Enjoy "Nature Naturally" Weekend November 12-14

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

(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

/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

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

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

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

 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

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

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

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

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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www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
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www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP