GEORGIA Magazine

Thomasville is known for its beautiful roses and the festival that celebrates them every spring, but this month's Around Georgia story showcases some of the many other compelling reasons to pay a visit to this charming Southern town.

Learn more about the shops (including the massive, whimsical toy store shown here), lodgings, restaurants and activities that make Georgia's Rose City a must-see destination in "Spotlight on Thomasville," starting on page 21.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202609/index.php #/p/21

Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Thomasville, Georgia Thomasville History Center The Sweet and Savory Sisters The Bookshelf Kilwins Thomasville The Tavern on Broad Imagination Emporium Firefly 1861 Distillery

More than 1,000 people took part in this year’s Patriot Day 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Truist Park, making it the largest turnout in the event’s five years at the ballpark.

Participants climbed more than 2,000 steps in the seating bowl to represent the 110 flights of stairs New York City firefighters climbed in the World Trade Center during search and rescue efforts on Sept. 11, 2001. Many wore lanyards bearing the names and photos of people who lost their lives that day.

The event also included a color guard, remarks from FDNY representatives and visiting firefighters from the United Kingdom, moments of remembrance and a “missing man” formation flyover. Proceeds benefit the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund of Georgia, which supports first responders and their families across the state.

Read more about this event and others like it here: https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202509/index.php #/p/8

September brings lots of festivities!

Find events such as the Folk Pottery & Arts Festival in Sautee Nacoochee, JapanFest Atlanta in Duluth, the Brooklet Peanut Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival and the North Georgia State Fair in Marietta in this month’s calendar.

Read more on page 10.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202609/index.php #/p/10

Georgia voters will select a new slate of public servants this November, and those choices will influence policies involving reliable energy, agriculture, public safety, economic development and other issues that affect communities statewide.

This month’s Cooperative Concerns looks at why every vote matters and highlights key dates for Georgia’s 2026 election.

Read more on page 7.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202609/index.php #/p/7

Georgia EMC

Marietta's Big Chicken is not just an extremely large, creative building that houses a local restaurant. It's also a beloved icon, a well-known landmark and even a point of reference for pilots flying overhead.

In "Something to cluck about," starting on page 26, learn the chicken's history, including its bout with storm damage and how a grassroots effort saved it from disappearing. (Did you know that the chicken has an official first name?)

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202609/index.php #/p/26

The BIG Chicken Cobb Chamber City of Marietta, Ga., Government Visit Marietta, GA KFC

Run 4 A Reason uses races to support trail preservation, mental-health programs and other Savannah-area causes. Dan Hernandez and Kerry Dulina organize events that connect fitness with community service.

Read more on page 26 in this month’s Hometown Heroes.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202608/index.php #/p/26

Georgia's natural springs not only are awe-inspiring sights but also serve a host of practical purposes. Some people visit these springs to capture bottles of clear water to drink and use in cooking at home, and some springs are a water source for whole communities. There also are springs that feed into pools that offer a relaxing dip for visitors.

Learn more in "Reflecting pools," starting on page 20.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202608/index.php #/p/20

Dolly Parton, whose death at age 80 was announced today, was a country music legend, but her greatest legacy likely was her far-reaching philanthropy, particularly in children's literacy. Her Imagination Library was featured in a December 2023 Georgia Magazine feature, https://bit.ly/imaginationlibrary1223. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and friends as well as to her millions of fans and admirers throughout the world.

Turn leaves, grass clippings, vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and other materials into compost for the garden. Proper moisture, airflow and a balance of green and brown materials help the pile break down.

Read more in this month’s Gardens story on page 24.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202608/index.php #/p/24

Cartersville golfer Mike Woodard played 38 consecutive hours and completed 144 holes to raise money for children’s health-care programs in Liberia. The event raised more than $180,000 for Georgia-based nonprofit LIVE2540.

Read more in this month’s Georgia News on page 14.

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/gemc/georgia_202608/index.php #/p/14