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For lunch, head through the tinted door at H&H (yes, it’s open) for a whopping introduction to a traditional Southern Meat and Three. Each day, Mama Louise cooks up a collection of Southern home cookin’ and soul food, and you pick out one meat (ribs, fried chicken, fried fish) and three sides (okra and tomatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese). The smoke from the kitchen nearly burns your eyes out, and the sweet tea here is sickly so, but it’s an experience. A good spot to stop for the night in Macon is 1842 Inn, a museum-like B&B in the In-Town Historic District, one of the prettiest and best preserved in the South (and one of Macon’s 12 – the largest acreage of historic districts in Georgia). Pick up a self-guided walking tour map around town.

Take Hwy 23 (northbound) to Jackson on your way back to Atlanta. The best BBQ in Georgia sits in an aged roadside shack on Hwy 42 just outside town. Fresh Air is the gospel according to pulled pork and something surely Eisenhower wasn’t thinking about when he commissioned the interstates. Thank Ike for small favors.

Kevin Raub

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TRIP INFORMATION

DO

Alabama Museum

This museum dedicated to one of country music’s biggest bands is full of awards, guitars and personal heirlooms. 256-845-1646; 101 Glenn Blvd SW, Fort Payne, AL; adult/child $3/1.50; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, 1-6pm Sun

Carters Lake Marina

Rent pontoon boats ($275) and spacious lakeside cabins at this marina and small supplies store run by British expats. 706-276-4891; www.carterslake.com; 575 Marina Rd, Chatsworth, GA; day use per vehicle $4, r $120-240; 10am-6pm Apr-Oct;

George Washington Carver Museum

Half of this museum is devoted to Carver, the other to Tuskegee University. Check out PH Polk’s old school camera! 334-727-6390; www.nps.gov/tuai; University Campus Ave, Tuskegee, AL; 9am-4:30pm

Georgia Music Hall of Fame

Shockingly well done museum full of musical memorabilia like Gregg Allman’s organ and Ray Charles’ silk suit. 478-751-3334; www.georgiamusic.org; 200 MLK, Jr Blvd, Macon, GA; adult/child $8/3.50; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun;

Lake Guntersville State Park

This 6000-acre state park sits on Alabama’s largest lake and offers abundant fishing, hiking, golf, camping and even a few bald eagles. 256-571-5444; www.guntersvillestatepark.com; 7966 Hwy 227, Guntersville, AL; admission free;

Lane Southern Orchards

You can smell the sweet love from miles at this peach and pecan heaven in the heart of peach county. 800-277-3224; www.lanepacking.com; 50 Lane Rd, Fort Valley, GA; tours adult/child $5/3; 9am-7pm;

National Civil War Naval Museum

A stunning mid-18th-century American and Confederate flag collection and remains of Confederate ironclads highlight this thoroughly fascinating museum. 706-327-9798; www.portcolumbus.org; 1002 Victory Dr, Columbus, GA; adult/child $6.50/5; 9am-5pm;

Silver Dollar Raceway

Fancy yourself a drag racer? Prove it here on this NHRA-certified track…in your own car. 478-847-4414; www.silverdollarraceway.com; 42 Racetrack Rd, Reynolds, GA; Jan-Nov;

Town Creek Fishing Center

Rents boats ($20 to $65 per day), pontoons ($250 per day) and canoes ($26 per day) as well as fishing supplies and licenses. 256-571-5440; www.silverdollarraceway.com; 2966 Hwy 227, Guntersville, AL; 7am-sunset, closed mid-Nov–mid-Mar;

The Oaks

The home of Booker T Washington features an office still preserved with original everything. 334-727-6390; www.nps.gov/tuai.com; University Campus Ave, Tuskegee, AL; 9am-4:30pm

Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

This just-restored museum features Piper J3 Cub and PT17 Steerman biplanes flown by the first African American airmen. 334-724-0922; www.nps.gov/tuai; 1616 Chappie James Rd, Tuskegee, AL; admission free; 9am-4:30pm;

EAT & DRINK

Amsterdam Café

Picasso’s blue period dots the walls (it’s Auburn for godsakes), an innovative menu fills your belly. Order the avocado/crab cake sandwich. 334-826-8181; 410 S Gay St, Auburn, AL; mains $7-27; 11am-9pm