Trips 2 Fun and Travel News

Wrap Up Your Summer With a Trip to See the Mummies!

2011-07-19T18:56:00.000-05:00

Emory Conference Center Hotel Packages Include Tickets to the Michal C. Carlos Museum Mummy Collection

PRNewswire/ -- The Emory Conference Center Hotel, Atlanta's first LEED-Silver Certified sustainable Conference Center Hotel, is offering a special fun getaway this summer priced from only $119 a guest room, per night. The special Wrap Up Your Summer Package includes a well-appointed guestroom where up to two children 18 and under stay for free when sharing the room with an adult; full use of the hotel's Health Club and swimming pools, complimentary parking; as well as complimentary access to the Emory Blomeyer Fitness Center. In addition, guests will enjoy one complimentary ticket per guest, up to four tickets, to the famous Michael C. Carlos Museum on the grounds of Emory University. The museum features the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian Mummies in the Southeast, as well as other ancient treasures.

The Emory Conference Center Hotel is nestled in the Emory Forest yet only minutes from Atlanta's major attractions and nightlife. Enjoy the serene wooded ambience of the 26 acre forest preserve and the lively vibe of the Emory University Campus, as well as easy access to Emory's Michael C. Carlos Museum, Fernbank Museum and Planetarium, the Georgia Aquarium, Turner Stadium, home of the Atlanta Braves, and all the City's exciting attractions.

For more information and reservations visit: www.emoryconferencecenter.com or call 404-712-6000 or 800-933-6679. Packages are based on availability and subject to change without notice.

ABOUT THE EMORY CONFERENCE CENTER HOTEL
Opened in 1995, the Emory Conference Center Hotel is a full-service property nestled in 26 acres of forest preserve at the Emory University campus in Atlanta. Inspired by the architectural design of Frank Lloyd Wright, it recently underwent a Silver-LEED Certified expansion and renovation. The Emory Conference Center Hotel is the only Conference Center in Georgia certified by Green Seal, Inc; and is a member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). The facility is owned by Emory University and managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is located at 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329. For more information or to make reservations visit www.emoryconferencecenter.com or call 404-712-6000/800-933-6679.

Delta to Adjust Service to Smaller, Underperforming Markets

2011-07-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

Airline retires Saab fleet, cites $14 million in annual loss with average load factor of 52 percent for 24 underperforming markets, will apply for increased Essential Air Service subsidy in nine markets

PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today will notify the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) of its plans to adjust flying in 24 small markets. In concert with the retirement of Delta's Saab fleet and to halt $14 million in annual losses, the changes will affect Essential Air Service (EAS) markets.

Flights in these markets on average depart with 52 percent of the seats filled, with some locations as low as 12 percent. This compares to a domestic system load factor of 83 percent for 2010. Weak demand in some markets has led to flights occasionally operated with no passengers on board.

"While Delta would prefer to continue serving these communities, the new reality of mounting cost pressures faced by our industry means we can no longer afford to provide this service. As we continue to strengthen our business, Delta is retiring the Saab turboprops and some 50-seat jet aircraft, which will hinder the financial viability of serving these smaller markets," Delta said.

Delta has taken a number of steps to respond to added cost pressures. Delta previously announced its intention to reduce capacity this fall by 4 percent and retire 140 aircraft. Delta has reduced its facility costs at 170 airport locations and 10 cargo locations across the system, saving more than $80 million annually.

The notification provides the DOT the opportunity to select a new carrier to begin service in affected EAS communities within a 90-day period. Delta will continue to serve the affected communities through its Delta Connection partners until the DOT selects a replacement carrier and appropriate funding is available. In some cities, Delta is coordinating with other carriers to bid on the routes. In addition, Delta will to continue service in some subsidized and non-subsidized markets, but the subsidy rate must be higher in order for Delta to fly larger regional jets on the routes in question. A complete list of affected communities is available at http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&item=156.

The EAS program was created to ensure small communities continue to have access to passenger air service. In some cases, airline service in EAS markets is subsidized by the government. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 provides that if a carrier is held in beyond the 90-day notice period, it is entitled to receive compensation "to pay for the fully allocated actual cost to the carrier of performing the ...service ... plus a reasonable return on investment that is at least 5 percent of operating costs; and to provide the carrier an additional return that recognizes the demonstrated additional lost profits from opportunities foregone [by continuing to be held in and providing service]."

Delta will offer customers booked for travel in these markets alternative transportation choices or refunds. Delta will reach out to customers who have provided full contact information in their reservations to arrange alternate transportation or refunds. Customers wishing to make changes to reservations also can contact Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2011 World's Most Admired Companies airline industry list. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 355 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, a world-class airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

Georgia State Parks Beckon Families with Summer Fun Close to Home

2011-05-25T14:02:00.000-05:00

Summer vacation doesn’t need to cost a fortune or involve a hefty gas bill. Georgia State Parks offer a plethora of recreational offerings that make it easy for families to save money on gas and enjoy trips close to home. Simply pack a picnic lunch, grab a beach towel or hiking boots, and head to Georgia’s State Parks for affordable recreation that’s not only fun, but also encourages kids to get fit and spend time outdoors this summer. From free park admission and Junior Ranger Camps to swimming beaches and even a splash pad, there is something for everyone without breaking the bank.

• Swimming Beaches, Pools and Splash Pad Make Fun Day Trips
Skip the trip to the coast this year and head to one of Georgia State Parks’ many lakeside swimming beaches. Grab your sunscreen and enjoy the simple pleasures of a sandy beach right near your own backyard. Or, if your family is more interested in getting in a few laps at the pool, Victoria Bryant, Magnolia Springs and High Falls state park pools are sure to please. Little Ocmulgee State Park offers a Splash Pad just for the youngest water lovers. For a list of recreational offerings, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

• Cabin Rentals Offer Affordable & Memorable Staycations
Start a new family tradition this summer by planning a getaway to the mountains, lake or marsh. Spend the day fishing, canoeing, hiking or just hanging out at a lake beach, then retreat to a comfy cabin without ever leaving the park. Many state parks feature cabins with fully equipped kitchens, rocking-chair porches and spectacular scenery ~~ ideal for spending quality family time together. For help in planning a summer staycation, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275. Rates range from $85 to $160 per night, and dogs are welcome in select cabins.

• Free Park Admission & Natural Recreational Offerings
Planning a daytrip with the kids can be affordable and heart-healthy. No need to spend another day at a fast-food kids’ gym or the same neighborhood playground. Pack a nutritious picnic lunch and head to your favorite Georgia State Park for the day instead. A Georgia public library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, go to www.georgialibraries.org. Most Georgia State Parks offer playgrounds, picnic areas, miles of hiking and biking trails, and even wildlife viewing or nature centers. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.

• Junior Ranger Day Camps (ideal for young explorers ages 6-12)
Kids ages 6 to 12 are invited to explore Georgia’s wildlife, nature and fascinating history first-hand as they earn their way through three badge levels. Nature hikes, arts and crafts, water games, fishing and outdoor cooking are just a few of the daily camp workshops offered at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen Junior Ranger Day Camps offered through August 5, kids can meet new friends as they build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. And, parents can have the satisfaction of knowing their children are entertained and learning an appreciation for the great outdoors. Families can also pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Book at any state park or historic site and work through the activity requirements at their own pace. Or, receive the latest park news and learn more about Georgia nature and history by subscribing to The Georgia Junior Ranger, a free e-newsletter.

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Vision Airlines Gives Passengers $200* When Booking a Vacation Package for 2 to Destin/Ft. Walton Beach*

2011-05-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Vision Airlines announced today that the company will offer the first 1000 passengers a $200 Visa gift card when they book a qualifying vacation package with Vision Airlines to Destin/Ft. Walton Beach. To qualify for this $200 Visa Gift card, customers must book a vacation package for 2 adults, which must include airfare, hotel/resort accommodations, and car rental with a minimum 3 night stay. The first 1000 customers to book a low-cost, minimum 3-night stay, vacation package for 2, will receive a $200 Visa gift card upon arrival at Northwest Florida Regional Airport located in Ft. Walton Beach. These special vacation packages may be booked at www.visionairlines.com or by calling 1-877-FLY-A-JET (1-877-359-2538).

Vision Airlines' discounted vacation packages deliver maximum value with some of the lowest prices available anywhere. Consumers are urged to check and compare with other online travel companies. Vision Airlines offers vacation packages to numerous cities but the $200 Visa gift card will only be awarded to the first 1,000 customers that book a qualifying package to the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area, with flights arriving and departing Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

"This is another step to make travel affordable this summer for the family. The Destin/Ft Walton Beach area offers some of the best beaches in the US and was recently voted one of the Top 10 best places to live and boat by Boating Magazine," said David Meers of Vision Airlines' Chief Operating Officer. "With our low fares and great hotel rates, our packages are some of the best values for vacation travel this summer," added Meers.

Vision Airlines currently services 23 markets from its hub at Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, including non-stop flights to Las Vegas and many other popular leisure destinations such as Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, and Ft. Myers.

While some passengers may not need the hotel or rental property, they can still take advantage of Vision Airlines great low airfare specials. Visit www.visionairlines.com to check out the lowest fares to these great destinations.

* Details on $200 Gift Cards:

In order to receive the $200 Visa gift card, the reservation must be made for two guests and include airfare, hotel accommodations, and rental car. The reservation may be booked at www.visionairlines.com or by calling 1-877-FLY-A-JET (1-877-359-2538). This offer is good for passengers flying from any of the 22 Vision Airlines markets to Destin/Ft.Walton Beach. Accommodations and car rental reservations must be made in the Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area. The first 1000 travelers to book this type of vacation package will be able to pick up a $200 Visa gift card at the Vision Airlines ticket counter at Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located outside of the terminals and gates. The passenger that books the reservation will need to show government issued identification in order to receive their $200 gift card. This promotion ends when 1000 vacation packages in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach are booked for two guests.

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Dollywood’s Splash Country Dives into 2011 Season May 21

2011-05-20T08:20:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dollywood’s Splash Country opens Saturday, May 21, for another season of fun in the sun in the Great Smoky Mountains.

“After the cold winter months, we’re anxious to welcome guests to Dollywood’s Splash Country where soaking up the sun and enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains outdoors is a truly one-of-a-kind experience,” said Mike Brown, Dollywood’s Splash Country General Manager.

Named America’s Must-See Waterpark in 2009 by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, Dollywood’s Splash Country features more than 35 water adventure slides, along with The Cascades leisure pool, the Mountain Waves wave pool, the Downbound Float Trip lazy river, children’s water play areas and much more.

New for the 2011 season, Dollywood’s Splash Country offers waterside Swedish massages. Guests staying in Riverside and Waterside Retreats, private 200-square-foot rental facilities, can schedule a 30-, 60- or 90-minute massage or neck and shoulder massage. Guests renting Canopies, which offer a 65-square-foot shaded area and two chaise lounge chairs, can enjoy neck and shoulder massages. Prices start at $40. All are performed by a licensed massage therapist and offered in the privacy of the Retreat or Canopy. Massages must be scheduled in advance by calling 1-800-DOLLYWOOD. Visit dollywood.com for more details.

Saturday exclusives return this season for the waterpark’s season passholders. Passholders and their guests (park admission required) are admitted one hour prior to the posted opening time each Saturday. Plus, a selected ride is open during this exclusive hour and an exclusive merchandise offer is available. The park’s popular Slick Rock Racer is open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21.

This season, Dollywood’s Splash Country features several events that welcome Guest participation:

* 9th Annual Dollywood’s Splash Country’s Float-A-Thon on May 28, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. benefitting the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House
* Water Safety Day on June 8, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on June 14, 2011, at 11 a.m.
* Eco Awareness Fair on July 18, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Valid Dollywood’s Splash Country admission required for all events. For more information, please visit Dollywood.com.

Dollywood’s Splash Country is located adjacent to Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Dollywood Vacations offers all-inclusive vacation planning through which cabin guests receive complimentary admission and free parking at Dollywood’s Splash Country. For more information, call 1.866.857.2123.

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Celebrate the Start of Summer at Callaway Gardens' Memorial Day Weekend Festival

2011-05-20T08:16:00.000-05:00

It’s time celebrate the arrival of Summer at Callaway Gardens’ Memorial Day Weekend Festival, May 27-30, 2011. Catch a few rays, kick up a little sand, enjoy a variety of music and watch world champions compete at the 52nd Annual Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament®.

Memorial Day Weekend opens Robin Lake Beach for the Summer – with lots of new, exciting activities for 2011, including Light Striker Laser Tag*, Blaster Boats* and Aqua Island*, an expansive floating playground. Robin Lake Beach also will continue to offer its traditional activities of swimming, shuffleboard, table tennis, miniature golf and performances by The FSU Flying High Circus.

Inside the Gardens, guests can add some adrenaline to their day on Callaway Gardens’ newest year-round attraction, TreeTop Adventure*, which features 24 aerial challenges and zip lines. Reservations are suggested.

As is tradition at Callaway Gardens, Memorial Day Weekend is full of championship waterskiing and wakeboarding on Robin Lake, as well as the brand new sport of wakeskating. Watch dozens of the world’s finest water sports athletes representing more than 14 countries compete for more than $110,000 in cash and prizes in the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament. Competition events include tricks, slalom, jump, wakeboard and wakeskating. The Junior Masters elimination rounds and finals will be Friday, May 27, at 8 a.m. The Masters elimination rounds will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. Sunday will start with Opening Ceremonies at 10 a.m. and finals at 11 a.m. with participants competing for the coveted title of Masters Champion.

Special tournament activities on Robin Lake Beach will include water sports exhibitors, concessions and other festivities for spectators to enjoy throughout the event.

Growing the festivities for Memorial Day Weekend in 2011, Callaway Gardens has planned tons of fun following the competition each day. Friday will feature live music by pop/rock artist Kurt Scobie, a beach cookout* and the new Callaway Gardens Farmers Market, an opportunity to purchase locally grown produce and products. Saturday evening will take on a Cajun theme with a Low Country Boil*, live music by The Charlie Wooton Project and Zydefunk, and Beach Olympics for some friendly competition. To celebrate the end of the tournament, Sunday evening will feature the introduction of the newly crowned Masters Champions, a Barbecue* and live music by Running Down Romance. Since it is a long holiday weekend, the fun continues on Monday with two ski stunt shows by the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team, and a demonstration of Nautique boats.

Guests can enjoy the many attractions unique to Callaway Gardens that are available year-round including the Birds of Prey show featuring free-flight hawks, owls and falcons; butterflies flying about in the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center; beautiful horticultural displays in the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center; and a bounty of growing vegetables and flowers in Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden. The 10-mile Discovery Bicycle Trail takes guests on a leisurely ride by all of these great attractions. A tennis match, round of golf, or time spent fishing by boat are enjoyable ways to begin or end a great day at Callaway.

Admission to this special event Memorial Day Weekend is $25/adult and $12.50/child (age 6 to 12). Children 5 and younger are admitted for free. Callaway Gardens Annual Passholders receive half-price admission. For this special holiday event, military personnel receive free admission for themselves and up to five guests in the same vehicle with presentation of active or retired military identification. Preferred Pavilion Passes are limited and are available on a first-come basis.

Make this experience a weekend getaway. Stay for the weekend and enjoy the new TreeTop Adventure and Callaway Gardens’ array of facilities, attractions and special events.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

Make this Memorial Day Weekend one to remember for a lifetime!

*Fee charged

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Red Moon Marketing Launches ‘Project White Beach’ to Attract Tourists to Alabama Beaches

2011-04-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Red Moon Marketing, Coca-Cola Consolidated and Circle K have joined forces to launch Project White Beach – a massive consumer promotion designed to attract visitors back to the Alabama Gulf Shore.

As part of Project White Beach, over the next two months more than 100,000 discount booklets will be distributed in Circle K stores throughout Louisiana, Tennessee and Alabama giving significant discounts from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach accommodations, restaurants and attractions.

In addition, a number of lucky families will win a fantastic all-expenses paid vacation package to the Alabama Gulf Coast as part of the ‘Enjoy the Gulf Coast’ sweepstakes. Eight grand prize winners will be awarded with a five-night stay on the beach, golf, beach portrait session, charter fishing trip, gift certificates to local restaurants and tickets to area attractions like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, USS Alabama and much more!

No purchase is necessary to win and consumers can enter by going to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism’s website, www.EnjoytheGulfCoast.com. The promotion is expected to help jumpstart the 2011 summer tourist season.

Project White Beach officially kicked off with a press conference held April 4, 2011 that was covered by local, regional and national media outlets.

“The 2010 Gulf Coast oil spill devastated the entire Gulf region’s tourism industry and Red Moon was excited to help get the word out that the Gulf area beaches are back to their natural condition and open for business,” said Jim Bailey, President/CEO of Red Moon Marketing. “Initiatives such as Project White Beach are Red Moon’s sweet spot and allow us to use our creative and promotional talents to make a difference. Many thanks to the entire Red Moon team for its hard work ensuring a successful launch for Project White Beach.”

“Red Moon Marketing makes major events like Project White Beach easy. This team of marketing experts handles everything, from planning to creative to execution,” said Lauren Steele, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Coca-Cola Bottling Company. “The best thing about working with Red Moon is the dedicated and hard working staff--and they are a joy to work with.”

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Callaway Gardens® Announces Two Dates for Mystery Dinner Theaters in 2011

2011-04-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

Building on the sell-out Mystery Dinner Theater in 2010, this year Callaway Gardens is offering two evenings of fun and entertainment, one in May and one in October.

For those who have been missing the fun, a Mystery Dinner Theater includes a little detective work while you dine on delicious cuisine from the Callaway Gardens culinary team led by Executive Chef Joe Malone. Both evenings of mystery will include opportunities for guests to interact with the cast. Before the shows, guests selected just before the show will receive reading parts and will be cued to deliver their award winning performances. Expect a few surprises and activities to add to the fun, and solving the mystery comes with token prizes for the winning team.

“Showdown at Northspoon”

On Saturday, May 21, 2011, guests are invited to join the Sheepling siblings as they learn who will inherit the family ranch, Northspoon. Who successfully met the goal set forth by their deceased relative for the big inheritance? As the deadline nears, there is more drama on the ranch as the moment of truth approaches. Can you figure out “whodunit” before dessert is served?

Would you like some “Scream” with that?
Add a little scare to your October as Halloween approaches. Bring your detective skills and appetite on Friday, October 21, 2011, for a Halloween/Vampire-themed Mystery Dinner Theater. Those not faint of heart will put their own powers of aura perception to the test while interacting with those from days gone by.

Can you identify the guilty parties? Reserve your Mystery Dinner Theater overnight package today by calling 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292). Registration is limited, so make your reservation soon.

Callaway Gardens® is in Pine Mountain, Georgia, 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. To experience nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

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"An Island Getaway That's Murder"

2011-04-19T09:23:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Jekyll Island Club Hotel announces its annual Murder Mystery Weekend, "An Island Getaway That's Murder" August 19-21, 2011. Book this Jekyll Island vacation package and get away with murder! Murder Mystery Weekend, Inc. presents a weekend to kill for…Expect the unexpected, search for clues, and solve the crime, all while enjoying luxury accommodations at the famed Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

If there's a detective lurking inside you just waiting to solve a "whodunit," this is your chance to become a super sleuth and even win prizes. After being introduced to your master of ceremonies for the weekend, you'll notice that strange things start to happen. Be careful! You may just find yourself sitting next to the villain! In time, the local detective will answer all your questions. Until then, meet other guests, become entrenched in the plot, and, most of all, have fun.

Our Murder Mystery Weekend Includes:

* Welcome Gift
* Traditional accommodations with Queen, King, or two Double Beds for two nights
* Welcome reception with open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres on Friday evening (two hours)
* Group breakfast buffet on Saturday morning
* Group lunch
* Reception (cash bar) and dinner Saturday evening
* Closing breakfast on Sunday

Please note: All taxes and gratuities on package features are included. Resort fee extra. Upgrades available at additional fee per night. Weekend requires a minimum of 12 packages to be sold 30 days prior to event or hotel reserves the right to cancel said event. Cancellations within 14 days of event forfeits 50% of package . Subject to availability . Certain restrictions apply.

For more information or reservations, contact the Jekyll Island Club Hotel at 912-635-2600 or 800-535-9547, or visit our website at www.jekyllclub.com.

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Vision Airlines Heats Up Summer with Sizzling $59* Florida Fares

2011-04-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Vision Airlines announces a $59* Sizzling Summer Seat Sale just in time for family vacations. Beginning Monday, April 11 , 2011 and ending Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 11:59 pm eastern time, passengers can purchase these great $59* fares to and from many of their favorite Florida vacation spots. Passengers must complete travel by June 15, 2011. Vision Airlines services 11 states in the Southeast with non-stop flights to and from NW Florida Regional Airport, located at Destin/Ft Walton Beach.

Vision Airlines' specially-priced, limited $59* one-way fares are also available on flights from NW Florida Regional to Orlando/Sanford International Airport, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers Airport and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport.

Passengers that fly the Louisville and Fort Lauderdale routes will also be able to take advantage of this fantastic rate.

"Since our successful launch of service from Northwest Florida Regional Airport, we've heard from many of our customers about our great low fares. This two-week sale will give our passengers the opportunity to visit Florida more frequently and allow them to beat high gas prices at the pump. Driving 7-10 hours for a family can be expensive and difficult. Our low fares enable families to take a short, non-stop flight to their vacation destination," says David Meers, Chief Operating Officer of Vision Airlines.

The $59* one- way fares apply to flights that take-off the morning of April 11, 2011 through June 15, 2011. There is a limited number of $59* fares on each flight. The sale ends on Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 11:59 PM (ET).

FAMILIES CELEBRATE THE LONG BEACH WEEKEND AND THEIR SAVINGS

Summer camps and athletics often leave families with only a few days to get away. With Vision Airlines $59* fares and great discount vacation packages, there's no need to endure a lengthy carpool that consumes half of the vacation. Families can now get away for a long weekend and enjoy all their favorite beach activities without having to spend a ton of cash. On average, Vision Airlines' normal one-way fares to Florida are $89 - $109.

VISION AIRLINES EYES NEW DESTINATIONS AND ROUTES

Vision Airlines is flying to some of the most popular leisure destinations in Florida. Numerous communities have contacted Vision Airlines about providing service to these great Florida vacation spots. Many of these communities have been underserved by the major carriers and travelers have found it difficult to fly to their favorite vacation destinations.

"Vision Airlines business model is to be a leisure destination airline and travel company, offering the lowest prices and best values on vacation packages throughout the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico," according to Meers.

Vision Airlines plans to announce additional routes and destinations later this month.

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Peak of Azaleas has Arrived!‏

2011-04-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

Spread the word! The azaleas are blooming! Perfect timing for most families to enjoy during Spring Break!

Don't miss this amazing display of color that happens only a few weeks each year. The Overlook Azalea Garden is expected to be at peak bloom this weekend and into next week! The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl is quickly progressing toward its peak.

In addition, native azaleas, dogwoods, silverbells, sweetshrub, red buckeye, early spring wildflowers and more are in bloom as well.

Celebrate Spring! is now through April 29, 2011. Special event admission is $25 per adult; $12.50 per child age six to 12; children five and under are admitted for free. Callaway Gardens Annual Passholders are admitted for free. Military (active and retired with valid ID) are admitted for half-price during Celebrate Spring!

The Gardens are open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Overnight packages are available. Weekends are filled with fun, family activities.

For more information, contact Callaway Gardens at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

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Enjoy Symphony on the Sand with the Grammy® Award-Winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

SYMPHONY ON THE SAND
Robert Pound, conductor
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

SMITH (arr. Damrosch) The Star-Spangled Banner
SHOSTAKOVICH Festive Overture, Opus 96
BRAHMS Hungarian Dance Nos. 5 & 6
BIZET Suite No. 1 from L'Arlésienne
VERDI Overture to I vespri sicilani
CHADWICK Jubilee from Symphonic Sketches, Opus 70
GOULD American Salute
(arr. Lowden) Armed Forces Salute
HERMAN Highlights from Mame
JOHN WILLIAMS Raiders March from Raiders of the Lost Ark

Enjoy Symphony on the Sand featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) at Callaway Gardens® on Friday, April 29, 2011, at 8 p.m.

Columbus native Robert Pound will lead the Orchestra in a variety of popular and classical favorites, including the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark, selections from the musical Mame, Shostakovich’s energetic Festive Overture, and an array of patriotic tunes, such as the Armed Forces Salute and Gould’s American Salute – and maybe a surprise or two! This entertaining, family-friendly program is perfect for a fun night out under the stars.

General seating* on the lawn at Robin Lake Beach is available at the gate for $20 per adult; $10 per child age six to 12; and children age five and younger are admitted for free. Admission is half-price for Callaway Gardens Annual Passholders and active/retired military and their dependents, upon presentation of a valid military identification card. Special ticket pricing is available for groups larger than 15.

A limited number of stage front tables* on the beach (with eight chairs and table cloths) are available for $280 each. A variety of food baskets and arrangements are available for purchase. To reserve a table, please call 706-663-5154. Dress is casual. The Robin Lake Beach gate will open at 5 p.m. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation (ICCF). For information on becoming a sponsor, please call 706-663-5096.

Overnight packages including concert tickets are available.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For additional information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com/aso.

*Tents and umbrellas are not permitted.

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Vision Airlines Puts Passengers on Cloud Nine With $19 Seat Sale on Flights to and From Destin/Fort Walton Beach

2011-03-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Starting at midnight, Sunday, March 20, 2011, just in time for spring break vacation and to celebrate the start of its new service, Vision Airlines launches an introductory $19* one-way seat sale on the carrier's flights to and from cities in 11 states to NW Florida Regional Airport. It serves the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area, which is also known as Florida's Emerald Coast. The Destin/Ft. Walton Beach area is among America's top-10 spring break vacation destinations. Orlando, with its theme parks, is the nation's number one family spring break spot.

Vision Airlines offers service to the Orlando/Sanford International Airport from multiple cities.

Vision Airlines' specially-priced, limited $19* fares are also available on flights from NW Florida Regional to Orlando/Sanford International Airport; Punta Gorda/Fort Myers Airport and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport.

The $19* fares apply to flights that take-off the morning of March 25, 2011 through May 21, 2011. There is a limited number of $19* seats on each flight. The sale ends on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 11:59 PM (ET).

Inaugural Flights Launch

Between March 25 and April 1, 2011, Vision Airlines begins new service to the following cities: Atlanta GA, Baton Rouge LA, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach FL, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda FL, Greenville SC, Huntsville AL, Knoxville TN, Louisville KY, Savannah/Hilton Head, and St. Pete/Tampa FL.

Beginning April 1, 2011, Vision Airlines launches service to Asheville NC, Chattanooga TN, Columbia SC, Little Rock AR, Orlando/Sanford FL, Shreveport LA.

Vision Airlines is currently flying scheduled service to Atlanta, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Houston, St. Petersburg, Louisville, Gulfport, Miami and Niagara/Buffalo. More routes will be added on or after March 25th 2011.

Tickets and complete vacation packages are now on sale at www.VisionAirlines.com; or through the airline's reservations call center at 1-877-FLY-A-JET.

FLYING IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN DRIVING TO FLORIDA

For decades people living in Vision Airlines' focus cities have been vacationing and retiring along the Emerald Coast. "Because there has never been affordable air travel to Destin-Fort Walton Beach, families have had to endure grueling drives to get to Florida's gulf coast says," COO, David Meers. "That all changes with the launch of our inaugural Florida flights."

Meers emphasizes, "With gas prices creeping closer to $4 per gallon in many states, flying Vision Airlines to Florida is now less expensive than driving, especially since we are offering fares as low as $19*"

On average, Vision Airlines' normal one-way fares to Florida are $89 - $99.

REVITALIZE EMERALD COAST ECONOMY

Vision Airlines is expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing Florida's Emerald Coast tourism industry as the economy was crippled by last year's Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Florida Governor Rick Scott forecasts that Vision Airlines will generate approximately 4,000 new jobs and will help fill the area's tens of thousands of hotel rooms, many of which remained vacant during the 2010 tourist season, due to the oil spill.

"While there were some tar balls on the Emerald Coast's beaches, there were no off-shore oil slicks," says Mark Bellinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors' Bureau. "Despite limited environmental impact, tourists avoided the gulf coast altogether in 2010."

The Governor and local tourism officials encourage tourists to see for themselves that Florida's Emerald Coast beaches are still sugary-white and the water is still crystal clear.

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Stone Mountain Park Debuts New Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision This Summer

2011-03-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Stone Mountain Park (SMP), Georgia's No. 1 attraction, today announced plans to premiere an all new Lasershow Spectacular™, using an unprecedented digital, multi-dimensional projection called Mountainvision – set to debut Memorial Day Weekend.

The new Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision, brings state-of-the-art, multi-dimensional magic to one of the world's biggest outdoor screens - Stone Mountain. Mountainvision will be the first time this immersive, unparalleled technology is used in Atlanta and in the Southeast. The production is four to five times the size of an IMAX screen and is taller than the Statue of Liberty.

"This new technology will bring the mountain to life," said Gerald Rakestraw, vice president and general manager, SMP. "At times, it will even appear as if the mountain is crumbling right before your eyes. It truly is something you have to see to believe."

SMP has been home to the Lasershow Spectacular™ for more than 25 years. Seen by more than 25 million people since 1983, the multi-million dollar spectacle is the world's longest running lasershow.

"We are using all the tools in our arsenal: Digital projection, lasers, special effects and pyrotechnics in one of the most spectacular settings and with an 825 foot granite backdrop," said Rakestraw. "There is no other place on earth to see a show like this."

Construction and creative production already began and will continue through the spring. The Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision is scheduled to debut Memorial Day weekend.

The Lasershow is free with $10 vehicle entrance to SMP. The best way to view the new Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision is with reserved VIP Terrace Seating. SMP also offers a variety of value-priced options for families to enjoy the park attractions and the Lasershow such as the Gold Family Value Pass which includes four All Attraction Adventure Passes, four meal tickets and four reserved Lasershow seats for $149 plus tax.

Stone Mountain Park has again partnered this season with Full Spectrum, LLC to produce and operate the show, which in addition to introducing Mountainvision, will continue to feature original themed vignettes choreographed to inspiring music culminating with a dazzling fireworks display.

More information regarding Stone Mountain Park attractions and hours of operation is available at 770-498-5690 or by visiting www.stonemountainpark.com.

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Wonders of Nature Take Center Stage at Callaway Gardens’ “Celebrate Spring!”

2011-03-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

Looking to celebrate the arrival of Spring…look no further than Callaway Gardens,® which offers a seemingly endless array of choices to celebrate the beauty of the season.

During Spring, Callaway Gardens’ world-famous azalea displays move front and center. Home of the world’s largest azalea garden, the Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Callaway Gardens a site to behold during Springtime. Wondering how the azaleas are progressing? Be sure to visit the 2011 “Azalea Watch” at www.callawaygardens.com.

Celebrate Spring! themed weekends, beginning March 26 and running through April 29, feature a series of family activities, workshops, seminars, events and unparalleled family fun…all set against the backdrop of one of the most gorgeous natural settings in America.

Gardening earns the spotlight from March 24 through March 27 when Gardening in the Gardens highlights the Callaway Gardens Annual Plant Fair and Sale, which has free admission to Plant Fair and separate admission for Gardens. This popular annual event features select nurserymen from around the Southeast showcasing their specialty plants and vendors selling unique garden-themed items beginning on Thursday (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) through the weekend (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Friday marks the return of the Callaway Gardening School, featuring author and TV personality Erica Glasener offering the latest and greatest tips for full-bloom gardening success.

Sounds of the Gardens will be the feature April 2 and 3, where guests can explore the Gardens searching for the natural sounds of birds, water and more. Music wafting through the trees will add to the experience of visiting on a beautiful Spring day.

The first “Vegetable Gardening from A to Z” with Walter Reeves and David Chambers will be on April 8th. Then, April 9th and 10th will be the weekend for Flavors of the Gardens. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample Callaway Gardens’ signature items as well as a few surprises.

Colors of the Gardens takes center stage April 16 and 17 as the second annual Plein Air Paint Out, Art Show and Sale finishes up with an exhibit available to guests. Thirty-three juried artists from throughout the United States will be on hand painting the beauty of Spring. Throughout the weekend, guests will be able to view and purchase these works so new that the paint may still be “wet.” For more details on Plein Air, visit www.callawaygardens.com/pleinair.

Easter is always a perfect time for Renewal in the Gardens, especially at Callaway and this year is certainly no exception. Easter Weekend, April 23 and 24, join the Easter Bunny for a fun-filled holiday showcasing a variety of activities highlighted by the annual Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (don’t forget to bring your Easter basket). Easter floral displays at the Sibley Horticultural Center always add to the beauty. The traditional topiary exhibit includes chicks, bunnies, eggs and more. Guests will be awed by one of the nation’s largest display of Easter Lilies. On Sunday morning, celebrate the meaning of the day with a moving lakeside sunrise service starting at 7:30 a.m. free of charge until 8 a.m.. Following the service, attendees may want to enjoy a traditional Easter brunch featuring a variety of delicious options from Callaway Gardens’ culinary team. To make reservations, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) ext. 6832 or 706-663-6832. For details, visit www.callawaygardens.com/easter.

And, returning for the fourth year, Symphony on the Sand featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will wrap up Spring on Friday, April 29, with a concert under the stars on Robin Lake Beach. Tables of eight are available for reservation. General admission tickets will be available at the gate. More information is available at www.callawaygardens.com/aso.

In addition, guests can enjoy the year-round attraction favorites including the acclaimed Birds of Prey shows, butterflies in free flight at the Day Butterfly Center, touring the Gardens on the 10-mile Discovery Bicycle Trail, newly planted gardens in Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, quiet moments at the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel and more.

Callaway Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Callaway Gardens special event admission for Celebrate Spring! is $25/adult; $12.50/child (ages 6-12); and children five and under are admitted for free. Tax is included. Most activities occur from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. A small fee may be charged for some activities. An Annual Pass is a great way to enjoy Callaway Gardens’ many events and seasons. For more information, visit www.callawaygardens.com/annualpass.

Make your reservations for Callaway Gardens’ Celebrate Spring! Weekends by calling 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292). Overnight lodging is available for those interested in a quick getaway. For more information, visit www.callawaygardens.com. For news, special offers and more, click “like” at www.facebook.com/callawaygardens.com.

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Travel Industry, Security Experts Unveil Roadmap to New Air Travel Security Screening System in U.S.

2011-03-16T11:43:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Travel Association and a panel of travel and security experts today unveiled a groundbreaking plan to improve security at America's airports and reduce the burden on travelers. Among the most notable recommendations are the creation of a trusted traveler program and a requirement that travelers be allowed to check at least one bag at no additional cost to the ticket price as a means to reduce the amount of luggage going through the security checkpoint.

The need for reform was made especially clear by recent research revealing that travelers are avoiding two to three trips per year due to unnecessary hassles associated with the security screening process. These avoided trips come at a cost of $85 billion and 900,000 jobs to the American economy.

The recommendations, the culmination of a year-long analysis to remake aviation security screening, were issued in a report titled "A Better Way: Building a World Class System for Aviation Security," and call on Congress to own responsibility for improving the current system through effective policy decisions.

"The country that put a man on the moon, invented the Internet and creates daily innovations in manufacturing can and must do better in screening passengers and improving our air travel experience," said Roger Dow, president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Travel Association. "Air travel is the gateway to commerce and an improved experience is directly tied to job creation and a stronger economy."

The panel was chaired by former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, former Congressman Jim Turner and Sam Gilliland, president and chief executive officer of Sabre Holdings.

In helping U.S. Travel introduce the report, former Secretary Ridge said: "A strong aviation security screening system must feature several characteristics, including efficient methods of deterring and interdicting terrorists and criminals; tailored security based upon risk assessment; frequent, clear communication with the traveling public; and cost-effective use of resources."

Rooted in the diverse professional and political viewpoints of the panelists, the group did not always find consensus in how to address the difficult challenges. Among the panel's recommendations in the report:

* Implement a risk-based trusted traveler program. Congress should authorize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to implement a new, voluntary, government-run trusted traveler program that utilizes a risk-based approach to checkpoint screening, with the goal of refocusing resources on the highest risk passengers;
* Improve preparation of travelers . Industry stakeholders should work with TSA to improve their education and communication on security rules and regulations, targeting locations and sources that travelers are likely to review as they book or prepare for a trip;
* Encourage fewer carry-on bags . The Department of Transportation (DOT) should issue regulations requiring airlines to allow passengers one checked bag as part of their base airfare and standardize existing rules covering the quantity and size of items that can be carried onto an airplane;
* Reduce duplicative TSA screening for international arrivals . DHS should enable certain low-risk passengers who are traveling to another domestic airport to forego checked baggage and passenger screening upon landing in the U.S.;
* Expand trusted traveler programs to qualified international passengers . DHS should expand access to international trusted traveler programs for international passengers entering the U.S., as well as lead efforts to establish a multinational network of streamlined entry procedures for low-risk travelers;
* Give TSA authority over the entire checkpoint area . Congress should immediately act to clear up confusion over "ownership" of commercial aviation security and authorize TSA to control the entire security checkpoint starting at the beginning of the security lines and ending after a traveler exits the screening area;
* Develop a comprehensive technology procurement strategy. TSA, in collaboration with technology vendors and the travel community, should develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing necessary checkpoint technology capabilities. Congress should provide multi-year funding plans for TSA to execute this strategy;
* Implement well-defined risk management processes. The Administration should convene an external panel of experts with appropriate security clearances to review TSA aviation security programs, assess the risk each is designed to mitigate and develop metrics for measuring progress to lessen that risk.

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TripAlertz is Giving Away a Free Trip to Space

2011-03-15T13:51:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate its Grand Launch, TripAlertz, a private, members-only travel site that uses the power of collective buying to deliver guaranteed best prices, is offering the chance to win a " Free Epic Journey into Space !" You can lift-off with Colonel Rick Searfoss (retired), who is one of only seven astronauts with more than 50 flights in rocket-powered vehicles. Entry into this "out of this world" promotion is free. The winner can assign the trip, subject to certain restrictions, as a gift to family, friends or a charity.

"Everyone kept telling us that we needed a launch strategy, so we took it literately," said Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer Brendan Murphy.

The Epic Journey into Space is offered via a partnership with XCOR Aerospace, builder of the Lynx Suborbital reusable space plane and provider of rocket technology to leading global companies. Lynx pilot, Colonel Searfoss, has flown the Space Shuttle three times, twice as pilot and once as Commander. His first space flight as pilot in 1993 set the record for the longest duration Space Shuttle mission to date. In 1996, he piloted Atlantis to the Russian space station Mir.

According to Andrew Nelson, XCOR's COO, "The flight profile of Lynx provides an exciting and enriching personal space experience which promises the ride of your life – a Pinnacle Life Event! The two-seat Lynx Mark I vehicle takes off horizontally from a runway with a powerful ascent reaching over twice the speed of sound (Mach 2+) on its way to the edge of space. The profound blackness of space, the spectacular view of Earth's curvature, and 1600 miles of viewing are unforgettable sights while experiencing weightlessness at apogee."

Colonel Searfoss adds "flight participants accompanying me will not only experience the exhilaration of the launch, but mankind's rarest view of all – Earth from space -- its beauty, its fragility and its lack of borders. The sheer magnificence of it will be potentially life altering."

In keeping with the TripAlertz commitment to offer "out of this world" value through its member's collective buying power, space trips can be purchased at a fraction of Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic price. The TripAlertz Epic Journey into Space Package customarily sells for $95,000, yet as more people purchase, the power of collective buying can drive the price lower for everyone. Since words alone cannot describe this journey to space, pioneering space tourists will be presented with a personalized high definition DVD recorded by onboard cameras along with other stellar mementos, beyond specialized pre-flight training at a luxury resort in Arizona.

The TripAlertz Epic Journey into Space includes a five-night stay at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa during training and preparation, medical evaluation and screening, a cancellation insurance policy, and of course the Lynx flight itself, which promises to be the greatest ride off Earth. A deposit of $20,000 begins the process of assigning each space tourist to the training and qualification program.

The winner of the Free Epic Journey into Space will be drawn live on broadband-streamed television at the "TripAlertz Summer Solstice Party" on June 21, 2011. The promotion is Free and simple to enter. Anyone over the age of 21 can enter and improve their odds of going orbital:

1. One entry for signing up - Take 10 seconds to join TripAlertz for free via http://TripAlertz.com/Space or http://Facebook.com/TripAlertz.
2. One entry for each friend you refer (no purchase necessary) - Invite 50 friends to join TripAlertz (for free), get 50 entries.
3. One entry for every dollar you spend on TripAlertz - Buy a $500 getaway package and get 500 more entries, plus, 1% of TripAlertz net revenues are donated to its featured charity Pachamama Alliance (www.pachamama.org) and their 4YEARS.GO (www.fouryearsgo.org) campaign to change the course of history.

The following celebrities will be tweeting about the promotion: Ryan Seacrest, Jeremy Piven, Gary Vaynerchuk, Eva Longoria, and more. TripAlertz donated more than $33,000 to aHomeinHaiti.org for the first ever TwitChange Celebrity Auction in 2010, which allowed TripAlertz to save the tweets of its favorite celebrities for this exciting promotion that supports Pachamama.org. Variations of the following tweet will be sent by the celebrities "Win #FreeSpaceTrip with XCOR! Become @TripAlertz member 4 free 2 win & support @fouryearsgo. Go2 tripalertz.com/space . Plz RT."

For those preferring a more grounded experience, TripAlertz (dubbed by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine as the "Groupon for Travel") has added tourism experiences to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex along with epic prices on Orlando hotels & resorts and other extras like theme park tickets. Anyone buying an Orlando package during the initial offer period (March 15-June 21) will receive two tickets to Kennedy Space Center for free and increase their odds of winning a Free Epic Journey to Space!

"We are delighted to be included as a premier offering in TripAlertz's Orlando tour packages," said John Stine, Director of Sales and Marketing with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet a veteran astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch."

TripAlertz is also proud to announce its first cruise line partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian will be featured on TripAlertz alongside other prominent travel brands for the grand launch, including Fairmont Bermuda, Elite Island Resorts, Occidental Resorts, Jackson Hole Resort, Napa River Inn, Hilton New York, Renaissance Aruba & Asheville, Xeliter, The Reefs Bermuda, Cambridge Beaches Bermuda, Radisson Aruba, Recreo Costa Rica, Steele Luxury Travel, and many more.

"We are thrilled to be featuring Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Cruising vacations on TripAlertz," said Founder Brendan Murphy. "We strategically chose to work with Norwegian as our founding cruise partner because their commitment to innovation matches perfectly with our member demographics who are seeking a revolutionary online travel experience."

For more information visit bit.ly/jointripalertz. To interview TripAlertz founder Brendan Murphy, Colonel Rick Searfoss, or Andrew Nelson of XCOR, please contact us. See attached video for a preview of the Lynx experience.

The complete rules of the promotion are available at TripAlertz.com or by mailing TripAlertz's administrative office at 3048 W. Clarkston Road, Lake Orion, MI 48362. This release summarizes some of the rules, but the state filed promotional rules are the sole legal determinant of the promotion's rules.

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Southwest Airlines Teams Up With Dude Perfect to Give Away Ten Million Points in the All-New Rapid Rewards Program

2011-03-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) recently launched the carrier's new frequent flyer program, All-New Rapid Rewards, and to celebrate, Southwest is giving away ten million Rapid Rewards Points to Members (and those who sign up) through an online sweepstakes. In the Ten Million Point Giveaway, 100 lucky Members will each win 100,000 Rapid Rewards Points. The sweepstakes will run from March 15 through March 31, 2011. For complete promotion details and to register to win, visit: www.southwest.com/bigshot. If you're not already a Rapid Rewards Member, you can sign up for the program to become eligible to win. To read a blog post from Southwest's Senior Director of Customer Loyalty and Partnerships Ryan Green, visit: www.blogsouthwest.com.

Southwest teamed up with the internet sensation basketball trick-shot artists, Dude Perfect, to score points for the All-New Rapid Rewards program. Customers who register for the promotion will be entertained by Dude Perfect, which has filmed a variety of basketball trick shots to show off their skills using a Southwest Boeing 737, in a Southwest Maintenance Hangar, and around Southwest's corporate headquarters. Southwest and Dude Perfect will showcase the trick shots in a series of videos that will be unveiled throughout the promotion on www.southwest.com/bigshot, culminating in one fantastic Big Shot, which will be unveiled, along with the winners, on Monday, April 4, 2011.

"With the recent launch of the All-New Rapid Rewards program and the NCAA basketball tournament just around the corner, we teamed up with Dude Perfect to give away ten million points to our Members and entertain fans at the same time," said Southwest's Senior Director of Customer Loyalty and Partnerships Ryan Green. "Our new program has several winning attributes, including unlimited reward seats, no blackout dates, and no point expiration with any earning activity within 24 months."

Southwest announced the details of the new program in January 2011 to give Members advance notice of the coming changes, and the new program officially launched on March 1, 2011. Members' accounts were automatically transferred to the new program on March 1, 2011; therefore, Members will retain their current Rapid Rewards number, and they don't need to re-enroll. Members with existing credits and Awards from the old program will retain their active credits and Awards, which will maintain their value until they are used or expire. To learn more about the All-New Rapid Rewards, visit: www.southwest.com.

NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

* No blackout dates
* Unlimited Reward Seats (no seat restrictions or capacity controls)
* Points don't expire as long as Members earn by flying or using a partner once every 24 months
* Points are based on the purchased fare and fare product
* Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can redeem their points for flights to more than 800 international destinations, stays at more than 70,000 hotels worldwide, and gift cards at more than 45 major retailers

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Vision Airlines' Sensational Spring Break Seat Sale Ends Saturday

2011-03-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Vision Airlines' Sensational Spring Break Seat Sale, featuring fantastic $59* Florida fares, ends Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11:59 PM (ET).

The spring break sale concludes just six days before Vision Airlines' maiden voyage flights start taking-off on March 25 to six Florida destinations from 16 southern U.S. cities and the new Niagara Falls International Airport, New York. It is near Buffalo and Toronto, Canada.

"The $59 spring break seat sale began on February 21, 2011," says Vision Airlines' spokesman Bryan Glazer. "Due to customer demand for these discounted one-way fares, Vision Airlines added more specially-priced seats—ensuring first-time passengers an affordable and enjoyable experience."

The $59 fares are only available on non-stop Florida flights from March 25, 2011 through September 10, 2011, according to Glazer.

"The majority of Vision Airlines' $59 seats are on non-stop flights to and from Northwest Florida Regional Airport, located in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, also known as The Emerald Coast," says Glazer.

These specially-priced $59 seats are also available on non-stop flights from Louisville, KY to Fort Lauderdale, FL, according to Glazer.

"However, these one-way fares are not available on Vision Airlines' flights from our 17 focus departure cities to Miami, Punta Gorda/Fort Myers and Sanford/Orlando," says the company's Chief Operating Officer David Meers. "All of those flights stop at our hub at Northwest Florida Regional Airport before continuing to their final destinations."

Meers urges, "Consumers should understand that these specially-priced fares do not apply to what are known as direct or through flights to other Florida cities. Nonetheless, these are still fantastic fares, whether you are flying from out-of-state or within the state."

Vision Airlines' one-way fares, on most flights, average around $89* each way, according to Meers.

Spring Break 2011

Most American families with school-aged children take their spring break vacations in Florida starting in late March and early April.

While most colleges and universities are now wrapping-up spring break, many fraternities, sororities and other social organizations schedule spring beach weekend getaways in April and May, prior to final exams and graduation.

Florida's Emerald Coast

"Florida's Emerald Coast is America's number one domestic spring break destination," says Mark Bellinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors' Bureau.

The Emerald Coast stretches from Panama City, FL to Pensacola, FL.

"Northwest Florida Regional Airport is at the epicenter of the Emerald Coast," says Greg Donovan, Executive Director of Northwest Florida Regional Airport. "It is minutes from the sugary-white shores and clear emerald waters of Destin and Ft. Walton Beaches."

Donovan also points-out, "The airport is a 65 mile drive to Panama City Beach to the east and a 45 mile drive to Pensacola Beach to the west."

Vision Airlines is the nation's only big jet, low-cost carrier that provides non-stop flights to Florida's Emerald Coast, according to COO David Meers.

"Our airline is committed to helping revitalize the Emerald Coast tourism economy, which was damaged by last year's gulf coast oil spill," says Meers.

While there were some tar balls on the beaches, there were no offshore oil-slicks or petroleum-scented sea breezes, according to Donovan. "It wasn't pollution that crippled our local economy, it was the wave of negative publicity that warded-off tourists from visiting the gulf coast altogether."

The CVB's Bellinger adds, "The Destin-Fort Walton Beach area is one of the most popular seaside resorts along the U.S. gulf coast."

He says, "Each year, millions of people from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina drive to the Emerald Coast for spring break and summer vacation. Yet, less than 3 percent of our visitors fly here because airfares have traditionally been very expensive."

Conversely, this year, Bellinger forecasts significant increases in airport passenger traffic. "With the advent of Vision Airlines, this is the first time that we've been able to offer affordable, non-stop flights just in time for spring break."

Vision Airlines will also likely bolster the Emerald Coast's weekend tourist business, according to Bellinger. "People, who might not otherwise drive several hours to the Emerald Coast for two or three days on the beach can now fly here in about an hour for a price comparable to the cost of driving."

Vision Airlines Mega-Expansion

Vision Airlines currently operates twice daily service between Atlanta, GA and Louisville, KY.

The carrier also flies Fridays and Sundays between Niagara Falls International Airport, NY and Northwest Florida Regional Airport and Miami International Airport.

The company started flight service to and from these airports in December 2010.

Sixteen years ago, Vision Airlines began as a small tour operator with flights from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. It later grew to become one of the world's most-respected charter carriers. Its clients have included presidential candidates, entertainers, some of the world's best-known resorts and the federal government.

On January 18, 2011, Vision Airlines announced its mega-expansion into regularly-scheduled commercial passenger service and started selling seats on flights from some of the nation's most-seriously underserved southern U.S. cities to some of the most-desirable destinations in Florida.

Vision Airlines Cities

Starting on March 25, Vision Airlines begins flying to and from the following cities.

- Asheville, NC - Atlanta, GA - Baton Rouge, LA - Birmingham, AL - Chattanooga, TN

- Columbia, SC - Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, FL - Ft. Lauderdale, FL

- Greenville/Spartanburg, SC - Gulfport/Biloxi, MS - Houston, TX - Huntsville, AL

- Knoxville, TN - Little Rock, AR - Louisville, KY - Macon, GA - Miami, FL

- Niagara Falls/Buffalo, NY/Toronto, Canada - Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers, FL

- Sanford/Orlando, FL - Savannah, GA - Shreveport, LA

- St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa, FL

FINE PRINT

* All fares are per person, one-way and non-refundable. A $50 fee per person applies to any change or cancellation made after purchase of SAVER and ADVANTAGE fares, plus any applicable increase in fare. Fares do not include airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18, September 11th Security Fees of up to $10 and U.S. Segment Fee of $3.70 per passenger, per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. A first bag may be checked for a fee of $15 each way and a second bag may be checked for a fee of $20 each way if purchased more than 24 hours prior to departure. A first bag may be checked for a fee of $20 each way and a second bag may be checked for a fee of $30 each way if purchased less than 24 hours prior to departure. All reservations must be completed by 11:59PM on March 19, 2011. Valid for travel on March 25th through September 10 for nonstop flights to/from VPS and to/from FLL. Fares are limited and may not be available on all flights and are subject to availability at the time of purchase. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice.

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Find Crappie in Deep, Cool Waters Right Now

2011-03-09T11:58:00.000-05:00

The brief Georgia winter provides a great opportunity to get excellent results for crappie fishing, and several reservoirs across the state offer rewards for anglers willing to brave the bitter cold temperatures.

“Anglers searching for crappie need to concentrate on cold weather ‘hot spots’,” says John Biagi, chief of Fisheries Management for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Crappie fishing brings a lot of action which means it is an excellent time to engage the entire family and/or to introduce someone new to the fun aspect of the sport.”

During the winter cold, crappie tend to congregate in deeper water, generally 15-30 feet deep, near the mouths of major tributaries and in the main lake. Large schools are easily located with sonar electronics.

As the water warms in March, crappie will move to more shallow water toward the middle and back of major tributaries, preferring to congregate around woody cover such as stumps, logs, downed trees, fish attractors and creek ledges. Minnows and small jigs are favored bait, and light spinning tackle spooled with 6 or 8-pound test line is recommended.

Cool weather hot spots

In northwest Georgia, visit Lake Allatoona and look for the man-made fish attractors, especially those in the Kellogg Creek, Illinois Creek, Tanyard Creek and Sweetwater Creek areas. Fish attractor location maps are available at www.gofishgeorgia.com . The Coosa River, which begins in the city of Rome and flows roughly 30 miles west-southwest before entering Lake Weiss, is another area to target; concentrate in the river immediately below Mayo’s Lock and Dam Park and the tributary backwaters off the main river channel, especially in the Brushy Branch area of Big Cedar Creek.

Northeast Georgia offers three different reservoirs for targeting crappie. Metro area anglers should look to Lake Lanier, located just 50 miles northeast of Atlanta. The upper part of the reservoir, especially the Chattahoochee River arm, Wahoo Creek and Little River are considered hot spots. Anglers should also consider the upper part of Lake Hartwell, located on the Georgia-South Carolina border near Franklin and Hart counties. The Eastanollee Creek area is considered a crappie haven. The manmade fish attractors around the upper half of Lake Nottely rank as another active location.

Several east-central area lakes offer prime crappie habitat, including Clarks Hill Lake where excellent fishing is predicted for the year, especially at Soap, Fishing, Grays and Newford creeks, and the Little River arm. On Lake Oconee, Beaverdam, Sandy, Rocky, Richland and Sugar creeks and Appalachee River arm are good target areas. At Lake Russell anglers should concentrate at Rocky River, Beaverdam, Coldwater and Allen creeks. Lakes Blalock and J.W. Smith in Clayton County offer good bank fishing opportunities near boat ramps. Areas of standing timber are key targets at Lake Blalock while J.W. Smith offers good boat fishing around the Panhandle Road Bridge, the overflow structure near the dam and the submerged pond and dam on the south side of the lake. Anglers can count on Lake Varner for good numbers of crappie and Randy Poynter Lake for larger crappie.

Wildlife Resources Division biologists recommend five areas in the west-central area of the state for crappie fishing - West Point Lake in Troup County, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Big Lazer Public Fishing Area in Talbot County, Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area in Bleckley County and Lake Sinclair just north of Milledgeville. At West Point, concentrate around fish attractors, deep water areas, mouths of creeks and bridges. Visit Bennett, Shepherd or Margery Lake at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and look for deep water and flooded timber or fish attractors. At Lake Sinclair, Beaverdam Creek provides good opportunities for early spawning due to the warmwater discharge from the steam plant. When temperatures warm, anglers should target larger islands such as Optimist, Budweiser and Goat. Sinclair bank anglers should concentrate on the riprap along Highway 441 at Little River, Beaverdam and Rooty Creek. Additionally, the riprap at Twin Bridges and Potato Creek along Highway 212 also provide good bank access. Big Lazer and Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area anglers should seek flooded timber near the creek channels and deep water.

Southwest Georgia also offers key areas for crappie. Lake Walter F. George, located on the Georgia-Alabama state line between Columbus and Ft. Gaines, provides good fishing at the mouths of Pataula Creek, Rood Creek, Sandy Branch and Sandy Creeks. On Lake Seminole, in the southwest corner of the state, anglers should fish the main river channels around Ford Scott Island, the Chattahoochee River mouth between river miles three and four, the mouth of Spring Creek and the old river channels and submersed structures. Lake Blackshear, an impoundment of the Flint River north of Albany also offers good fishing for black and white crappie. Good areas to try are Swift Creek, Collins Branch, Cedar Creek and the numerous sloughs located off the main river channel between Highway 27 and Highway 30.

For more information on crappie fishing in Georgia, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com or call a Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Management office.

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Zoo Atlanta Library Program Launches Statewide

2011-03-02T12:21:00.000-05:00

Check out the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library in Georgia

February 23, 2011 ― Georgia families can now check out free excursions to Zoo Atlanta, just by owning a library card. Announced today from the steps of the state capitol, a new partnership between Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Public Library Service allows adults with valid library cards access to the Zoo Atlanta Family Pass at any participating public library branch throughout the state of Georgia.

Launched in 2009, the program originally applied only to branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Today’s announcement marks the first time the program has been available in all 159 Georgia counties.

“As one of the state’s largest living science labs, Zoo Atlanta is a resource for all of Georgia, not just Atlanta,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “We’re proud to partner with the Georgia Public Library Service on increased access for everyone in our state.”

“This wonderful collaboration between Zoo Atlanta and Georgia’s public libraries brings a new dimension to our services,” said Dr. Lamar Veatch, Georgia’s State Librarian. “We are very pleased to play a role in bringing this Georgia treasure to all corners of our state.”

One Zoo Atlanta Family Pass is available for checkout in each participating public library. The pass may be checked out once per year, per card, per household, and is valid for two adults and up to two children. The pass is not valid for fee-based events or programs and may not be combined with other discounts or promotions. Standard general admission will apply to families with additional children; children must be accompanied by an adult.

“We are very excited about seeing this program expand not just throughout the Atlanta metro area, but throughout Georgia,” said Marcus E. Margerum, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Zoo Atlanta. “It’s an important part of our mission to extend opportunities for all Georgians, not just those living within a particular mile radius of the Zoo.”

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Yurt Village added to Pine Mountain Resort‏

2011-03-01T11:41:00.000-05:00

Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination has announced a unique addition to their property with their “Yurt Village.” The construction of three new yurts was completed last week with a few finishing touches to be made within the month. Additionally, Pine Mountain has completed renovation of their shower and restroom facilities, which are in close proximity of Yurt Village.

“We decided to build more yurts because they’re our most requested and sold out accommodation type,” said Yale Spina, Vice President of RVC Outdoor Destinations. “As seen on the Clark Howard blog, the Pine Mountain yurts offer one of the best glamping values in the market,” Spina added.

Each yurt was built with quality indoor and outdoor features for guests to enjoy. Every yurt has a fire ring and deck for outdoor activities. Indoors, guests will find attractive furnishings with a place for dining in case of inclement weather. Standard yurt features include beds with fresh linens, a tent-like design, wooden floors, advanced heating and A/C units, windows, and a skylight.

Yurts are often associated with a luxury camping experience and are a rare find in the United States. Jim Anderson, General Manager at Pine Mountain, said people “love” yurts because they “provide a fresh and fun overnight experience while eliminating all the negatives associated with camping: extreme temperatures, rain, bugs, and dirt.”

The price of nightly stay starts at $34.95 (off season) for a 16 inch yurt, sleeping four persons. Pine Mountain also has 20 inch and 24 inch size yurts, sleeping up to eight comfortably.

Yurts will also be available for rent at RVC Outdoor Destinations’ newest resort in Hot Springs, Arkansas – “Catherine’s Landing,” opening this spring.

For more information on Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination, visit www.pinemountain.rvcoutdoors.com

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Sandy Toes Goes..... to Tybee Island

2011-02-25T18:20:00.000-05:00

Hints of spring are everywhere. The days are getting longer and the trees are getting ready to burst out in their new spring coats.

Cabin fever had set in after the two months or so of cold, really cold weather and I was looking for a change of scenery. Road trip!

We packed up for a girls' weekend and set off for Savannah. The weather forecast was just perfect for late February and a nice warm sunny day was just what the toes needed.

We headed out to Tybee Island just on the outskirts of Savannah and had a great picnic on the beach. Behind us, we could see the Tybee Island Light Station.

The Tybee Island Light Station was ordered in 1732 by General James Oglethorpe, and construction began in 1736. The original lighthouse was destroyed by a storm in 1741. The Tybee Lighthouse has been rebuilt several times. Renovation of the lighthouse and its five acres which includes the Head Keepers Cottage began in 1999.

It was such a gorgeous day that we decided to climb the lighthouse. After paying for our tickets at the adorable gift shop, we started our climb. The climb is done in single file and your feet will touch 178 stairs as you wind around and around to the top.

The view is spectacular. I, for one, was thrilled to have a window to look out of at each landing as our group paused so some of us could catch our breath! The catwalk around the top of the lighthouse is not one for those who may have a little issue with heights, but it's worth the climb. Just don't look down!

Take time on your next trip to Savannah to drive the short distance out to Tybee and enjoy the scenery and tour the lighthouse.

I think I must go back soon. My only regret was I didn't have the time to check out to see if the old Sugar Shack is still on the island. Ahh, now those are some great memories.

Sandy Toes

Photos used with permission

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Asheville Moves Mountains for Atlanta

2011-02-23T21:01:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Asheville's edgy mountain culture is moving to the big city. Every day for 30 days in March, Atlantans will experience the sights, sounds and flavors of an Asheville vacation during 30 Days of Asheville. No need for Groupon—we're talking FREE events, goodies and surprises…from Asheville, with love.

30 Days of Asheville is a full month of events to tempt Atlanta travelers including free hot air balloon rides, artisan food tastings, brew tap takeovers, farm-fresh cooking classes, film screenings and a flash mob surprise from the Asheville Drum Circle.

Visit 30DaysofAsheville.com for the full calendar of events, giveaways and classes.

Daily tips and updates are available on Facebook and Twitter via @AshevilleDeals (Hashtag: #Ashlanta). Text "AVL" to 23157 to receive event information via SMS updates.

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Hay House Presents the 18th Annual Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight, April 29 - May 1, 2011

2011-02-23T14:10:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Enchanting Secret Gardens and delightful Moonlight Tours await your discovery during Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight. Recently named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, this premier home and garden event, now in its 18th year, will be hosted by Hay House April 29-May 1, 2011 in historic Macon, Georgia. Amble at your leisure through blooming private gardens in the Ridge Avenue area during the ever-popular Secret Garden Tour. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Moonlight Tour offers guests romantic garden strolls at twilight and visits to home interiors as well. During the weekend, ticket holders will receive a complimentary tour of Hay House, featuring the newly restored Dining Room.

FREE Garden Market!

Nestled among historic magnolias and camellias, the Garden Market returns to the beautiful lawn of Hay House in the heart of downtown Macon. Browse charming vendor booths for flowering plants and trees, perennials, garden and patio accessories, birdhouses, home accents, and much more!

Garden Market Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

FREE Gardening Seminars!

The 2011 Keynote Speaker is James T. Farmer, III. Traditional Home, Southern Living, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, as well as the bestselling book, The Private Gardens of Georgia, all have featured Farmer's work. Visit www.jamesfarmer.com for great ideas for spring!

April 30, 11 a.m.
From Garden to Kitchen to Table: Food and Flowers for Living

May 1, 2 p.m.:
Hydrangeas Galore! Hydrangeas for Every Day of the Year

Secret Garden Tour - $15 in advance*/$20 day of
April 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 1, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Moonlight Tour - $15
April 29, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
April 30, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

* Advance Ticket Sales April 1-28:
Riverside ACE Hardware: 3600 Riverside Drive, Macon
Wesleyan ACE Hardware: 5020 Forsyth Road, Macon
Rutland ACE Hardware: 6173 Houston Road, Macon
ACE Hardware of Gray: 243 West Clinton Street, Gray
Circle ACE Hardware: 215 S. Commercial Circle, Warner Robins
ACE Hardware of Perry: 1345 Sam Nunn Boulevard, Perry
Creter's, 2374 Ingleside Avenue, Macon
Online at www.HayHouse.org
Hay House, 934 Georgia Avenue

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Delta, Atlanta Braves Announce SkyMiles Medallion Lot at Turner Field

2011-02-23T13:48:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and the Atlanta Braves today announced the opening of the Delta SkyMiles Medallion Lot at Turner Field, making over 500 convenient parking spaces available to SkyMiles Medallion members.

The Delta-branded lot – a portion of the current Green Parking Lot – will be located directly across from the main entrance to Turner Field at the corner of Hank Aaron Drive and Ralph D. Abernathy Drive. Members show their Medallion card to gain access to the lot and pay the normal rate for parking.

"Delta has had a longstanding partnership with the Braves and all Braves fans making the addition of the SkyMiles Medallion Lot a natural extension of our efforts to provide Delta customers with superior service and amenities," said Tim Mapes, Delta Senior Vice President Marketing. "This is the latest in a long line of Delta actions reinforcing our role as Atlanta's hometown airline."

The Delta SkyMiles Medallion Lot will be available starting with the Braves scheduled exhibition games at Turner Field on March 29 and 30. Their home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies is set for 7:35 p.m. ET, Friday, April 8, 2011.

Delta is the official airline of the Atlanta Braves and provides the team's charter service. Delta and the Braves have been partners since the team moved to Atlanta in 1966.

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Delta Eliminates SkyMiles Expiration

2011-02-16T09:17:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it has eliminated the SkyMiles mileage expiration, creating a new industry-leading benefit for all members. This program change is effective for all accounts as of Jan. 1, 2011, and makes Delta the only major U.S. carrier without mileage expiration.

Previously, miles expired 24 months after a member's last qualifying mileage activity, which required a member to earn or redeem miles within that period.

"Now that our massive frequent flyer program integration is complete, we are focused on smart ways to improve the SkyMiles program for all members," said Jeff Robertson, Delta's vice president – SkyMiles. "We know how much customers value their miles, so eliminating mileage expiration is a major win for them. This is yet another benefit that sets us apart from the pack, making Delta a clear leader in loyalty program benefits."

This change is the latest of several enhancements made to the SkyMiles program in the last year including the new Diamond Medallion tier with complimentary lounge access and Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles. These features complement other recent changes such as the elimination of all award redemption fees and a free first checked bag on Delta flights for Gold, Platinum and Reserve Delta SkyMiles credit card holders from American Express.

Members can look forward to more in 2011, including significant improvements to delta.com such as an upgraded award travel calendar, improved booking process and better flight information displays. Additionally, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members can expect several new benefits when flying select alliance partner airlines – including Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Alaska Airlines.

Now in its 30th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. Last year, frequent flyers redeemed more than 264 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for more than 12 million award redemptions. In 2010, 8.3 percent of revenue miles flown on Delta were for award travel. Delta offers more ways to redeem frequent flyer miles than any other airline, including airline tickets, mileage upgrades, car rentals, hotel stays, Delta Sky Club memberships, merchandise and more than 30 types of gift cards. SkyMiles was named "Best Domestic Frequent Flyer program" for 2007 through 2010 by readers of Executive Travel magazine and "Best Frequent Flyer Program" for 2006 through 2010 by Business Traveler magazine. For more information on the SkyMiles program, Medallion status and mileage redemption options, visit delta.com/skymiles.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 357 destinations in 66 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Delta is investing more than $2 billion through 2013 in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. The rules are subject to change. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Taxes for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Alliance partner airline benefits subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each partner. Offers and benefits subject to change without notice.

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Special Olympics Georgia Has Folks Freezin' for a Reason

2011-02-11T11:42:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The coolest event to hit the Metro Atlanta area promises to bring plenty of chills and thrills Saturday, February 19th at Lake Lanier Islands Beach & Water Park in Buford, Georgia. There are more than 250 plungers registered and more than $34,000 has already been raised. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Georgia.

Plungers will brave the chilly weather and water all while wearing swimsuits or zany costumes. The Polar Plunge is 2 p.m., and the gates will open at 11 a.m. Other highlights include food, music, costume contests, a bounce house, dunking booths, Special Olympics athlete appearances and warm drinks and heaters. Also, Lake Lanier Islands Resorts is waiving the gate fee for plungers and spectators.

All you have to do is raise a "bear" minimum of $50 in pledges (or as a personal donation) to plunge. Then you also receive a commemorative Plunge Long Sleeve T-Shirt. Additional event incentives are available for those raising $150 and above.

This year's Polar Plunge is presented by Lake Lanier Islands Beach & Water Park and Star94 FM,
and is supported by Marietta Wrecker, Dutch Walters Photography, SilvAd Promotions, State Farm, Iron Sky, and Bass Pro.

It's not too late to sign up! For more information or to register, please visit www.PolarPlungeGA.com or call the Plunge Hotline at (770) 414-9390 x 115.

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AirTran Airways Extends Re-Booking Options for Customers Travelling to, From or Through Atlanta

2011-01-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: AAI), today extended re-booking options for passengers travelling to, from or through Atlanta.

While AirTran Airways flights are beginning to resume at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, delays and cancellations are still occurring.

Passengers scheduled for travel through Thursday, January 13, 2011, on AirTran Airways to, from or through Atlanta may change their reservation without penalty through Tuesday, January 18, 2011, based on space availability without fees or fare adjustments.

Due to heavy call volume at 1-800-AIRTRAN (247-8726), passengers are encouraged to manage their travel at www.airtran.com. Passengers holding reservations for travel to / from Atlanta on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, and Wednesday, January 12, 2011, should also check www.airtran.com under "Flight Status" for the real-time status of their flights.

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Titanic Museum Attraction Prepares for World-Class Ice Carving Competition

2011-01-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

Titanic will host competition between the world’s greatest ice artists on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011
World-class professional ice sculptors will compete at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge this month as part of the museum’s amazing kick-off to 2011. This unique, family-oriented special event at the World’s Largest TitanicMuseum Attraction is entirely FREE of charge.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge will host the outdoor event with a major ice carving competition on Saturday, Jan. 22 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Due to anticipated interest, visitors are advised to arrive early for the best views to watch all the ice carving action.

“This exciting one-day event will be produced by Titanic Pigeon Forge under the auspices of the National Ice Carving Association,” said John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction.

“Visitors will be invited to come to Titanic’s outdoor staging center and watch professional and amateur sculptors turn 250-pound blocks of ice into frozen works of art. Kids and parents can view sculptures in progress, talk to the artists and learn the secrets of championship ice carving from the most accomplished ice artists in the entire world.”

Professionals and amateurs will compete for prize monies ranging from $500 to $2,000. The official NICA Judging Panel will announce the competition winners and award prizes at 3 p.m.

“After watching these artists at work, people will want to stick around to see if their favorite sculptor is the big-prize winner,” Joslyn said.

Although it has been open less than a year, the Titanic Museum attraction already is recognized as one of the Great Smoky Mountain Region’s top attractions, and draws approximately 100,000 visitors each and every month.

“As we begin 2011, Titanic Pigeon Forge is locking-in exciting, seasonal events to add fresh, new excitement to the already super-charged museum attraction,” Joslyn said. “Each of our special events is carefully selected for their entertainment and educational values as well as their ability to tie into and enhance Titanic’s rich legacy.”

The TitanicMuseum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is open daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are strongly suggested (many days sell out entirely). Or, passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicpigeonforge.com or by phone at 800-381-7670.
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Delta Offers Winter Weather Travel Assistance to Customers Across U.S. Southeast, East Coast

2010-12-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is offering customers whose flight plans may be affected by winter weather expected this weekend across the U.S. Southeast and East Coast the ability to make one-time changes to their travel schedules without fees. Delta's weather advisory encourages customers to consider postponing or re-routing their travel to avoid possible inconvenience from expected flight delays.

Customers booked on Delta-ticketed flights to, from or through the following cities may immediately rebook for travel before or after their original travel dates as long as new flights are ticketed and rescheduled travel begins by Dec. 29, 2010.

* Atlanta (for travel originally booked for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 25-26)
* Baltimore (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
* Boston (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
* Newark (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
* New York City (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)
* Washington, D.C. (for travel originally booked for Sunday and Monday, Dec. 26-27)

Flight delays are possible at these airports as a result of winter weather, and Delta will proactively reduce flight schedules to minimize delays.

Delta encourages customers to make changes and manage their travel at delta.com. All customers traveling in impacted markets should check their flight status at delta.com before arriving at the airport.

Changes to origin or destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds.

Delta will continue to monitor the weather and provide the latest updates at delta.com.

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AirTran Airways Customers Affected by Winter Weather in Atlanta and Northeast May Change Travel Plans Without Penalty

2010-12-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: AAI), advises passengers that a winter weather system expected to affect the Atlanta area, as well as the northeast part of the country, could result in flight delays and/or cancellations from Christmas day through Monday, December 27, 2010.

Travel To From Atlanta

Passengers scheduled for travel to/from Atlanta on AirTran Airways between 2:00 p.m. eastern standard time (EST) on Saturday, December 25, 2010, through 12:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, December 26, 2010, may change their reservation without penalty as long as travel is completed within three days from the date of the original scheduled departure date or five days after the original scheduled departure date, based on space availability without fees or fare adjustments.

Travel To From the Northeast

Passengers scheduled for travel to/from the following cities in the northeast on Sunday, December 26, 2010 through Monday, December 27, 2010, may also change their reservation without penalty as long as travel is completed within three days from the date of the original scheduled departure date or five days after the original scheduled departure date, based on space availability without fees or fare adjustments: Allentown, Pa., Atlantic City, N.J., Baltimore/Washington, Md. (BWI), Boston, Mass., Buffalo, N.Y., Harrisburg, Pa., New York, N.Y. (LaGuardia), Philadelphia, Pa., Pittsburgh, Pa., Portland, Maine, Richmond, Va., Rochester, N.Y., Washington, D.C. (Dulles and Reagan), and White Plains, N.Y.

Passengers holding reservations for travel to/from Atlanta or affected cities in the Northeast should check www.airtran.com under "Flight Status" for updates or call 1-800-AIRTRAN (247-8726).

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Atlanta Dogwood Festival Marks 75th Anniversary and Remains the South's Favorite Springtime Tradition

2010-12-17T15:02:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Forget Paris - Atlanta is beautiful in the spring. The Southern destination is also home to one of the country's oldest fine arts festivals, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2011. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers enough fun for the entire weekend, and local hotels are on-board with special room rates in celebration of the festival's diamond anniversary.

It's an event 75 years in the making, and the 2011 Atlanta Dogwood Festival promises more excitement than ever under the blooming of the city's most beautiful trees.

AT A GLANCE

The 75th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Atlanta's beautiful Piedmont Park on April 15, 16 and 17, 2011. Festival attendance is free, although a few of the areas are ticketed. http://www.dogwood.org

TRAVEL

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival has teamed up with Hotel Palomar in Midtown to offer a festival weekend special that includes extra benefits for the arts. Guests can enjoy special pricing on a one-night or weekend stay in a City View Room. http://www.hotelpalomar-atlantamidtown.com

Additional hotel packages will be available at great local hotels. Details will be available on the festival website: http://www.dogwood.org.

ARTS

The 2011 Atlanta Dogwood Festival Artist Market welcomes fine artists from throughout the country and features all types of art from oil painting to jewelry to sculpture and textiles. There is plenty to tempt any collector!

Again this year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is particularly proud of its Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE), which is held in the Community Center at the park during the festival and highlights the variety and breadth of young Atlanta artistic talent.

GLOBAL

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival kicked off the International Village two years ago to recognize and celebrate the city's diverse international communities. With the International Stage, edutainment booths, decorated mobile art golf carts and a Friday night La Fete, the International Village has quickly become a favorite feature of the festival.

SPECTATORS

Each year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers entertainment throughout the weekend including two live music stages, a popular live disc dog show, theater productions and kid-friendly street performances.

FOR FOODIES

The "Friends of Dogwood Pavilion" is a ticketed event that has become a popular feature of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and pairs fare from top local restaurants with wines and beers in a comfortable, private setting. Tickets to Friends of Dogwood can be purchased in advance beginning in the spring at http://www.dogwood.org.

KIDS

Designed just for the younger festival visitors, the Kid's Village has become an Atlanta Dogwood Festival favorite for families. This interactive zone comes complete with hands-on art projects, special kid-friendly displays and hours of entertainment for children.

ENTRANCE

Just as it has been for the past 74 years, the 75th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is free!

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Holiday Half-Off Started December 1 at Zoo Atlanta

2010-12-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

General admission is 50% off for month of December

Jingle bells will translate to jingling pockets at Zoo Atlanta this December. Atlantans interested in treating visiting friends and family to a day at one of the city’s most popular destinations can do so at a dramatically reduced rate with the Zoo’s new monthlong Holiday Half-Off offer.

Limited-time special pricing will be as follows: adults 12 and up, $10; children 3 to 11, $7.50; seniors 55 and up, $8; college students, $8; and military, $8. Children 2 and under are free. The offer is valid for the month of December only and is not valid with any other discount, offer or promotion. Georgia state sales tax is added to all prices. Zoo Atlanta is open year-round with the exceptions of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Parking is free.

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Changes at Airport Security Checkpoints

2010-12-02T12:20:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- There are three things that are all but certain during the winter high-travel season: family gatherings, plenty of food, and strict security at the nation's airports.

To improve the safety of passengers, the federal government has introduced advanced imaging technology at some of the country's airports. These are machines designed to screen people for weapons, explosives, or other items that might present a security risk.

Here is some information to help you learn more about how this technology works, as well as tips to help you prepare for the busiest travel season of the year.

How Advanced Imaging Technology Works

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed two types of body scanners with advanced imaging technology at dozens of airports across the country. These scanners are:

* Millimeter Wave Unit: This machine uses electromagnetic waves to create a black-and-white, three-dimensional image of the passenger
* Backscatter Unit: This machine emits x-rays to create a reflection of the passenger's body

Advanced imaging technology is optional, although 99% of passengers prefer this type of screening, according to the TSA. Passengers who do not want to go through these machines can opt for a pat-down inspection by an official.

Measures to Protect the Privacy of Passengers

The officer who is assisting the traveler never sees the images produced by these machines. Instead, these images are sent to a separate room where they are evaluated. The officer helping the traveler will then receive the results of the scan via a wireless headset.

To protect the privacy of passengers:

* Faces of passengers subjected to the Millimeter Wave Unit are blurred. The Backscatter Unit blurs or modifies the entire image to preserve the anonymity of the passenger
* These machines cannot store, print, transmit or save images
* TSA officials are prohibited from entering the room where images are inspected with electronic devices such as cameras, camcorders, or cell phones

Advanced Imaging Technology Is Safe

The technology used by these machines is safe for all passengers, including children, pregnant women and people with medical implants. To compare it to other situations where individuals are exposed to radiation, TSA notes that:

* The energy generated by The Millimeter Wave Unit is thousands of times less than a cellular phone transmission
* The Backscatter Unit emits a level of radiation equivalent of two minutes of flight on an airplane

Tips For Going through Airport Security

Body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic items that a person might have hidden under his or her clothes. To move quickly through the airport security checkpoint and to avoid leaving items behind:

* Remove accessories such as wallets, belts, jewelry, keys, and cellular phones from your pocket
* Place these and other items in your carry-on bag before entering the security checkpoint

Dunham Farms to Host Magical Holiday Festival of Lights & Music

2010-11-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Dunham Farms, one of the Georgia coast's most scenic and historic destinations, presents its first-annual Holiday Festival of Lights & Music on December 4 & 11, 3:30-9:30 pm. The event features traditional country delights—hay rides and square dancing—along with sophisticated entertainment, including performances by jazz legend Ben Tucker. The festival promises something for everyone: guided tours of the property's historic buildings, model railroad displays, holiday carols, Christmas trees, delicious food and the breathtaking sight of centuries old moss-dappled oaks decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. General admission is only $10 with discounts available for students, seniors and children.

"Everyone needs an infusion of joy, music, beauty and laughter in their lives—especially in trying times," says owner Laura Devendorf, whose family has been a steward of the land that includes Dunham Farms since 1755, when it was granted to them by King George II. "Our property has a magical quality at any time of year, but this festival will be truly spectacular—a moment of pure delight to lift hearts and bring people together to see and hear and feel."

The $10 general admission fee includes access to the light show and grounds, as well as to the model railroad displays on loan from the Middle Georgia Model Railroad Club, tours of the circa 1840's Palmyra Plantation Cottage and Barn, and concerts by Savannah-based jazz legend Ben Tucker.

For an additional $2, guests can enjoy an authentic plantation-style hay ride; an additional $15 allows access to a guided house tour, where noted musician Chris Kohut will dazzle guests with a virtuoso lute performance by firelight. The hour-long house tours will explore the fascinating history and legends of the structure, built on the foundations of the original 1755 home.

At the food service area, guests can sample traditional Hoppin' John—a delicious, nutty-flavored rice-and-beans dish—made with endangered Seminole peas grown right on the property.

All proceeds from the Holiday Festival of Lights &Music benefit nearby Seabrook Village, the first African-American living history museum in the South.

For more information, visit http://www.dunhamfarms.com/holiday_festival.html or call (912) 880-4500.

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Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination, Offers “Mid-week Fantasy” Package

2010-11-16T18:36:00.000-05:00

Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination will offer a “Mid-week Fantasy” package to coincide with the Callaway Gardens “Fantasy in Lights” show. The package can be purchased from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30 for mid-week stay only.

Guests of Pine Mountain will have the benefit of obtaining access to the many amenities and features the resort has to offer, while also enjoying Callaway Gardens’ famous holiday light and sound show. RVC Outdoor Destinations has chosen to give back to the community by giving ten percent of the package proceeds to the Salvation Army.

This special holiday package is for Monday-Thursday reservations, but weekend lodging is also available for purchase. The package will include two tickets to the Fantasy in Lights show, one concrete site (Azalea) with cable and free Wi-Fi, a bundle of firewood, and two complimentary gourmet coffees in the morning. The cost of the package is $69, with a value of $85. Additional nights for the concrete sites are $40. Cabin and yurt stay is not included in the package.

Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination is only three miles from Callaway Gardens, and just one hour from Atlanta. RV and non RV guests are welcome and there are cabins available for rent starting at $80 a night. There are also furnished yurts available for stay starting at $38 a night. Along with cozy accommodations, guests can enjoy concierge service, a community lodge with a coffee, beer, and wine bar, free Wi-Fi, activities pavilion, Bark Park Off-leash area, plus more.

The “Mid-week Fantasy” package cannot be combined with other offers and reservations are required. Pine Mountain, an RVC Outdoor Destination is located at 8804 Hamilton Rd, Pine Mountain, GA 38122. For more information, please visit http://www.pinemountain..rvcoutdoors.com/. To make your “Mid-week Fantasy” reservations, call 706-663-4329.

Dahlonega to Host 2010 Capitol Christmas Tree With Grand Celebration

2010-11-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

Georgia will play a key role in one of the nation’s most cherished holiday traditions when Dahlonega hosts the Capitol Christmas Tree November 24-26, 2010 on its route from Wyoming to the west front lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Dahlonega’s connection extends further as the 75-foot tree is being transported by Jeff Underwood Trucking of Dahlonega.

To commemorate the occasion, Dahlonega is planning a two-day special celebration during the tree’s only official stop before arriving on the Capitol lawn. The public is invited to welcome the tree to Dahlonega with a Grand Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, November 24th. The event will be held on the historic square and will feature musical entertainment by Freddie Way, holiday performances, and appearances by state dignitaries. People will also have the opportunity to send their holiday wishes to the nation’s Capitol by signing a huge banner, which will decorate the truck. The town will be trimmed in full holiday dress, with twinkling lights, holiday garlands, bows and décor from one end of the square to the other, adding to the festive atmosphere. Details are available at www.Dahlonega.org.

“Last year, the tree’s arrival in Nashville prompted streets lined with well-wishers in similar fashion to the Olympic Torch Run,” said Stephen Smith, Tourism Director for the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Dahlonega and the state of Georgia to take part in one of the nation’s time-honored traditions and to see America’s most famous Christmas tree.”

The 2010 tree will be harvested from the Bridger-Teton National Forest located in Western Wyoming on November 6. The tree is set to arrive at the Capitol by November 29, 2010. People can follow the tree’s route at www.CapitolChristmasTree2010.org and check the Dahlonega Website for up to the minute notices

The tree will travel on a 115-foot long double flatbed truck. Placed on its side, it will rest in a custom cradle that supports the branches, preventing damage and maintaining the tree's perfect shape. Due to curvy roads, the truck will have to park a mile away and back all the way into Dahlonega’s town square.

A caravan of approximately 12 vehicles, including two semi-trucks, will escort the tree east, delivering not only a tree taller than a seven-story building, but nearly 10,000 handmade ornaments and 80 companion trees that will be placed in offices throughout the Capitol Complex. The 2010 Capitol Christmas Tree will travel more than 3,000 miles during its three-week journey.

Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas
The Capitol Christmas Tree’s arrival will kick-off Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas, a month-long celebration that begins on Friday, November 26, 2010 with the Lighting of the Square. Santa will arrive in a real home-town parade on Saturday, December 4th. Plenty of other festive holiday events will continue almost daily throughout December and will include caroling, entertainment, wine sampling, and live theater Christmas events.

Sleigh Bell Tour
During December, Dahlonega comes alive with numerous holiday celebrations and events. One of the most popular is the Sleigh Bell Tour, a self-guided driving tour of Dahlonega’s bed and breakfast inns. This year’s participants include Lily Creek Lodge, Mountain Top Lodge, The Historic Worley B&B Inn, Top of the Square B&B, Long Mountain Lodge, Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa, and Dahlonega Spa Resort. Each is decorated with a unique holiday theme and will feature holiday music and refreshments. The inns are located around the historic square as well as right outside of town. The tour will take place on December 12 from 1-6 p.m. and will cost $12. For more information on the participating inns, please visit www.innsofdahlonega.com.

Additional information on Dahlonega’s Old Fashioned Christmas can be found at www.Dahlonega.org or by calling 800.231.5543

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Fantasy in Lights Offers 8 Million Lights at Callaway Gardens for its 19th Year

2010-11-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

This holiday season marks the 19th Annual Fantasy in Lights® -- named one of the top 48 events in the world by Chicago Tribune -- at Callaway Gardens, a 13,000-acre destination south of Atlanta. Fantasy in Lights features 8 million lights stretching more than five miles, creating 14 larger-than-life holiday scenes. As the most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the South, Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens sets Pine Mountain, Ga., ablaze from November 19 through December 30, 2010. Ticket prices range from $16 to $22 for adults and $8 to $11 for children, with children five and younger always admitted for free.

Visitors experience the light and sound extravaganza on the “Jolly Trolley” or by driving through the lighted scenes in their personal vehicle. The sparkling, animated displays include Snowflake Valley, a winter wonderland filled with enormous snowflakes and thousands of white lights; Magical Christmas Garden with a 24-foot wreath entrance; and Santa’s Workshop, showcasing animated lighted versions of Santa’s elves busy making all the toys for the big night. Be sure to see the two scenes on Robin Lake Beach that are both narrated, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Nativity. They each last about 10 minutes.

Ninety-nine percent of the frames used to create the scenes in Fantasy in Lights are custom designed and built just for Callaway Gardens, taking 3,900 man-hours to install. With a mission of connecting man and nature, every kilowatt of power used to light up Fantasy In Lights is compensated with “green” power as Callaway Gardens recently became the first resort in the Southeast to offset 100 percent of its electricity use by purchasing wind power credits.

Families experience the Christmas Village, an indoor magical Christmas wonderland shopping with opportunities to visit Santa Claus and other holiday characters. Inside the Village, guests have the opportunity to shop for specialty food items from the Callaway Gardens Country Store®, unique gifts, nostalgic toys from simpler times and an assortment of holiday ornaments. An array of Georgia crafters are on hand making and selling their wares.

The American Bus Association has once again selected Fantasy In Lights at Callaway Gardens as a “Top 100 Events in North America” for 2011. Fantasy In Lights also has been recognized numerous times by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast and by America’s Best and Top Ten as one of the Top Three Light Shows in America.

For those interested in exploring the entire destination, Callaway Gardens offers a Fantasy In Lights overnight package that starts at $159* per night in the Mountain Creek Inn and includes:

• Fantasy In Lights admission
• Accommodations
• Special Jolly Trolley loading area dedicated for overnight guests
• Fantasy In Lights commemorative ornament
• Breakfast for two
• Admission to the world-class Gardens and its many attractions

This package also is available in the Southern Pine Cottages, Mountain Creek Villas the Lodge and Spa.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. To experience nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

To experience the most spectacular holiday light and show in the South, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

*Rate is per night based on double occupancy in the Mountain Creek Inn. Based on availability. Some restrictions apply. Not applicable to groups.

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Enjoy "Nature Naturally" Weekend November 12-14

2010-10-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

Looking to do something more than walk through the woods when enjoying nature? Join us November 12-14, 2010, for a family-friendly weekend of outdoor activities and learn how to enjoy Nature Naturally at Callaway Gardens!

Here’s your chance to try something new and different – or just give you time to enjoy some outdoor activities that are on your list of favorites. Experts will be on hand to give tips on how get the most of being outdoors and even give you some new reasons to get out and explore nature. What better place than Callaway Gardens to practice your nature photography; learn how to geocache, a high-tech scavenger hunt; kayak; canoe; and stargaze.

Friday, November 12, 2010

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Welcome Cookout

Saturday, November 13, 2010

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Photography for Nature Lovers*

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own)

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Geocaching: A High-tech Scavenger Hunt*

2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Kayaking/Canoeing on Mountain Creek Lake*

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Astronomy Program with the Columbus State University Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Sunday, November 14, 2010

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mountain Creek Lake Hike

10:30 a.m. and Beyond Enjoy Callaway Gardens

*Program times will vary. Confirmation will give participant’s specific program times.

The entire weekend is only $150* per person and includes accommodations at the Mountain Creek Inn, the complete list of activities, a Friday evening cookout and a Saturday evening dinner.

Reserve the Nature Naturally Outdoor Weekend package at www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292). Based on availability, some restrictions apply.

Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. To experience nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

*Rate is based on double occupancy and availability. Some restrictions may apply. Tax is additional.

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Enjoy Local Nature With Your Family

2010-10-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

(StatePoint) Year round, more families are taking to the great outdoors for fun activities. Whether for economic reasons or a desire to unplug from the world of computers and video games, parents are increasingly turning to local parks, wildlife outings and outdoor sports.

While children are born with a curiosity about the natural world, more and more, digital media is absorbing young peoples' time, say experts. In fact, research from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates kids are absorbing more than seven hours of media content daily.

"We need to capitalize on the latest digital trends to help us spark a curiosity among students in outdoor activities," says Mary Rollins, vice president of educational partnerships of Discovery Education.

Parents who want to encourage natural curiosity need to stimulate children's interest at an early age. Exploring nature can be done inexpensively and close to home.

Local Wonders

One of the great beauties of America is its geographical diversity: from mountains to lakes, deserts to waterfalls, and canyons to plains. State parks abound with diverse wonders and offer many activities for youngsters, such as boating, fishing and camping. You can search locations online at ExploreTheBlue.com, TakeMeFishing.org, or nps.gov.

"Parents and teachers need to stimulate children's natural interest in the outdoors and lead by example. Simply getting outside together to explore can inspire a new generation of boaters and anglers," says Frank Peterson, President and CEO of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

Actively Involve Kids

Once you get kids outdoors, here are some ways to stimulate curiosity:

* Let them lead. You may be tempted to lead explorations of the woods, but children are more likely to enjoy the outdoors if they have some say in their experience. Whether for exercise or quiet reflection, let them choose and develop their own relationship to nature.

* Create maps. Have kids create a map of your outdoor excursion area and track where you go and what you see along the way to compare different habitats within an ecosystem.

* Enter contests together that encourage outdoor activities. For example, TakeMeFishing.org and Discovery Education have launched a digital program called "Explore the Blue" and an essay contest for elementary schoolchildren. Kids need to write a short essay describing their favorite fishing or boating experience and submit a picture or photo for a chance to win a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park and a $250 gift card.

* Encourage kids to draw or write about what they see in a journal. Or create a scrapbook to categorize your adventures on land or water, and have children research their floral and animal spotting.

* Build boats. Create model boats using different materials, then test them out on the water for a fun activity that will teach the basics of buoyancy, water displacement, surface area and boat design.

For more information on the contest and ideas for fun outdoor activities for kids, visit ExploreTheBlue.com.

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Dinosaurs Return from Extinction at MNS

2010-10-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- They move. They roar. And some of them have feathers! The creatures of Dinosaurs Unearthed recreate the Jurassic period as never before. The landmark exhibit runs at Dallas' Museum of Nature & Science from October 21 until May 1, 2011.

" Dinosaurs Unearthed is the perfect blend of entertainment and education," says Paul Vinson, Director of Exhibits at MNS. "You'll learn so much about these fascinating animals. It's an exhilarating experience for kids of all ages!"

These dinosaurs not only move and roar on their own, but visitors also have the opportunity to control the actions of certain models. Along with such well-known dinosaurs as Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Stegosaurus, Dinosaurs Unearthed is the first exhibit in the world to feature a feathered dinosaur.

"The feathered T. rex is a fairly recent discovery," says Dr. Tony Fiorillo, Curator of Earth Sciences for the Museum of Nature & Science. "We've learned from recent fossil impressions that several of the carnivorous dinosaurs had feathers."

More than a dozen dinosaur species are represented in the 5,000 square-foot exhibit. Among the life-size, robotic models are nine full-size replicas, five "juvenile" models, three skeletons and twenty different fossils. Visitors will be able to "excavate" realistic fossil specimens in a dig pit and learn more about the extinct creatures through interactive kiosk displays and in-gallery activities.

Admission to Dinosaurs Unearthed includes access to all MNS exhibits and buildings. MNS members receive a reduced rate. Dinosaurs Unearthed admission is $15 for adults (18-61); $14 for seniors (62+) and students (12-17); $12 for children (2-11). Admission for MNS members of all ages is $3. Children under 2 are admitted free. Tickets for Dinosaurs Unearthed are currently available online or at any MNS box office during regular Museum hours.

Dinosaurs Unearthed will be on display in the MNS Science Building at 1318 S. 2nd Avenue in Fair Park from October 21, 2010 through May 1, 2011. Museum hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.

Further information is available by calling 214-428-5555 or visiting www.natureandscience.org.

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American Bus Association Names Two Callaway Gardens Events as North America's 100 Best Events for 2011

2010-10-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced earlier this month that Callaway Gardens’ Chrysanthemum Festival and the 20th annual Fantasy In Lights®, have been designated as two of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2011 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that the Chrysanthemum Festival and Fantasy In Lights both offer excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.

During Chrysanthemum season, October and early-November, more than 10,000 mums of all sizes, shapes and hues provide beautiful splashes of color to Callaway Gardens’ seasonally changing landscape. A special highlight that come into color in early November are the beautiful plantings of carefully trained cascading mums.

Fantasy In Lights, the most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the South adds drama to the Gardens each evening from mid-November through December with more than eight million lights creating a Winter wonderland. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2011, the ride-through Fantasy In Lights has become a holiday tradition for many.

“We are honored to be recognized by ABA,” said John McKinney, motorcoach sales manager for Callaway Gardens. “Having worked with motorcoach groups for more than 20 years here at Callaway Gardens, I can tell you that motorcoach groups really enjoy the ability to come to one destination and enjoy a day experience and then, with Fantasy In Lights, a night experience. Seeing the azaleas in the Spring, the mums in the Fall and, of course, Fantasy In Lights is a big draw for groups.”

With the release of the American Bus Association's 2011 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 29 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of the Chrysanthemum Festival and Fantasy In Lights as don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Callaway Gardens," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that the Chrysanthemum Festival and Fantasy In Lights have been recognized as potential magnets for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Callaway Gardens an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That's why the Chrysanthemum Festival and Fantasy In Lights are truly local economic assets. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

ABA's 2011 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Chrysanthemum Festival and Fantasy In Lights from among a record number of more than 650 event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org/top100.

Tour group operators are invited to contact John McKinney, Callaway Gardens Motorcoach Sales Manager, at 1-800-543-7121 ext. 5135, 706-663-5135 or jmckinney@callawaygardens.com.

Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. To experience nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

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26th Running of the Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens® Set for November 6

2010-10-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

Horses will take center stage at Callaway Gardens® once again for the thrills, chills and thoroughbred majesty of one of the world’s oldest and most exciting sports – steeplechasing. Set for Saturday, November 6, The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens is one of 36 stops on a 12-state tour that includes some of the country’s finest tracks and top steeplechase jockeys.

One of the Nation’s Top Steeplechase Events

Steeplechasing, which primarily features horses converted from flat racing, allows spectators to see these horses at their athletic best as they jump over 52” high hurdles at premium speeds.

The 2 3/8-mile course at Callaway Gardens long has been considered one of the most beautiful steeplechase sites in the United States. The 200-acre site is cradled in hardwoods and statuesque Georgia pines with rolling hills overlooking Pine Mountain Ridge. The scenery is punctuated with striking colors of the changing leaves. It is a wonderful setting for a day in the country. A 20’ x 27’ video screen allows Terrace and Guarantor patrons to follow the action all the way around the track, including the start, back stretch and finish.

The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens includes six main races with a total purse of $160,000. These races are the W.C. Bradley Maiden Timber; The Collie Jennings Mullin Amateur Hurdle sponsored by CB&T; AFLAC Championship Supreme Hurdle; Crown Royal Sport of Queens Stakes; Suntrust Highweight Hurdle; and the Skanska Flat Race. Prior to the main race action, the event features the Maxine Strupe Perpetual Pony Race and the V’roooom Technology Inc. Junior Hunter Race.

Once again this year, the fun will extend beyond the track with a series of family activities and special events. The Infield will come alive throughout the day with entertainment ranging from annual Jack Russell Terrier races to stick pony races permitting children to dash down the track to claim prizes while experiencing the thrill of the ‘chase.’ In addition, there will be a hat contest and tailgate competition both with a variety of categories. Also for children is a Kids Corral providing many fun activities for children under the age of 10 such as inflatable slides, popcorn and cotton candy. Kids Corral wristbands are only $20.

New for the 2010 Steeplechase

The 2010 race director is Kate McGrory. New to Columbus several years ago, McGrory is an avid horsewoman who for the past three years has volunteered with the Steeplechase serving in Race Operations and hospitality for Owners and Trainers.

McGrory introduces a new venue combining two southern traditions, barbeque and college football, in one large tent. For $25 patrons can enjoy an upscale BBQ lunch while keeping up with football games and scores broadcast on large-screen TVs. Complimentary beers and wines will be served. BBQ and Ballgames replaces Galloping Gourmets. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling the Steeplechase office at 760-324-6252. A limited number of tickets are available.

Also new this year is a designated area to “bring your own tent” at the Start on the Rail. Previously, individual tents were not permitted. However, the Steeplechase committee decided to test this idea suggested by a patron. Reserve the space, which includes six tickets and one parking pass, and drive your car right up to the spot and unload your own tent, chairs and picnic.

Supporting the Arts

The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens is more than a day at the races. Race Chairman Mason Lampton was the visionary who combined his love of steeplechasing with the community’s needs. “Our mission has always been to financially support the arts in our community using the Steeplechase as a vehicle to do so,” said Lampton. “This has proven to be a positive experience for everyone, both by adding a sporting event which is entertaining for all ages and so far has allowed us to contribute a total of $2.7 million to the arts in this region.” Beneficiaries include The Columbus Museum, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, The Historic Columbus Foundation, The Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and The Springer Opera House. An additional partnership with Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine is made possible through the proceeds.

Infield tickets are $25 per person. Box seats range from $325 for six to $500 for six. Tent packages begin at $800 for six and are available for entertaining larger families or corporate guests. Reserved Rail Packages in the Infield are $270 for six. Tickets can be purchased online at www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org; by calling 706-324-6252; and at the front desks of Callaway Gardens’ Lodge and Spa and Mountain Creek Inn beginning Saturday, October 9th. Same-day tickets will be available at the gate on Nelson Road off of Ga. Hwy. 18.

The easiest way to enjoy Steeplechase is to stay at one of Callaway Gardens’ many choices of accommodations. A variety of Steeplechase overnight packages are available that include tickets to Steeplechase, overnight accommodations, a Saturday breakfast, a Sunday champagne brunch, admission to Callaway Gardens and use of a fitness center. To reserve your overnight package, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292).

The entrance to Steeplechase is begins at the intersection of Ga. Hwy. 18 and Nelson Road. Gates open at 10 a.m. Entertainment in the infield begins at 10:30 a.m. and Post Time is 12 p.m. A race day schedule is available online.

For more information about The Steeplechase at Callaway Gardens, call 706-324-6252 or visit www.steeplechaseatcallaway.org.

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Time to gather the apples

2010-10-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

The stifling heat of summer is gone. Autumn is here, and so is Georgia apple pickin’ time. But apples can’t be found growing everywhere in the state. To get them, a drive to the north Georgia mountains must be made.

The apple capitol of Georgia, Gilmer County, is in its peak of the season. And the best picking time is right now, and this year’s harvest is looking especially strong.

“This year has been a really good year for the growers,” said Michael Wheeler, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent in Gilmer County. “Some of the harvest came in early because of the heat, but overall the quality and quantity looks very good.”

Only a couple of orchards distribute their apples to stores, and those stores are in north Georgia. Some growers sell apples in bulk at wholesale prices to consumers from other areas in the state. The rest of apples, about 90 percent, can only be purchased from roadside stands or directly from the orchards.

The apples sold in north Georgia are all local to the area. Wheeler says there is little shipping involved in their distribution, and consumers know where the product is coming from.

North Georgia allows for a wide variety of apples, which are sweeter and fare far better in comparison to those found in the grocery store, he said.

“The apples hang on the tree until they are harvested and taken straight to the stands. The apples are able to mature on the tree until they are just perfect,” said Wheeler.

Another great aspect of getting the freshest apples around is the mountain life experiences.
Agritourism in northeast Georgia keeps visitors plenty busy. There are plenty of camping grounds, hiking trails, sight seeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting and the beautiful mountain landscape full of orange and red leaves.

“The number of visitors increases significantly with the weather as well,” he said. “A break from the heat gives sunny, cool days that are perfect to be outside in.”

The weather couldn’t come at a better time, either. The main event of apple season in Gilmer County is the annual Georgia Apple Festival, which will be this weekend and again Oct. 16-17 this year.
Activities will include shopping, crafts, petting farms, pig races, pumpkin patches and, of course, apple bobbing and apple products galore.

“We are anticipating a good crowd because of the weather during the first weekend of the apple festival,” Wheeler said.

Throughout harvest, not just during festival times, most orchards in Gilmer County allow visitors to tour orchards, pick their own apples and take them home, he said.

For more information on the Apple Festival, visit the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce website at www.gilmerchamber.com.

By Sarah Lewis
UGA

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MidTown Bike Around October 17

2010-10-11T11:37:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: The Georgia Front Page Day Tripper Pick for this weekend is the Columbus MidTown Bike Around. After all, Columbus is such a beautiful spot in our great state.

Join MidTown, Inc., the River Valley Regional Commission, and Historic Columbus Foundation for the MidTown Bike Around, Sunday, October 17, 2010. Meet in the parking lot of Dinglewood Park (across from Locos Grill and Pub, 1358 13th Street). Enjoy a fall afternoon of laid-back cycling while you take in the sites of MidTown's historic districts.

Learn about Columbus' 19th- and early 20th-century history while biking past antebellum estates and along tree-lined streets through neighborhoods of 1920s bungalows. The 9.3-mile ride will begin and end at Dinglewood Park with a stop at an energizing station at the MidTown, Inc. headquarters on Wildwood Avenue. The ride will end at Locos Grill and Pub for a reception with complimentary appetizers.

There will be two rides: the first will depart at 1:00 p.m. and will include brief stops at historic houses along the way; the second ride will depart at 2:30 p.m. to ride through the route, stopping only at the MidTown energizing station.

Registration is $10 and the deadline is October 13, 2010. Register early; space is limited. For more information or registration, e-mail leslieanne@midtowncolumbusga.org; please include your t-shirt size, whether you will be renting a bicycle, and if you are registering for the 1:00 historic tour or the 2:30 ride. Both tours will meet at about the same time at the Locos Grill and Pub reception.

Bicycle rental will be available for an additional $10 courtesy of Ride on Bikes and there will be giveaways for all participants courtesy of MidTown, Inc. and the RVRC.

The MidTown Bike Around is designed for cyclists of all levels and will be escorted by the Columbus Police Department Bicycle Unit. Helmets are required for all participants; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

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Go Fish Education Center Opens in Perry

2010-10-08T12:48:00.000-05:00

Gov. Sonny Perdue, along with local community leaders, cut the celebratory ribbon at the official dedication of the Go Fish Education Center October 7 in Perry. Developed as part of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative, the Center, which opens to the public on Friday, Oct. 8, will promote better water stewardship and increased fishing participation around the state.

“The Go Fish Georgia Initiative will allow us to improve our fishing resources and boat access, drawing not only more tourists but also major fishing tournaments that will have a positive economic impact in communities across Georgia,” said Gov. Perdue. “It also promotes conservation and encourages families to spend time together outdoors, making memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Go Fish Education Center features an interactive and educational journey through Georgia’s diverse watersheds. It also serves as a great resource of fishing information for any level of angler, with tips on where to go, what gear to use and when to fish. With 76 species of fish on display in tanks and ponds, the Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Georgia’s aquatic wildlife and habitats. Boating and fishing simulators let visitors test their skills on the water. And a state-of-the-art fish hatchery offers a look at the science of fisheries management. The hatchery will expand research and increase fish production to improve the quality of fishing in Georgia.

The Center also will offer educational programs to school systems and to the public, including kids fishing events, on-site classroom programs and teacher development sessions. Classroom and educational programs are aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards.

“Whether you are new to fishing, mentoring a young angler or are a seasoned professional, you will find exhibits here that educate, excite and encourage you to get outdoors and go fish,” said Chris Clark, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.

The Center is part of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative, a $30 million initiative that leverages $19 million in state bond financing with private donations and financial support from local communities. It includes development and improvements of mega-ramps and other access areas that improve the quality of fishing throughout Georgia and increases participation in fishing through active promotion and marketing of Georgia’s exceptional fishing resources.

Construction of the Center began in 2008 and was completed in September 2010. The Go Fish Education Center is part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (Fisheries Management Section).

The Center is located next to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry. The Center will maintain special hours Oct. 8-17, 2010, during the Fair: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-9 p.m. Sunday. Standard hours post-fair will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

Fees are as follows: Adults - $5, Seniors 65 and up - $4, Children 3-12 - $3; Children 2 and under - free.

For more information, visit www.gofisheducationcenter.com or call (478) 988-7187.

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Celebrate Skidaway Marine Science Day with UGA Marine Extension on Saturday, Oct. 16

2010-10-08T12:43:00.000-05:00

The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service invites adults and children to an afternoon of marine science programs, displays, tours and hands-on activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day 2010 on Saturday, Oct. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. on Skidaway Island.

Skidaway Marine Science Day will feature an open house of the Skidaway Island campus with activities, primarily related to marine science, for all ages from young children to adults. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

The event will be presented by the campus’s marine research and education organizations, including the University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium and the UGA Shellfish Research Laboratory, both part of the university’s Marine Extension Service, as well as the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary and WSVH Georgia Public Radio.

The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium will be open with no admission fee. In addition, the aquarium education staff will offer visitors a full afternoon of activities including science talks, a reptile show, boat tours, touch tanks, and behind-the-scene tours of the aquarium. The Savannah Blood Alliance will be on-site and will make donations to the aquarium for each blood donor. FM radio WZAT 102.1 will be broadcasting the event, live.

The UGA Shellfish Laboratory will provide visitors with displays and information on marine life on the Georgia Coast. Children will be given the opportunity to help protect the marine environment by bagging oyster shells used for oyster reef restoration projects.

The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will offer a variety of activities for adults and children, including tours of the Research Vessel Savannah and smaller research vessels; science displays and talks on current research programs; and hands-on science activities.

The staff of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will set up their remotely-operated-vehicle in a swimming pool and teach visitors how to drive it and pick up objects from the bottom of the pool.

WSVH Georgia Public Radio will be open for visitors.

Another activity at this year’s Skidaway Marine Science Day will be a high-tech treasure hunt dubbed “Skiocache.” The event is modeled after the increasingly popular “geocache” activities in which treasure hunters use GPS devices to track down the locations of hidden prizes. Using their own GPS devices, they will track down the various piles of hidden loot. Participants without a GPS device will still be able to participate and will receive a different set of clues.

Skidaway Institute professor Bill Savidge will present a special program aimed at parents and students involved in science fair projects. The program, “How to prepare a successful science fair project,” will be presented twice, at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the McGowan Library Auditorium.

For the second year in a row, Skidaway Marine Science Day will also be open to non-campus scientific and environmental groups. Organizations such as the Georgia Conservancy and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center will be on-hand to present information, displays and activities.

School classes or other large groups wishing to attend Skidaway Marine Science Day can be accommodated only through advance arrangements. For additional information, call 912/598-2338.

All activities at Skidaway Marine Science Day will be free. For additional information, call 912/598-2338, or see www.marex.uga.edu/aquarium.

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Pumpkins and Cowboys Set for October 9 at the Rock Ranch

2010-10-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

The Official Georgia Day of The Cowboy at The Rock Ranch

This Saturday, The Rock Ranch will host The Official Georgia Day of the Cowboy, as proclaimed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. On Saturday, October 9, The Rock Ranch will pay tribute to the cowboy way with a wide variety of cowboy and western themed entertainment. Guests will enjoy shows by Los Pistoleros, a group of cowboy actors who will rob the train and engage in gun fights. There will be mounted drill teams, quick draw demonstrations, a trick horse, calf roping and other rodeo exhibitions.

The day will feature live music including a concert by rising country singer, Catherine Kimbro and a stage full of performances provided by The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. There will be vendors selling western wear, a Native American station and exhibit from the Atlanta Black Cowboy Museum and a real chuck wagon cooking chili. Also, guests will enjoy participating in the cowboy costume contest. Cash, prizes and trophies will be awarded to those who look the part of “cowboy” or “cowgirl.”

It is also Home School Appreciation Day (all homeschoolers and their parents receive half off the price of admission with proof of home school status). This week marks the opening of The Pumpkin Patch at The Rock Ranch. Hundreds of pumpkins just arrived and will go on sale this Saturday. Families may pick the perfect pumpkin.

Admission is $14 for adults and children (age 3 and under - free). Discount coupons are available at
Chick-fil-A locations through November (while supplies last) and every day is Military Family Appreciation Day – ½ price with a military ID. Guests may also choose to contact the ranch and reserve a camp-fire picnic site for their group during a Fall Family Fun Day. Camp-fire sites are $45 for all day and, with a reserved picnic area, groups are allowed special privileges.

Every Weekend features a unique theme plus standard attractions. The Rock Ranch attractions include: locomotive train rides, pony rides, hay wagon rides, paddle boats, pedal carts, a pumpkin cannon, corn cannons, a corn maze, a petting zoo, “Tiny Town” children’s playhouse village, a giant jumping pillow, an antique tractor museum, cane pole fishing, a corn box, slide hill, children’s John Deere gators, live music, great food, a pumpkin patch, a gift shop and much more. Themed weekends include Hot Air Balloon Rally (Oct 16), Growing Up Green with Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales (Oct 23), The “Not So Spooky” Halloween Fest (Oct 30), Pumpkin Destruction Day (Nov 6) and Experience Nature at The Rock Ranch (Nov 13).

“The goal at The Rock Ranch is to create an opportunity for families to spend quality time together and provide educational and entertaining programs that create positive life memories,” said Jeff Manley, general manager of The Rock Ranch, LLC. The Rock Ranch is a 1,250-acre cattle ranch owned by Chick-fil-A® Founder, S. Truett Cathy.

For more information including driving directions, visit www.TheRockRanch.com or contact The Rock Ranch at 706-647-6374.

Source and photo credit: Rock Ranch

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Atlanta Airport Dancing Flash Mob- Get Connected

2010-10-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

Typically, we don't put spots in for hotels, but we've made an exception for this video. Play it, sing it, and then, come play in Atlanta.

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Waterways And Local Parks Provide Family Fun

2010-09-30T08:24:00.000-05:00

Leaf Watch 2010

2010-09-22T08:40:00.000-05:00

Park Rangers Anticipate a Vibrant Autumn:
Website Highlights Best Leaf Color in Georgia’s State Parks

For many people, the perfect autumn weekend includes cozy campfires, gooey s’mores and fiery-hued forests. To help leaf peepers plan their fall escapes, Georgia’s state parks will soon launch “Leaf Watch 2010” in partnership with Georgia Forestry Commission to track fall color as it moves across the Peach State and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether heading north for hiking and waterfalls or south for canoeing and camping, “Leaf Watch 2010” offers advice on where to find the best color at Georgia’s state parks. Found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org throughout October and November, travelers can get updates on fall color, learn safe hiking tips, and make reservations for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks. New this year is a partnership with Georgia Forestry Commission and a webcam at Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton, Ga. Expert foresters will advise travelers about overall color, specific tree species and even the weather’s effect on leaf watching. The webcam will provide a glimpse of color progressing across the Blue Ridge Mountains.

"Fortunately, there are no 'bad' years for fall foliage in Georgia," said Ken Masten, Gainesville District Manager for the Georgia Forestry Commission. "With moderating temperatures and sufficient rainfall in the next weeks, sunny and cool fall days should set the stage for the best showing of autumn color." Typically, Georgia’s mountain parks peak in late October; however, color can be seen as early as September and throughout much of November. Some of the most popular parks for leaf watching include Amicalola Falls, Black Rock Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, Fort Mountain, Moccasin Creek, Smithgall Woods, Tallulah Gorge, Unicoi and Vogel.

Since some of these parks are crowded on the prettiest weekends, visitors may want to explore lesser-known parks, which can be vibrant. Providence Canyon State Park, also called Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon, has hiking trails that highlight sweetgums and sassafras. Hardwoods and mossy rock gardens can be found on the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in near Columbus. “We are excited to partner with Georgia Forestry Commission this year,” said Georgia State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “They can offer expertise on the most colorful trees in Georgia, and we can provide easy ways for visitors to get out and enjoy this beautiful season.”

Park officials advise visitors to make overnight reservations as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for mountain cottages and yurts to be reserved nearly a year in advance, and many campgrounds fill up on pretty weekends. Amicalola Falls and Unicoi state parks offer hotel-style lodges with restaurants. To make a reservation, call 1-800-864-7275 or log onto www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

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Train Excursions: Day Trips To Roanoke, Va. and Asheville, N.C. Scheduled for October 30 and 31

2010-09-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

The N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation and the Watauga Valley Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society will host day trip train excursions to Roanoke, Va. October 30 and Asheville, N.C. October 31. These excursions, now in their fourth year, allow travelers to see beautiful fall foliage, experience a great destination and enjoy the romance of riding the rails.

The N.C. Transportation Museum and Watauga Valley NRHS revived fall excursions in 2007, offering trips to Charlottesville, Va. Sell out crowds and satisfied passengers made those excursions incredibly popular. Last year’s addition of Asheville, N.C. as a destination created an even greater demand for tickets. The trips sold out in record time, with dome car tickets selling out in mere minutes.

This year, the “Virginia Autumn Special” will travel to Roanoke, Va. Saturday, Oct. 30. The “Blue Ridge Special” will travel to Asheville, N.C. Sunday, Oct. 31. More dome car tickets have been added but the demand is expected to be just as strong as years past.

Departing Spencer at 7 a.m., Saturday’s Virginia Autumn Special” will offer additional passenger pick-up at the Greensboro Amtrak Station at 8 a.m., allowing those in the Triad a more convenient boarding opportunity. The train will travel through the northern portion of the North Carolina Piedmont, including the cities of High Point and Reidsville before crossing into Virginia. The western part of central Virginia offers spectacular views of the fall foliage, crossing the Dan and Roanoke Rivers. Moving onto the old Virginian Railway line, passengers will travel westward, passing through several tunnels and enjoying the rolling Virginia countryside.

The train will arrive in Roanoke, the “Star City of the South,” at noon. Passengers will have nearly three hours to enjoy the attractions offered. Downtown Roanoke offers an array of dining experiences, shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

Passengers will depart the train at the old Norfolk and Western Passenger Station, home of the O. Winston Link museum. The museum offers a grand photographic and auditory history of 1950’s steam engine locomotive history. Advance tickets to the museum are available to excursion passengers at the discounted group rate of $4 per person.

Meals will also be available at the famous nearby Hotel Roanoke

The nearby Taubman Museum of Art features a permanent collection of 19th and early 20th Century American art, while the Historic Roanoke City Market has fresh food and handmade crafts.

Passengers can also take a drink from the historic Dogmouth Fountain, constructed in 1898. Legend says those drinking from the fountain will always return to Roanoke.

Departing Roanoke at 3 p.m., the train will arrive back in Greensboro at 6:45 p.m. and Spencer at 8 p.m.

During Sunday’s trip, the “Blue Ridge Special” will travel through the western Piedmont into the foothills and on to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Departing Spencer at 7 a.m., the train will roll through the cities of Statesville, Hickory, Morganton, Marion, Black Mountain and Swannanoa. The train will climb the famed "loops" of the Blue Ridge Mountains and pass through several tunnels before arriving in Asheville at noon. Passengers will have nearly three hours for an outing at Biltmore Village.

Established in the late 1890s as a planned community near the entrance of the Biltmore estate, Biltmore Village stands near the entrance to Biltmore Estate. Shopping will be available in unique, locally-owned boutiques. Passengers can dine in restaurants and take walks along brick sidewalks that parallel tree lined streets. All of this will be enjoyed alongside spectacular views of the North Carolina mountains.

Departing Asheville at 3 p.m., the “Blue Ridge Special” will return to Spencer at 8 p.m.

Dome Tickets offer the best views of passing scenery with two levels. Windows stretch across the walls and ceiling on the second level, providing a panoramic view of the entire ride. Dome tickets are available for $280 per person.

Premium First Class fare includes continental breakfast and newspapers on the journey to both Roanoke and Asheville, plus dinner on the return trip served in vintage lounge and dining cars. Premium First Class tickets are available for $245 per person.

Deluxe Coach Class tickets feature spacious seating with large windows, lunch on the dining car and light snacks during the trip. Deluxe Coach tickets are $175 per person.

Coach seating, featuring wide windows, adjustable seats and convenient access to the commissary car, are also available for $145 per person. All cars feature air conditioning, heat and rest rooms.

For those wishing to eat on the train to provide more time for sightseeing, an optional box lunch will be offered. The $14 meal, served in a souvenir lunch tote, includes include a half turkey wrap, pasta, chips & salsa, a cookie and drink.

Tickets will be available online at www.nctrans.org or by calling 704-636-2889 ext. 232. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24.

The N.C. Transportation Museum, located in historic Spencer Shops, the former Southern Railway repair facility is located just five minutes off I-85 at Exit 79 in Spencer, N.C., and about an hour from Charlotte, Greensboro or Winston-Salem. The museum is part of the Division of Historic Sites and the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency with the mission to enrich lives and communities and the vision to harness the state’s cultural resources to build North Carolina’s social, cultural and economic future. Visit www.nctrans.org for more information. For information on the Watauga Valley Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, visit www.wataugavalleynrhs.org.
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Allegiant Announces Nonstop, Low-cost Jet Service Between Savannah and Fort Lauderdale With Introductory $29.99* Fares

2010-09-14T17:55:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant (NASDAQ:ALGT) today announced new, nonstop jet service between Savannah, Ga., and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will begin Nov. 18. The company, known for its exceptional travel deals, will introduce the new service to the greater Savannah and Hilton Head Island areas with fares as low as $29.99* one-way.

"We're pleased to bring an affordable and convenient travel option to Savannah," Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant Travel Company President, said. "We are confident the residents of greater Savannah and the Hilton Head Island areas will appreciate the value of flying nonstop to Fort Lauderdale and the great deals we offer on hotels and car rentals. We look forward to a very successful partnership with the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and community officials."

"We are excited to add Allegiant as our newest airline partner," Patrick Graham, Executive Director of the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, said. "Passengers from Savannah, Hilton Head Island and the surrounding Low Country will now have nonstop access to Fort Lauderdale's many attractions as well as its maritime businesses. Our customers will once again benefit from low-cost airfares as well as Allegiant's affordable travel packages."

The new flights will operate twice weekly between Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), with service Thursday and Sunday. Flights will depart Savannah/Hilton Head at 11:05 a.m. arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 12:30 p.m. Flights leaving Fort Lauderdale will depart at 9 a.m. arriving in Savannah/Hilton Head at 10:25 a.m. (all flight times are local). The carrier will utilize a full-size, 150-seat MD-80 jet aircraft on the route.

Fort Lauderdale offers the ultimate escape to sunny South Florida, with miles of blue waterways, soft golden sand and gentle ocean breezes. Located in the center of South Florida's Gold Coast, 40 miles from Palm Beach and 25 miles from Miami, Fort Lauderdale stretches from Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach in the north of Hollywood and Hallandale Beach in the south. The area offers 300 miles of navigable inland waterways and 44,000 resident yachts, making it recognized as the "Yachting Capital of the World" and the "Venice of America." From the Blue Wave beaches, to the yacht-filled waterways, to the exotic Everglades, every visit is a fresh taste of Paradise.

Allegiant is more than an airline, it is a full-service travel company that offers great value to its customers through its hotel and car rental packages. The company partners with more than 40 of South Florida's most exciting hotel properties, including: Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, Hollywood Beach Marriott, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Hyatt Place Miami Airport. Allegiant provides low-cost car rental service through its partnership with Alamo Rent a Car.

Allegiant's $29.99* one-way introductory fare is limited, must be purchased by Oct. 5, 2010, and is valid for travel through March 8, 2011. Introductory fares are not available on all flights. After the introductory fare period, regular one-way fares on the route start as low as $39.99 one-way. Reservations can be made on the company's website at www.allegiant.com or by calling the company's travel experts at 702-505-8888.

About the $29.99* one-way fare:

* Seats are limited. Fares are one-way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Oct. 5, 2010 for travel through March 8, 2011. Offer not available: Nov. 20-30, 2010, Dec. 18-31, 2010 and Jan. 1-3, 2011. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.70 per segment. A segment is one take-off and one landing. A convenience fee of $14.99 per passenger will apply when booked on allegiant.com. A convenience fee of $14.99 per passenger, plus $14.99 per segment, will apply when purchased through Allegiant Air call centers. Purchases made at any Allegiant Air Airport Ticket Office will not incur a convenience or call-center fee. For ticket counter hours of operation, please visit www.allegiant.com. When purchased at the time of booking, a checked bag fee of $14.99-$29.99 per bag will apply per person, per segment. If purchased at flight check-in, a fee of $35 per checked bag, per person, per segment will apply for the first two bags checked. Additional higher fees will apply for three or more checked bags. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.

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Delta Air Lines Welcomes China Airlines' Decision to Join SkyTeam Alliance

2010-09-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today issued the following statement in support of China Airlines' decision to join the SkyTeam global airline alliance by mid-2011.

"China Airlines' extensive network and growing hub in Taipei will complement Delta's existing service to Taiwan and improve our customers' access to destinations across one of the world's fastest-growing regions," said Delta Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "We are honored that China Airlines, an outstanding global carrier with a proud history of customer service, has chosen to link its future growth and success with Delta and our SkyTeam partners"

Headquartered in Taipei, China Airlines is the largest airline of Taiwan, home to one of the world's most dynamic technology-driven economies. The China Airlines network will complement those of Guangzhou-based China Southern and Shanghai-based China Eastern, current and future SkyTeam members. Cooperation between these three airlines will further enhance SkyTeam's industry-leading position in Greater China. China Airlines' route network covers Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, and will help customers connect to flights of SkyTeam partners worldwide.

More information on China Airlines' application to join SkyTeam is available at skyteam.com.

About SkyTeam

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem frequent flyer miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers over 420 lounges worldwide. The 13 members are: Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, TAROM Romanian Air Transport and Vietnam Airlines. SkyTeam offers its 385 million annual passengers a worldwide system of over 12,500 daily flights to 898 destinations in 169 countries. SkyTeam celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010.

About Delta

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 354 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Governor Signs Proclamation for 39th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day

2010-09-13T10:20:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the passion for the outdoors that you share with 64 million other Americans, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages you to get out and participate in one of the many FREE celebrations that will be held in honor of the 2010 National Hunting and Fishing day. Governor Sonny Perdue recently signed a proclamation in honor of the conservation efforts led by America’s hunters and anglers, recognizing Saturday, Sept. 25 as NHF Day in Georgia, noting the plans underway for a statewide celebration.

Events that will be offered in Georgia include seven kids’ fishing events and five Outdoor Adventure Days (activities will differ at each event – but some highlights include archery and air rifle shooting, trout fishing, hunting dog demonstrations, wildlife programs, exhibits and more). These events are spread out across the whole state – meaning that one is probably near you!

In addition to these events, a FREE fishing day is offered to all Georgia residents on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. On this day, residents do NOT need a fishing license or a trout license to fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas. In addition, residents do not need to obtain a wildlife management area license to fish on a PFA, WMA or on Waters Creek on this day.

And if you thought the day could not get better – it just did. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are offering a FREE day on Sept. 25, 2010, which means no parking or admission fees.

CHANCE TO WIN! As part of their partnership with National Hunting and Fishing Day, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. has donated an all-new 2011 Grizzly 450 with Electric Power Steering (EPS) that one lucky outdoorsman will win. The sweepstakes is being promoted at NHF Day events nationwide, and anyone can enter to win by simply registering online at www.yamahaoutdoors.com/nhfday through the end of November.

The U.S. Congress and President Richard Nixon established National Hunting and Fishing Day 39 years ago to recognize generations of hunters and anglers for the time and money – more than a billion dollars each year – they donate to wildlife conservation programs. According to the proclamation signed by Governor Perdue, conserving the state’s natural and wildlife resources is one of the most important responsibilities for this and future generations, and the conservation programs supported and financed by Georgia hunters and anglers have benefited hundreds of wildlife species, including deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and songbirds for all Georgians to enjoy.

For more information on NHF Day in Georgia – including a complete listing of all events, click here. For more on NHF Day across the nation, visit www.nhfday.org .

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Free Day: Sept. 25, 2010

2010-09-10T08:27:00.000-05:00

Put away your wallet and pull out your fishing pole or hiking boots. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering free admission on Saturday, September 25 as part of National Public Lands Day. The statewide celebration is a way to thank park visitors and volunteers for their support of outdoor recreation and historic preservation.

“Georgia’s state parks and historic sites wouldn’t be here without our visitors and supporters,” said Parks Director Becky Kelley. “Free Day in the Parks is our way of thanking the thousands of people who volunteer their time, spend their vacations in the parks, or even just visit for the day. We are waiving the parking fee, but of course voluntary contributions are welcome because they help us preserve Georgia’s public green spaces.”

Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company, the celebration includes dozens of family-friendly events, such as outdoor adventure day at Unicoi, a children’s fishing rodeo at Indian Springs and pioneer harvest festival at General Coffee. A full calendar of events is posted at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events and selected programs are listed below. Numerous volunteer projects are being coordinated by the non-profit Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites with nearly 50 chapters across the state.

On Free Day in the Parks, the regular $5 parking fee will be waived, historic sites will open their doors for free, and even anglers will not need a fishing license. September 25 is also National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at many events and locations.

“For less than a tank of gas, families can enjoy a full day of ranger programs, hiking, biking, picnicking, birding and more,” said Kelley. “All visitors will pay for are rental facilities, some events or programs, activities such as canoe rental and mini golf, and accommodations like cottages, lodge rooms or campsites.”

Modern campsites, fully equipped cottages, unique yurts and hotel-style lodge rooms provide overnight accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay for the weekend. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

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Hawaiian, Delta Sign Codeshare Agreement

2010-09-09T18:33:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Airlines (NASDAQ: HA) and Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced the signing of a new codesharing agreement that will offer Delta's customers access to connecting flights within the Hawaiian Islands for the first time.

Beginning Sept. 15, customers will be able to connect between their Delta flights and 70 daily inter-island flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines on a single ticket. Hawaiian flights will connect Delta customers between Honolulu and Kahului, Lihue, Kona and Hilo, as well as between Kona and Kahului. Fares will be available for sale at delta.com and other ticketing channels Sept. 12.

"While Delta is already a leader in service to Hawaii, with flights between the islands and 9 cities in the U.S. and Japan, this new codeshare agreement with Hawaiian Airlines will allow customers to connect beyond our main Hawaiian gateways to 5 popular vacation points beyond," said Charlie Pappas, Delta's managing director - Alliances.

Delta this fall will offer nonstop service between Honolulu and Atlanta; Detroit; Los Angeles; Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.; Seattle; San Francisco; and Salt Lake City. It also offers nonstop service between Los Angeles and Kahului airport in Maui, Lihue and Kona, and daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo-Narita and Osaka, Japan. Delta also has announced plans to add new nonstop flights between Honolulu and Nagoya, Japan, effective Dec. 22.

Hawaiian and Delta's new codesharing agreement expands on an earlier frequent flier agreement between the two carriers that allows their respective frequent flier members to earn and redeem miles for travel on either carrier. Delta and Hawaiian have also agreed to enhance award availability by allowing SkyMiles members to book additional redemption awards on inter-island flights operated by Hawaiian. SkyMiles members will now have access to enhanced availability of awards within the islands of Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines, now in its 81st year of continuous service, is Hawaii's largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian provides more than 150 daily narrowbody jet flights between the Hawaiian Islands, as well as daily nonstop widebody service to Hawaii from 10 U.S. gateways. It also serves the Philippines, Australia, American Samoa, Tahiti, and, in the coming months, Japan and South Korea. Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:HA) . Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com.

Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 354 destinations in 65 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 75,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 13,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.

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Celebrate National Grandparent's Day Like Never Before at the Atlanta History Center

2010-09-07T11:31:00.000-05:00

What better way to celebrate National Grandparent’s Day than by sharing a day of fun activities and free giveaways designed especially for GrandParents and GrandChildren to enjoy together?

GrandCamp Adventures is hosting a day of special activities from noon to 5:00 pm at the Atlanta History Center to make this year’s Grandparent’s Day, Sunday, September 12th, something to remember. The History Center, featuring With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition, is offering one free youth ticket for every paid adult so everyone can come and participate in this wonderful event.

GrandCamp Adventures is hosting fun activities especially created for Grandparents and Grandkids:

- Family Treasure Hunt — Discover hidden clues and treasures throughout the Atlanta History Center’s 33 acres featuring interactive exhibitions, a discovery trail,, historic houses and gardens.

- “Here We Go!” Storytelling — Atlanta’s renowned actor and storyteller, Rob Cleveland introduces GrandCamp Adventures’ storybook Here We Go! Help Grammie, Papa and the grandkids use a quirky magic compass to find their lost family treasures.

- Live Concert and Sing-along — featuring silly and heartfelt songs from the new GrandCamp Adventures’ CD. Atlanta’s newest up and coming artists will come together in song to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandkids.

- Pictures — Become a meerkat in pictures from the GrandCamp Adventures storybook.

- Laugh-along Program – Loosen up and laugh with Atlanta’s own Laughter Yoga leaderd, Celeste Greene and Jean Woodall.

- Free Giveaways and Prizes – Win T-shirts, hats, buttons, CDs and GrandCamp Adventures first storybook, “Here We Go!”, and more.

GrandCamp Adventures, launching this Fall, is a company for a new generation of grandparents and grandkids who want to connect deeper, have more fun together and generate memories that will last a lifetime.

“Indoors, outdoors and online, helping grandkids and grandparents grow closer and have more fun is at the heart of everything we do,” adds founders, Patricia Babuka & Scott Schaefer.

“Whether it’s a child and grandparent connecting through stories and backyard adventures, families connecting online, or grandparents connecting through shared values and the desire to help their grandchildren become happy, engaged members of our global community, GrandCamp Adventures’ goal is to make magical moments and relationships flourish.”

Both founders share a deep commitment to family and see building the bonds between generations as a way toward making the world a better place. “We want to share and live out our belief that the most precious gift Grandparents can give their Grandkids isn’t a toy, its their time.”

“We invite you to come out to the Atlanta History Center and experience what GrandCamp Adventures is all about.”

For more information on National Grandparents Day and the GrandCamp Adventures event, visit www.grandcamp.com.

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Delta Offers Travel Assistance to Customers Affected by Hurricane Earl Along the U.S. East Coast

2010-09-02T09:15:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) is offering customers whose flight plans may be affected by weather from Hurricane Earl the ability to make one-time changes to their travel schedules without fees. Delta's weather advisory encourages customers to consider postponing or re-routing their travel to avoid possible inconvenience from expected East Coast flight delays.

Customers booked on Delta-ticketed flights to, from or through the following cities, on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 3-4 may make a one-time change to their travel schedule without fees. Customers may immediately rebook for travel before or after their original travel dates as long as new flights are ticketed by Sept. 11, 2010.

-- Baltimore
-- Bangor, Maine
-- Boston
-- Charlottesville, Va.
-- Hartford, Conn.
-- Jacksonville, N.C.
-- Manchester, N.H.
-- Nantucket, Mass.
-- Newark, N.J.
-- New Bern, N.C.
-- Newburgh, N.Y.
-- Newport News / Williamsburg, Va.
-- New York (JFK/LGA)
-- Norfolk, Va.
-- Philadelphia
-- Portland, Maine
-- Providence, R.I.
-- Richmond, Va.
-- Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD)
-- White Plains, N.Y.
-- Wilmington, N.C.

Flight delays are possible Sept. 3-4 as a result of Hurricane Earl, and Delta may proactively reduce flight schedules to minimize delays. All customers should check their flight status at delta.com before arriving at the airport.

Travel for changed itineraries must begin by Sept. 11, 2010, and changes to origin and destination may result in a fare increase. Any fare difference between the original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of rebooking. Customers whose flights are cancelled may request refunds.

Delta will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide the latest updates at delta.com.

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Frontier Airlines to Provide Travelers With Flexibility in Advance of Hurricane Earl

2010-09-02T06:06:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to the potential impact of Hurricane Earl along the East Coast of the United States, Frontier Airlines has put the following travel policy guidelines into place for customers scheduled to travel too /from or through Newport News, Va. (PHF) or Raleigh/Durham, N.C. (RDU) on Sept. 1-4, 2010, and who purchased tickets on or before Sept. 1, 2010.

Customers who have already started their travel may make one itinerary change. Rules and restrictions regarding standard change fees, advance purchase, day or time applications, blackouts, and minimum or maximum stay requirements have been waived. Origin and destination cities must remain the same. Changes must be made by midnight, Sept. 4, 2010, and travel completed by Sept. 18, 2010.

Customers who have not begun travel may make one change to their travel plans by Sept. 4, 2010, without a change fee. All rescheduled travel may be subject to higher fares if it does not meet the original rule or booking class.

For more information regarding this weather policy or to check the status of your flight, please visit the weather updates page on FrontierAirlines.com.

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3rd Annual Tybee Labor Day Beach Bash - Oceanfront Fireworks and The Landsharks

2010-08-27T09:47:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the ocean breezes, live music and fireworks from the majestic Tybee Pier & Pavilion at the 3rd Annual Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash on Sunday, September 5th from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Free live entertainment starts at 7pm with Gary Roland and The Landsharks Band! The Landsharks have performed with Jimmy Buffett and opened for several major artists, including The Beach Boys, Patti Labelle, Three Dog Night and Inner Circle. After performing with them Jimmy Buffett proclaimed that “The Landsharks are showmen, they’re fun. They’re a fun band” and also said “Funny thing was, The Landsharks knew the songs better than I did. And I love some of their arrangements.”

Spectacular fireworks under the stars start at 9:15 pm or at dark followed by more music until 10pm. Most nearby bars and restaurants will be open throughout the event to purchase food and refreshments.

The 3rd Annual Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash is sponsored by the Tybee Island Tourism Council, TybeeFest and Southern Eagle Distributors proudly distributing Landshark Lager, a Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville style brew.

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4 Will Evaluate 5 So 1 Can Win a $45,000 Antarctic Cruise to an Emperor Penguin Rookery

2010-08-26T16:10:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- In June, Quark Expeditions and SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment launched a travel contest that invited North Americans to share their passion for the environment. The prize is a $45,000 icebreaker expedition for two to Antarctica accompanied by SeaWorld Animal Ambassador, Julie Scardina. A week before the contest ends, the contest sponsors have announced the names of the winner selection committee. From SeaWorld, Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina, and her colleague Randy Anger will review the entries of the five finalists with Quark Expeditions' Bill Davis and Shawn Hernden.

The contest rules state that the committee must include people with experience in wildlife protection. Julie Scardina and Bill Davis are amply qualified. Julie has spent a lifetime promoting wildlife conservation as Animal Ambassador for SeaWorld. Bill Davis has sailed to the polar regions as an Expedition Leader 200 times. He has shared the need for wildlife conservation with thousands of passengers during his 17 year career. Bill counts the opportunities to share the adventure while educating people about the importance of conservation as highlights of a life that includes time as divemaster and as a student at Scott Polar Research Institute of Cambridge University.

More than 200 people have posted why they should adventure with Julie, while 10,500 people have shown their support for the entrants by voting for their favorite. The five most popular entrants at noon eastern daylight time, August 31, 2010 will be eligible to win.

The Antarctic Travel Prize

In addition to return airfare for two from the nearest international gateway to Ushuaia, Argentina, the prize includes a twin cabin aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov on the October 13 to 26, 2010 departure of the Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari. Guests will spend 3 days at the most northerly Emperor Penguin rookery in the world, near Snow Hill Island in Antarctica's Weddell Sea.

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Go PLAY after Labor Day

2010-08-26T16:02:00.000-05:00

The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of fun in the great outdoors. As Labor Day approaches, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages families to get outdoors over the holiday weekend and continue enjoying outdoor activities into the fall.

“The amount of time that the average child spends outside today is half of what it was 20 years ago,” said DNR Commissioner Chris Clark. “As summer draws to a close and kids head back to school, it’s important for families to plan fun outdoor activities that keep them moving.”

The DNR provides numerous ways to keep families active, from ranger programs to historic reenactments, and from wildlife management areas to fishing piers. Below are suggestions for getting outside this autumn:

State Parks Offer Labor Day Activities:

Labor Day Festival: Saturday, Sep 4 until Monday, Sep 6, 10 AM to 3 PM; Florence Marina State Park - Omaha, GA; Family celebration including games, boat rides, and crafts. $4 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

Labor Day at Fort McAllister: Saturday, Sep 4, 10 AM to 4 PM; Fort McAllister Historic Park - Richmond Hill, GA; Civil War labor was much like ours is today. From blacksmith to wood worker, all trades were needed to keep this fort in operation. Come see how it was done. $3.50 - $5. 912-727-2339.

Labor Day Fort Morris Commemoration: Saturday, Sep 4, 11 AM to 3 PM; Fort Morris Historic Site - Midway, GA; Commemorate Labor Day holiday with hourly soldier talks and musket and cannon firings at this scenic coastal fort. $2.75-$4. 912-884-5999.

Swim the Warm Springs - Dip In to The Past: Saturday, Sep 4 until Monday, Sep 6, 10 AM to 4 PM; Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site - Warm Springs, GA; Swim in the historic pools built by President F.D. Roosevelt as a place for therapy. Space is limited to 80 participants per session. Reservations are suggested. All remaining tickets will be sold first-come, first-served, based on availability. $20 adults; $12.50 ages 6 to 17; Family Package-$75. 706-655-5870.

Labor Day Weekend: Saturday & Sunday Sep 4 until Sep 5; Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA; Take the day off and watch a reptile show and awaken your senses with a night hike. Join in a volleyball game, family games, hayrides, a campfire and hoppin' frog hike. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Holiday Gorge Floor Hike: Saturday, Sep 4, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Sunday, Sep 5, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Monday, Sep 6, 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA; This guided hike will take you from rim to river while learning about the gorge's unique environments. Be sure to wear proper footwear (no flip-flops or crocs). This hike is strenuous and will involve rock hopping and getting wet. Bring a lunch and lots of water. For ages 10 and older. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Grits & Cornmeal: Sunday, Sep 5, 1 PM to 3 PM; Hamburg State Park - Mitchell, GA; Watch how cornmeal and grits were once made at Hamburg's historic gristmill. Before leaving, purchase a bag to take home and use. $5 parking. (478) 552-2393.

The Fun Continues after Labor Day

Dove Season Opens September 4th; Dove hunters are preparing to hit the fields in Georgia on Opening Day, Sat. Sept. 4, 2010 at 12 Noon. Dove season dates for the year are Sept. 4-19, 2010; Oct. 9-17, 2010 and Nov. 25, 2010-Jan. 8, 2011.

Outdoor Adventure Days: National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 25, 2010, is an annual event celebrating the contributions made to conservation by hunters and anglers and brings opportunity to all to participate in exciting Outdoor Adventure Days. These events, held throughout the State, offer activities like archery ranges, kids fishing events, wildlife activities, air gun/BB gun ranges and much more.

Leaf Watch 2010: The online Leaf Watch, found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org throughout October and November, provides updates on fall color, safe hiking tips, and reservation details for campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks.

“Go Play After Labor Day, Georgia” is the latest in a series of outdoor adventure tips from DNR Commissioner Clark that highlight affordable getaways, outdoor activities close to home, and creative ways to support conservation in Georgia. The series is part of DNR’s “Get Outdoors, Georgia” initiative, which encourages citizens to lead healthy, active lifestyles in the great outdoors and includes hiking, biking and paddling clubs, as well as outdoor events.

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Yellowstone Park Foundation Helps Provide a New Experience at Old Faithful

2010-08-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Yellowstone National Park unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Visitor Education Center at Old Faithful, creating a focal point of innovative learning opportunities in the heart of Yellowstone.

"While there are more geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone than in the rest of the world combined, most visitors were leaving the park without a basic understanding of the amazing hydrothermal wonders they had just encountered," explained Karen Bates Kress, President of the nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation. "Now, thanks to many generous donors, we can open this Center -- and the minds of nearly 3 million visitors annually -- to the wonders of the park."

Multi-media and interactive exhibits will enable visitors of all ages to discover what makes a geyser erupt, what creatures thrive in the scalding hot spring waters, and how the park's fascinating volcanic past is visible today.

The Center has already been recognized for its eco-friendly design with a Gold LEED designation from the U.S. Green Building Council. It is one of the first National Park Service visitor centers to achieve this Gold rating through its use of sustainable elements in building construction and materials, energy and water conservation, and indoor air quality.

In 2000, the Yellowstone Park Foundation officially launched its capital campaign to help fund the new Visitor Education Center, and ultimately contributed $15 million of the total cost of design, construction, and exhibits. This was matched by $12 million in federal funds.

More than 400 individuals, foundations, and corporations made donations to the Yellowstone Park Foundation for the project. ConocoPhillips, Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Toyota stepped up to help America's Park with gifts of $1 million or more.

An undersized and outdated visitor center built in the late 1960s was demolished to make way for the new two-story, 26,000-square-foot structure. The new building has been designed to be compatible with the rustic architectural style of the Old Faithful Historic District.

The nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation has been Yellowstone National Park's official fundraising partner organization since 1996. The Foundation works in cooperation with the Park to fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources and the visitor experience of Yellowstone.

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Callaway Gardens® Presents: A Mystery Dinner Theater: Vampires

2010-08-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

Looking to add a little scare to your Halloween weekend? Bring your detective skills and appetite to Callaway Gardens® on Friday, October 29, 2010, for a Vampire-themed Mystery Dinner Theater. Those, not faint of heart, will put their own powers of aura perception to the test.

This evening of mystery and macabre will include opportunities for guests to interact with the cast. Before the show, selected guests will receive reading parts and will be cued to deliver their award winning performances. Solving the mystery comes with prizes for the winning team.

The Mystery Theater Dinner overnight package starts at $103* per person and includes a reception; the Vampire Mystery Theater; dinner; accommodations in the Mountain Creek Inn; Gardens admission** and use of the Mountain Creek Inn Fitness Center.

Can you identify the real vampire? Reserve your spot today by calling 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292). Registration is limited, so make your reservation soon.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. To experience nature at its finest, call 1-800-CALLAWAY or visit www.callawaygardens.com.

*Rate is per person, based on double occupancy in the Mountain Creek Inn. Valid Friday, October 29, 2010. Based on availability. Some restrictions may apply. Rates also are available in the Southern Pine Cottages, Mountain Creek Villas and Lodge and Spa.

**Admission to the Gardens for overnight guests is for each day of stay and day of departure.

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Last Minute Labor Day Weekend Deals From BookIt.com®

2010-08-21T07:25:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--BookIt.com®, a leading online travel provider, is offering travelers the Top 10 Labor Day destinations for last minute getaways. Travelers can save up to 60-percent on luxurious, late summer vacation packages.

“Even though current occupancy rates are higher than average nearing Labor Day, travelers are savvier and continue to search for the best deals”

Travelers can book through September 5th on most deals to catch the last-minute savings – but the earlier the better. Prices and availability will fluctuate as Labor Day weekend draws near. The Last Minute Labor Day Sale features the lowest rates of the season at destinations including Jamaica, Cancun, Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, Aruba, Orlando, Miami, New Orleans and Myrtle Beach. Guests may also save on free bonuses such as golf, room upgrades, breakfast, instant rebates, resort credits, extra nights and kids stay/eat free.

“Even though current occupancy rates are higher than average nearing Labor Day, travelers are savvier and continue to search for the best deals,” said Bud Finlaw, CEO and president of BookIt.com. “BookIt.com’s Last Minute Labor Day Sale offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious retreat on a budget.”

BookIt.com’s Last Minute Labor Day Sale includes but is not limited to the following featured packaged deals:

* Secrets St James Montego Bay, $164 per person/per night: Plus $15 Instant Rebate - Reg. $388 pp/pn - Now $164 ($149 with Rebate) and $200 in Spa/Resort Credits.
* Ocean Coral and Turquesa by H10 All Inclusive Resort, Puerto Morelos Riviera Maya, $66 per person/per night: Reg. $198 pp/pn – Plus Kids Stay Free.
* Majestic Elegance Punta Cana All-Inclusive, $87 per person/per night: Reg. $189 pp/pn. Spa and Casino Onsite and Free Golf with a Five Night Stay.
* Royal Plaza Hotel in The Walt Disney World Resort - $59 per night: Reg. $139 pn. Kids Eat Free Program and Coupon Book valued at $275 and Free Upgrade.
* Sole On The Ocean Resort in South Beach Miami - $109 per night with nightly instant rebate - Free $50 American Express® Card - Infinity Pool Plus Poolside Bar and Grille.

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12th Annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival Labor Day Weekend‏ at Callaway Gardens®

2010-08-20T19:51:00.000-05:00

Are you lamenting the end of another summer? Worry not…at Callaway Gardens®, things are looking up …way up …with the return of the Callaway Gardens® Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival for its twelfth year.

Set for September 3-5, 2010, this annual Balloon Festival has something for everyone, from the soaring, majestic, colorful balloons to Callaway Gardens’ unique mix of natural beauty, to its endless helpings of multi-generational activities and events. When it comes to family fun at Callaway Gardens, the sky is the limit!

Festivities kick off Friday night when guests flock to Robin Lake Beach for the Balloon Glow. Upbeat live music sets the mood as balloons inflate. While the sun sets, the balloons’ individual colors glow against the gorgeous evening sky. Guests shout “ready, set…glow” while the tunes of a classic brass band play in the background.

On both Saturday and Sunday mornings, it is up, up and away as the balloons head for the open skies (weather permitting) at sunrise and sunset. On the ground, the action continues as Robin Lake Beach plays host to a family festival featuring activities and events for all ages. Choose from tethered balloon rides (weather permitting, fee), a rock climbing wall (fee), bungee jump (fee), sandcastle building, swimming, miniature golf, kite building, t-shirt tie-dyeing (fee) and more.

Don’t miss the very popular Classic Car Show on Saturday. In 2010, more than 100 cars are expected to roll through the gates and add even more color to the already spectacular event.

NEW this year, Robin Lake will host the 26th Nautique Kneeboard Nationals and the 5th International Kneeboard Riders Cup throughout the weekend. Also new this year will the opportunity to walk inside a balloon envelope. Saturday’ admission includes a Saturday night concert by country music artist Kevin Sport, on Robin Lake Beach from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to be followed by a Movie on the Beach at dusk. After three weeks of voting, the public has chosen the recently released movie Marmaduke via a Facebook/callawaygardens poll.

Meanwhile, the athletically-inclined can enjoy their own adventures thanks to the Callaway Gardens Fitness Series, including a 5K run and the Triathlon on Sunday morning. This year represents the 30th anniversary of the Triathlon at Callaway Gardens. It is the oldest triathlon in the South and one of the longest continuous running triathlons in the continental United States. To register, visit www.active.com.

Want to be a part of the high flying balloon action? Sign up to be on a Balloon Chase Crew. Crew members are assigned to assist pilots throughout the weekend with setting up balloons, chasing them when they are in the air and then bringing them back to Callaway after landing. For more information, contact Greg Brannen at 706-663-5043 or gbrannen@callawaygardens.com.

Festival admission is $25 per adult (ages 13-64); $20 per senior (65+); $12.50 per child (ages 6-12); and free for children five and younger (admission prices include tax). This price includes access to Callaway Gardens’ and its many attractions and activities. As an incentive to witness the morning launches, admission at the U.S. Hwy. 27 Beach gate will be half-price from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Stay around and enjoy the entire weekend with friends and family on the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Weekend Package. Starting at $159**, this offer includes accommodations in the Mountain Creek Inn; admission to the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival; four tickets to make tie-dye T-shirts at the Festival on Saturday or Sunday; breakfast in the Plant Room, Country Kitchen or Piedmont Dining Room; admission to Callaway Gardens and its many attractions; use of the Mountain Creek Inn Fitness Center.

Don’t delay. Call now for reservations at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292) or make reservations online at www.callawaygardens.com.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus.

*Ballooning is dependent on safe weather conditions including wind velocity and direction.

**Rate is per night, based on double occupancy and availability in the Mountain Creek Inn. Some restrictions apply. Rates also are available for the Southern Pine Cottages, Mountain Creek Villas and Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens.

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Back-To-School? Stay Active

2010-08-17T20:49:00.000-05:00

Just because the kids are heading back to school doesn’t mean families need to shelve their fitness regimen for next year. Georgia State Parks makes it easy to stay on track with challenging heart-pumping recreational programs and outdoor activities for every age and fitness level. Fall is the perfect time for families to re-energize and resolve to keep outdoor recreation an ongoing part of the weekly itinerary.

Outdoor recreation is just as important to living a healthy lifestyle as eating an apple a day! Pack a picnic lunch and head to a different state park every weekend for affordable adventure and quality time together that gets kids off the couch and moving in nature’s playground. Here are a few popular ideas based on age level. For a complete list of recreational opportunities and parks, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

·    Playgrounds, Swimming Beaches, Spray Park (Toddler and up)
Georgia State Parks feature fun for all ages, even those still sporting diapers and sippie cups. Parents with toddlers in tow can pack the beach pail and swimming suits for a fun-filled day of splashing and sandcastles at one of 18 state park swimming beaches. Some of the most popular lakeside beaches are at Vogel, John Tanner, Seminole, Unicoi, Hard Labor Creek, Fort Mountain and Richard B. Russell state parks. For even more water fun, bring the kids to Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge and enjoy the park’s splash pad where they can tire out by running through the fountains. The beaches and splash pad are open through Labor Day. Or for weekday fun, skip the indoor soft play and head to the state parks for safe, clean outdoor playgrounds perfect for the next toddler play date. And, for even more of an incentive to take the kiddies outdoors, Wednesdays are free days in Georgia’s state parks, allowing parents to skip paying the parking fee.

·    Kid-friendly Trails, Mini-Golf, Camping (Kids age 6 and up)
With technology such a big part of everyday life, kids need to unplug and connect with nature, especially during the school year when scheduled time is at its peak. Make outdoor play something to look forward to every week. Elementary age kids can explore the “real Georgia” and expend energy on a variety of state park hiking trails. Popular choices for kids to enjoy nature’s wonders include Fort Mountain (lake loop), General Coffee (farm animals), Reed Bingham (gopher tortoises), Skidaway Island (fiddler crabs), Sweetwater Creek (follows large creek) and Watson Mill Bridge (covered bridge and shoals). Young golf enthusiasts can also enjoy mini golf at 15 Georgia State Parks. Or, learn how to play disc golf, where a Frisbee-style disc is tossed into a metal basket. Disc courses are found at Cloudland Canyon, Fort Yargo, Georgia Veterans and Richard B. Russell state parks. This is also a perfect age for camping. With more than 2,700 campsites, Georgia State Parks have plenty of opportunities for everyone and rates average as low as $23 per night. Get the kids involved in preparing the site, carrying the wood, cooking food the old fashion way, and build lifetime skills and family memories.

·    Clubs for Mountain Bikers, Hikers and Paddlers (Kids ages 10 and up)
Parents with middle school-age children can keep them motivated all year long with three heart-pumping clubs at Georgia State Parks. Upon completion, members receive a bragging-rights t-shirt, as well as the personal satisfaction of accomplishment. For hiking enthusiasts, the Canyon Climbers Club invites families to explore four state parks. Hikers can experience breathtaking vistas and cascading waterfalls, more fun than any gym Stairmaster, at Tallulah Gorge, Amicalola Falls, Cloudland Canyon and Providence Canyon. Mountain bikers and cyclists can tackle the Muddy Spokes Club and challenge their skills across 11 state parks and 68 miles of trails for their bragging right t-shirt. Trails vary in difficulty, so riders have the chance to improve their skill as they move from park to park. The easiest trails are the paved path at Panola Mountain State Park and pine-needle trail at Magnolia Springs. The most difficult mountain bike trails are at Fort Mountain, Fort Yargo, Tallulah Gorge and Unicoi state parks. And, finally canoe and kayak fans will love the Park Paddlers club. Members explore six state parks by waterway, ranging from quiet lakes to the famed Okefenokee Swamp. Paddlers are challenged to complete 22 miles at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks.

To join any of the state park clubs, park visitors simply purchase a $10 membership card at any of the club parks or call (770) 389-7401. Members get their card punched at each participating park office and receive their official bragging-rights t-shirt upon completion. What a fun way to get the whole family moving and inspired throughout the year, as well as enjoy the diverse park landscapes and wildlife while getting fit. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Families interested in planning a weekend staycation at their favorite Georgia State Park can choose from a variety of affordable accommodation options including camp sites, fully-equipped cottages, yurts and hotel-style lodge rooms with restaurants. For help in planning a staycation for your family, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275.

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September is Blue Morpho Month at Callaway Gardens’ Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center

2010-08-17T08:16:00.000-05:00

September is Blue Morpho Butterfly Month at Callaway Gardens’ Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. In addition to the more than 1,000 tropical butterflies flying freely throughout the conservatory, there will be hundreds of spectacular Blue Morpho butterflies.

The Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides) is a spectacular iridescent blue butterfly native to the rainforests of South and Central America. The undersides of the wings are brown with eyespots with a contrasting vivid blue color on the outer side. This iridescent color actually results from microscopic scales on the backs of their wings reflecting light, giving the brilliant shimmering blue appearance. As a Blue Morpho flies, its contrasting wing colors of bright blue and dull brown fool the eye and make the morpho look as if it is appearing and disappearing. The word ‘morpho’ actually means change or modify. The flash of the bright blue side of their wings actually startles predators, giving the butterfly time to escape harm. This tropical butterfly is usually a forest dweller but will venture into sunny areas occasionally. It is one of the largest butterflies with a wingspan of 5-8 inches.

Since they feed on juices of rotting fruit, they are usually easy to find in the Day Butterfly Center at the fruit feeders. Blue Morphos often fly in long chains of five or more to make a spectacular sight. Be sure to visit the Day Butterfly Center this month to view these magnificent creatures.

Due to the large size of the Blue Morphos, they make beautiful subjects as they float through the air for photos or video. The best time to photograph butterflies at the Day Butterfly Center is on sunny days before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. is on sunny days as they are most active between these hours.

Take a break and enjoy the Day Butterfly Center and the many other attractions of Callaway Gardens. Ask for the special Blue Morpho Overnight Package. To make a reservation, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292). Based on availability, some restrictions apply.

Callaway Gardens®, is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus.

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Carbo House Listed in the National Register of Historic Places

2010-08-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

The Carbo House, located on Tybrisa Street, on Tybee Island, Chatham County, Georgia, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 21, 2010. The Carbo House was built in 1932 as part of a rebuilding campaign following a devastating 1931 fire that destroyed 25 buildings in the boarding house area. J.D. and Nan Carbo of Waycross built their first, smaller rooming house on Tybee circa 1920 on Izlar Avenue.

After the 1931 fire, the Carbos purchased additional property and built this larger, 16-room boarding house facing 16th Street. By 1935 the Carbos had expanded their business by adding a restaurant, called Carbo’s Grill, and a patio area with a soda and sandwich stand between the boarding house and the restaurant. After Nan’s death in 1937 and J.D.’s death in 1938, the Carbo House continued to be operated by family members until 1972. The building remains in use as a rental property.

The Carbo House was listed at the state level of significance as an excellent and intact example of a coastal resort boarding house that retains its original materials and floor plan, and represents Tybee’s boarding house district located between 16th and 18th streets. The district featured an assortment of boarding houses and rental cottages that were available for rent by the week, month, or season. The building is one of the few historic boarding houses left on Tybee Island. In the first decades of the 20th century, Tybee Island, also known as Savannah Beach, developed as a coastal resort for residents of nearby Savannah. The opening of the Tybee Road in 1923, a causeway that linked the island with Savannah, fueled the demand for small inns, rooming houses, and apartments for middle-class vacationers.

The building is rectangular in shape with a low-pitched, hip roof and wide-overhanging eaves. The two-story, wraparound porch with a balustrade and chamfered wood posts extends along all sides of the building. Wood exterior staircases located on each side of the building provide access to the second-story rooms. The first and second floors are identical with original, five-panel, wood doors leading to each of the 16 rooms and four-over-one sash windows. The building retains its original floor plan with four equal-size rooms facing Tybrisa Street and four facing the rear of the property on each floor. Ten of the 16 rooms retain the original beadboard walls and ceilings, hardwood floors, door and window surrounds, and moldings.

The National Register of Historic Places is our country’s official list of historic buildings, structures, sites, objects, and districts worthy of preservation. The National Register provides formal recognition of a property’s architectural, historical or archaeological significance. It also identifies historic properties for planning purposes and insures that these properties will be considered in the planning of state or federally assisted projects. National Register listing encourages preservation of historic properties through public awareness, federal and state tax incentives, and grants. Listing in the National Register does not place obligations or restrictions on the use, treatment, transfer, or disposition of private property.

The Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources serves as Georgia’s state historic preservation office. Its mission is to promote the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia. HPD’s programs include archaeology protection and education, environmental review, grants, historic resource surveys, tax incentives, the National Register of Historic Places, community planning and technical assistance.

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.

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Delta Launches First Airline Social Media 'Ticket Window,' Revamps Home Page

2010-08-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today launched the industry's first social media 'Ticket Window' enabling bookings directly from its Facebook page and other social media sites. The Delta Ticket Window, along with a newly designed home page at delta.com introduced earlier this week, offers the first visual cues of the airline's planned transformation in customer-facing technology.

"Our customers are spending more time online and are looking for new ways to connect with us. We're now delivering technology where our customers are - from our own website to our Facebook page to Internet news sites and beyond," said Bob Kupbens, Delta's vice president - eCommerce. "We already know Facebook is the most used website by inflight WiFi users on more than 2,000 Delta flights every day, giving us the natural launching point for a new online Ticket Window."

Delta's Ticket Window allows any of Facebook's 500 million users to complete a full travel booking using a dedicated "tab" at facebook.com/delta without navigating to delta.com. Delta plans to expand its Ticket Window to other sites, including online banner ads to allow full booking capabilities within the airline's advertisements.

The redesign of Delta's home page is the first step toward a larger redesign which will continue to improve the online experience on delta.com and its affiliated technology, including airport kiosks, to offer more functionality to customers. The immediate home page changes include easier access to flight booking, status updates, online check-in and SkyMiles account information.

Earlier this month Delta enhanced its smartphone site and will continue to deliver other popular consumer applications. In the coming weeks, Delta plans to launch a new iPhone application to offer customers the ability to check in for flights, check flight status, review flight schedules, set a parking reminder, review SkyMiles account balance and use eBoarding passes (in select cities) directly from their mobile devices. Future releases of the app will enable customers to book flights, select their seats and track their Medallion status and other features that will streamline customer real-time travel experiences.

"Unlocking the full power of social media and mobile apps is the next step for Delta, while providing innovative travel tools and greater convenience in our customer's mobile world," Kupbens said.

Delta has continued to expand its interaction with customers on social sites, including facebook.com/delta, twitter.com/delta, blog.delta.com and is now providing real-time travel assistance at twitter.com/deltaassist.

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Smithsonian Journeys Announces Egypt Tours for 2011

2010-08-12T08:51:00.000-05:00

Smithsonian Journeys provides more ways than ever to experience the cultural treasures of Egypt’s Old Kingdom in 2011. Travelers can join “Egyptian Odyssey” as a general escorted-highlights tour, an exclusive women’s departure or a family adventure. These popular tours feature a unique aspect specific to each audience, yet all visit World Heritage sites in the company of an Egyptologist, who makes travel more meaningful by providing lectures and informal commentary.

“We’ve taken special note of the different ways our travelers want to experience a destination and have applied those insights to our most popular destinations,” said Amy Kotkin, director of Smithsonian Journeys. Yet another way to see Egypt is “Ancient Civilizations of the Red Sea” featuring a four-day cruise of the Red Sea along with land excursions to important sites in Egypt and Jordan. Photographs, video and specific details on itineraries, experts and hotels can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org.

“Egyptian Odyssey” (multiple departures February through May 2011), begins with a visit to Cairo’s Museum of Antiquities then on to sites related to the more modern influences of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Flying to Luxor, travelers will experience an in-depth view of the ancient Pharaohs during visits to the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. They will also veer off the beaten track to the Valley of the Nobles. Following a four-night cruise up the Nile with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo, the highlights in Aswan include the Nubia Museum, a traditional felucca ride and the Aswan Dam. Travelers then spend a morning at the World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, the colossal temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. Returning to Cairo, the tour concludes with excursions to enjoy the timeless beauty and mystery of the Pyramids of Giza and Step Pyramid of Sakkara, followed by an engaging panel discussion about modern Egypt. Prices start from $4,995,airfare included, and can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/Egypt.

The Nov. 23, 2011-Dec. 4, 2011, departure of “Egyptian Odyssey” is exclusively for women. Only women guides and Egyptologist are featured, which enables lively discourse with Egyptian women, something rarely featured on other programs. This departure also embodies women-focused conversation and lecture topics, which allows an often eye-opening perspective on Egypt’s contemporary culture and society.

Special family departures of “Egyptian Odyssey” (Dec. 27-Jan. 3, 2011, and July 6-13, 2011) feature a similar itinerary along with family-friendly activities such as a camel ride, special four-wheel drive excursion into the desert, sound and light show at the Pyramids, scavenger hunt in the bazaar and family bike ride along the Nile. Additional staff also provides special enhancements for the children’s program (ages 7-12). Prices for the December departure start from $4,145, airfare included, based on a child rate and special offer. Further information can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/EgyptFamily.

Smithsonian Journeys also features a unique cruise of the Red Sea, “Ancient Civilizations of the Red Sea” (Jan. 23, 2011-Feb. 7, 2011), which combines a five-night cruise with in-depth land tours of Egypt and Jordan. Following tours of important sites in Cairo and Luxor, and an opportunity to take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Nile, travelers embark the 52-passenger Harmony V. The ship calls at ports along the Red Sea, including the World Heritage site of St. Catherine’s Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula. On arrival in Jordan, passengers travel by land to other significant sites such as Petra, Mount Nebo, Jerash and Amman. (Prices start from $5,995, airfare included from New York City if booked by Sept. 30, 2010.) A pre-tour extension in Syria features sites along the old Silk Road, including Damascus, Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers, and a post-tour extension in Alexandria, Egypt, features the new Royal Library of Alexandria. More information can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/RedSea.

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Zoo to host City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days This Weekend

2010-08-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

Zoo Atlanta will host City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15, 2010. Proudly supported by Walmart and The National PTA Urban Family Engagement Initiative, the weekend offers free admission to guests who can demonstrate residence or employment in either the City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government.Admission is valid for two adults and up to four children per family.

Recognized forms of identification:

City of Atlanta or Fulton County residents: Recognized forms of ID include a Georgia Driver’s License; State of Georgia-issued voter identification; or water, gas or light utility bill demonstrating residence in the City of Atlanta or Fulton County.
City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government Employees: Recognized forms of ID include a City of Atlanta employee identification card or Fulton County Government employee identification card.
City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days hosted by Zoo Atlanta in 2009 were extremely
well-attended; guests should expect unusually high volume in the Zoo on both of these days. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and consider MARTA travel, as parking will be limited. For more information, visit the Family Day event page.

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Tom Glavine's #47 Gets Retired--You Save

2010-08-06T09:07:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , today launched a special one-day, $47 sale to more than 47 destinations in honor of pitching great and AirTran Airways' endorser Tom Glavine.

Glavine's signature number 47 will be retired in Atlanta tonight in a special ceremony. To commemorate this occasion, the airline has brought $47 fares in from the bullpen for a very limited time.

"Having my number retired is one of the greatest highlights of my career," said Glavine. "Being able to share this moment with all my fans with this sale from AirTran makes this moment all the more special."

The sale focuses on Atlanta, where the iconic hurler began and ended his stellar career. There are also special Boston-based fares, Glavine's hometown.

These special fares are available for one-day purchase through August 6, 2010, and are good for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through October 7, 2010. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay.

Travelers may purchase these special sale fares at http://www.airtran.com/, from their local travel agent or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.

Below are the $47 commemorative, one-way sale fares*. All fares are valid in either direction:

Markets: Fare:
Atlanta - Akron/Canton $47
Atlanta - Bloomington/Normal $47
Atlanta - Branson $47
Atlanta - Charlotte $47
Atlanta - Dayton $47
Atlanta - Ft. Lauderdale $47
Atlanta - Ft. Myers $47
Atlanta - Harrisburg $47
Atlanta - Indianapolis $47
Atlanta- Jacksonville $47
Atlanta - Memphis $47
Atlanta - New Orleans $47
Atlanta - Newport News/Williamsburg $47
Atlanta - Orlando $47
Atlanta - Pensacola $47
Atlanta - Pittsburgh $47
Atlanta - Raleigh/Durham $47
Atlanta - Richmond $47
Atlanta - St. Louis $47
Atlanta - Sarasota/Bradenton $47
Atlanta - Tampa $47
Atlanta - West Palm Beach $47
Boston - Akron/Canton $47
Boston - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $47
Boston - Newport News/Williamsburg $47

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) and a Fortune 1000 company, has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. Our low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit http://www.airtran.com/.

*All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Twenty-one-day advance purchase required. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased on August 6, 2010. Sale fares are valid for travel through October 7, 2010. Sale fares are valid for travel on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Service on some itineraries may be provided by our partner SkyWest Airlines. A first bag may be checked for a fee of $15 each way and a second bag may be checked for a fee of $25 each way. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares shown do not include Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Fares do not include segment taxes of $3.70 per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing.

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TripAdvisor Airs Out America's Top 10 Aviation Attractions

2010-08-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

/PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced its list of the top ten aviation attractions in the U.S., according to traveler ratings and TripAdvisor Flights experts. America has a rich history as the birthplace of aviation, giving air travel lovers and flying fanatics myriad opportunities to learn more about planes, gliders, shuttles, and everything in between.

1. Cruising in the Capitol: National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.

Housing the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world, the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum is a must see for any air travel enthusiast. Its location in Washington, D.C. is home to several famous artifacts such as the original Wright 1903 Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module, and its sister site in Fairfax, Virginia houses additional aviation artifacts sure to inspire flyers of all stripes. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "this place is truly incredible and not to be missed." Admission: Free.

2. Wings on the Water: Intrepid Sea, Air, &Space Museum, New York, New York

Centered on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space museum is a floating treasure trove of exhibits for aviation enthusiasts. The deck and hangar bay of the ship feature a collection of 30 aircraft, including some that have just recently left active service. Additionally, one of the Concorde supersonic jets on loan from British Airways is on the Intrepid pier and can be explored inside and out by visitors. The museum also houses other interactive exhibits, including an A-6 cockpit simulator and a virtual flight zone. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "Intrepid delivers an amazing exploration you won't soon forget." Admission: $22 for adults, $17 for children.

3. Back to the Beginning: Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina

For enthusiasts looking to go back to the beginning of air travel, there's no better place than the Wright Brothers National Memorial on the site where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful plane travel over one hundred years ago. Travelers can re-trace the routes where the Wright Brothers tested out their first aircraft and explore the on-site museum and its collection of models, tools, and machines used by the pioneering, high-flying duo. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, "this was the highlight of our trip to the Outer Banks." Admission: $4.00 for adults, free for children.

4. Travelers Take Flight: National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida

Travelers interested in military aviation should look no further than the National Naval Aviation Museum. The museum boasts more than 4,000 aviation artifacts and 150 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Visitors can also get in on the action by taking a ride in the museum's flight simulators or by watching Blue Angels practice on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, the museum is "worth spending many hours. The aircraft in the museum are breath-taking." Admission: Free.

5. Piloting the Prez: Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington

Home to more than 85 aircraft ranging from antiques to the cutting edge of modern aviation, the Museum of Flight in Seattle is sure to tickle air travel lovers of all ages. The museum features a wealth of unique exhibits, including an engaging air traffic control tower at Boeing Field and "Style in the Aisle," which shows off flight attendant uniforms from the 1930's to the 1980's. The museum's aircraft collection is also expansive, and even includes an Air Force One aircraft that carried presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon. As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "I LOVE this museum, even as a local!" Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for youths, free for children 4 and under.

6. Planes, Planes, Everywhere: Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona

With more than 300 aircraft and spacecraft in its collection, the Pima Air &Space Museum is one of the largest aviation museums in the world. It features more than 125,000 artifacts of modern aviation, and counts gems like the B-29 Superfortress, SR-71 Blackbird, and World War II German V-1 "buzz bomb" among its exhibits. Visitors can also take in the sights of the museum's outdoor displays, which show off extraordinary aircraft and their ground support vehicles, as well as an airplane "boneyard." As one TripAdvisor traveler raves, "the selection of planes seems endless and any military aircraft fan will be in heaven." Admission: $13.75 for adults, $8 for youths, free for children 6 and under.

7. If You Build It, They Will Come: Boeing Aircraft Factory Tour, Everett, Washington

The Boeing Aircraft Factory is the perfect place to visit for travelers interested in the nuts and bolts of aviation. Visitors can take a tour of the production facility, which is the world's largest building by volume, to get a bird's eye view of how aircraft are made. The tour covers the production of several Boeing models, including the eagerly anticipated 787 Dreamliner. The facility also features an aviation museum, which includes aircraft engines and conceptual aircraft designs. As one TripAdvisor traveler notes, "when the lift doors open for the first time and you can see a production line of 747's being built below you it is truly something else!" Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children.

8. Historic Hangars: Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii

Built in the historic hangars that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Aviation Museum offers tens of thousands of square feet of aviation exhibits, including a collection of military aircraft from the World War II era. Visitors can also hop into the pilot's seat at the museum's flight simulator, where they can take off and land on an aircraft carrier, and take part in a high stakes battle in the sky. As one TripAdvisor traveler notes, "if you are an aviation buff, this is a can't miss if you are visiting the USS Arizona Memorial." Admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children.

9. Just Look Up: Gravelly Point Park, Arlington, Virginia

Located just north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Gravelly Point Park is a fantastic place for watching planes take off and land as they pass right overhead. In addition to the great views of the airport, the park is a nice spot to play catch or have a picnic on a warm summer day. As one TripAdvisor traveler states, "how crazy to be standing 500 feet from the touchdown of planes landing at Reagan National Airport." Admission: Free.

10. Wooden Wonder: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

Home to a wide range of aircraft, from cargo planes to commercial jets, bombers to spacecraft, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a great place for aviation enthusiasts to get their fill and also for casual fans to brush up on a little air travel history. In addition to exhibits and archives detailing the milestones of modern aviation, the museum houses Howard Hughes's famous wooden "Spruce Goose," which was the largest plane of its time when it was completed in 1947. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, "the museum/hangar itself is a work of art. A great way to spend a day." Admission: $20 for adults, $18 for youths, free for children 4 and under.

"Whether you're an aviation buff or someone who just likes being up in the air, there's a wealth of fascinating attractions across the U.S. that explore the history of air travel," said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. "They're sure to give you a deeper appreciation of the aircraft you're on the next time you find yourself cruising along at 30,000 feet."

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Dollywood Theme Park Announces New Barnstormer for 2011

2010-08-03T07:40:00.000-05:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--High-flying high jinks take to the sky at Dollywood for the 2011 season with the new Barnstormer ride, a $5.5 million family thrill ride situated in a barnyard-themed area which also includes play areas for younger guests.

“I remember my daddy and granddaddy talking about the old barnstormers that used to do all kinds of crazy stunts above the fields where they’d work crops,” Dolly Parton said. “My new Barnstormer ride offers folks those same breathtaking moments, high in the sky above Dollywood. And I’ve recreated a critter-themed barnyard that reminds me of growing up on the farm here in the Smoky Mountains!”

Taking its name from the daring aerialists and stunt pilots of the 1920s, the Barnstormer features two pendulum arms with seating for 32 riders. Seated back to back, riders travel progressively higher on each swing of the Barnstormer’s massive arms, reaching a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and 230 degrees of rotation. At its peak, the Barnstormer reaches a staggering 81 feet in the air, taking riders high above the barn’s rooftop and the area’s treetops. Situated in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Barnstormer rests amid a traditional red barn on the Owens Farm, a nod to Parton’s family’s rural upbringing.

While the Barnstormer fills the air above the barn, children’s play areas dot the landscape around the barn. With a fun, barnyard theme, children can enjoy a 22-foot by 16-foot bi-plane play area as well as a pig pen water play area.

The Barnstormer has a ride capacity of 450 passengers per hour, and a 48-inch minimum height requirement.

The Barnstormer is adjacent to the Mountain Slidewinder, one of the park’s most popular rides which opened in 1987.

The new area opens in March 2011 to usher in Dollywood’s 26th operating season.

The number one ticketed attraction in Tennessee, Dollywood is an award-winning 150-acre family adventure park located in Pigeon Forge near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open nine months a year (late March to early January), Dollywood hosts four of the South’s largest festivals and offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including Thunderhead, twice named the world’s No. 1 wooden coaster, and Mystery Mine coaster, Theme Park Insider’s 2007 Best New Attraction. In addition to the 2009 Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows, Dollywood is the recipient of 15 Big E Awards in recognition of the park’s live entertainment which features country, bluegrass, gospel and Appalachian music. The Golden Tickets’ 2007 Publisher’s Pick for best theme park, Dollywood also is a two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event. In addition, a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region demonstrate daily. For more information, visit www.dollywood.com.

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

2010-07-29T07:10:00.000-05:00

/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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Delta Enhancing Domestic Schedules in Key East Coast Business Markets

2010-07-28T14:20:00.001-05:00

/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

2010-07-28T07:22:00.000-05:00

(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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