Guide to Georgia

GGEORGIA uide To

SAM Shortline Excursion Train Georgia’s Trains, Depots, & Railroad Museums Featured Inside

Events Attractions Fairs & Festivals

July 2008

1st Annual

Sandy Springs Summer Splash

6-mile float on the Chattahoochee River

July 26, 2008

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Float from Morgan Falls Dam to Powers Island on the Chattahoochee River.

Rafts, kayaks, and canoes (non-motorized boats) are all welcome to join this summer splash.

Following the float there will be food, live music, crafts, wildlife programs, exhibitors, and self-guided hikes at Powers Island.

HOSTED BY THE

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA AND SANDY SPRINGS HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

866-511-7742 www.visitsandysprings.org

GGEORGIA uide To

Volume 48 Monthly

Number 1 July 2008

CONTENTS July 4th Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5 Brunswick & The Golden Isles . . . .5 Antiques, Art, and Museums . . . . .6 Theatre, Music, & Dance . . . . . . . .7 Georgia Events & Activities . . . .8-9 Metro Atlanta Calendar . . . . .10-11 Atlanta Attractions . . . . . . . . . . .11 Train Rides/Museums/Depots .12-15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17 Augusta Drag Boat Races . . . . . . .17 Summer Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-22 Garden & Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

W

ON THE COVER

atching and riding trains and collecting railroadiana are popular pastimes. Georgia has a variety of depots, trains, museums, model train displays, and railroad festivals that enthusiasts can enjoy. Among these is the SAM Shortline Excursion Train in Cordele, shown on the cover. For more information on train-related sites in Georgia, see page 12.

GUIDE

TO

GEORGIA

801 Nebula Rd., Manchester, GA 31816 Phone 706-846-2620, Fax 706-846-2620 E-mail guidetogeorgia@alltel.net Patty Proctor . . . . . . . . .Publisher/Editor Debi Richardson . . . . . . . .Graphic Editor Hayley Yawn . . . . . .Publisher’s Assistant Dennis King . . . . . . . . . .Advertising Rep 706-846-9854, dennis@guidetogeorgia.com

The GUIDE TO GEORGIA, founded in 1960, is the premiere publication for information on activities and entertainment in Georgia. Nine issues are published each year, and the magazines are distributed in all 11 Georgia Welcome Centers, in local visitor bureaus, in hotels, and numerous other outlets as well as to subscribers. Subscription is $18 per year. Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission.

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

3

PPP

Fourth of July Events

July 3 – DONALSONVILLE – July 4th at Seminole State Park. 229-861-3137.

3 – FORT OGLETHORPE – Patriotism at the Post, 6th Cavalry Museum. 706-861-2860.

3 – FORT GORDON – Independence Day, 5-12 p.m. 706-791-6779.

3 – KENNESAW – Frontiers Concert & Fireworks, Train Depot, 8 p.m. 770-422-9714.

3 – MADISON – Independence Day Concert & Picnic on Lawn, Cultural Ctr. 706-342-4743.

3 – McCAYSVILLE – Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks, Tater Hill. 706-455-0928.

3 – THOMASVILLE – Victorian Patriotic Party, Lapham-Patterson House, 3-7 p.m. 229225-4004.

3 – WARNER ROBINS – Air Force Reserve Command Band & LONESTAR, McConnell-Talbert Stadium, 6 p.m. 888-288-9742.

3 – WOODBURY – Lake Meriwether Fireworks. 706-655-3322.

3-4 – CUMMING – July 4th Celebration, fairgrounds. 770-781-3491.

3-4 – HAMPTON – Ga. Independence Day Festival & Fireworks, Nash Farm. 800-436-7926.

3-4 – HAMPTON – Fireworks Show, Atlanta Motor Speedway. 770-946-4211.

3-5 – STONE MOUNTAIN PARK – Fantastic Fourth Celebration. 770-498-5690.

3-6 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Sunshine Festival. 800-933-2627.

4 – ACWORTH – 4th of July Concert & Fireworks, Cauble Park, 4-10 p.m. 770-917-1234.

4 – ALPHARETTA – July 4th Festivities & Events, Wills Park, 5 p.m. 678-297-6165.

4 – ALPHARETTA – Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Verizon Amphitheater. 404-249-6400.

4 – ATHENS – Star-Spangled Classic, Bishop Park. 706-613-3625.

4 – ATLANTA – 4th of July at Lenox Square, 5 p.m. 404-233-6767.

4 – ATLANTA – 4th of July Celebration, Centennial Olympic Park. 404-222-park.

4 – ATLANTA – Peachtree Road Race. 404231-9064.

4 – AUGUSTA – Riverblast July Fourth Celebration, Riverwalk & Common, 2-11 p.m.

706-821-1754.

4 – AUSTELL – Salute 2 America, Six Flags Over Georgia. 770-948-9290.

4 – BLAIRSVILLE – Independence Day at Vogel State Park. 706-745-2628.

4 – BLAIRSVILLE – 4th of July Fireworks, Meeks Park, dusk. 706-745-5789.

4 – BLUE RIDGE – Celebration & Fireworks, Lake Blue Ridge, 4 p.m. 706-632-2618.

4 – BRASELTON – Fireworks, Chateau Elan.

770-932-0900.

4

4 – BRUNSWICK – Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, downtown, 6:15 p.m. 912-262-6934.

4 – CARTERSVILLE – Stars, Stripes & Cartersville, Dellinger Park. 770-386-5652.

4 – COLUMBUS – Thunder on the Hooch, Riverwalk. 706-494-5403.

4 – CONYERS – Fabulous Fourth Festival, Georgia International Horse Park. 770-860-4190.

4 – DAHLONEGA – 4th of July Celebration, Gold Museum Historic Site. 706-864-3513.

4 – DAHLONEGA – Family Independence Day, Square, 6-9 p.m. 706-864-3711.

4 – DARIEN – Drums Along the Altamaha, Fort King George. 912-437-4770.

4 – DECATUR – Pied Piper Parade, Concert, Fireworks, downtown, 6 p.m. 404-371-8386.

4 – DEMOREST – Fourth of July Celebration & Parade, downtown. 706-778-4202.

4 – DOUGLAS – Freedom Fest, Municipal Park, 5 p.m. 912-384-4555.

4 – ELLIJAY – Independence Day Parade. 706635-7400.

4 – FITZGERALD – Fourth of July Celebration, Paul Park, 6 p.m. 800-386-4642.

4 – FORT GAINES – Firecracker Festival & BBQ, 11 a.m. 229-768-3580.

4 – GORDON – 4th of July Children’s Parade and Free Watermelon. 478-946-1122.

4 – GRIFFIN – Independence Day Parade, downtown. 770-228-8200.

4 – HELEN – 4th of July BBQ & Bluegrass Concert, 4-9 p.m. 706-878-1916.

4 – HIAWASSEE – Fourth of July Boat Parade, Lake Chatuge. 706-896-4966.

4 – HOMER – Fireworks Celebration, Garrison home, 9 p.m. 706-677-3510.

4 – JULIETTE – Ol’ Time 4th at Jarrell Plantation, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 478-986-5172.

4 – KINGSTON – Antique Auction, Ken’s Antiques and Auction, 1 p.m. 770-336-9955.

4 – LAFAYETTE – Freedom Festival, Municipal Park. 706-639-1590.

4 – LAKE LANIER ISLANDS – Light Up the Lake Fireworks. 770-932-7200.

4 – LUMPKIN – Celebration of Independence, Westville Village. 229-838-6310.

4 – LUMPKIN – July 4th Activities, Providence Canyon St. Pk., 1-4 p.m. 229-838-6202.

4 – MARIETTA – Fourth in Glover Park, 10 a.m.-dark. 770-794-5601.

4 – McRAE – July 4th Celebration. 229-8686365.

4 – MIDWAY – Independence Day Colonial Faire, Fort Morris. 912-884-5999.

4 – MONROE – Swingin’ Medallions Concert, downtown. 770-266-5331.

4 – NEWNAN – Fourth of July Parade & Rotary Celebration. 770-253-8283.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

Celebrated Across Georgia PPP Brunswick & The Golden Isles Nestled on the Georgia coast, midway accessible only by boat. The Lodge accommodates between Savannah and Jacksonville, are up to 30 guests who enjoy guided nature walks, Brunswick and four barrier islands: St. Simons canoeing, kayaking, and horseback rides.

Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Sea Island is home to The Island, and Jekyll Island.

Cloister, a world-class resort reBrunswick’s Old Town, a nowned for its luxury and gracious National Register District, is filled service, full-service spa, golf, tennis, with majestic homes. The downshooting school, horseback riding, town offers antique shops, specialty kids programs, private beach, fishshops, and art galleries. At Mary ing, waterway excursions, and more.

Ross Park on the waterfront you’ll Jekyll Island, once an exclusive see fleets of shrimp boats. winter retreat for some of America’s St. Simons Island has a working wealthiest families, has a Historic Lighthouse (1872); Bloody Marsh, District from that era, 63 holes of where British and Scottish soldiers PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK SAYLOR golf, tennis, beaches, 20 miles of bike defeated the Spanish; Fort Frederica; Christ paths, mini-golf, nature tours, and a water park.

Church; beaches; nature center; a Village with For a free 70-page Visitors Guide, call the shops and restaurants; and Neptune Park with Brunswick-Golden Isles Visitors Bureau at 800mini-golf and a pier.

933-COAST (2627). Or, visit them online at Little St. Simons Island is a private island www.bgivb.com.

Celebration, Ga. Veterans St. Pk. 229-276-2371.

4-5 – JEKYLL ISLAND – 4th of July Fireworks 4 – PINE MOUNTAIN – July 4th Surf & Sand Extravaganza. 877-4jekyll.

Spectacular, Callaway Gardens. 800-225-5292.

4-5 – OMAHA – Fourth of July Celebration, 4 – RICHMOND HILL – July Fourth Florence Marina State Park. 229-838-4706.

Celebration, Fort McAllister. 912-727-2339.

4-5 – RUTLEDGE – Sunflower Farm Festival.

4 – ROME – First Friday with Tinsley Ellis, 706-557-2870.

Bridgepoint Plaza, 7 p.m. 706-295-5576.

4-5 – WHIGHAM – Big Jim Williams Gospel 4 – SAVANNAH – Independence Day, BattleBluegrass Festival, Tama Tribal Town. 229-762field Memorial Park. 912-651-3673.

3165.

4 – SAVANNAH – Fantastic Fourth of July on 4-6 – DAWSONVILLE – Patriotic Pastimes, the River. 912-234-0295.

Amicalola Falls State Park. 706-265-1969.

4 – ST. MARYS – 4th of July Celebration, 4-6 – HELEN – July 4th Mountain Style, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 800-868-8687.

Unicoi State Park. 800-573-9659, x305.

4 – TALLAPOOSA – Fourth of July Celebra4-6 – McRAE – 4th of July Fun, Little tion, Howland Park, 10 a.m. 770-574-2482.

Ocmulgee State Park. 229-868-7474.

4 – TALLULAH FALLS – 4th of July Gorge Floor 4-6 – ROSWELL – Vietnam Traveling MemHike, Tallulah Gorge St. Pk., 10 a.m. 706-754-7981. orial Wall, Roswell Funeral Home. 770-993-4811.

4 – THOMASVILLE – Fourth of July Celebra5 – BLUE RIDGE – Old Timer’s Day Celebration & Fireworks, Remington Park, 6:30 p.m. 229tion & Parade, downtown. 706-632-5680.

227-7001.

5 – DARIEN – Cannons Across the Marsh, 4 – TIFTON – July 4th Fireworks ExtravaFort King George, 1-4 p.m. 912-437-4770. ganza, Georgia Agrirama. 229-386-3344.

5 – DARIEN – Concert and Fireworks, Water4 – TYBEE ISLAND – Fireworks on the Beach. front Park. 912-437-6684.

912-786-5444.

5 – FLOVILLA – Independence Day Celebra4 – WARM SPRINGS – Independence Day & tion, Indian Springs St. Pk., 2-3 p.m. 770-504-2277.

July 4th Festival, downtown. 800-337-1927.

5 – FRANKLIN – Chattahoochee Indepen4 – WASHINGTON – 4th of July Celebration, dence Day, downtown. 888-331-0560.

Square. 706-678-5111.

5 – LAVONIA – Old Fashioned 4th, Tugaloo 4 – WATKINSVILLE – Rack of Spam Concert, State Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 706-356-4362.

Ashford Manor. 706-769-5427.

5 – LINCOLNTON – Thunder Over Thurmond 4 – WOODSTOCK – Freedom Fest, downIndependence Day Celebration. 706-359-7970. town. 770-926-8852 5 – STOCKBRIDGE – Spirit of the Eagle July 4 – ZEBULON – Pride of Pike 4th of July 4th Celebration, Panola Mt. St. Pk. 770-389-7801.

Celebration, 5-10 p.m. 770-567-2029.

5-6 – SAVANNAH – Celebrating America, 4-5 – CORDELE – July 4th Weekend Fort Pulaski National Monument. 912-786-5787.

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 5

July

ANTIQUES, MUSEUMS, AND ART The Inventions of Leonardo daVinci Exhibit at Fort Discovery in Augusta Explore the fascinating world and genius mind of Leonardo da Vinci!

Leonardo’s scientific and technical drawings have captured people’s imagination for centuries. The Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci is an interpretive exhibition of models built from his drawings.

The exhibition includes 16 models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions including a flying machine, helicopter, parachute, anemometer, paddle wheel ship, military tank, and printing press. Several of the models are also interactive.

Fort Discovery will include several computer stations that will allow visitors to virtually leaf through portions of da Vinci’s extraordinary journal, Codice Atlantico, devoted to mechanics, engineering, architecture, physics and other disciplines. More than fifty 3-D models of the most interesting machines are duplicated in the virtual journal, and most have interactive capabilities which show how these machines work. Visitors can take a virtual tour of Da Vinci’s Workshop, a DVD bringing to life the rooms where Leonardo planned and produced his inventions and works of art.

The exhibit, from July 19-October 11, will be open Mondays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m. Located at One Seventh Street on Augusta’s Riverwalk. For information, call 1-800-325-5445 or 706-821-0200 or visit www.NationalScienceCenter.org.

National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus Explore naval operations for the North and South through displays of uniforms, artillery, firearms, personal effects, flags, Civil War ship murals, and a paneled timeline exhibit of the war at sea. See the ironclad ram CSS Jackson, the blockade runner Virginia, the gunboat CSS Chattahoochee, replicas of the USS Hartford, USS Monitor, CSS Albermarle, and a battle simulator theater.

Scheduled for July 5-6 and August 2-3 will be the Cool History programs which utilize the museum’s interior interpretive spaces to bring actual events from the war to life with the use of staff and volunteers. The theme of the July program will be “Medicine in the Civil War Navies.” The topic in August will be “Commando Raids.”

Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See coupon in ad on page 16. 1002 Victory Drive, Columbus. 706-327-9798. www.portcolumbus.org.

Flint RiverQuarium in Albany The Flint RiverQuarium in Albany features a unique blue hole spring with more than 100 mysterious creatures and tells the fascinating story of the Flint River and the mysterious blue hole springs that help create it.

The 175,000 gallon, 22 foot deep, open-air RiverQuarium Blue Hole is filled with fish, reptiles, and plants found in the Flint River’s ecosystem.

Explore the world around you with interactive exhibits and face to face encounters with the creatures and fish native to South Georgia.

The Imagination Theater is a movie screen three stories tall and four stories wide showing footage shot thousands of feet below the ocean surface or miles above the earth.

The RiverQuarium is open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 1-5 p.m.

For information and directions call 229-639-2650 or 877-goflint or visit www.flintriverquarium.com.

Scott Antique Market in Atlanta Scott Antique Market in Atlanta has over 2400 booths overflowing from two buildings. Find Victorian and primitive furniture, vintage hardware, rare art and prints, vintage clothing, nostalgic photographs, antique Christmas decorations, vintage musical instruments, glassware, pottery, porcelain, clocks, tools, campaign memorabilia, books, and more. Always held the second weekend of every month, the next shows will be July 11-13 and August 8-10. Hours are Fri. & Sat. 9-6 and Sun. 10-4. Admission is $3 for the weekend. The show has a variety of food and free parking. Located in the Atlanta Expo Center which straddles I-285 at Exit 55. Phone 740-569-4112 (office) or 404-361-2000 (show) or visit www.scottantiquemarket.com.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

P Theatre P Music P Dance P

AGATHA’S Thru July 30 – Harry Plotter & the Half-Wit Princess July 31-Nov. 5 – Annie Get Your Uzi! Atlanta • 404-875-4321 • www.agathas.com

AGATHA’S

July 31-Nov. 5

Harry Plotter & the Half-Wit Princess Annie Get Your Uzi!

ASHFORD MANOR CONCERTS ON LAWN Watkinsville, 706-769-5427, ambedandbreakfast.com

July 4 July 21 July 26

Rack of Spain The Highballs Sons of Sailers

May Haw

Colquitt • 229-758-5450 • www.swampgravy.com

Atlanta, 770-335-8484, www.punchline.com

July 3-6 July 11-13 July 17-20 July 24-27 July 31-Aug. 2

Colquitt, 229-758-5450, www.swampgravy.com

July 18-19, 25-26

Boz Scaggs & ASO Soul Asylum & Gin Blossoms Trace Adkins & Ronnie Milsap Temptations & Four Tops Michael McDonald & Al Green Idina Menzel Corey Smith Boyz II Men; Morris Day; The Time Jill Scott

COBB ENERGY CENTRE

Atlanta, 404-733-5010, www.vzwamp.com

July 4 July 9 July 12 July 20 July 22 July 26

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Tom Petty & Heartbreakers Robert McDuffie & ASO Foreigner & Bryan Adams Snakes & Arrows Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Take the Road Less Traveled!

Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail

Atlanta, 404-817-8700, cobbenergycentre.com

Lisa Williams

FOX THEATRE Atlanta, 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org

July 5 July 13 July 13 July 15-31

May Haw

VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE

Atlanta, 404-733-5000, www.classicchastain.org

July 18

Greg Morton Jon Reep Judah Friedlander Tim Wilson Kathleen Madigan

SWAMP GRAVY

CLASSIC CHASTAIN July 2 July 9 July 11 July 12 July 16 July 18 July 19 July 25 July 30

July 18-19, 25-26

PUNCHLINE COMEDY THEATRE

Atlanta, 404-875-4321, www.agathas.com

Thru July 30

Swamp Gravy

Tom Waits Glitter & Doom Tour Move: Enchanted Movie: Ben Hur The Color Purple

FREDERICK BROWN AMPHITHEATER Peachtree City, 770-631-0630, amphitheater.org

June 13-14 June 20-21

Outlaws & Poco Kenny Rogers

LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATER Atlanta, 404-627-9704, www.hob.com

July 7 July 9 July 24 July 26 July 27 Aug. 1

Dave Matthews Band Vans Warped Tour Tony Hawk Snoop Dogg & Fiction Plane Poison Rascal Flatts & Taylor Swift

MABLE HOUSE BARNES AMPHITHEATeR Mableton, 770-819-7765, www.mablehouseamphitheater.com

July 3 July 11 July 19

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Blake Shelton Michael Bolton & ASO

Enjoy Fresh Georgia Peaches Through August www.peachblossomtrail.com

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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GEORGIA CALENDAR JULY 1-3 – MADISON – Chamber Music Festival, Cultural Center. 706-342-4743.

1-27 – SAUTEE-NACHOOCHEE – SummerFest, Art Center. 706-878-3300.

1-29 – BLUE RIDGE – Blue Mountain Jam, fairgrounds, Tues. 6:30-9 p.m. 706-258-2736.

1-31 – BRASELTON – Summer Concerts, Chateau Elan, nightly, 8:30 p.m. 678-425-0900.

1-31 – PINE MOUNTAIN – Flying High Circus & Summer Adventure, Callaway Gdns. 800-225-5292.

2-31 – CANTON – Americana Fest, Tanglewood Farm. 770-667-6464.

3-31 – McCAYSVILLE – Pickin’ in Horseshoe Bend Park, Thurs., 6 p.m. 706-492-4921.

3-31 – THOMASVILLE – Organic Market, downtown, Thurs., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 229-227-7020.

4 – ATHENS – First Friday, Broad Street, Downtown, 5-10 p.m. 706-826-4702.

5 – CARTERSVILLE – Car Show, 5 p.m.; The Neons Concert, 7-9 p.m. Dntwn. 770-607-3480.

5 – CONYERS – Hotlanta Haitian Music Festival, Georgia Int’l Horse Park. 770-860-4190.

5 – EAST DUBLIN – Annual Redneck Games, Buckeye Park. 478-272-4422.

5 – NEWNAN – Homemade Ice Cream Festival & Market Day. 770-253-8283.

5 – PINE MOUNTAIN – Back to the ‘50’s Dance, FDR St. Pk., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 706-663-4858.

5 – WARM SPRINGS – Letters to Eleanor, FDR’s Little White House. 706-655-5870.

5-26 – ATHENS – Farmers Market, Bishop Park, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 800-653-0603.

5-26 – CARTERSVILLE – Mt. Music Series, Red Top Mt. St. Pk. Sat. 8-9 p.m. 770-975-4226.

5-26 – COLUMBUS – Market Days on Broadway, dntwn., Sat. 8:30 a.m.-noon. 706-596-0111.

5-26 – HELEN – Sat. Evening Music Concerts, Unicoi State Park, 8 p.m. 706-878-2201, x305.

5-26 – HELEN – Bavarian Nights of Summer, Sat. 7-11 p.m. 706-878-1619.

5-26 – LITHIA SPRINGS – New Manchester History hikes, Sweetwater Creek St. Pk., Sat. 770732-5871.

5-26 – MACON – City Market on the Green, downtown, Sat. 8 a.m.-noon. 478-743-3401.

5-27 – DAHLONEGA – Visiting Artist Series, Gold Museum, Sat. & Sun. 706-864-2257.

6-27 – AUGUSTA – Candlelight Jazz, Riverwalk, Sundays 8-9:30 p.m. 706-821-1754.

6-27 – HELEN – Sundays on the River, 1-4 p.m. 706-878-1619.

12 – BLUE RIDGE – Mountain Storytellers, Silk Traveler, 6 p.m. 706-374-5156. Singing in the Mountains, Fannin Co. H. S., 6-9 p.m. Flute & Drum Circle, Old Courthouse, 7 p.m. 706-632-2144.

12 – CARTERSVILLE – Allatoona Pass Battlefield Hike, 10 a.m. 770-975-4226.

706-781-1221

Blairsville, Georgia Explore the beauty of our . . .

• Rushing Waterfalls • Hiking Trails filled with Scenic Beauty • Fishing, Boating and other Water Sports on beautiful Lake Nottely • Annual Butternut Creek Festival in July • Peace and Quiet of Nature

All this this and and more more .. .. .only .only All 110 miles miles north north of of Atlanta.

Atlanta.

110 P.O. Box Box 789 789 •• Blairsville, Blairsville, GA GA 30514 30514 P.O. 706-745-5789 •• Toll-free Toll-free 877-745-5789 877-745-5789 706-745-5789 www.blairsvillechamber.com www.blairsvillechamber.com

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

GEORGIA CALENDAR JULY 12 – DALLAS – Life on the Southern Home Front, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield. 770-443-7850.

12 – LAVONIA – Blood Bought Gospel Music, Tugaloo St. Pk., 7-9 p.m. 706-356-4362.

12 – RINGGOLD – Opry, Depot. 706-935-3061.

12 – STOCKBRIDGE – Wood Carving, Panola Mountain State Park, 10 a.m. 770-389-7801.

12 – THOMASVILLE – Green Market, downtown, 9 a.m.-noon. 229-227-7020.

12-13 – NEWNAN – Georgia Gourd Society Gourd Show, Fairgrounds. 770-476-1389.

12,26 – AUGUSTA – Music on the Plaza, Riverwalk, 7-10 p.m. 706-821-1754.

12,26 – DALTON – Saturday Farmer’s Market, King St. 706-270-9960.

13 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Rob Denty Concert, Lighthouse lawn, 7-9 p.m. 912-262-6934.

16-27 – HIAWASSEE – Georgia Mountain Fair, Ga. Mountain Fairgrounds. 706-896-4191.

17 – THOMASVILLE – Downtown Luau, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 229-227-7020.

18 – CALHOUN – Infinity Show Band, 7-10 p.m. 706-602-5570.

18 – DALTON – Barefoot Nellie Acoustic Trio, Pentz Street Station. 706-529-0645.

18 – ELLIJAY – Picnic by the River, 6:30 p.m.

706-635-5605.

18 – THOMASVILLE – David Parmley & Continental Divide (bluegrass), Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m. 229-226-0588.

18-19 – ROCKMART – Polk County Homespun Festival, Seaborn Jones Park. 770-684-8760.

18-20 – ATHENS – Tales of the South Hissy Fit Weekend. 800-653-0603.

18-20 – CUMMING – Lakewood 400 Antiques Show. 770-889-3400.

19 – ELLIJAY – Arts ‘Round the Square. 706635-7400.

19 – LOCUST GROVE – Classic Car Cruise, Tanger Outlet Center. 800-206-0833.

19 – SAUTEE – Folk Pottery Museum Demo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 706-878-3300.

19 – ST. MARYS – The Chair-ity Auction, Historic District, 7-9 p.m. 912-882-8111.

19 – TALLAPOOSA – Possum Pickin’ Bluegrass Concert, downtown. 770-574-2929.

19-20 – BLAIRSVILLE – Butternut Creek Festival, Meeks Park. 706-781-1221.

20 – CLARKESVILLE – Glen-Ella Springs Tomato Festival, Glen-Ella Springs Inn. 706-754-7295.

21-22 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – African American Coalition. 912-634-0330.

25-26 – HELEN – Folk Life Traditions, Unicoi State Park. 800-573-9659, x305.

25 – CHATSWORTH – Chief Vann House Days. 706-695-2598.

26 – BLUE RIDGE – Classic Cars Cruise-In, Home Depot Parking Lot, 6 p.m. 706-632-3656.

26 – CLEVELAND – Fabulous ‘50’s on the Square. 706-969-3336.

26 – DAHLONEGA – Tribute to Georgia Authors, Gold Museum. 706-864-2257.

26 – DOUGLAS – Jammin’ in July, downtown. 912-384-5161.

26 – HOMER – Sunday School Celebration, Square. 800-638-5004.

26 – MACON – Bragg Jam, Ocmulgee Riverwalk & Downtown. 478-743-3401.

26 – STOCKBRIDGE – Music in Memorial Park. 770-957-5786.

26-27 – HAMPTON – Eastman Gun Show, Atlanta Motor Speedway. 770-946-4211.

27 – CHATSWORTH – Chief Vann House 50th Anniversary Celebration. 706-695-2598.

27 – ST. SIMONS ISLAND – Johnnie Eason Concert, lighthouse lawn, 7 p.m. 912-262-6934.

27 – WATKINSVILLE – Blue-Brew-Que, Ashford Manor. 706-353-1313.

AUGUST 2 – THOMSON – Tom Watson Watermelon Festival, Hickory Hill. 706-595-7777.

30 – HAMPTON – Trains, Planes, & Automobiles. 770-946-4306.

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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METRO ATLANTA CALENDAR July 1-31 – Music at Noon, Centennial Olympic Pk., Tues. & Thurs., noon-1 p.m. 404-223-4412.

1-31 – Lasershow Spectacular, Stone Mountain Park, 9:30 p.m. 770-498-5690.

2-30 – Wednesday Wind Down, Centennial Olympic Park, 5:30-8 p.m. 404-223-4412.

4-25 – Lunch on Broad Street, Downtown, Fridays 12-1:30 p.m. 404-658-1877.

4-25 – Friday Night Artist Markets, Atlantic Station, 5-11 p.m. 404-845-0793.

4-25 – Martinis & IMAX, Fernbank Museum, Fridays 5:30-10 p.m. 404-929-6300.

5 – Riverside Park Concert, Roswell. 770640-3253.

5 – Songwriters in Round James Castro, Jim Spruell, Bethany Dick, Chukkar Farms, Alpharetta, 7 p.m. 770-664-1533.

5-26 – Downtown Alpharetta Farmers’ Market, Sat., 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 678-297-0102.

5-26 – Green Market, Piedmont Park, Saturday Mornings. 404-875-7275.

6 – Drivetrain Concert, Heritage Green on the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn, 7-8:30 p.m. 404-851-9111, x203.

7-12 – Penguin’s Playground Puppet Show, Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 770-594-6232.

11-12 – Atlanta International Militqry Show, North Atlanta Trade Center. 704-282-1339.

11-13 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-4112 or 404-361-2000.

12 – 7 Sharp 9 Concert, Smyrna Village Green, 7-10 p.m. 770-434-6600.

13 – Kenny Chesney & LeAnn Rimes, Turner Field. 404-522-7630.

13 – Arangetram, Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 770-594-6232.

14-19 – Dinosaur in the Closet Puppet Show, Roswell Cultural Arts Ctr. 770-594-6232.

17 – Alive After Five Street Party, Roswell Historic District, 5-9 p.m. 770-640-3253.

18 – Gladys Knight, Atlanta Civic Center.

404-523-6275.

18 – Will Scruggs Jazz Fellowship & Audrey Shakir, Callanwolde, 7:30 p.m. 404-872-5338.

18-20 – Battle of Atlanta Weekend, East Atlanta Neighborhoods. 404-377-6148.

18-27 – National Black Arts Festival. 404730-7315.

19 – Rubik’s Cube Tournament, Underground Atlanta. 404-523-2311.

19 – Divas, Dames, & Damsels (Storytelling), Callanwolde, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 404-982-0523.

19 – Roswell New Horizons Band, Art Station, Kennesaw.770-514-5930.

19,26 – Movies by Moonlight, Tolleson Park, Smyrna, dark. 770-431-2842.

20 – Ice Cream Sundaes at Barrington Hall, Roswell, 1-3 p.m. 770-640-3855.

21-26 – Circus Fanta-Sea Puppet Show, Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 770-594-6232.

21-27 – Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week. 404-658-1877.

24-27 – National Black Arts Festival Artist Market & Book Fair, Georgia World Congress Center. 404-223-4000.

25 – Music in Midtown, Margaret Mitchell House, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 404-814-2054.

25 – Tango Night with Tango Rio, Callanwolde, 8 p.m. 404-872-5338.

25 – 4th Saturday Family Fun Day, Centennial Olympic Park, noon-4 p.m. 404-223-4412.

25 – Glover Park Evening Concert, Marietta Square. 770-794-5601.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

METRO ATLANTA CALENDAR ATLANTA ATTRACTIONS American Museum of Papermaking. . . . . 404-894-6663 Atlanta Cyclorama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-658-7625 Atlanta History Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-814-4000 Atlanta International Museum. . . . . . . . . 404-688-2467 Atlanta Preservation Walking Tours . . . . . 404-688-3350 Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center . . . 404-523-6275 Braves Museum & Turner Field Tours . . . . . 404-614-2311 Breman Jewish Heritage Museum . . . . . . 678-222-3700 Bulloch Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-992-1731 Bus Tours Gray Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-767-0594 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center . . . . . . . . . 404-872-5338 Carter Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-865-7100 Centennial Olympic Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-222-PARK Chattahoochee River Park . . . . . . . . . . . 678-538-1200 CNN Studio Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-827-2300 Fernbank Museum of Natural History . . . 404-929-6300 Fox Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-881-2100 Georgia Department of Archives. . . . . . . 678-364-3700 Georgia Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-223-9200 Georgia State Capitol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-656-2844 Georgia Tech Ticket Office . . . . . . . . . . . 404-894-9600 Georgia World Congress Center. . . . . . . . 404-223-4000 Gone With The Wind Museum, Marietta . . . 770-429-1115 Governor’s Mansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-261-1776 Kennesaw Mtn. Nat’l Battlefield. . . . . . . 770-427-4686 Margaret Mitchell House & Museum . . . . 404-249-7015 Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art . . . . . . . . . 770-528-1444 Marietta Museum of History . . . . . . . . . . 770-528-0431 Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site . . . . 404-331-3920 Michael Carlos Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-727-4282 Museum of Civil War/Locomotive History . 770-427-2117 Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia . 404-881-1109 Oakland Cemetery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-688-2107 Philips Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-878-3000 Road to Tara Museum, Jonesboro . . . . . . 770-478-4800 Scott Antique Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 740-569-4112 Six Flags Over Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-948-9290 Smith Plantation, Roswell . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-641-3978 Southeastern Railway Museum . . . . . . . . 770-476-2013 Stone Mountain Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-498-5690 Underground Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-523-2311 Woodruff Arts Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-733-4200 World of Coca Cola. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-676-5151 Wren’s Nest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-753-7735 Yellow River Game Ranch, Lilburn . . . . . . 770-972-6643 Zoo Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-624-9453

July 25 – 4th Friday Art Stroll, Historic Castleberry Hill. 404-228-2078.

25-26 – Southeast Homeschool Expo, Cobb Galleria Center. 770-594-1266.

26 – Drum Corps International, Georgia Dome. 404-223-9200.

26-27 – National Black Arts Festival, Centennial Olympic Park. 404-222-park.

31 – George Michael, Philips Arena, 8 p.m.

404-878-3000.

August 8-10 – Scott Antique Market, Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-4112 or 404-361-2000.

30 – Trains, Planes & Automobiles, Show, Atlanta Speedway. 770-946-4306.

Family Fun Center INDOOR Playmaze Indoor Playground • Snack Bar The Southside’s Largest Arcade • Birthday Party Rooms OUTDOOR Go Karts (3 TRACKS) • Dixie Zip Line • Scream’n Swing 36 Hole Mini-Golf • Bumper Boats • Scrambler Antique Car Track • Giant Slide R INDOO T 4 Kiddie Rides • Drop Zone • Spider EN A SERP R E S Scream’n Eagle Roller Coaster BUMPE &

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July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Train Rides, Museums, Heritage Station Museum & Whistle Stop Shop in Douglas The State of Georgia has recently started encouraging its communities to celebrate and display locally made products and art through the “Creative Economies” and “Georgia Made, Georgia Grown” initiative.

Douglas and Coffee County have taken action to promote their local producers and artists by opening the Whistle Stop Souvenir Shop in the Heritage Station Museum. The gift shop sells locally made products such as preserves, syrup, and juice as well as postcards of local landmarks, paintings and prints by local artists, and other gift items.

The Heritage Station Museum in Douglas is a railroad and local history museum in the former Norfolk Southern rail depot. The Museum has special exhibits and programs on a monthly basis as well as an impressive permanent collection and will soon celebrate 10 years since opening to the public!

The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of the month. For more information, call the Heritage Station Museum at 912-389-3461, email museum@cityofdouglas.com, or visit www.cityofdouglas.com.

Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth The Southeastern Railway Museum features over 90 pieces of retired railroad equipment in its 34-acre site in Duluth. Known as “Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum,” it has trains from the 1920’s and 1930’s, vintage steam and diesel locomotives, passenger and private cars, WWII troop kitchen, railway post office car, wooden freight cars, and maintenance of way equipment. Transit history features busses and trolleys from the early 1900’s to mid 1930’s including MARTA’s historic bus fleet and its predecessor systems.

In recent news Stone Mountain #104 aka General II was donated by the Stone Mountain Memorial Assn. Also, the City of Duluth will let the museum acquire, restore, and maintain the historic Duluth depot to house exhibits related to station activities.

“Trains, Trucks, and Tractors” will be explored in a July 12-13 celebration which will offer temporary tattoos, food, drinks, a craft corner for children, and a scavenger hunt.

Train rides aboard restored cabooses behind steam or diesel locomotives are complimentary with admission. The museum is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10-5 from April-December. With ad on page 14 one free museum admission with admission of equal or greater value. 3595 Peachtree Rd. For more information phone 770-476-2013 or visit www.srmduluth.org.

SAM Shortline Excursion Train at Cordele Riding in air conditioned, 1949 vintage cars of the SAM Shortline Excursion Train, you’ll enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South. The SAM Shortline Railroad extends 42 miles past pecan groves and scenic country farms. Along the way it stops in five towns filled with fun attractions, restaurants, and shopping: the Victorian town of Americus, Leslie with its Rural Telephone Museum, Plains (the hometown of President Jimmy Carter), Archery (the President’s boyhood home), and Cordele.

You can step off the train at any of these depots and catch it back on the return trip. Or better yet, spend the night in a charming hotel to resume your excursion the next day.

July excursions will include the Presidential Flyer on July 10; Americus Adventure, July 11 and 18; S. W. Ga. Arrow, July 17; and the Archery Explorer, July 5, 12, 19, 26.

Hot dogs, BBQ, ice cream, chips, popcorn, drinks, and souvenirs are available for purchase on the train, and picnic lunches are welcome provided they fit under the seat. There are restrooms on the train and a gift shop in the Cordele depot. For information visit www.samshortline.com or call 877-GA-RAILS.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

& Depots in Georgia

The Scenic Railroad at Stone Mountain Park The Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad takes a five mile journey in open-air train cars around the base of the world’s largest mass of exposed granite. A live show can be seen on the train during the summer season. The train departs from a scale replica of the Main Train Depot from late 19th century downtown Atlanta.

It also makes a stop at the Confederate Hall/Walk-up trail. 770-498-5690 or www.stonemountainpark.com.

Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah The Roundhouse Railroad Museum in downtown Savannah is housed in the old Central of Georgia Railroad repair shops. This National Historic Landmark features a massive operational turntable and a variety of railroad engines and cars from different periods of history. The museum is also home to a large model train layout of Savannah. Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 601 W. Harris St. 912-6516823 or www.chsgeorgia.org.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway This 26 mile round trip from Blue Ride to McCaysville takes three to four hours as it winds through scenic valleys, forests, and rolling hills on tracks that were built over 100 years ago. The train is diesel-powered and includes temperaturecontrolled vintage coach cars, an open-air car, and a commissary car. The ticket office is in the 100 year old depot in Blue Ridge. 800-934-1898 or www.brscenic.com.

The Train at Six Flags Over Georgia

Come Ride the Rails of Local History at the

HERITAGE STATION MUSEUM Open Tuesday- Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. & the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month

219 W. WARD ST. • DOUGLAS, GA

Six Flags Over Georgia has a diesel train that 912-389-3461 circles the park. Located in Metro Atlanta. Phone WWW .CITYOFDOUGLAS.COM 770-948-9290 or visit www.sixflags.com.

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

13

OF

This museum is home of the famous locomotive, the General, which was stolen during the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase. Relive the exciting chase, learn about the vital role railroads played in the War, and experience life in a post-war locomotive factory. 2829 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117 or www.southernmuseum.org.

BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT

Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Historical Railroad Depot in Fitzgerald The historical railroad depot in Fitzgerald was built about 1902 when the Atlanta and Birmingham Railroad arrived in town. Unique features include a terra cotta roof and shed top eaves. The passenger area and various offices now house City Hall.

The original baggage room now houses the Blue & Gray Museum which tells through a documentary and artifacts the founding story of Fitzgerald and its Civil War roots. More than 1200 objects, photographs, household items, memorabilia, and rare artifacts are displayed in new and refinished cases and in specially fabricated sections. The Hall of Honor represents Shacktown where early pioneers lived while an exciting documentary, Marching as One, celebrates the YankReb harmony story. Fitzgerald was founded in 1895 by Philander H. Fitzgerald who was seeking a warm, receptive area where aging Union veterans and their families could retire in comfort. 229-426-5069.

Tour Fitzgerald with its blue and gray sidewalks reflecting Civil War colors, the Grand Plaza Park with planned topiary sculptures, streets named for Yank and Reb Generals, and the Evergreen Cemetery where Yanks and Rebs rest side by side. 800-386-4642 or www.fitzgeraldga.org.

Locomotive, Passenger Car, Railroad Artifacts at Augusta Museum Georgia Railroad Steam Locomotive #302, the sole remaining engine of the line, resides inside the Augusta Museum of History. Built in 1914, the locomotive is accompanied by its coal tender and a passenger car. There is also an exhibit on the Ga. Railroad & Banking Company which includes interesting railroad artifacts. 560 Reynolds Street. Phone 706-722-8654 or www.augustamuseum.org.

Historic Depots and Locomotives in Georgia The Adairsville Depot houses a Visitor Center. This is the place where the Great Locomotive Chase began during the War Between the States. The General taken by Union raiders sped north; the Texas ran backwards attempting to catch it. 770-778-1775.

The Atlanta Historic Freight Depot was built downtown in 1869 and served as the main freight depot for the Georgia Railroad. It is located directly across the tracks from the zero-mile post that today is the entrance to Underground Atlanta. It is used as a meeting facility. 404-656-3850.

The Byron Depot, built in 1870 and restored, features a pictorial history and memorabilia of the town and historical facts about trains and cabooses. Shown by appointment. 478-956-2409.

The Cartersville Depot at Friendship Plaza is used as a Welcome Center. This 1854 W&A Depot survived the War Between the States, fires, and 20th century progress. 800-733-2280.

The Columbus Depot is the rehabilitated Union Station that dates from 1901 and is located at 1200 Sixth Street. It now serves as the home of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. 706-3271566 or www.columbusgachamber.com The Conyers Depot was once an important stop along the Georgia Railroad route from Augusta to Atlanta. This 1891 depot is now the Welcome Center for Conyers. Located across the tracks is the Milstead 104 “Dinky” Steam Locomotive, a 1905 Rogers steam locomotive which once ran rail service from Conyers to Milstead along 3.3 miles of rail. 800-266-9377.

The Dalton Depot, now the up-scale Dalton Depot Restaurant, was important during much of the early action for the Atlanta Campaign of the Civil War. 706-226-3160.

HAMPTON DEPOT The Flowery Branch Depot, over 100 years old, serves as a community center and museum. Open Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or by appointment. 770-967-6371.

The Folkston Depot houses a museum with old train memorabilia such as pictures, log books, lights, and maps. Open weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A viewing platform features lights, ceiling fans, a scanner to listen to radio traffic between trains, picnic tables, grill, and restrooms. More than 60 trains pass through Folkston each day. A Railwatch Day is held in April. 912-496-2563.

The Hampton Depot, built in 1867, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is used as a Better Hometown office and for city court. 770-946-4306.

The Incline Railway climbs historic Lookout Mountain with trolley-style railcars,and the breathtaking 72.7% grade of the track near the top gives it the unique distinction of being the steepest passenger railway in the world. 423-821-4224 or www.ridetheincline.com .

Lake Winnepasaukah, in Rossville is an amusement park with a bright red mini tour train providing a picturesque view of the park which is open from April to September. 877-525-3946 or www.lakewinnie.com.

The Little Red Caboose in Jesup is a site for information on Wayne county history. Open weekdays 1-5 p.m. Also at this location is a Rail Fan Platform for train watchers. 888-224-5983.

The Moultrie Locomotive is a turn-of-the-century original steam locomotive that is quite popular with train enthusiasts. 888-40-visit.

SOUTHEASTERN RAILWAY MUSEUM Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum • Exhibit Hall & Gift Shop • Train Ride in Full-Size Cabooses • Birthday Parties • Open Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Apr.-Dec.) Present This Ad and Receive One Free Admission (with the purchase of an admission of equal or greater value)

3595 Peachtree Road • Duluth • www.srmduluth.org • 770-476-2013

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

Railroad Festivals in Georgia Manchester Railroad Days features railroadiana sales, personal collection displays, and model train layouts the third weekend in October on Friday and Saturday at the Manchester Mill on GA 85. There is also a train observation deck in town. 706-846-5341.

The Great Locomotive Chase Festival is held the first weekend in October in Adairsville, the town that witnessed the Civil War’s Great Locomotive Chase. The festival offers arts and crafts, entertainment, parades, pageants, fireworks, and a street MANCHESTER RAILROAD DAYS dance each evening. 800-733-2280.

The Camak Railroad Days Festival in April features historic railroad memorabilia, arts and crafts, food, entertainment, kiddie rides, and more.

Phone 706-465-2449.

A Railwatch Day is held in Folkston the second Saturday of April each year. It includes arts, crafts, railroad vendors, a photo contest, videos, and train music. 912-496-2536.

Model Train Displays The Misty Mountain Railroad, a large OGauge model train display is located in Blairsville and is open for tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2 p.m. from May 1 through December 29. Phone 706-745-9819.

Charlemagne’s Kingdom is located in picturesque alpine Helen. This model train layout depicts Germany from the North Sea to the Alps. 706878-2200 or www.georgiamodelrailroad.com.

A Model Train Show is held at the Cobb County Civil Center in March and features over 200 vendor tables, a “Kids Operating Layout,” and model railroad displays. www.piedmont-div.org.

A Railroad Tunnel

Fun for the Entire Family!

• Vintage Planes • Air Show •Model Train Display •Train Memorabilia •Trackless Train

Drive your car on the Atlanta Speedway track!

•Vintage Auto Show

Hampton, Georgia’s “Trains, Planes, & Automobiles” Show is a day-long celebration of Hampton’s spot in the history of Georgia Transportation. Join in the Fun on Aug. 30!

TICKETS: Adults $10, children $5, kids under 6 free.

The Western and Atlantic Railroad Tunnel Tickets available at Hampton, GA, Railroad Depot at Tunnel Hill is the oldest in the South. During Shuttle service provided to Tara Field Airport from downthe Civil War the tunnel played a part in the Great town Hampton. Event is sponsored by the Downtown Locomotive Train Chase as the General and Texas Development Authority of Hampton. Proceeds go to improving the downtown district of Hampton. raced through. The railroad tracks by the Tunnel 770-946-4306 Hill Heritage Center are perfect for train viewing www.cityof hampton-ga.gov and photos. 706-270-9960.

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

15

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF

BACKGROUND PHOTO COURTESY GEORGIA DEPARTMENT

The Okefenokee Heritage Center in Waycross includes the depot from the early 1900’s, a 1912 Baldwin steam locomotive, a coal tender, two freight cars, a postal car, a passenger car, 342 feet of track, and exhibits on railroading in the area. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 912-285-4260.

Pine Mountain’s Callaway Gardens has a mini train that runs around Robin Lake in the summer.

The ride is free with admission. 706-663-2281.

The Plains Depot, built in 1888, gained national attention in 1976 as the local campaign headquarters for Jimmy Carter in his bid for the White House. It is now filled with memorabilia from his campaign. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 229-824-4104.

The Ringgold Depot, built in 1850, is one of the few antebellum railroad depots in Georgia. Once used in the Civil War as a supply point for Confederate troops, the depot today is a multipurpose center.

There is a viewing platform there. 706-965-5201.

The Smithgall Arts Center in Gainesville is located in a restored train depot and has meeting and banquet facilities, performance space, and gallery exhibit space. 770-534-2787. Also in Gainesville are the steam locomotive, the Gainesville Midland 209, and a caboose. Phone 770-297-5900.

The Winder Depot is the home of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce. It was built in 1910 as the Seaboard Air Line Railroad Depot. Under the shed is Gainesville Midland 208, a 1930 Baldwin 2-10-0 steam locomotive. 770-867-9444.

Sports Schedules BASEBALL

WNBA

Home Schedules ATLANTA BRAVES ROME BRAVES

Home Schedules ATLANTA DREAM

July 1-3 . . . . . .PHILADELPHIA July 4-6 . . . . . . . . .HOUSTON July 18-20 . . . .WASHINGTON July 28-31 . . . . . . . .ST. LOUIS Aug. 1-3 . . . . . . .MILWAUKEE 404-577-9100 www.atlantabraves.com

July 1 . . . . . . . . . .COLUMBUS July 7-10 . . . . .GREENSBORO July 11-14 . . . .KANNAPOLIS July 25-28 . . . . . . .AUGUSTA July 29-Aug. 1 . . .GREENVILLE 706-378-5144 www.romebraves.com

AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS

SAVANNAH SAND GNATS

July 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .PHOENIX July 3 . . . . . . . . . . .HOUSTON July 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .CHICAGO July 22 . . . . . . .SACRAMENTO July 25 . . . . . .WASHINGTON July 27 . . . . . . . . .NEW YORK 404-249-6400 www.wnba.com/dream

July 7-10 . . . .WEST VIRGINIA July 11-14 . . . . . .LEXINGTON July 25-28 . . . . . . .ASHEVILLE July 29-Aug. 1 . . . . .HICKORY 912-351-9150 www.sandgnats.com

(See tournaments at www.usyouthsoccer.org and www.soccerga.comr.com)

July 2-5 . . . . . .CHARLESTON July 16-19 . . .HAGERSTOWN July 20-23 . . . .LAKE COUNTY Aug. 2-5 . . . . . . . . .AUGUSTA 706-736-7889 greenjacketsbaseball.com

SOCCER

COLUMBUS CATFISH July 7-10 . . . . . . . . . .KANSAS July 11-14 . . . .GREENSBORO July 25-28 . . . . . .GREENVILLE July 29-Aug. 1 . . . .AUGUSTA 706-751-8866 www.columbuscatfish.com

MISCELLANEOUS July 5 . . . . . . . . . . . Open Tree Climb, Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, 5 p.m., 770-389-7801 July 31-Aug. 3. . . . . . Ga. Wildlife Federation Atlanta Buckarama Atlanta Expo, Center, 404-361-2000

GOLFING

EQUESTRIAN SHOWS

July 19-20 . . . . . .Ga. Jr. Golf Tour, Ga. Veterans Memorial Golf Course, Cordele, 866-317-7789

Conyers, 888-860-4224, www.conyersga.com

WATERSPORTS July 18-20 . . . . . . .Augusta Southern National Speedboat Races, 803-278-4849 July 26 . . . . . . . .Sandy Springs Summer Splash 6M Float, Morgan Falls, 866-511-7742

GEORGIA INT’L HORSE PARK July 5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stars & Stripes Circuit July 8-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GQHA Big A Circuit July 16-20 . . . . . . . . . .Atlanta Summer Classic III July 23-27 . . . . . . . . . .Atlanta Summer Classic IV

RACING ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY Hampton, 770-946-4211, atlantamotorspeedway.com July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 . . . . . . . . .Thunder Racing July 4, 11, 25 . . . . . . . .Drag Races & Car Shows July 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monster Trucks

ROAD ATLANTA Braselton, 800-849-RACE, www.roadatlanta.com July 19-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SCCA Regionals

* Buy one get one free.

Maximum 5 free of equal or lesser value.

GG

16

Atlanta Dragway . . . . . .Commerce, 770-682-3782 www.atlantadragway.com Douglas Motorsports Park . . . . . . .Nicholls 912-384-4555, www.dmpdragway.com Oglethorpe Speedway Park .Pooler, 912-964-8200 www.ospracing.net Silver Dollar Raceway . . .Reynolds, 478-847-4414 www.silverdollarraceway.com

Events sometimes change, so phone for information before driving long distances.

GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

Sports Schedules Augusta Southern Nationals Drag Boat Races The Savannah River is going to boil on July 18-20 as the 23rd Annual Augusta Southern Nationals Drag Boat Races bring fun and excitement for the entire family. Over one hundred racing teams from twentyfive states will compete for $140,000 in purse and prizes as they try to beat the record of 252.94 MPH in the “World’s Richest Drag Boat Race”! See the fastest and loudest boat racing action in the country as competitors race down the liquid quarter mile!

The race is part of the IHBA Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series and is sanctioned by the International Hot Boat Association. The event benefits the Augusta Chapter of the Georgia Special Olympics.

Tickets are available at www.tixonline.com or charge by phone at 803278-4849.

Advanced series tickets for the weekend are $18, and patron tickets are $50. Check it out at www.augustasouthernnationals.org.

For more information call 706-823-0440 ext. 1.

HIKES & RUNS

FISHING

(See www.atlantatrackclub.org for more races).

July 4. . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta, 10K, 404-231-9064 July 4. . . . . . . . . . . . Valdosta, 8K, 229-219-0010 July 10, 17, 24 . . . . Valdosta, 5K, 229-219-0010 July 19. . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta, 5K, 404-377-6148 July 19. . . . . . . . . . Rockmart, 5K, 770-684-8760 July 26 . . . . . Kennesaw, 5K/10K, 770-528-3580 July 26. . . . . . . . . . . . Canton, 5K, 770-928-4239 Aug. 2. . . . . . . . . . Thomson, 2M, 706-595-7777

July 1-29 . . . .Fly Fishing Clinics, Panola Mt. St. Pk., Stockbridge, various days, 770-389-7801 July 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bagby State Park Bass Tournament, Fort Gaines, 229-768-2571 (See info on fishing tournaments at www.flwoutdoor.com)

BIKING July 12-13 . . . . . . .Georgia Cup MAXXIS Series Race, Rome, 404-384-6803

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Summer Fun DixieLand Fun Park Near Fayetteville DixieLand Fun Park, a 25 acre family entertainment center located just north of Fayetteville, features a Screamin’ Swing, the Drop Zone, Scrambler, Spider, Scream’n Eagle Roller Coaster, a giant slide, three go-kart tracks, bumper boats, an arcade, antique cars, 36 holes of miniature golf, batting cages, and a zip line. New inside rides are the Sea Serpent and indoor bumper cars.

Small children will enjoy the Playmaze with tunnels, slides, ball pits, and stairways; a kiddie arcade; the Jr. Ferris Wheel, an indoor playground, kiddie rides, and more.

The main building looks like a mining town as does the Dahlonega Challenge Miniature Golf Course with its waterfalls, rivers, caves, mine shafts, mountain shack, and lake-side shack. The park includes a large picnic pavilion on the 180 foot bridge that spans the three acre lake. All Day Armbands, multiple tickets, individual tickets, or group rates are available. There are party rooms, a banquet room, and a snack bar.

DixieLand Fun Park is open daily during June, July, and the first two weeks of August. The remainder of the year it is open weekends. Visit www.dixielandfunpark.com or call 770-460-5862. To schedule a group, call Dianne Williams at 770-461-9941. From Atlanta take I -75S to Exit 237A. The park is 9 miles from the exit at 1675 GA 85N.

Peach Blossom Trail Summertime in Georgia is the season for the state’s favorite fruit – Peaches! From now until August, stop by one of the farms along Georgia’s Peach Blossom Trail to see peaches being picked and packed, and visit roadside stands to sample and buy fresh peaches and peach products.

Georgia's Peach Blossom Trail stretches from the south metroAtlanta area to middle Georgia, follows US 41 and US 341, starts in Clayton County and continues south to Houston County; and parallels I-75 and crosses it several times from North to South. The trail, which promotes places whose scenic beauty is enhanced by the delicate pink and white blossoms, was estab31ST Annual lished in 1976 by the Georgia General Assembly to recognize the importance of the peach industry. Georgia ranks third nationally in peach production, after California and South Carolina, with more than 40 commercial varieties of peaches including Elliot, Moneymaker, Stuart, Friday 5- 9:30 p.m. & Desirable, Cape Fear, Schley, Sumner, Kernoodle, Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Seedling, and Mahan. In some places visitors can pick their own peaches.

When buying Georgia peaches, look for a Arts & Crafts • Food creamy gold to yellow under-color. The red or Parade • Live Entertainment blush is an indication of variety rather than Gospel Music • 5K Run ripeness. A well-defined crease should run from Duck Rodeo • Car Show the stem end of the peach to the point. A peach should be soft to the touch but not mushy. Don't Fireworks • Activities for Kids squeeze peaches; they bruise easily. Place firm Fun for the Whole Family! peaches on the counter for a day or two and they'll ripen. Refrigerate ripe peaches and use within one week. www.polkgeorgia.com For more information visit on the web at 770-684-8760 www.peachblossomtrail.com.

18 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

HOMESPUN FESTIVAL July 18 & 19

Rockmart, ga

In Georgia!

Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville The 10th Anniversary Butternut Creek Festival will be held July 19-20 in Meeks Park, less than a mile west of Blairsville. Over 10,000 attended this family event last year.

This juried show will feature 65 top quality artists and craftsmen selling paintings, pottery birdhouses and dinnerware, handcrafted wooden furniture and clocks and bowls, quilts, needle artwork, reverse appliqué, clothing, animal and nature photography, animal portraits, wildlife paintings, carved gourds, scented candles and lotions, tin creations, leather and gold jewelry, baskets, handmade soaps, leaded glass windows, slumped glass creations, painted glassware, and hummingbird feeders.

There will be demonstrations of woodturning, wood sculpture, soap making, broom making, chair caning, and pottery turning. There will be a bake sale by the Union Hospital Auxiliary, quilting demo and quilt raffle by the Misty Mountain Quilt Guild, and Plant Rescue Program by the Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center.

Entertainment will feature Crista Lynn, GCGMA Entertainer of the Year; Nashville’s David LaFleur, a tenor and master of guitar, dobro, mandolin, and dulcimer; and other performers of folk music, bluegrass, and country tunes.

The festival is sponsored by the High Country Artisans, Inc. Admission and parking will be free. For more information call 706-781-1221 or visit www.butternutcreekfestival.com.

The Inventions of

Leonardo

daVinci July 19-October 11 Explore the fascinating world and genius mind of Leonardo daVinci! Showcasing 16 models of Leonardo daVinci’s inventions, including a flying machine, helicopter, parachute, anemometer, paddle wheel ship, military tank and printing press.

One Seventh Street on the Riverwalk • Augusta, GA

706-821-0200 www.NationalScienceCenter.org July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Homespun Festival in Rockmart The 31st annual Polk County Homespun Festival will be held July 18-19 in downtown Rockmart at the Seaborn Jones Memorial Park (Wayside Park) and will feature arts and crafts exhibitors from all over the Southeast.

The festival will begin Friday at 5 p.m. with a concert of gospel music and will conclude at 9:30 p.m. Festival hours on Saturday will be 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and will include continuous live entertainment from country and rock bands to soloists, dance troupes, and cloggers. Games and events for the whole family will be scheduled throughout the day as well as a 5K race at 8 a.m. on the Silver Comet Trail, a parade at 10 a.m., a Rotary Duck Rodeo, Kiwanis Car Show, and a fireworks extravaganza at 10 p.m.

There will be a variety of foods to choose from at the festival: barbecue, homemade ice cream, baked goods, funnel cakes, shaved ice, lemonade, boiled peanuts, and plenty of ice-cold Coca Cola. Admission will be free. Call 770-684-8760 or visit www.polkgeorgia.com.

Tom Watson Watermelon Festival in Thomson The Tom Watson Watermelon Festival will be held in Thomson on Saturday, August 2. The day will begin with a 2-mile Watermelon Waddle road race, and will continue from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with lots of contests and games for all ages.

Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, historical and educational displays, mansion tours, and all-you-can-eat watermelon.

Weigh, waddle, carve, color, spit and grease. Each August the Tom Watson Watermelon Festival offers every activity imaginable that can involve a watermelon. There will be a watermelon recipe contest, watermelon growing contest (must be a Tom Watson variety melon), watermelon carving contest, seed spitting, shot-put, greased watermelon 3-legged relay, watermelon roll, watermelon sling-shot, and more.

Tom Watson (1856-1922) was a lawyer, statesman, journalist, and author. The Watson watermelon seems to have originated around 1900 when a Florida farmer sent Watson an envelope of melon seeds he had named in his honor. Each year, the Watson-Brown Foundation gives out more than 1,000 watermelons during the festival.

Admission to this fun-filled family festival is free. For more information or directions, visit on the web www.hickory-hill.org or call 706-595-8886 or 706-595-7777.

Battle of Atlanta Weekend July 22nd will mark the 144th Anniversary of the historic Civil War Battle of Atlanta. To commemorate this event, the neighborhoods in Atlanta’s 5th Council District (where the battle was fought) have organized B*ATL for the weekend of July 18-20.

A Gala Dinner and house tour at the Kemp-Castle House on Friday night will feature history, barbeque, and bluegrass. The Double Quick 5K Run will begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Van tours on Saturday will highlight troop movements, interesting facts, and personal stories about the battle. A new van tour will trace General McPherson’s last ride.

There will also be walking tours along the battle lines. On Saturday and Sunday there will be limited free tours of Oakland Cemetery and the Cyclorama, the circular painting of the battle. The Sylvester Cemetery will offer tours of its historic 1842 burial ground.

Civil War re-enactors will be positioned in a recreated front line trenchwork to tell stories of their days in the war, and the boom of cannonfire and the sounds of fife and drum will add to the scene. Wreaths will be laid at the monuments of General Walker and General McPherson who both died during the battle.

The East Atlanta Village will be the site of a Civil War Village on Saturday and will feature a hilarious performance of Gone With the Wind in 20 Minutes, tales about Civil War Ghosts, free concerts by Atlanta’s Sacred Harp Singers and B*ATL’s UnionFiddler, performances by a period dance troop, and civilian re-enactors demonstrating crafts and trades of 1864.

For information and a full schedule call 404-377-6148 or visit www.batlevent.org.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

Lake Hartwell Lake Hartwell, Lake Hartwell, a 56,000 acre lake stretching 50 miles with 962 miles of shoreline, is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is less than a two hours drive from downtown Atlanta. The area offers everything from water-skiing and jet skiing to floating on a noodle, from cruising in the lake to hiking, from sailing to watching wildlife, from fishing off the dock for bream to catching at 89 pound striped bass trophy.

There are restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, flea markets, and an outlet Mall.

Attractions include the Hartwell Dam and Power Plant, Tallulah Gorge, Traveler’s Rest, the Ty Cobb Museum, Toccoa Falls, car racing, gold-panning, and more.

Mountain Lakes Vacation Rentals provides waterfront homes and cabins on Lake Hartwell.

For information on rental property ranging from large luxurious homes to simple fishing cabins phone 800-610-0020 or visit www.mtnlakes.com or www.TheLakeStore.com.

For information on the area visit these websites: www.mtnlakes.com, www.lake-hartwell.com, or www.lakehartwell.org.

Blue and Gray Museum Fitzgerald Fire Engine Museum and so much more. . . in the City where America reunited

20 miles from I-75, Exit 82

www.fitzgeraldga.org

1-800-386-4642 July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

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Sandy Springs, A Place to Visit Concerts by the Springs will feature Drivetrain on July 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Heritage Green on the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn. Balloon artists will be on hand at this free concert. 404-8519111 or www.heritagesandysprings.org.

The First Annual Sandy Springs Summer Splash on July 26 will be a six mile float on the Chattahoochee River from Morgan Falls Dam to Powers Island.

Following the float, until 4 p.m., there will be food, live music, crafts for kids, wildlife programs, exhibits, and a self-guided buzzard hike. Registration required at 678538-1200. If boat rentals are necessary, visit www.nps.gov/chat.

A Knock Out Lacrosse Camp for boys 7-17 will be held at Hammond Park from July 28-31. Register at www.nedbowenlacrossecamp.com. Free beginner Lacrosse clinics for boys and girls will be held every Sunday in July at 3 p.m. at Sandy Springs Middle School. A Lacrosse camp for boys and girls from grades 5-12 will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays in July at the Sandy Springs Middle School. www.sandyspringslax.com.

The Theatre Section on page 7 has information on performances at the Punchline Comedy Theatre and Chastain Park, both in the Sandy Springs area.

Sandy Springs, only 15 miles north of Atlanta, offers not only metropolitan amenities but also many outdoor retreats and one-of-a-kind venues. For more information visit www.visitsandysprings.org or phone 866-511-7742.

Dalton, A Destination Worth Discovering Nestled in the foothills of Northwest Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is Dalton. Conveniently located just off of I-75, only 87 miles north of Atlanta, visitors can explore the great outdoors by playing 18 holes of golf at Dalton’s very own PGA approved, Gary Player designed, Nob North Golf Course. Outdoor enthusiasts can also mountain bike and hike the Pinhoti Trail or canoe and ride horses at Fort Mountain.

After finishing that exploration, step back in time and experience the Civil War like never before. Relive the Trail of Tears and learn about the area’s Native American Heritage. View and learn about one of the first major railroad systems – the Western and Atlantic.

In need of a more colorful, artistic twist? Venture into downtown Dalton and visit the Creative Arts Guild; or visit the Farmer’s Market which every 2nd and 4th Saturday features local artisans as well as an abundant supply of local, fresh produce.

Discover Dalton, where there is something for everyone! For more information visit www.VisitDaltonGA.com or call 1-800-331-3258.

Trains, Planes, & Automobiles in Hampton The City of Hampton will celebrate its historic role in transportation on Saturday, August 30. The event will be staged in the downtown district of Hampton which is currently going through a face-lift. The event will be sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, and all proceeds will go towards the improvements of downtown.

Vintage cars, a trackless train, model train displays, transportation art, train memorabilia, and food vendors will be in the downtown district. There will be a shuttle bus from downtown escorting guests to the nearby Tara field airport to view vintage planes, a military fly over, and helicopter rides.

Tickets will be available the day of the event at the Train depot. They will be $10 for adults and $5 for children with children under 6 free.

For more information, contact Patti Battle at 770-946-4306; vendors may go to the website at www.cityofhampton-ga.gov.

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GUIDE TO GEORGIA / www.guidetogeorgia.com / July 2008

Gardens & Nature Programs in Georgia

JULY

26 – Orchid Care Clinics, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.

26 – Plumleaf Aalea Hike, Callaway Gardens, 10 a.m.

26 – Basket Making with Native Materials, Smithgall Woods, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

26 – Birds of Prey, Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia, 8-9 p.m. 706-356-4362.

29 – Jazz Band Squat, State Botanical Garden, 7-9 p.m.

1-31 – Daylily Season, Massee Lane Gardens.

1-31 – Sculpture in Motion: Art Choreographed by Nature. Atlanta Botanical Gdn. 3-31 – Night Hikes, Panola Mt. St. Pk., Stockbridge, Thurs., 7:30 p.m. 770-389-7801.

4-25 – Party with the Possums, Red Top Mt. St. Pk., Cartersville, Fri. 770-975-4226.

6 – Classic City Band Concert, State • Massee Lane, Fort Valley . . . . . . . . . . . .478-967-2358 Botanical Garden, 3 p.m.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden . . . . . . . . . . .404-876-5859 9 – Patio Gardening, Atlanta Botanical • Birdsong Nature Ctr., Thomasville . . . . 800-953-bird Garden, 6:30 p.m.

• Callaway Gardens, Pine Mt. . . . . . . . . .800-Callaway 10 – Canning the Summer Garden, • Chattahoochee Nat. Ctr., Roswell . . . .770-992-2055 State Botanical Garden, 1-4 p.m.

• Elachee Nature Ctr., Gainesville . . . . . 770-535-1976 11 – John Hiatt & Ageless Beauties • Golf Hall of Fame Garden, Augusta . . .888-874-4443 • GSU Botanical Garden, Statesboro . . .912-871-1149 Concert, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 7 p.m.

• Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange . . . . . .706-882-3242 12 – Nocturnal Treetop Excursion, • Medicine Bow, Dahlonega . . . . . . . . . . .706-864-5928 Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, • Melon Bluff Nature Ctr., Midway . . . . . .888-246-8188 6-9 p.m. 770-389-7801.

• Oakland Island, Savannah . . . . . . . . . . .912-898-3980 12 – Mountain Herb Day, Smithgall • Oxbow Meadows, Columbus . . . . . . . .706-687-4090 Woods, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Phinizy Swamp Park, Augusta . . . . . . .706-828-2109 12 – Flying Colors Butterfly Festival, • Smithgall Woods, Helen . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-878-3087 Chattahoochee Nature Center.

• State Botanical Garden, Athens . . . . . .706-542-1244 12 – Composting & Topdressing, • Tybee Island Marine Center . . . . . . . . .912-786-5917 Atlanta Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.

• Wildlife Excursions of Coast . . . . . . . .912-897-5108 16 – Botanically Based Paper, State Botanical Garden, 6:30 p.m.

16 – Shade Gardening, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 6:30 p.m.

17 – Cooking in the Garden: Tomatoes!

State Botanical Garden, 6:30 p.m.

18 – Jerry Jeff Walker & The Train Wrecks Concert, Atlanta Botan. Gdn., 8 p.m.

19 – Natural History of Georgia Plants, State Botanical Garden.

19 – Geology Day, Providence Canyon St. Pk., Lumpkin, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 229-838-6202.

19 – Butterfly Gardening. Trees & Shrubs for Summer. Atl. Botan. Gdn., 10 a.m.

19 – Geology Day, Sweetwater Creek St. Pk., Lithia Springs, 10 a.m. 770-732-5876.

19 – Bug Day, Museum of Arts & Sciences, Macon. 478-477-3232.

19 – Winged Wonders Butterfly Festival, Birdsong Nature Center.

24 – Twilight Toast in the State Botanical Garden, 6:30 p.m.

26 – Twilight Hike, Panola Mountain St. Pk., Stockbridge, 5:30-9 p.m. 770-389-7801.

July 2008 / www.guidetogeorgia.com / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 23

b ! d m i r l a C bo A

Departs from depot in Cordele with additional boarding location at: • Georgia Veterans State Pa r k • Leslie • Americus • Plains • Archer y

• Ride in air conditioned 1949 vintage cars • Hot dogs, BBQ, ice cream, chips, popcorn, drinks, & souvenirs for sale on the train • Gift shop in Cordele Depot • Restrooms on the train • Discover Thomas! October 17-19 and 24-26, 2008 Call 1-866-468-7630 for tickets and information

FOR INFORMATION, SCHEDULES, PRICES, & RESERVATIONS: 1-877-GA RAILS • www.samshortline.com