains, there's a big statue of a peanut with a smile. Why a peanut? Well, because Carter was a peanut farmer before he became president.

Ellison's Cave, Walker County

Georgia has at least one incredible cave. Ellison's Cave is the 12th deepest cave in the United States. It has seven different routes that lead to the bottom, and each one is challenging to conquer. But beware, cave life isn't for everyone and beginners should hold off. To explore a cave of this magnitude takes extensive training and knowledge. However, if you’re able to check it out one day, enjoy!

Atlanta White House, 3687 Briarcliff Rd. N.E., Atlanta, GA

If you've ever been driving through Atlanta and thought you somehow ended up at the D.C. White House, don't worry. You’re still in Atlanta.

Luckily for us (I think?), we have a replica of the White House that’s called "Atlanta White House." It’s complete with an Oval Office, a movie theater, and a replica of Lincoln's bedroom. It was built in 2002 by real estate developer Fred Milani for his wife. Sadly, the house eventually went into foreclosure in 2011.

Stuckie the Dog, 1440 N. Augusta Ave., Waycross, GA

For all my dog lovers out there, close your eyes!

The story of Stuckie the Dog isn't a happy one. Apparently, in the 1980s, some loggers were trying to cut a tree down when they found a dog, who'd gotten trapped inside of it 20 years prior! How strange and sad is that? It’s said that experts believe the dog was chasing a squirrel and ran through a hole in a tree. You can visit the old hound at the Southern Forest World Museum and Environmental Center.

Okefenokee Swamp, 5700 Okefenokee Swamp Park Rd., Waycross, GA

Okefenokee Swamp is considered one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders. It’s also the largest blackwater swamp in North America. Okefenokee boasts a magical prehistoric environment, and you’re in for a surprise if you ever get a chance to visit.

Besides the fact that you get to see all kinds of unique animals, you also get up close and personal with alligators! And yes, they are alive and well. And terrifying. Enjoy boat tours, water trails and so much more for a fantastic time amidst wildlife.

Alpaca Treehouse, Atlanta, GA 30316

Ranked as one of Airbnb’s Most Wished-Listed Worldwide is a jaw-dropping treehouse secluded in a bamboo forest, in East Atlanta.

There's a deck, plenty of windows for soaking up nature and enough space to sleep four. Plus it's so picturesque that Love Is Blind even filmed an episode here. But if you think you can reserve a booking for next weekend, you’re wrong. You must book months in advance to experience something this serene. Oh, and did we mention there's also an alpaca farm?!

Cumberland Island

Have you ever wondered if there was a place with wild horses and the ruins of a beautiful mansion? Turns out Georgia has a place for you.

Cumberland Island has a beach, hiking zones and wild horses! With 17 miles of uninterrupted beach, it offers a spectacular view from every angle. You can also explore the "Dungeness Ruins" — the remains of an enormous Carnegie mansion that once stood tall before a fire destroyed most of the building. Today, all that stands is a beautiful frame.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 460 Rockbridge Road N.W., Lilburn, GA

I guarantee that once you post a selfie in front of this masterpiece, people will assume you’re traveling abroad!

The Mandir is a traditional place of Hindu worship. It's hand-carved and built from over 34,000 pieces! So, clearly, Home Depot had no involvement. It’s open daily to visitors and those wanting to worship.

Historic Banning Mills, 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd., Whitesburg, GA

Whenever Guinness World Records is involved, it must be super cool!

Back in 2012, Historic Banning Mills became certified as having the longest-running zipline course: 39,127 feet long, to be exact! You can enjoy high speeds while you’re having the time of your life. They also offer several packages that range from one hour up to eight hours of zip lining. But, of course, you’re required to work your way up to the highest level to be sure you're able to tackle it.

Tank Town USA, 10408 Appalachian Hwy., Morganton, GA

I’m sure we've all seen car crushings in movies, but Georgia has it in real life!

At Tank Town USA, you can let out some frustration or just have a good time while crushing cars. You have the option of crushing a car with 17 tons of military steel, driving a tank, or getting behind the wheel of an excavator. For an extra fee, you can even add machine gun shooting. Tank Town USA is the real deal!

Amicalola Falls, 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd., Dawsonville, GA

Who hikes up a waterfall? Only people in Georgia!

Amicalola Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River with a height of 729 feet. But you can’t just park your car and stare at the waterfall; you've gotta hike up to the top! Even after you've hiked a while, you'll see a sign telling you to walk up 175 more steps before you get to experience the breathtaking vista. It's worth it though!