Georgia State Symbols!

Georgia State Bird - The Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) is a bird in the family Mimidae, which also includes the New World catbirds and mockingbirds. The dispersal of the Brown Thrasher is abundant throughout the eastern and central United States, southern and central Canada, and is the only thrasher to live primarily east of the Rockies and central Texas.

Georgia State Butterfly - The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a species of swallowtail butterfly native to North America. It is one of the most familiar butterflies in the eastern United States, where it is common in many different habitats. It flies from spring to fall, during which it produces two to three broods. Adults feed on the nectar of many species of flowers, mostly from those of the Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae families. Papilio glaucus has a wingspan measuring 3 to 5.5 inch. The male is yellow with four black "tiger stripes" on each fore wing. Females may be either yellow or black, making them dimorphic. The yellow morph is similar to the male, but with a conspicuous band of blue spots along the hindwind, while the dark morph is almost completely black.

Georgia State Crop - The Peanut, or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), is a species in the legume or "bean" family (Fabaceae). The peanut was probably first domesticated and cultivated in the valleys of Paraguay. It is an annual herbaceous plant growing 1.0 to 1.6 ft. tall. The leaves are opposite, pinnate with four leaflets (two opposite pairs; no terminal leaflet), each leaflet is ⅜ to 2¾ inch long and ⅜ to 1 inch broad.

Georgia State Fruit - The Peach, Prunus persica, is a deciduous tree, native to China and South Asia, where it was first cultivated. It bears an edible juicy fruit also called a peach. The species name persica refers to its widespread cultivation in Persia, whence it was transplanted to Europe. It belongs to the genus Prunus which includes the cherry and plum, in the family Rosaceae. The peach is classified with the almond in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell.

Georgia State Fish - The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a freshwater gamefish in the sunfish family, a species of black bass native to North America. It is also known by a variety of regional names, such as the brown bass, widemouth bass, bigmouth, black bass, bucketmouth, Potter's fish, Florida bass, Florida largemouth, green bass, green trout, gilsdorf bass, linesides, Oswego bass, southern largemouth and (paradoxically) northern largemouth.

Georgia State Flower - Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata) is a white, fragrant rose native to southern China and Taiwan south to Laos and Vietnam, and invasive in the United States. It is an evergreen climbing shrub, scrambling over other shrubs and small trees to heights of up to 16–33 ft. The leaves are 1.2–3.9 inches long, with usually three leaflets, sometimes five leaflets, bright glossy green and glabrous. The flowers are 2.4–3.9 inch diameter, fragrant, with pure white petals and yellow stamens, and are followed by bright red and bristly hips 0.79–1.6 inch diameter. The flower stem is also very bristly.

Georgia State Dance - Square Dancing, a dance for four couples (eight dancers) arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, facing the middle of the square. Square dances were first documented in 17th century England but were also quite common in France and throughout Europe. They came to North America with the European settlers and have undergone considerable development there. In some countries and regions, through preservation and repetition, square dances have attained the status of a folk dance. The Western American square dance may be the most widely known form worldwide except dances from China and India, possibly due to its association in the 20th century with the romanticized image of the American Cowboy.

Georgia State Insect - Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees in the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests out of wax. Honey bees are the only extant members of the tribe Apini, all in the genus Apis. Currently, there are only seven recognised species of honey bee with a total of 44 subspecies, though historically, anywhere from six to eleven species have been recognised. Honey bees represent only a small fraction of the approximately 20,000 known species of bees. Some other types of related bees produce and store honey, but only members of the genus Apis are true honey bees.

Georgia State Wildflower - Azalea (disambiguation). Azaleas (pron.: /əˈzeɪliə/) are flowering shrubs comprising two of the eight subgenera of the genus Rhododendron, Tsutsuji (evergreen) and Pentanthera (deciduous). Azaleas bloom in spring in the Northern hemisphere and in winter in the Southern hemisphere, their flowers often lasting several weeks. Shade tolerant, they prefer living near or under trees.

Georgia State Shell - The Knobbed Whelk, Busycon carica, is a species of very large predatory sea snail, or in the USA, a whelk, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Buccinidae, the busycon whelks. The knobbed whelk is the second largest species of busycon whelk, ranging in size up to 12 inches. The shell of the knobbed whelk is dextral, meaning that it is right-handed. If the shell is held in front of the viewer, with the spiral end up and the opening facing the viewer, the opening will be on the right side. The shell is thick and strong and has six clockwise coils. The surface is sculpted with fine striations and there is a ring of knob-like projections protruding from the widest part of the coil. The color is ivory or pale gray and the large aperture (the inside of the opening) is orange. The canal inside is wide and the entrance can be closed by a horny oval operculum.

Georgia State Prepared Food - Grits refers to a ground-corn food of Native American origin, that is common in the Southern United States and mainly eaten at breakfast. Modern grits are commonly made of alkali-treated corn known as hominy. Grits are similar to other thick maize-based porridges from around the world such as polenta or the thinner farina. "Instant grits" have been processed to speed cooking. The word "grits" derives from the Old English word "grytt," meaning coarse meal. This word originally referred to wheat and other porridges now known as groats in parts of the U.K. Maize being unknown in Europe in the Middle Ages, is a food derived from corn (a New World plant) and "corn" had been used to describe wheat products in many European regions.

Must Taste in Savannah!

Savannah’s unique dining establishments offers distinctive flavor in both cuisine and décor. Dine at a quaint outdoor café under the stars one night, feast at a fabulous five-star restaurant another. Dining Savannah-style combines a fun, chic ambiance with flavors from every corner of the world, along with distinctive Lowcountry cuisine and fresh seafood.

— Enjoy delicious American comfort food with a Southern contemporary approach at the Rock on the River Modern Grill, 102 W. Bay St., on River Street.

— British-owned and operated, Churchill’s Pub & Restaurant, 13 W. Bay St., serves a unique blend of traditional British favorites and contemporary American Cuisine in an upscale environment.

— New to the Historic District is Tondee's Tavern, 7 East Bay St., that specializes in fresh, local seafood, baby back ribs and mouth-watering steaks. Try out the signature drinks that include the frozen Chatham Artillery Punch or one of the many draft beers served at 28 degrees!

— “A Savannah Tradition since 1949,” enjoy fine, family-oriented dining overlooking the Ogeechee River where the views are spectacular at Love’s Seafood, Hwy. 17 S. at King's Ferry.

— Unwind after a busy day touring Savannah in the romantic and calming atmophere of Circa 1875 French Bistro, 48 Whitaker St. With an impressive wine list and the French inspired menu you will find that the entree portions are flavorful and ample in size.

— Don't miss The Bier Haus, 513 East Oglethorpe Ave., Historic Savannah's newest restaurant offering a hand-crafted menu filled with quality German cuisine that's prepared with Belgium-inspired preparations and a wide variety of drink pairings while dining in an atmosphere to delight everyone.

— For a special treat for real southern food, visit Sisters of the New South. Sisters of the New South Restaurant offers great southern cooking that you'd get at Grandma's house on Sunday! Offering daily lunch specials, the menu offers an array of meats and vegetables that are available for dine in or take out.

— Wright Square Cafe, 21 W. York St., a casual European cafe, serves only the finest and freshest epicurean delights and Savannah's premier choclatier offers fine European, domestic and house-made chocolates.

— Tubby’s Seafood River Street, 115 E. River St., the place for fresh seafood and the catch-of-the-day served grilled, fried or blackened with plenty of sides. Land lovers will also find lots to choose from, including filet mignon and chicken cordon bleu, to name a few.

— Enjoy a fun, one-of-a-kind culinary experience at seven unique foodie spots while strolling through the historic cultural landmarks in the squares of Historic Savannah with the new food tour Savannah Taste Experience.

— Indulge in the breathtaking views, impeccable service and unparalleled cuisine that makes Chart House Restaurant legendary. Enjoy three levels of dining, as well as outdoor seating. 202 W. Bay St.

— Named after the legendary Johnny Mercer, Mercer's Steak & Seafood offers the best of the best of local seafood, salads, sandwiches and succlent, mouth watering steaks that will please any appetite.

— Entertainment, dinner and gracious Southern Hospitality. Take a cruise along the historic Savannah River! Offering Dinner and Entertainment Cruises. Savannah Riverboat Cruise, 9 E. River St.

— Enjoy Savannah’s most exotic dining experience at Casbah Moroccan Restaurant, 18 E. Broughton St. Feast on delicious fare in the opulence of an authentic ceremonial tent decor while belly dancers entertain.

— Enjoy an artistically-arranged dish of sushi, prepared by skilled chefs, while relaxing with a drink from the saké bar at Wasabi’s Fusion Downtown, 113 MLK, Jr. Blvd.

— Traditional Cuban food featuring fried plantains, great appetizers, soups and icy batidos with tropical fruits can be found at Rancho Alegre Cuban Restaurant, 402 MLK, Jr. Blvd.

— The Mirage Mediterranean Bar & Grill, 20 E. Broughton St., offers the finest in authentic Mediterranean cuisine and professional service, along with a unique cocktail and Late Night Hookah Bar.

— Famous for their French onion soup and delicious specials, “Savannah’s Original Authentic British Pub,” Six Pence Pub & Restaurant, 245 Bull St., is in the Historic District.

— One of Savannah’s new restaurants, Bull Street Eatery, 1514 Bull St. (32nd & Bull), offers breakfast all day, a blue-plate lunch special and many other mouth-watering lunch selections.

— Enjoy delicious American comfort food with a Southern contemporary approach at the Rocks on the River Modern Grill, 102 W. Bay St., on River Street.

— Serving an appetizing fusion of flavors with a continental flair, visit 700 Drayton Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

— Serving fresh, healthy take-out sandwiches, salads and juices. Whole grain bakery, organic produce and a complete selection of natural supplements available. 1102 Bull St. Brighter Day Natural Foods Market.

— Family-owned and operated, you will find a wide array of fresh breakfast items, salads and sandwiches, all at modest prices at Goose Feathers, an Express Café & Bakery, 39 Barnard St.

— DOSHA Bar & Lounge, 128 E. Broughton St., offers the best Happy Hour in the Historic District. Relax and enjoy a beer, wine, cocktails along with a nice selection of appetizers from 5-7 p.m.

— Looking for a beach bar without traveling to the beach? Well, Flip Flop Tiki Bar and Grill, 117 Whitaker St., is "Making Waves on Whitaker." Here you will find Jerk chicken, grilled shrimp, tropical wraps with pineapples and mangos and hand-crafted frozen beverages.