Zoo Atlanta Library Program Launches Statewide

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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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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Waterways And Local Parks Provide Family Fun

(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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Huge yard Sale! Celebrate Family Fall Festival at Historic Indian Springs October 31

Looking for a really good yard sale?

The Historic Village at Indian Springs is having a Huge Event on October 31st, traditionally known as Halloween. The Village is giving away $500.00 in CASH PRIZES for the best costumes. Now, everyone knows you have to be home on this Night of Trick-or-Treat, so this event starts at 7:00 AM and closes at 3:00 PM. Visitors can find some funky things to wear, paint pumpkins, enjoy homemade pies at the Cafe' , drink cider, and just enjoy being outdoors while they find those really awesome bargains on clothes, furniture, and all the things you need to buy before the holidays.

All the Village Shops will be open and every store will have sale merchandise during this event. If you want to sell, a booth can be yours for just $5.00. Stop in at THE BIG CHIEF COUNTRY STORE or call 770-775-5350 to register, but do it today, because space is limited.

To get an early start, folks may want to stay in one of the vintage cottages in the Village, or there's camping, RV space and cabins inside the Indian Springs State Park across the street. Start a new tradition - Bring the whole family, enjoy the lake, go hiking, and pick up some great buys. Ms Frankie Willis is looking forward to a big crowd. "People love to be outdoors when the weather starts to cool.

Now is the best time to enjoy The Whimsical Botanical Gardens with the kids. Be sure to visit Daisy Pearl's Fashion Boutique and LadyBug and Tadpole's Children Store.. We have just brought in the new fall styles. Plan on having lunch at Pinky's Parlor & Cafe'. We will be serving breakfast and lunch with homemade pies and cold beverages. " Mrs. Lee's Stagecoach Sweetstop is where friends meet and enjoy rich ice cream and homemade fudge. "We will have warm apple cider ready for you -but the weather is never too cool for ice cream, " says Ms Diann. "And don't forget, the children can paint pumpkins, draw and do art activities all day for free at Generations Gallery - and then come have ice cream here. It is a lot of fun."

"The writers are meeting every Saturday, and on the day of the Yard Sale we have a special guest, Rita Lewis, who will be talking about her new book, " Excuse Me, Your Honor..." , exlains Andi Kulp. "Rita came to our very first "Open Mike" at our Writers Conference two years ago and here she is - with her first book completed."

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Boo at the Zoo Returns

T2F Note: What better way to spend a fall day than at the zoo? This week's highly coveted Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award goes to Zoo Atlanta for hosting this year's event during daylight hours.

Fun family Halloween festival runs October 24, 25 and 31

Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival is set to return – this year on three fun-filled days. Zoo Atlanta’s signature seasonal event, Boo at the Zoo, is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 24 and 25 and Saturday, October 31. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The popular celebration invites guests of all ages to sample sweet treats, meet whimsical costume characters, and enjoy live entertainment. Costumes are not only welcome, but encouraged: costume contests will take place during each day of the event.

Successful 2007 and 2008 installations of the event took place during the evening, with just one disappointment for Boo at the Zoo guests. Most of the Zoo’s star attractions – more than 1,000 animals from around the world – had gone to bed by the time the event began. With this year’s return to a daytime event, visitors will get to see their favorite Zoo residents, many of them joining in the fun themselves with their own Halloween-themed enrichment treats.

Boo at the Zoo is free for Zoo Atlanta Members and children under 3; free with general admission.

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Celebrate Fishing Week at Georgia State Parks

There's still time to enjoy the end of National Fishing Week in Georgia this weekend.


Kids from 3 to 103 are invited to explore Georgia’s great lakes, rivers and streams in celebration of National Fishing Week, June 6-13, at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen fishing events planned in the week ahead, Georgia’s state parks offer an adventure for everyone – from children’s fishing rodeos to expert fly fishing classes.

No fishing gear? Some of Georgia’s state parks offer a fishing equipment loaner program for free. Georgians interested in angling in the parks can check out a pole, try their luck and return the equipment when finished. Check out www.GeorgiaStateParks.org for a list of participating parks.

Turn an exciting day of fishing into an overnight adventure under the stars. State park visitors can stay the night in a campsite, cottage, yurt, or hotel-style lodge. What better way to get away from computers and build memories that last a lifetime? Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-864-7275.

Free Fishing Days
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Victoria Bryant State Park - Royston, GA
No license is required for this special day of free fishing. $5 parking. 706-245-6270.

Senior Citizen Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM to 12 PM
James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park - Summerville, GA

Ladies and gentlemen 65 and older can enjoy using their skills to bring in the largest catfish. Bring your own bait. $5 parking. 706-857-0826.

Fishing and Boating Blast
Saturday, June 13, 2009
10 AM to 6 PM
Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge - McRae, GA

Kids can earn a GO Georgia Badge by participating in a canoe trip, fishing in the lake, identifying some water dwellers and being creative with some fishy crafts. Stay overnight in the park’s lodge. $5 parking. 229-868-7474.

Basic Fly Fishing Clinic
2nd Saturday of Month (June 13)
10 AM - 12 PM
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA

The two-hour clinic covers equipment, knot tying, casting, safety issues and other tricks of the trade. If time permits participants may stay to catch the "Fish of Fish." Instructors C. H. Brown and Michael Reilley suggest wearing long pants/shorts and hiking shoes, and bringing snacks, water and sun lotion. Georgia fishing license required. Register in advance. $7 - $10 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA

Children 12 and younger can enjoy friendly competition to see who can catch the most or biggest fish. Meet at the Kiddie Ponds on the Cook County side of the park. Kids must bring their own tackle, but the park will furnish some bait. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

Paddle and Cast at Buck Shoals State Park
Saturday, June 13, 2009
9 AM to 12 PM
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen, GA

This is a rare opportunity to canoe and fish at Buck Shoals State Park because the park is not open to the public yet. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided. Bring your favorite fishing gear. No live bait allowed. Register in advance. 706-878-3087.

Kids Fishing Rodeo
Saturday, June 13, 2009
8 AM to 12 PM
Vogel State Park - Blairsville, GA

Join kids 12 and younger to fish our stocked trout stream. Prizes will be given to the lucky ticket holders, and families will enjoy watching children have a blast. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is one of the top-rated state park systems in the country. With a diverse geographic topography, Georgia’s 63 state parks and historic sites offer adventures in northern mountains, midland swamplands, piedmont plains and along the beautiful Georgia coast.

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Quality Winter Crappie in Deep, Cool Waters

T2F Note: Don't you have some great memories of fishing with your dad or grandpa? Spending time together is always a favorite sport and what better way is there than fishing? This week's coveted "Fayette Front Page Day Tripper Award" proudly is presented to all streams in Georgia and the wonderful memories you'll make while fishing with your kids. Spend some time with your family fishing in Georgia.

Springtime is not the only ideal time for crappie fishing in Georgia. The brief winter season also produces excellent results, and several reservoirs across the state offer rewards for anglers willing to brave the bitter cold temperatures.

“Fishing for crappie in the winter can be very rewarding if anglers concentrate on cold weather hot spots,” says John Biagi, chief of Fisheries Management for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Also, because there is a lot of action involved when crappie fishing, it is an excellent time to engage the entire family and/or to introduce someone new to the fun aspect of the sport.”

Now through mid-February 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 late February, 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 marked manmade fish attractors, especially near the Kellogg Creek area. Maps of fish attractor locations are available at www.gofishgeorgia.com . Also look to the Rocky Mountain Public Fishing Area, located 16 miles north of Rome, where good slabs are predicted this year and hot spots include fishing off of riprap dams. 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 below the lock and dam area, especially near Brush Branch.

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 and deep water areas. Visit Fox, 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 warm water discharge from the steam plant. When temperatures warm, anglers should target larger islands such as Optimist, Budweister 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, Sandy Branch Creek and Sandy Creek. 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.

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

Take Me Fishing! ™ According to a recent national survey, 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships.

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Those Who Live Together Travel Together

(NAPSI)-Increasingly, family trips are including more than just mom, dad and the kids. A growing number of vacations include grandparents and other relatives-especially when those relatives live in the same household.

Multigenerational travel, also known as "togethering," has been on the rise over the last five years. And each year, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, more than 5 million family vacations include three generations. And while these trips have long been organized to mark big events, such as 50th anniversaries, 75th birthdays and college graduations, families are increasingly going places en masse "just because."

One mode of transportation that's particularly popular with families is train travel. That's because in addition to a sustainable way to travel, passengers are not distracted by electronics and can focus on the good food, stunning scenery and spending quality time with the family.

For example, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers a variety of customizable packages that let riders explore the beautiful destinations of Western Canada. Vacation packages range from two days to 17 days and feature service that's as spectacular as the scenery.

One of the most popular is the Classic Rail Vacation. This is a spectacular two-day, all-daylight journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer with an additional night's accommodation in Vancouver and Banff. It includes rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff; a one-day National Parks Pass; two breakfasts; two lunches; and three nights' hotel accommodation.

So whether riding the rails aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff, or journeying along the Fraser Discovery Route through the countryside and early gold rush territory from Whistler to Jasper, there is plenty for everyone to see and do. And because the spacious coaches are roomy enough to accommodate dozens of passengers, the train can be a unique setting for a family reunion.

To learn more about multigenerational family travel and the Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation through Western Canada, visit www.rockymountaineer.com or call 1-800-665-7245 (toll-free in the U.S.).

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Continental Airlines Responds to Flight 1404 Accident

T2F Note: This announcement is made as a public service. The prayers of our staff are with the families and passengers who were on the flight.

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL) tonight confirmed that flight 1404, a Boeing 737-500 aircraft carrying 110 customers and five crew members, went off the runway at Denver International Airport following a scheduled 6 p.m. MST departure to Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport. Continental and Denver International Airport are providing assistance to the passengers at this time. A number of injuries have been reported and authorities are transporting passengers and crew to area medical facilities as necessary.

The company is in the process of collecting additional information and will communicate additional information once it is known.

Continental Airlines is cooperating with all authorities responding to the incident.

"The care of our passengers, crew and family members is our highest priority and they will receive any assistance necessary," said Larry Kellner, Continental Airlines' chairman and chief executive officer. "We are deeply concerned by this accident and will do everything we can for the passengers, their families and our co-workers."

Relatives and friends of those traveling on flight 1404 who want to give or receive information about those on board may telephone Continental at (800) 621-3263 or go to our Web site at continental.com.

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The Rock Ranch Kicks Off ‘Fall Family Fun Days’ with Themed Weekend and Special Entertainment on Sept. 20

T2F Note: Fall is almost here and the Rock Ranch is ready to celebrate family and fall with their super weekend events. It's worth the short trip as you discover another one of the Fayette Front Page Day Trippers.
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Weekly Fall Festivals Feature Attractions, Crafts, Music, Food and Contests

Admission includes all activities and attractions. Discount coupons are available at participating Chick-fil-A locations through November, 8. The Rock Ranch is open each Saturday from Sept. 20 to Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Rock Ranch is located off State Highway 36 west of Barnesville, GA and east of Thomaston, GA. It is 58 miles south of downtown Atlanta, 38 miles northwest of Macon, and 61 miles northeast of Columbus.

The Rock Ranch LLC, a 1,250-acre cattle ranch owned by Chick-fil-A® Founder, S. Truett Cathy, will kick off “Fall Family Fun Days” on Sept. 20, 2008. The Rock Ranch provides a unique blend of “agritourism” (wholesome family entertainment in an agricultural setting). Fall Family Fun Days at The Rock Ranch feature a wide variety of interactive, educational and family-based events, activities and programs for its guests.

Each of the Fall Family Fun Days will feature special themed events that include:

• September 20 –The Rock Ranch Rural Round Up features the grand opening of the “Explore
Georgia” corn maze, live music, hillbilly karaoke, arm wrestling and lawnmower racing among
other fun rural activities. There will also be a tug of war competition where ranch hands
Henry and Max will take on everyone else in attendance at the same time. This date is also
teach appreciation day (all school teachers with a school ID card enter for free with their
immediate family).

• September 27 – The Rock Ranch Bluegrass Festival provides a full day of bluegrass that will
feature Cedar Hill, The Honey Creek Boys, Due South and more. This date also serves as
home school day (all homeschoolers and their parents receive ½-off the price of admission)

• October 4 – Growing Up Green, featuring Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales will allow guests to
enjoy having their photos made with the Veggie Tales characters. There will be fun games
and activities that involve having fun with vegetables and thinking green. Various booths,
presentations and demonstrations will provide information about “green” topics such as
alternative energy, recycling, composting and more.

• October 11 – Wagon Wheel Market Day offers fun for the whole family with a premier
shopping experience among exhibitors of hand-made crafts (for mom), excellent concessions
and great guy gadgets like the pumpkin cannon (for dad), and a full days worth of fun
attractions (for the children).

• October 18 – The Rock Ranch Hot Air Balloon Rally, sponsored by Ferrell Gas, features many
beautiful hot air balloons that will participate in an early morning competition flight, an
evening competition flight, and a “balloon glow” after dark. Tethered rides will be available in
the evening if weather permits. Also The Moo Cow Bikers/ Victory Junction Gang charity
motorcycle ride will originate at Great South Harley Davidson in Newnan and arrive at The
Rock Ranch in parade fashion at 4pm. One lucky biker will be chosen to ride off into the
sunset in the Harley Davidson Hot Air Balloon.

• October 25 – “The Rock” of Salvation Christian Music Concert, in partnership with Atlanta’s
J93, features popular Christian artists. A full line-up of artists will be released September 22.

• November1 – Pumpkin Destruction Day allows guests to assist in the destruction of any
unsold pumpkins or bring their own to recycle through fun methods such as: the pumpkin
cannon, pumpkin bowling, the hammer smash and the lift crane pumpkin drop, among others.

• November 8 – The Rock Ranch Great Outdoor Adventure features exciting outdoor activities
and educational demonstrations. Guests will enjoy a falconry demonstration, birds of prey
exhibition, archery, fishing rodeo, insect education lab, wildlife station, and a reptile show by
Jason Clark of Animal Planet.

In addition to the themed weekends, guests will find a variety of family fun attractions that are
included with admission each weekend. Admission includes unlimited use of:

o Locomotive Train Rides
o Hay Rides
o Pony Rides
o Carousel
o Corn Cannons
o The Cow Train
o Pedal Carts
o Paddle Boats
o Cane Pole Fishing
o The Farmland Petting Zoo
o Conestoga Wagon Inflatable
o Children’s “Jolly Jump”
o Children’s John Deere Gators
o The Giant Sling Shot
o The Relaxation Station and Creek
o The Corn Box Play Area
o Little Town
o Horse Shoes
o Musical Entertainment
o Giant Inflatable Jumping Pillow
o The “Explore Georgia” Corn Field

Maze

“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. “Throughout the years, we’ve
learned to blend our love of agriculture with entertainment to keep people interested and
involved in a way of life that our grandparents knew well, but now is in danger of being
forgotten.”

The theme this year for the popular corn maze at The Rock Ranch is “Explore Georgia.” As fuel
prices continue to discourage long distance travel, The Rock Ranch seeks to highlight some of the wonderful elements found locally, in Georgia. The maze includes information about Georgia’s history, famous people and exciting destinations. Maze-goers can attempt a scavenger hunt/word search to find and match Georgia key words hidden in the maze. The Rock Ranch is
partnered with The Georgia Department of Economic Development and Tourism on this year’s
maze and its purpose is to educate guests about this state and all that it has to offer – right
outside their backdoors. It also is designed to help make Georgians aware of exploregeorgia.org,
a new state tourism website designed to assist citizens in fully enjoying this great state.
General admission is $13 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under (children under 3 are free).

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Visit Edisto Island SC with Sandy Toes

Edisto Island, South Carolina, is about 40 miles from Charleston and remains unspoiled. The small beachfront community is ideal for families who want to find their place in the sand. To date, there has been no excess development on the island and everyone finds "Edislow Time." Join "Sandy Toes" and see some of the natural beauty of the island.

Click here to see another one of Sandy Toes' adventures on Edisto.


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