This document highlights four hidden gems in Georgia: 1) The Tree that Owns Itself in Athens, which was granted ownership of land and now has a seedling growing in its place. 2) The Georgia Guidestones in Elberton, a mysterious monument with guidelines engraved in multiple languages. 3) Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta, featuring a large relief sculpture and outdoor activities. 4) The Paris Market, a shop inspired by international flea markets that offers eclectic finds.

1. Four Hidden
Gems
IN GEORGIA
NELSON LEWIS

2. While Georgia is the United State's number one producer
of peaches, peanuts and Vidalia onions, the southern state
has plenty more to offer. The capital city Atlanta holds
the Georgia Aquarium and the Coca-Cola Museum.
Savannah is known for its beautiful 18th- and 19th-
century architecture and well-manicured parks. And,
Augusta hosts the Masters Golf Tournament each year.
While the state has plenty of well-known attractions, it’s
also filled with tons of hidden gems. Check out these four
must-see spots throughout the state.

3. The Tree that Owns Itself
In Athens lives a tree that owns its own property. After the death of its owner, William H.
Jackson, the original tree was granted a plot of land 8 feet in radius. Unfortunately, the tree
was knocked down during a windstorm in 1942. But, residents of the city planted a seedling
of the tree in the same spot to honor Jackson’s wish. The tree is now known as the “Son of
the Tree that Owns Itself.”

4. Georgia
Guidestones
A mysterious monument meant to guide humanity into “an
Age of Reason” stands in Elberton. The monument was
ordered by a man under the pseudonym R.C. Christian. He
gave specific instructions that no one should know his true
identity or what group he represented. After completion of
the monument in 1980, he ordered that all plans for the
monument be destructed. The stones offer ten guidelines
for re-establishing the planet and society, engraved in eight
different languages.
CLIMATE CHANGE - 3

5. Stone Mountain Park
Not far from Atlanta lies Stone Mountain, a 1,686 feet mountain featuring a rock relief
monument to Confederate figures Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. The
park features beautiful hiking trails, a railroad, an aerial tramway, and lush picnicking spots.
Once an important meeting place for the Creek Confederation and the Cherokees, the
mountain was purchased by the state of Georgia in 1958. The memorial measures 76 feet by
158 feet and covers 1.57 acres, making it the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world.

6. The Paris
Market
The Paris Market was started by a speech
pathologist and an emergency physician who love
travel. The market takes inspiration from flea
markets around the world, namely Milan, Rome, the
English countryside, London wharves, and Holland.
Containing everything from taxidermy to children’s
toys, this shop is great for finding unique pieces
that serve as conversation starters or gifts.