Welcome to the Peach Byte, the email newsletter from Georgia Tourism! Look for the Peach Byte in your inbox each month with updates on Georgia's tourism industry and news you can use to strengthen your business. Throughout the month, check marketgeorgia.org for resources and information about travel and tourism in the Peach State.

1. It's Georgia Restaurant Week! Enjoy special meals around the state

   A joint effort between the Georgia Restaurant Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division, Georgia Restaurant Week is going on now through July 19, 2015. Participating restaurants are offering prix-fixe menus at affordable price points. Find a complete list and menus at http://www.garestaurants.org/georgia-restaurant-week.html, and share your delicious dishes on social media with #GeorgiaEats!




2. Now available: Georgia Eats culinary guide

   Order your free copy and view the digital version of the official state culinary guide at ExploreGeorgia.org. Copies of the guide also are available at the state's 11 Visitor Information Centers. Featuring highlights from Georgia's food scene, locals' favorite dishes, restaurant recommendations, food festivals, recipes and more, the guide serves up a taste of the state's delicious culinary variety. Order your copy today and dig in!.




3. Subscribe for a box of #GeorgiaEats for August

   Next month, whet your appetite for local flavors with a curated box of Georgia-made goodies delivered to your doorstep. Explore Georgia has partnered with Georgia Crafted on the August subscription box, which will come with five food products highlighting local culinary treasures from every corner of the Peach State. Head over to Georgia Crafted's website, subscribe and get ready for a tour of #GeorgiaEats!




4. Nominate your colleagues for the 2015 Governor's Tourism Awards

   The Governor's Tourism Awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses in the tourism and travel industry that demonstrate outstanding leadership, creativity, initiative, innovation, customer service and partnership. The deadline for 2015 award nominations is Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at 5 p.m. Don't delay! Gather nomination materials and submit your entries ASAP! Winners will be recognized at the Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference in Savannah Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2015.




5. Georgia Council for the Arts awards grants to 81 organizations

   This month, the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Georgia Council for the Arts announced the recipients of its Partner and Project grant funding for fiscal year 2016. Grant recipients include theaters, dance companies, museums, cities, colleges and multi-discipline arts entities. Find the complete list of fiscal year 2016 grantees on Marketgeorgia.org.




6. Two Georgia VICs close for construction this month

   The Lavonia and Tallapoosa Visitor Information Centers (VICs) are closing for remodeling starting July 20, 2015. Construction is anticipated to be completed within 55 days for each location (110 days total) or less. Work will include updating signage and light fixtures, making repairs, replacing HVAC systems, and painting. As updates are available, they will be posted to Marketgeorgia.org.