Elaine Watkins

As you pass through the Peach State today, the Georgia Visitors Information Center at Ringgold will help you keep Georgia on your mind.

The celebration of Georgia On My Mind Day features vendors with information, vendors with great deals for travelers, vendors with giveaways and even free food.

"It's a promotional day set to promote all of Georgia," said Elaine Watkins, manager of the Ringgold facility. "We'll have partners coming from across the state promoting their areas' lodging, restaurants and attractions."

Partners include Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, Ga., the Holiday Inn in Roswell, Ga., Booth Western Art Museum, the Northwest Georgia Science Museum and the Dalton Hospitality Association. There will be more than 40 in all, Watkins said.

"This is an annual event that's been going on for years," she added. "And it always attracts a good crowd to promote Georgia to traveling visitors and local people, too. Some visitors are new and wonder what's going on when they drive up, but they're glad to see it. And then there are the regulars who come back every year because they know what's going on."

It's a chance to use the facilities, get a travel guide and, on this day in particular, learn about what Georgia has to offer. It's an escape from the road for a few minutes. And free food, Watkins said, "is always a good thing."

IF YOU GO

* What: Georgia On My Mind Day.

* When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today.

* Where: Georgia Visitors Information Center at Ringgold (I-75 between Cloud Springs Road and Battlefield Parkway).

* Phone: 706-937-4211.

* E-mail: ringgold@georgia.org.