Thursday, July 29, 2010

Calling All Families! Come Out and Play this Summer with Coca-Cola and The National Parks

/PRNewswire/ -- Remember the old refrain, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?" Who wants to be dull? Coca-Cola, the National Park Foundation and renowned medical/diet expert Dr. Ian Smith want you to add a little fun into your life by making playdates in the parks for you and your family this summer. The "America Is Your Park" campaign launches today to encourage millions of Americans to be active outdoors and to cast a vote for their favorite park to win a $100,000 recreation grant made possible by Coca-Cola's Live Positively initiative.

"We understand that more families are looking for ways to have fun and be active together, but might lack the resources or an outside space to do so," said Katie J. Bayne, President and General Manager, Sparkling Beverages, Coca-Cola North America. "Coca-Cola has supported America's national parks for the past 40 years through campaigns like this because of our belief that everyone needs a place to play and spend time with family and friends."

Through online engagement and community grants, Coca-Cola is donating more than $500,000 to national, state and local parks across the country to restore or rebuild places for people of all ages to play. The campaign also encourages people to support the national and state parks system by voting for their favorite park on LivePositively.com through August 31, 2010 or coming out to local park health and wellness events that Coca-Cola will host this summer - all with the goal of making their communities a better place to live.

"Being physically active and maintaining a balanced diet should be a very important part of every family's health plan," said Dr. Ian Smith, medical/diet expert on VH1's highly rated "Celebrity Fit Club" and creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge. "National parks have been part of the American family experience for years, and playing in the park is a simple way for people to lead healthier and more balanced lives."

Through the support of individual parks and the partnership with the National Park Foundation, Coca-Cola has donated more than $13 million for restoration and renovation of our country's parks, including the restoration of more than 260 miles of "Active Trails" for families to hike and explore, and is developing the first sustainable recycling program at The National Mall, a national park in the heart of the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C.

"The rewards of our long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola lie in hundreds of miles of restored hiking trails, renovated landmarks and millions of dollars in renovated park facilities provided throughout the years," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO, National Park Foundation. "The positive impact of 'America Is Your Park' and similar campaigns will be felt for years to come by families who will have improved facilities to be active and have fun outdoors."

About the "America Is Your Park" Campaign

Every day should be a day in the park this summer. That's why Coca-Cola will be giving away fun prizes as well as annual passes and family vacations to America's 392 parks through programs on MyCokeRewards and the Summer Snapshot Contest on the Coke Facebook page. Consumers are also encouraged to visit MyCoke.com to upload their laugh to the Smile-izer. For every laugh submitted, a dollar will be donated to the National Park Foundation, up to $50,000.

What's more, from July 29 to August 31, people can go to LivePositively.com to cast a vote for their favorite park to win the title of "America's Favorite Park" and a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola for new activity equipment such as bikes and kayaks, or for the restoration and construction of activity areas. Additionally, Coca-Cola will work with the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to host WNBA FIT Clinics at parks in select cities across the country, as part of a new multiyear marketing partnership agreement. To learn more about Coca-Cola's efforts in our nation's parks and to vote for your favorite park, visit www.livepositively.com.

About the National Park Foundation

You are the part-owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historical sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to help connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow. Join us - This is Your Land. www.nationalparks.org.

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Delta Enhancing Domestic Schedules in Key East Coast Business Markets

/PRNewswire/-- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) this fall is continuing to focus on enhancing flight schedules in key business markets, with added service planned between 21 cities and Washington, D.C. or New York.

The schedule enhancements do not affect Delta's previously announced capacity guidance for 2010 and 2011.

Fall schedule highlights include:

-- Increased service at Washington-Reagan National Airport, with new or
increased service to nine cities beginning Oct. 31.

-- Enhanced domestic and international service at LaGuardia and JFK
airports in New York, with new or expanded service to 12 cities
beginning Sept. 7.


"As we plan our schedules for the fall, we continue to be focused on connecting communities of all sizes to the nation's top business markets," said Bob Cortelyou, Delta's senior vice president - Network Planning. "From New York to Washington to Chicago to Los Angeles, we have continued to optimize flight schedules for our business customers without adding additional aircraft."

Washington, D.C.

With its convenient location near central Washington, D.C., Reagan National Airport is the area's preferred airport for business travelers. On Oct. 31, Delta will launch new nonstop service from the airport to Hartford, Conn.; Columbus, Ohio; Jacksonville, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Miami, Fla.; Tampa, Fla.; and St. Louis, for a total of 21 new daily nonstop flights to Reagan National.

In addition, Delta's existing service from Reagan National to Boston will be expanded with five additional daily frequencies for a schedule of 12 flights each day, while Delta's service to Indianapolis will be expanded from two to three daily flights.

As part of the schedule realignment, Delta will be discontinuing service between Reagan National and Huntsville, Ala.

When the schedule upgrade is complete, Delta will serve 22 cities nonstop from Reagan National, compared with 16 in the fall of 2009.

More details on the schedule enhancements at Washington-Reagan are available at http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&item=136. These flights will be available for sale to customers via delta.com and other ticketing channels beginning Saturday, July 31.

New York

As previously announced, Delta this fall is continuing its expansion at New York's LaGuardia and JFK Airports as part of its efforts to grow in the nation's most competitive travel market. Beginning Sept. 7, Delta will offer new or expanded domestic service from New York to Nashville, Tenn.; St. Louis; Norfolk, Va.; Richmond, Va.; Kansas City, Mo.; San Antonio; Cleveland; Charlotte, N.C.; Orange County, Calif.; Baltimore; Montreal and Toronto. Routes will be operated from either LaGuardia or JFK airports. More details are available at http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&item=132.

Delta also recently launched an expansion of its Delta Shuttle business product with new service between New York-LaGuardia and Chicago O'Hare.

"We remain committed to providing leading service for our customers in New York, with a variety of new travel options in the nation's No. 1 business market," Cortelyou said. "We are focused on improving the travel experience at our key New York airports on the ground and in the air."

During the past four years, Delta has added 40 new destinations from LaGuardia and JFK combined, expanded BusinessElite service to transcontinental flights from JFK to Los Angeles and San Francisco, reintroduced "Red Coats" as customer service ambassadors at LaGuardia and JFK, added 2,000 jobs across New York state, and announced increased First Class service to six mid-sized cities in the Southeast and Midwest.

A portion of travel for some itineraries may be on Delta Connection carriers Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Chautauqua, Comair, Compass Airlines, Freedom Airlines, Mesaba, Pinnacle Airlines, Shuttle America dba Delta Shuttle and SkyWest.

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Gulf Shores Golf Association Holding “Play to Win” Sweepstakes

(PR.com)-- The Gulf Shores Golf Association has announced the details of their Play to Win giveaway, a sweepstakes that will run until September 15th, 2010.

Visitors to the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area who book a golf vacation between now and September 15th will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a golf package that will include a full, custom-fit set of Callaway golf clubs, transportation to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores for the golf club fitting, and a one-night stay with one of GSGA’s partner accommodations. The qualifying golf vacation can take place anytime during 2010.

The total value of the giveaway package is $3,500, and the winner will be randomly selected on September 16th. Entrants can visit the association’s website, www.golfgulfshores.com to request a package quote. Once guests book a golf vacation with one of GSGA’s partner accommodations, they are entered in the drawing.

“We’re very excited to offer this giveaway to our golf guests as just one more reason to plan a golf vacation in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Beautiful, challenging courses, delicious dining, a variety of accommodations and plenty to see and do all combine to make our area a top choice for golf groups,” said Duncan Millar, Executive Director of the Gulf Shores Golf Association.

About the Gulf Shores Golf Association
Founded in 1995, the Gulf Shores Golf Association is dedicated to promoting Alabama's Gulf Coast as a golf vacation destination that combines 9 signature golf courses with a broad array of lodging options including everything from resort-style & "national chain" hotels, to well appointed “on-site” golf condominiums, to luxury beach-front homes & condos.

The 9 signature golf courses, designed by greats such as Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate, are all conveniently located within easy driving range of the accommodations. The association features customized stay & play golf packages.

For detailed information on the GSGA, the area's golf courses and the golf packages offered by local accommodations, call (888) 815-1902 or visit www.golfgulfshores.com.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

AARP The Magazine Travels the Globe to Reveal the Top 5 Best Places to Retire Abroad

/PRNewswire/ -- Experts in celebrating the next chapter in life, AARP The Magazine traveled the globe to discover the ultimate retirement destinations abroad. Factoring climate, expat community, cost of living, housing, health care, access to the U.S. and culture and leisure, AARP The Magazine reveals the top five locales in its September/October issue (www.aarp.org/magazine), available in homes and online today. See what regions in Mexico, France, Panama, Portugal and Italy have to offer--castles, palm trees, rain forests, grilled lobster--in their unique and unparalleled retirement experiences.

1. MEXICO--Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the undisputed number one destination for American retirees. With its rich Indian and Spanish culture, lavish beaches and affordable real-estate, Puerto Vallarta offers the low-cost, laid back lifestyle retirees seek to find in a community.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Winters--sunny, pleasantly warm; summers--rainy, humid hot
-- Expat Community: Estimated at 50,000 American retirees
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent

2. FRANCE--Languedoc-Roussillon

Once remote, the Languedoc-Roussillon region is now just three hours from the bright lights and bustling energy of Paris via high-speed train. The area is steeped in history and art. Languedoc-Roussillon is also a destination for the outdoor crowd with picturesque hills and beach along its Mediterranean seashore.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mediterranean--hot and dry summers; cool winters
-- Cost of Living: Not cheap, but a comfortably frugal life can be had
for $30,000 a year
-- Heath Care: Excellent. French health care has been named the best in
the world by the World Health Organization

3. PANAMA--Boquete

Panama is a smart choice for retirees who want it all. Not only does it feature attractive retiree destinations, Panama also offers an unbeatable package of retiree benefits and discounts. Boquete has a unique range of back-home amenities, from a golf course to high-end gated communities.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Expat Community: An estimated several thousand
-- Housing Costs: A small house goes for $175,000; in a gated community,
$250,000 and up. Rentals: about $600 a month for a two bedroom house
-- Culture and Leisure: Rainforest hiking, river rafting, bird watching
and coffee plantation tours keep Panama a bustling location for
leisure

4. PORTUGAL--Cascais

Many wonder why Portugal has long been overlooked by American retirees. A plentitude of golf, beaches, resorts and trendy cafe life makes Portugal one of Europe's most pleasant surprises for retirees.

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Cost of Living: A comfortable life can be had on $25,000 a year
-- Health Care: Good. Nearby hospitals include the well-regarded
British Hospital in Lisbon
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent. Direct flights to-and-from the U.S.
fly out of Lisbon

5. ITALY--Le Marche

Le Marche, bordering the Adriatic, is beautiful region with vineyards, snow-capped mountains and beaches a plenty. It also prides itself on the best fish dishes in the country and is trendy enough to have snagged Dustin Hoffman as a tourism spokesperson!

Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mostly sunny
-- Expat Community: Relatively few; an international mix
-- Culture and Leisure: An incomparable mix of open-air opera festivals,
Renaissance painting and architecture, wine tasting and nature
reserves


Plus: To avoid red tape, culture shock and language barriers, AARP The Magazine shares seven questions future retirees MUST ASK THEMSELVES before starting the exciting process of retiring abroad. And visit www.aarp.org/magazine to check out our five "additional" affordable, fun places to live the good life, plus FAQs and a resource guide.

For more information and an extended list of AARP The Magazine's "Best Places to Retire Abroad," visit www.aarp.org.

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Thursday, July 22, 2010

BP Oil Spill Impact on Gulf Travel Likely to Last 3 Years and Cost $22.7 Billion

/PRNewswire/ -- Based on a landmark analysis of 25 recent natural and manmade disasters, Oxford Economics today projected that the effects of the BP oil spill on travel to the Gulf Coast are likely to last up to three years and cost the region $22.7 billion. An aggressive and comprehensive $500 million effort to attract visitors to the Gulf Coast could reduce the total economic impact by $7.5 billion.

"History and current trends indicate a potential $22.7 billion economic loss to the travel economies of the Gulf Coast states over the next three years," said Adam Sacks, managing director of Oxford Economics USA. "One of the most cost-effective ways to mitigate these damages is to immediately fund strategic marketing to counter misperceptions and encourage travel to the region."

"Travel is a perception business and the impact of disasters like the BP oil spill on the industry is actually predictable," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "We know from this research that the oil spill will have long-term effects on businesses and jobs in the Gulf Coast region unless we counteract the usual course of events with an unprecedented response."

In an effort to save the coastal region's 400,000 travel industry jobs, the U.S. Travel Association complemented the release of the Oxford Economics study with a "Roadmap to Recovery," a 10-point plan for government to help communities in crisis by implementing specific action steps that inform public perceptions, incentivize travel to an affected area and make impacted businesses whole. Specific proposals for the federal government include:

-- Create a $500 million marketing program, funded by BP, to share
accurate information on the oil spill and attract visitors to the
region;
-- Develop a "one-stop shop" online portal where consumers can obtain
up-to-the-minute information about which areas are safe and open for
travel and business;
-- Provide tax deductions in a disaster-affected area to give travelers
added incentive to travel to and do business in that region; and
-- Intervene to provide increased access to capital, low interest loans
and tax incentives that allow businesses to remain open and retain
employees.


"We call on the federal government to immediately secure the $500 million necessary to operate an effective marketing program and prevent billions of dollars in economic harm to the Gulf Coast," said Dow. "It is not too late to save Gulf Coast jobs and keep attracting the visitors that can prevent further damage to these vital American communities."

All materials related to this announcement are available online at www.ustravel.org.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org. Follow us on Twitter @ustravelpr.

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BOBBERTHON! Are You Registered Yet?

Your chance at guaranteed prizes awaits you! Even better, these prizes are a reward for fishing in a new regional fishing tournament – Bobberthon. 

Bobberthon is a tournament at which registered anglers have approximately two months to catch tagged bream in any of three public fishing area lakes. The angler then must register their tag. These first few steps guarantee a prize – but then even more prizes are available!

Quick Tournament Details

·         Registration: Interested anglers can register at any participating vendor (list found online at the Bobberthon website) beginning today. Registration is available through Sept. 11, 2010.

·         Fishing Locations: Once registered, anglers are instructed to fish at any of three local public fishing area lakes (Dodge County, Ocmulgee and Flat Creek) that have tagged bream.  

·         Tag Reporting: If an angler catches a tagged bream, they need to register the tag number by visiting any of the participating vendors (same vendors as registration) by Sept. 11, 2010.

·         Tournament Dates: Dates to catch a tagged bream are July 17th-Sept. 11, 2010. Anglers that catch and report a tagged bream during that time are guaranteed a prize. They then also are eligible to participate in the Grand Bobberthon Tournament on Sept. 25, 2010 (visit the website for more info on the Grand Bobberthon Tournament).

·         Prizes: Prizes could be anything from hats/t-shirts to larger prizes like cash or a boat. The Department of Economic Development and local community representatives are soliciting local and regional businesses for exciting prizes. Bobberthon committee representatives hope to be able to offer anything from hotel stays to restaurant gift cards to sporting equipment. As prizes are secured, they will be listed on the Bobberthon website.

The event is a collaborative effort between the Georgia Department of Natural Resources/Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Economic Development  and four local communities (Bleckley, Houston, Dodge and Pulaski).

For more information about Bobberthon, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com (click on Bobberthon link on home page) or call the Fisheries Management office at 478-825-6151.

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Good News as Summer Travel Increases on Jekyll Island

T2F Editor Note:  Just say "Jekyll Island" and some of our staff members go all "gooey- eyed."  Stories of years long ago of family vacations just bubble out with everyone in the office enjoying hearing them.  A friend of my family owned a couple of hotels on the island way back when and we would spend a lot of time down in Brunswick on the beach.  Ahh, the stories I could tell!  Hey, why not just go and check it out yourself?  Who knows?  You may come back with great memories for your family. In the meantime,  I'm going to check my calendar to see when I can escape back to my island of fun.

/PRNewswire/ -- With revitalization underway, Jekyll Island is beginning to see a return of visitation despite the sluggish economy. At its regular meeting Monday, the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) Board of Directors reviewed hotel reports showing strong revenue growth for the month of June. Hotel revenue was up 28 percent over June 2009. The new Hampton Inn & Suites generated nearly $500,000 in revenue and achieved 92 percent occupancy for the month. The Jekyll Island Club Hotel saw revenue increase 25 percent over last year.

"The new Hampton Inn &Suites is attracting people back to Jekyll," stated JIA chairman Bob Krueger. "I spoke with a hotel guest this morning who had not been to Jekyll in many years. He was having a great time."

The growth in business was split between groups and guests on vacation. Several conventions held their meetings on Jekyll Island in June. Groups were rewarded with great weather and businesses ready to serve up a healthy dose of hospitality

Higher visitation translated into more business for island restaurants, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Summer Waves Water Park, whose revenue is 10 percent or almost $100,000 more than 2008.

"Leveraging events to gain earned media and focusing on internet marketing is paying off," stated Eric Garvey, JIA Chief Communications Officer. "We are in a good position. Our message is out there and we are being rewarded with incremental business."

Ben Porter, Chairman of the JIA Board of Directors Marketing Committee, echoed the optimism. "These results are a reflection of the staff's hard work and commitment, and I am very pleased with the direction we are heading."

With plans for two new hotels, beach village shopping and dining and a new convention center moving forward, Jekyll Island is quickly becoming Georgia's premier beach destination. The good news is timely as the economic recovery tries to pick up steam. When looking for bright spots, look to the beautiful Georgia coast and Jekyll Island.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

American Eagle Airlines Launches Nonstop Jet Service Between Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus, GA

/PRNewswire -- American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, today began twice-daily, nonstop jet service between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Columbus Metropolitan Airport (CSG), using 44-seat Embraer ERJ-140 jet aircraft.

"American Eagle is pleased to introduce service to Columbus from our largest hub in Dallas/Fort Worth," said Gary Foss, Vice President - Planning and Marketing for the AA Regional Network. "With two daily nonstops, customers from both Georgia and Alabama can make a day trip to DFW or enjoy convenient connections to more than 250 destinations throughout American's global network."

Situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Columbus is home to several large corporations and manufacturers, as well as Fort Benning, a major U.S. Army post. Visitors to the area can enjoy numerous historic homes and museums, including the Columbus Museum and the National Civil War Naval Museum.

The schedule for flights between Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus (all times local) is:

Dallas/Fort Worth to Columbus (DFW-CSG)



      Flight           Departs          Arrives            Days
       2977          12:45 p.m.         3:40 p.m.         Daily
       2984           6:40 p.m.         9:35 p.m.         Daily




  Columbus to Dallas/Fort Worth (CSG-DFW)



      Flight           Departs          Arrives            Days
       2980*          7:05 a.m.        8:15 a.m.          Daily
       2983           4:05 p.m.        5:15 p.m.          Daily

  *Flight begins July 16, 2010

Introductory Fares and Double AAdvantage® Mile Offer

Log on to www.aa.com and enjoy special introductory fares. Customers can also earn double miles flying between Dallas/Fort Worth and Columbus beginning today through Oct. 15, 2010. Customers must register prior to travel using the Bonus Code CSG2X. Register and obtain complete offer terms and conditions at www.aa.com/offers.

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Thursday, July 15, 2010

New Megaramp at Lake Hartwell Creates Better Access for Boaters and Anglers

Anticipating more than 10,000 users each year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources opened a new megaramp on July 13, 2010 at Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell, giving boaters and anglers greater access to the lake.

The megaramp facility includes six boating lanes, plenty of parking and restrooms. The area will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This ramp is one of more than 15 ramps being constructed around the state as part of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative. This initiative seeks to establish Georgia as a national fishing destination through a three-tiered approach: 1) improving the quality of fishing in Georgia waters; 2) improving access to water bodies for fishing in Georgia; and 3) increasing participation through active promotion and marketing of Georgia’s exceptional fishing resources.

Georgia DNR received funding for the ramp as part of a natural resource damage settlement related to PCB contamination of Twelve Mile Creek which feeds into Lake Hartwell. The PCB contamination resulted from discharges from a manufacturing plant formerly located along the creek. Maintenance of the ramp will be handled by Georgia DNR State Parks and Historic Sites.

There have been several participating groups and agencies involved with the development of this ramp, including The Lake Hartwell Natural Resources Trustees, Georgia DNR, Franklin County and the City of Lavonia, the Facility Design Team for this project, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jeff Schwann for construction of the actual boat ramp and Simpson Construction Company for the development of the rest of this facility.

Situated on a wooded peninsula, Tugaloo State Park visitors have spectacular views of 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell in every direction. Fishing is excellent year-round, and largemouth bass are plentiful. During summer, the lake is a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating. Visitors can stay overnight in fully equipped cottages or the modern campground. The name “Tugaloo” comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell Dam.

For more information on fishing or boat ramps, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com . For more information on Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, visit www.gastateparks.org .

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Monday, July 12, 2010

What I LEARNED on My Summer Vacation in Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- Only five more weeks of summer remain, but that doesn't mean children still can't learn something new over the summer. Below are some of Atlanta's best places to bring classroom subjects to life (and kids will have so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning!).

First Period: Science/Biology

-- Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of wildlife through a
unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. The Zoo's newest
attraction, Trader's Alley: Wildlife's Fading Footprints, featuring
the debut of two new sun bears, opened in June 1010.

-- The Georgia Aquarium unveiled the newly-renovated Georgia-Pacific Cold
Water Quest Gallery featuring redesigned exhibits that provide greater
immersion into the habitats of two of the Aquarium's marquee animals:
African penguins and the Southern sea otter.

-- Fernbank Museum of Natural History invites families to explore the
amazing world of geckos - from shadowy nighttime hunters with
unbelievable camouflage, to neon-colored nectar eaters that scamper
around in daylight - with the exhibit Geckos: Tails to Toepads.

-- Families can tiptoe through the treetops at the Atlanta Botanical
Gardens on the new Canopy Walk and explore of the city's last
remaining urban forests from 40 feet in the air, then tour the Edible
Garden and Outdoor Kitchen to learn how food goes from the farm to the
table.

Second Period: English

-- The Margaret Mitchell House & Museum allows budding young readers and
writers to explore - and be inspired by - the personal journey that
led to Mitchell's Pulitzer-Prize winning book.

-- The Wren's Nest House & Museum celebrates the legacy of author Joel
Chandler Harris, most well-known as author of the Uncle Remus
folktales, with guided tours of the home and grounds. The museum's
storytellers - the Wren's Nest Ramblers - bring their favorite Brer
Rabbit stories to life on Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Third Period: History

-- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site has a permanent Children
of Courage exhibit, which is designed to engage and educate the site's
younger visitors through the stories of the children of the Civil
Rights Movement.

-- Jimmy Carter Library & Museum offers a re-designed interactive
experience focused on the Carter's humanitarian work. Offering
something for everyone in the family, a highlight includes an
interactive table that lets visitors take a virtual trip with the
Carters around the world to fight disease and promote democracy and
human rights.

-- The Atlanta History Center has recently added the Connor Brown
Discovery Trail through their six historic gardens, featuring
interactive stations that include activities and information about the
trees, plants and animals that children might encounter along their
expedition.

Fourth Period: Art

-- High Museum of Art lets younger visitors to go beyond just looking at
important works of art with the help of the museum's Discovery
Backpack, borrowed from the Coat Check area, which is filled with art
projects, puzzles, books, games, and easy-to-follow instructions.

-- The Center for Puppetry Arts celebrates the works of Jim Henson, from
The Muppets to Fraggle Rock with three exhibits on permanent display
-- Jim Henson: Wonders from His Workshop, Jim Henson: Puppeteer and
Jim Henson: a Man and His Frog.

Fifth Period: Social Studies

-- Inside CNN Center Studio Tour features behind-the-scenes
demonstrations of the studio that brings news to more than one billion
people around the globe, including the ways that weather maps serve as
background for newscasts. Kids love being in front of the green
screen!

-- At Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta children will be on a
mission to discover the many ways they can save energy and protect the
planet during Conservation Quest. They will learn about what energy
is, where it comes from, and the countless ways they can conserve
energy every day.

-- World of Coca-Cola is where children of all ages will be thirsty to
learn more about the fascinating history of the popular soft drink and
taste 60 varieties of Coca-Cola from around the world.

Sixth Period: P.E.

-- Six Flags Over Georgia is home of "40 Fun Things for Kids to Do," the
most comprehensive menu of kid-friendly, mom and dad approved fun
activities at the park.

-- Or, stop by Six Flags White Water's new attraction, The Wiggles Water
World, featuring an interactive family area boasting more than 40,000
square feet of water cannons, telescopes, net climbs, secret
crawl-throughs, port-holes and slippery slides.

-- Kids ages 3-11 get in free on Fridays at Stone Mountain Park with each
full-price paid Adventure pass, which includes new live entertainment
and Sky Hike, one of the nation's largest adventure courses.

Seventh Period: Math

Kids can work with their parents to create an itinerary and budget for their excursion, and visit Atlanta.net/summer or Atlanta.net/backyard to find a package that provides the best value!

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