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

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.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Smithsonian Journeys Announces Egypt Tours for 2011

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.



-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Six Flags White Water Announces New Interactive Addition for 2010 Inspired by The Wiggles...The World's Premier Children's Entertainers

/PRNewswire/ -- Guests will find themselves wiggling with excitement as Six Flags White Water introduces its newest attraction in May 2010. The largest water park in the Southeast will transform into the wiggliest and wettest family destination with the introduction of North America's first Wiggles Water World. The Wiggles are the world's #1 preschool entertainers, having sold more than 23 million videos and 7 million CDs worldwide.

Wiggles Water World will boast five interactive sections spread over 40,000 square feet. The biggest adventure of all can be found at the center of Wiggles Water World on board The S.S. Feathersword, a 25-foot tall interactive play ship. Guests can become Captain Feathersword's first mate while exploring water cannons, telescopes, net climbs, secret crawl-throughs, port-holes and slippery slides.

And the fun doesn't stop there - adventure seekers can visit Wags the Dog's Kennel Slide Tower, splash around in Henry the Octopus's Pop Jets, explore Dorothy the Dinosaur's Spray Garden or take a ride on the Big Red Car Slide. The whole family can even grab a bite to eat at the Yummy Yummy Cafe.

"The Wiggles have touched the hearts of children for over 18 years and we are thrilled at the opportunity to bring this unique family experience to our water park," said Melinda Ashcraft, Six Flags Atlanta Properties Park President. "Wiggles Water World is the first of its kind in North America and will make 2010 a very special season."

After forming in Sydney Australia in 1991, The Wiggles have become the most popular children's entertainers in the world, combining music with early childhood education. Wiggles Water World will be designed to leverage the group's vast recognition and status among children ages 2-6. Since their inception, The Wiggles have franchised into other countries, including the development of Wiggles-themed play areas in five other Six Flags parks in the U.S.

Wiggles Water World will join a host of thrilling rides and attractions, including one of the tallest freefall slides in the world, a one-of-a-kind family raft ride and a giant wave pool. In 2008, Six Flags White Water was named "Best Private Water Park in the US" by Aquatics International.

More Flags. More Fun. More Affordable. 2010 Six Flags White Water Season Passes are on sale now for the lowest price of the season at $49.99. A Season Pass offers unlimited visits to Six Flags White Water, free tickets for friends, more than $300 in savings on in-park food and fun, and access to exclusive Season Pass events.

Six Flags White Water opens for the 2010 season on Saturday, May 22. For more information on Wiggles Water World and on the operating schedule, go to sixflags.com/whitewater.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Vail Resorts Introduces 'Epic Summer, A Colorado Family Adventure' Vacation Experience in Colorado's Rocky Mountains

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN) today announced a new all-inclusive summer family vacation experience in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, "Epic Summer, A Colorado Family Adventure." Vail Resorts is combining the best of its Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek mountain resorts in Colorado with classic Rocky Mountain summer adventures for locally guided, all-inclusive family vacation experiences in four- and seven-day itineraries. Vail Resorts will begin taking reservations for the Epic Summer trips beginning April 1, 2009.

"In these challenging times, we're seeing a return to the basics of a classic family vacation with 'luxury' now defined as companies providing a good value and people spending quality time with friends and loved ones. Our 'Epic Summer' vacation will have the best that Colorado's Rocky Mountains have to offer with everything included at one very attractive price," said Rob Katz, chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. "Right now, there is no better place to visit than the majestic national parks and forests of the West, and our new Epic Summer vacation will take guests on a guided tour through these spectacular mountain settings for a memorable outdoors summer adventure."

What makes Epic Summer trips memorable, besides the carefully selected activities, are Vail Resorts' experienced local guides who will lead guests through the entire itinerary from the moment they arrive until it's time to say farewell. The Epic Summer guides have been hand-picked because of their knowledge of and passion for Colorado and the mountains. They are experts in the history, culture and ecology of the areas that families will visit and have already taken care of all of the logistical planning so families can relax and make the most of their vacation experience.

Seven-Day Epic Summer Itinerary

On the six-night, seven-day itinerary, families will experience all of the following included activities:

-- The wonder of standing at the top of the Continental Divide in a trip
to world-renowned Rocky Mountain National Park.
-- The thrill of whitewater rafting down a scenic Colorado river.
-- The serenity of horseback riding through groves of aspens, pines and
fields dotted by wildflowers on Beaver Creek Mountain.
-- The awe of a gondola ride to the summits of Vail and Keystone
mountains, followed by family-friendly naturalist hikes and
mountaintop picnics.
-- The delight of an historical walking tour through the old Victorian
mining town of Breckenridge, which is celebrating its 150th
anniversary this year.
-- The excitement of an authentic gold mine tour and hands-on gold
panning.
-- The reward of a Wild West cowboy campfire dinner, complete with wagon
rides and storytelling.



The itinerary also allows plenty of time to explore the unique shops and boutiques in the towns of Estes Park, Vail and Breckenridge, along with other optional activities such as outdoor ice skating, orienteering and bicycling.

All of the meals are included and carefully planned to reflect the character and flavor of the Rocky Mountain West. Three of the lunches are mountaintop picnics where guests enjoy magnificent sweeping views of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, while another is enjoyed on the banks of a river during the rafting excursion. Dinners take place in iconic Colorado restaurants as well as an outdoor cowboy campfire dinner.

Four-Day Epic Summer Itinerary

Families looking for a weekend escape can enjoy an abbreviated version of the seven-day guided trip featuring white water rafting, a scenic gondola ride to an easy guided hike and mountaintop picnic, horseback riding and time for shopping in the towns of Vail and Breckenridge.

Environmental Education & Carbon Offset

To round out the guest experience and engage family members of all ages in the unique natural settings of the Epic Summer adventure, key messages about local flora and fauna, geology, geography and history of the region will be artfully integrated into guest activities. As a further complement to the experience and in keeping with Vail Resorts' commitment to environmental stewardship, the carbon impacts associated with the lodging and transportation portion of each guest's trip will be offset to support development of renewable energy throughout the country.

All-Inclusive Pricing

The Epic Summer trips run from June 26, 2009 through Sept. 6, 2009. Both packages include experienced guides, accommodations in well-appointed condominiums or lodge rooms in Keystone or Breckenridge resorts, all featured activities, transportation to and from all activities, ground transfers to/from Denver International Airport and all meals. Airfare is not included. The Epic Summer trips are recommended for children ages 6 and older.

The six-night, seven-day all-inclusive package is priced at $1,195 for adults and $895 for children (ages 12 and under). It begins on Sunday evenings with a welcome reception and dinner in Keystone Resort and ends after breakfast on Saturdays.

The three-night, four-day package is $695 for adults and $545 for children (ages 12 and under). It begins on Thursday evenings with a welcome reception and dinner in Keystone Resort and ends after breakfast on Sundays.

For more information and reservations, call 888-538-EPIC (3742) or visit www.epicsummer.com. Vail Resorts will begin taking reservations for the Epic Summer trips on April 1, 2009.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Can You Spell Turkey? Think Alligator.

T2F Note: Here it is. The coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper for Thanksgiving is just a short drive away in Folkston, GA.

Down around the Okefenokee, turkey is spelled a-l-l-i-g-a-t-o-r. The Okefenokee Adventures is hosting a 2 night 3 day excursion from November 27-29. Join them on this exciting outdoors adventure. Enjoy the fall colors of the swamp. Spot baby alligators on the banks. Enjoy the tranquility of nature at its best.

Click here to learn more.

---

www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Wild Ocean Takes IMAX® Audiences at Fernbank Museum on a Spectacular Underwater Adventure Where Africa Meets the Sea

Embark on an underwater adventure where Africa meets the sea, in the new large-format film Wild Ocean showing in Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s IMAX® Theatre from July 19 through November 14, 2008. This action-packed, inspirational IMAX® documentary explores the relationship between man and the ocean ecosystem.

Highlighting one of nature’s greatest migration spectacles, Wild Ocean plunges viewers into an underwater feeding frenzy—an epic struggle for survival where whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, gannets and billions of fish collide with the most voracious sea predator, mankind. Filmed off the Wild Coast of South Africa and set to the rhythmic dances and songs of the local people, Wild Ocean reveals the economic and cultural impact of the ocean while celebrating the communal efforts to protect our invaluable marine resources.

Wild Ocean chronicles the annual migration of billions of sardines that travel up the KwaZulu-Natal shoreline, known to locals as the Wild Coast. This migration has provided a food source not only for countless generations of people living along the African shore, but also for the ocean’s residents, including predators that journey from great distances to feast.

An amazing array of ocean life converges on the migration route in a dramatic and frenzied fashion. Bottlenose dolphins create superpods thousands strong to track down the huge shoals. Sharks sense blood in the water and join the hunt. Seals and common dolphins chase the fish from cooler currents up the coast into the warmer tropical waters. Cape Gannets, a species of diving birds, join the battle with aerial attacks from the sky. All of these animals are drawn to the scene, enmeshed in one of the most incredible mass feeding melees in the natural world.

Unfortunately such a richness of life is now rare in our seas. For centuries the ocean was considered a vast, limitless resource. As fishing practices grew more industrialized and efficient throughout the 20th century, entire fish stocks around North America, Europe and Asia began to collapse. The fish, hauled onto boats by the ton, were an integral part of a complex marine ecosystem, a link in a great food chain on which many predators depend. Eventually, entire fish species were decimated and the ocean predator populations went into a steep decline.

Now a new threat, global climate change, threatens to further damage the fragile ocean ecology. While Wild Ocean explores the causes and effects of man’s impact, it is an inspirational film looking toward a bright future, taking audiences to a rare and unspoiled marine wilderness to glimpse what the oceans of the world once looked like and reveals the steps being taken to help restore a healthy ocean ecosystem. The film champions the creation of marine reserves, ecologically friendly fishing practices, fishing limits and other measures necessary to bring our oceans back to life—with South Africa leading the way.

“Wild Ocean is a timely and uplifting film that celebrates the life in our oceans,” said Heather Heimmer, Fernbank’s Director of Environmental Education. “It’s an incredible look at how a balanced ocean needs healthy numbers from the bottom of the food chain to the top and how the South African culture has embraced this annual feeding event while doing their part to keep the ecosystem in check.”

Wild Ocean shows daily at Fernbank Museum of Natural History from July 19 through November 14, 2008. IMAX® tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for students/seniors, $11 for children ages 3-12, $8 for Museum members, and free (on a space-available basis) for children ages 2 and younger.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road, NE in Atlanta. To reserve tickets by phone call 404.929.6400. For Museum information call 404.929.6300 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone