Batumi

On the green edge of Batumi, this open-air museum recreates Adjarian village life with wooden houses, working models and dozens of costumed figures showing weavers, beekeepers and winemakers at their crafts. Why it matters: founder Kemal Turmanidze, a master woodcarver, spent roughly three decades single-handedly carving every figure and building here, creating what is recognized as Georgia’s first private museum and a one-man archive of Adjarian folk culture. Wander the 3,000-square-meter grounds past the waterfall and take time with the craft scenes – each occupation comes with its traditional tools and dress. It sits about 2 km from central Batumi at 14 Sharashidze St, an easy taxi ride to pair with a slow afternoon.