Once a destination for only the most adventurous of travelers, the country of Georgia is quickly opening up to tourism. The Georgians are an extremely friendly people who love to entertain guests. Make some Georgian friends and you’ll likely be invited home for a feast of Georgian dumplings or a taste of ChaCha (a local liquor usually brewed at home). From the capital city of Tbilisi to the smallest Georgian towns, you’ll find a country at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Georgians are increasingly looking to Europe and are one of the most western countries in the region.

A knowledge of the Georgian language is essential as signs are usually in Georgian only and it is uncommon for locals to be fluent in a foreign language. Travelers should also note that despite the friendly nature of the Georgian people and the rise in tourism, portions of the country are still politically unstable and slightly dangerous for foreign travelers. Plan your trip with care and consider traveling with a local guide to enjoy the delights of Georgia.

Dumplings, marinated meats, delightfully chewy breads, and local cheeses make for a hearty local cuisine. One of the national dishes of Georgia is khachapuri – a bread filled with cheese. You’ll find khachapuri served with almost every meal in Georgia as a nice opening dish or side; you can also grab khachapuri for a midday snack. Other Georgian snack foods include pastry stuffed with veggies, potatoes, or meat and local fruits picked up fresh at the market.

No traveler should miss out on eating a plate of khinkali – the large Georgian dumplings. These are stuffed with spiced meat or mushrooms and seasoned with garlic and onions. Don’t use utensils when eating these delights, though. Grab them by the doughy top and take a bite being sure to suck out the juices from the cooked meat or veggies. And don’t eat the top – it’s customary to leave all the tops on your plate so that you can count how many you ate at the end of the meal.

The Great Caucasus Mountains form Georgia’s northern border and are a majestic, green region ripe for exploration. Several other mountain ranges pass through Georgia as well, making the whole country a patchwork of peaks and valleys. In the winter, book a room at a bed and breakfast in the mountains and spend your days skiing. With so many mountains in the country, there’s a selection of ski slopes for every skill level and preference.

In the summer, consider traveling to the Tusheti region. You’ll feel like you took a step back in time to this isolated mountain province where the majority of monuments are pagan and the locals still honor ancient religious traditions and celebrations. You could split your time between exploring small towns to study history and hiking in the pine forests.

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