Meandering Down U.S. 19/Magnolia Highway in Georgia and Florida

“Sometimes I get bored riding on the interstate,” says Melanie Grace, executive director, Americus-Sumter County Tourism Council.

How many times have you said the exact say thing when traveling down what seems to be a never-ending road?

Sometimes it’s good to detour off the main road, like the I-75 South stretch from Georgia to Florida and take U.S. 19/Magnolia Highway.

Whether you begin your journey in Griffin, Ga., or Americus, Ga., (U.S. 19 ends on Tampa’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge ) you are guaranteed to discover another side of Georgia and Florida that you would’ve missed while on the interstate.

“Sites along the Magnolia Highway appeal to travelers interested in eco-tourism and heritage tourism, to name a few,” says Grace. “At under 500 miles, there’s something for every interest.”

While the highlights along the highways are numerous, the include the Historic Rylander Theatre (Americus - map), Flint RiverQuarium (Albany – map), Sweet Grass Dairy (Thomasville – map), Monticello (Fla.) Opera House (map) and Fort DeSoto Park (St. Petersburg, Fla. – map)

Turn your meandering down Magnolia Highway into a trip. There are various places to stay along the way, such as the historic Windsor Hotel (map)  in Americus, Ga., to a handful of RV parks.

And as for the restaurants, well, you are in luck. You’ll definitely come across some local gems for a meal or two.

So the next time you find yourself on I-75 South counting the exit signs or dealing with the traffic, remember your alternative – U.S. 19/Magnolia Highway. Exit to relax, explore and discover; because that’s what travel is all about.

photo credit: Both photos are courtesy of Georgia Department of Economic Development. (top right) Windsor Hotel (Americus, Ga.); (bottom left) Sweet Grass Dairy (Thomasville, Ga.)