Stay Georgia Rentals, Vacation Rentals in Georgia

Georgia is a country to the east of the Black Sea, most of which is located in the South Caucasus, while a portion of the territory lies in the North Caucasus. A former republic of the Soviet Union, it shares borders with Russia in the north and Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in the south, area 69,700 square kilometer. Georgia is an amazing cluster of cultures, religions, fascinating landscapes and ancient history. The country where everyone can find something to his liking - from snowy peaks to subtropical shores, from deserts to lush forests, from cities to enchanting villages. Ethnic Georgians constitute a majority of the population. The official language is Georgian, one of the oldest languages in the world. Tbilisi is the capital and by far the largest city.

Georgia is on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, forming a natural border with the north Caucasian republics of the Russian Federation. The country, occupying approximately 27,000 square miles (69,900 square kilometers), stretches along the Greater Caucasus ridge, bordered by the Black Sea to the west, the Armenian and Turkish highlands to the South, and Azerbaijan to the east. The topography is varied. The northern region is characterized by high mountains, and the central and southern parts, while mountainous, are much lower and are covered with alpine fields and forests. In the east, the rivers all join the Mtkvari (Kura), forming the Caspian basin, while in the west, the rivers, of which the Rioni and Enguri are the largest, run into the Black Sea.

Self-identification is based mainly on linguistic tradition, and population groups that belong to different ethno-linguistic groups, such as Ossetians, Abkhazians, Armenians, Greeks, and Kurds, are not considered Georgian. There are some exceptions, such as Jews, who speak Georgian as a native language and have surnames with Georgian endings, but historically have had a distinct cultural identity. Georgians are subdivided into smaller regional ethno-cultural entities. All that have specific traditions and customs, folklore, cuisine, and dress and may speak a different language. Ajarans, unlike the Eastern Orthodox majority, are mostly Sunni Muslims. All these groups preserve and share a common identity, literary language, and basic system of values.

The climate of Georgia is affected by subtropical influences from the west and Mediterranean influences from the east. The Greater Caucasus range moderates local climate by serving as a barrier against cold air from the north. The relatively small territory covers different climatic zones, which are determined by distance from the Black Sea and by altitude. The climatic zones are ranging from humid subtropical to the eternal snow and glaciers. Georgia is divided into two different climatic regions: west part - humid, warm and east –moderately warm, continental climate. Precipitation and humidity are more in the west Georgia as region is influenced by the Black Sea. In Georgia we meet almost all types of climate: beginning with frosty climate coming from the main Caucasian permanently snowy rock, glaciers and ending with coastal humid subtopic climate coming from the Black Sea and continental climate of east Georgian valleys.

The Black Sea coast and Kolkheti lowland (I, II, III agroclimatic districts) is the warmest of all. Here the average annual temperature of the air reaches 15°. The highest average monthly temperature of the air -24°, 25° is noticed in the east lowland districts of Georgia. The period without a freezing on the Black Sea coast is continued more than 300 days and from sea level on 200 m - till about 120 days. Most precipitation (more than 1200m) comes on seacoast and mountain slopes. Least precipitation comes on east Georgian plain districts. In whole Georgia there frequently blows dry warm wind, so-called phion. During these winds moisture in some places falls till 10-15 %, this negatively influences agricultural plants. In Georgia the most humid air is in coastal districts, where it reaches 85-95 %.

Savannah: This is a small sampling of the best places to live in Georgia and doesn’t include many of the state’s hidden gems and quaint towns. Along with friendly residents, the state boasts succulent peaches, Appalachia and its own “Little Grand Canyon” as some of the many reasons why Georgians love their state.

Atlanta: Called the Hostess City of the South, Atlanta is known for its amazing walking tours. It offers historic squares, 18th century cemeteries and riverfront boardwalks. The city is vastly hip and culturally sophisticated but it manages to retain its southern charm.

Marietta: Marietta is one of Georgia’s “best managed and most livable cities,” according to Georgia’s Municipal Association. Located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Marietta has numerous historical homes, monuments and sites.

Dallas: Dallas, according to Money Magazine, is where the jobs are in Georgia. Located in Paulding County, Dallas is being rejuvenated by an aggressive economic development plan that includes a multi-million dollar airport project.

McDonough: Becoming one of the largest cities in Henry County, McDonough has excellent schools, health care and outdoor recreation. It’s been designated as a “City of Character” by the Georgia Municipal Association. Located 25 miles south of Atlanta, the city has a small-town feel but access to big-city activities.

The scene of repeated struggles for control between Spain and England throughout its early history, the Georgia question was finally settled by British general James Oglethorpe, who defeated Spanish invaders in the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742. A center of Confederate military activity during the American Civil War, Georgia suffered at the hands of Union general William T. Sherman who burned Atlanta to the ground in 1864 before cutting a 60-mile-wide path of destruction in his "march to the sea", finally capturing Savannah a month later. Today, Atlanta has emerged as a major American communications and transportation hub, while still holding onto its agricultural roots. Cosmopolitan Atlanta offers sophisticated nightlife, historic treasures, and is home to the Georgia Aquarium, the worlds largest. As a major tourist Mecca, the state offers a variety of attractions for visitors ranging from the Cumberland Island National Seashore to the architectural splendor of Savannah. Georgia's annual rite of spring, the fabled Masters Golf Tournament, takes place in Augusta.

Along with the Georgia Aquarium, other Atlanta must-sees for kids includes the World of Coca-Cola for an entertaining look at the history of the famous soft drink, or a trip to the Atlanta Botanical Garden with fun activities and a stroll around the Children's Garden. In summer, also don't miss Centennial Olympic Park for a big splash at the Fountain of Rings and other fun kid-friendly attractions. While in Savannah, there's no better way to get acquainted with the city than on the Red Trolley Tour with stops at all major attractions, while gentle spooky fun is waiting at the Boo! Savannah Walking Tour featuring the town's most famous haunted places. Yet more history is in store at the historic downtown district at Ships of the Sea for a look back at the city's maritime past.

Georgia's important interstate highways are I-95, I-20, I-16, I-59 and I-24. I-285 is Atlanta, Georgia's perimeter route and I-575 connects with counties in north Georgia on I-75. Major freight railroads in Georgia include CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. Passenger service in Georgia is available on two Amtrak routes: the Crescent, which runs from New York to Washington, D.C., through north Georgia and Atlanta to New Orleans and the other runs from New York to the Georgia coast and from there to Florida.

Georgia's primary commercial airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and is the world's busiest passenger airport. In addition to Hartsfield-Jackson, there are eight other airports serving major commercial traffic in Georgia. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the state as measured by passengers served, and is the only additional international airport. Other commercial airports are located in Augusta, Columbus, Albany, Macon, Brunswick, Valdosta, and Athens.

Georgia has 98 public use general aviation airports in addition to its primary commercial airports. The busiest of these airports in terms of daily take-off and landing traffic is DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Chamblee, Georgia (known as "PDK" due to its DOT call letters). PDK has averaged more than 230,000 take-offs and landings per year for over thirty years, and serves as a "general reliever airport" for the Atlanta area. Other general reliever airports in the metro Atlanta area include Charlie Brown Field in Atlanta, Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville, and McCollum Field in Kennesaw.