Guide to Georgia Summer 2019 by cyberguy1976

G uide To GEORGIA

State-wide •Events •Attractions •Fairs & Festivals

Summer 2019

March/April/May 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

ON THE COVER Warner Robins Join the annual Independence Day Celebration Concert on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. This free event is a tribute to all our military and our country’s independence and features entertainers Better Than Ezra and Rebecca Howell.

G uide To GEORGIA

SUMMER 2019 • June/July/August Volume 59 • Number 2 4-8 ��Feature: Georgia Summer Nights 9 ��Visit Our Advertisers on the Web 9 ��Subscription Order Form 14-17 ��Metro Atlanta Events 18-19 �� Garden and Nature Events 20-21 �� Feature: Lane Southern Orchards 22-23 �� Theatre Directory 24-25 ��Biblical History Center 26-27 �� Entertainment Venues 29 �� Feature: Peachtree City 30-42 �� Georgia Events 43-45 �� Feature: Georgia Zip Lines 46-47 �� 4th of July Events

Better Than Ezra With 8 chart hits, including 3 Top 10’s and the #1 Alternative single, “Good,”—named by Billboard as one of the Greatest of All Time Alternative Songs—Better Than Ezra ruled the radio though the 90’s and early 2000’s. The band has made countless television appearances including The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman and many more. Their songs have been heard in films including ‘A Sort Of Homecoming’ and “Empire Records,” as well as television shows such as “Desperate GUIDE to GEORGIA Housewives,” “The Mick,” “Smallville,” “Friday Night Lights,” “One Tree Hill,” and many 2840 College Dr., Columbus, GA 31906 more. The band continues to record and tour 706-563-4613 including 2018’s single, “GRATEFUL,” and an apNew e-mail: info@guidetogeorgia.com pearance last month at the New Orleans Jazz & Web: www.guidetogeorgia.com Heritage Festival. Rebecca Howell Richard Buchanan �� Publisher Rebecca got in706-888-8288 ��Richard@guidetogeorgia.com volved in singing comDebi Richardson ��Graphics Editor petitions in the fifth 803-259-1990 Debi@guidetogeorgia.com grade, and after placing several times, she Cheryl Bates ��Customer Service became a local stand706-457-1436 ��Cheryl@guidetogeorgia.com out. In high school, ReJohnny Craven �� Informational Technologist becca was a member of Georgia 4-H Clovers and Mike Norkus ��Distribution Company, a statewide performing arts group. She was also a member THE GUIDE TO GEORGIA, founded in 1960, of BCHS Royal singers, National Beta show choir, is the premier publication for information on and One Act program. After graduation, Rebecactivities and entertainment in Georgia. Four ca auditioned for NBC’s The Voice and received issues are published each year, and the magaa three-chair turn. She just recently finished zines are distributed in all 11 Georgia Welcome in the Top 24 with coach Kelly Clarkson! She is Centers, in local visitor bureaus, in hotels, and currently working on her debut EP, with plans to numerous other outlets as well as to subscribrelease in 2019. ers. Subscription is $12 per year. Contents are For more information on this event, see the copyrighted and may not be reproduced withBack Cover and the article on page 30. Warner out permission. Robins is a great place to live, work, and play. June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 3

Georgia sum

4 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

mmer nights

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

hen I was a boy, we enjoyed catching slow-flying fireflies in a glass mayonnaise jar. Now I enjoy sitting on the deck watching slow-moving, blinking, soft lights drift across our backyard creating a sparkling wonderland. These seemingly mystical lights are generated by a small beetle that biologists call fireflies. When I was growing up we called them lightning bugs. Each species of firefly has its own distinct flash. If you carefully watch the fireflies flying about your yard, you will notice that they often flash for different lengths of time, vary the length of time between flashes, fly certain distances between flashes, and even display different colored lights. The light-producing organs at the rear of their abdomens contain two chemicals—luciferin and luciferase—that are combined to generate light in a process that’s nearly 100% energy efficient, so no heat is generated. The light may be greenish, orange or yellow. Georgia has more firefly species than any other state—56 species, each having its own distinct flash. Males flash while flying; wingless females sit on vegetation and emit their own light signals, which the males cue on. In recent years, fireflies have been scarce or absent altogether in many neighborhoods, including mine and without fireflies flashing at night, summer is not the same. I am not sure if they are back in force, but we anticipate more of them this year than in recent years. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, unlike people, fireflies love warm, humid weather. It helps them to survive. So in years when summer-like weather arrives before June does, fireflies tend to appear in lawns, gardens, and trees earlier than usual—sometimes as early as late spring. All the warmth from early summers and mild winters fools lightning bugs into thinking it’s later in the season than it really is, and so they emerge sooner. Mild winters also mean a larger lightning bug population in your backyard, since the young will have had an easier time surviving the cold. Wet springs also lead to earlier firefly flash displays—likely because firefly larvae feed on snails, slugs, and pill bugs which are brought out by rains. The damper the soil, the more plentiful these creepy-crawlers will be, and the more food young fireflies will have to carry them into adulthood. And it’s the adult fireflies that flicker. When a female spots the correct pattern of flashing, she will flash back to her suitor. The male then flies to her in hopes of mating. Males are sometimes the unwitting victims of a deadly hoax. The females of some species of predatory lightning bugs imitate the flashing of other species. When an unsuspecting male of another species flies to the perpetrator of the ruse, it is eaten. Fireflies will also flash in an effort to avoid being gobbled up by birds, snakes and other predators. It seems that the chemicals that enable the insect to create light are distasteful. Once a bird mistakenly eats a firefly, it rarely goes back for seconds. Additionally, fireflies blink to defend their territory from other males, much in the same way birds sing to delineate their breeding territories. When I’ve had my fill of the evening news, I like to go onto my front porch and watch the fireflies in my yard. There’s something relaxing and reassuring in watching the nightly display of tiny blinking lights. When the grandchildren are visiting, catching fireflies (or “light-

6 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

ning bugs”) is a pastime we all look forward to. With that in mind, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources recommends that if you want your children or grandchildren to catch a lightning bug or two, give them in a clear, plastic jar or better yet a small insect net. And if you want to keep your catch for a short period of time, place the firefly in a plastic jar with a lid with breathing holes poked in it. Also, place a damp paper towel in the bottom of the jar to ensure the insect will not dry out. After you and your family have closely examined the insect, release it. When this is done, you won’t be reducing the firefly population in your neck of the woods. Like far too many of our wildlife neighbors, firefly numbers have been dropping for years throughout much of the world. Since fireflies use light to communicate with each other, the bright lights coming from street lights, signs, and both inside and outside our homes and other buildings could easily be making it difficult for fireflies to “talk to one another.” As a result, in spite of the fact that many of us are living in areas where fireflies were once abundant, many homeowners rarely, if ever, enjoy watching them fly about their yards. There are many wonders to behold in the animal world, but few offer such enchantment as that of a summer evening punctuated with the twinkle of fireflies. Mark Twain once wrote that he felt like he was 7 years old again when he saw fireflies. I must admit I do, too!

Light the Night

See www.Firefly.org Mother Nature Network It’s a singular experience, but behind their charming facade, fireflies are fascinating little insects. Consider the following facts: 1. They are beetles, not flies Fireflies are nocturnal members of Lampyridae, a family of insects within the beetle order Coleoptera, or winged beetles. Yes, they are officially beetles. But we’re OK with the misnomer; “firebeetles” just doesn’t have the same ring to it. And bonus fact: the family name, Lampyridae comes from the Greek “lampein,” meaning to shine … just like a lamp. 2. They are alchemists, poetically speaking at least While they don’t actually turn base metals into gold, they do create light as if by magic. When a chemical called luciferin (note the same Latin root as Lucifer) inside their abdomen/tail combines with oxygen, calcium and adenosine triphosphate, a chemical reaction occurs that creates their spectacular light. (And then Mother Nature said, let there be bioluminescence!) 3. There are fireflies in the western United States, they just lack the ‘fire’ Sure, California has perfect weather, palm trees and stellar food. But alas, it doesn’t have fireflies. Actually, let us restate that: it doesn’t have fireflies that light up. Of the more than 2,000 species of fireflies, only some come equipped with the ability to glow; the ones that are able to don’t generally live in the West. 4. They are light geniuses Firefly light is incredibly efficient. The light produced by the firefly is the most efficient light ever made. Almost 100 percent of the energy in the chemical reaction is emitted as light; in comparison, an incandescent light bulb only emits 10 percent of its energy as light, the other 90 percent is lost as heat. 5. They are flashy flirts Each species has a specific pattern of light flashing, and males use this pattern to let the ladies of the same species know that they would be a fine match for one another. When a female notices a suitable suitor, she replies with her own species-specific flash. Females may also use flash information to decide which male to mate with. And then, fireworks! June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

8 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

(Photo: wplynn/flickr)

6. Some species synchronize their flashing As if fairy-like woodlands weren’t made wonderful enough by the glittering glow of fireflies, some species actually synchronize their flashes in a beautiful light show; hello, firefly disco! Scientists can’t say for sure why fireflies sync up, but it may be the result of competitive males trying to be the first to flash. Or likely, it is because flashing the species pattern in unison will ensure that females of the same species notice the gang of randy males. Photinus carolinus are the only species in America that flash simultaneously; one great place to see them is at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which has firefly tours. 7. They come in a rainbow of colors Well maybe not the whole spectrum, but they do come in yellow, light red, green and orange. 8. They taste disgusting Fireflies are simply elegant by day, but apparently, they are not very tasty. Not that we were planning on snacking on fireflies anytime soon, but for predators that might like a light meal, beware the lightning bug. Firefly blood contains lucibufagins, which sounds like something out of a Harry Potter book but is actually a defensive steroid that tastes really gross. Predators associate the bad taste with a firefly’s light and learn not to eat bugs that glow. 9. They light up the underworld Or underground, at least. While it’s true that many an insect larvae lives underground, firefly babes have them beat in the “neat tricks” department; some species emit a subterranean glow. Among some species, even the eggs glow. Bizarre, right? 10. Some are aquatic And then there are the freaky fireflies whose larvae live in the water; they have gills and sup on aquatic snails, before inching their way to terra firma for their next phase in life. 11. They have strange diets Contrary to the storybook image of cute bitsy baby fireflies nibbling on flowers, the underground-dwelling larvae of the lightning bug are carnivorous and feast on slimy slugs, worms and snails. Once they grow up, some move on to cannibalism and eat other fireflies, but most subsist on pollen and nectar (while some don’t eat anything at all during their short lifetimes). 12. Their numbers are declining If you’re seeing fewer fireflies each summer, you’re not alone. Anecdotal evidence suggests that firefly populations may be on the decline, most likely due to a combination of light pollution, pesticide use, and habitat destruction. For example, according to Smithsonian.com, if a field where fireflies live is paved over, the fireflies don’t migrate to another field, they just disappear forever. Seeing these eerie lights never fails to bring back fond memories of the golden years of our childhoods.

G uide To GEORGIA

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS ON THE WEB

Biblical History Center. . . . p. 24-25, 37

Made In Georgia Festival. . . . . p. 10, 35

www.BiblicalHistoryCenter.com

www.MadeInGeorgia.net

Butternut Creek Festival. . . . . . . . p. 35

Massee Lane Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . p. 18

www.ButternutCreekFestival.com

www.americancamellias.org

City of Conyers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 17 www.visitconyersga.com

Meriwether Co. Chamber. . . . . p. 28, 31 http://meriwethercountychamber.org

City of Fitzgerald. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 41 www.fitzgeraldga.org

Merritt Pecan Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 32 www.merritt-pecan.com

Cordele-Crisp Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 38 www.cordelecrispga.com

Peachtree City CVB . . . . . . . . . . . p. 2, 29

Douglasville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 42 www.hydrangeafest.org

PERSPECTIVES Georgia Pottery Invitational. . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 33

Griffin-Spalding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 40

www.visitpeachtreecity.com

www.ocaf.com

Roswell Historical Society. . . . . . . p. 16

www. dochollidayfest.com

Hiwassee River Railroad. . . . . . . . . p. 34 www.tvrail.com

Historic Westville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 39 www.facebook.com/westvillemuseum/

Lake Chatugeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rust & Roses Market Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12, 30

www.roswellhistoricalsociety.org

Scott Antique Markets. . . . . . . . . . p. 14 www.scottantiquemarkets.com

Southeastern Railway Museum. . p. 15 www.southeasternrailwaymuseum.org Summerville Mainstreet . . . . . p. 36, 37

www.golakechatuge.com

www.summervillega.org

Lane Southern Orchards . . . . . p. 20-21

Warner Robins CVB. . . . . . p. 1, 3, 30, 48

www.lanesouthernorchards.com

www.warnerrobinsvisitorscenter.com

Guide To Georgia Subscription $12/Year Name___________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________ City___________________________________State_____Zip____________ E-mail______________________________________Phone______________ Mail card & check to: Guide To Georgia, 2840 College Dr., Columbus, GA 31906 June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

MADE IN GEORGIA FESTIVAL Young Harris 706-896-4966 www.MadeInGeorgia.net 10 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

It’s all about . . . Georgia Sporting Events BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

478-987-7227 July 24-29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Softball Little League S.E. Region Tournament Aug. 1-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baseball Little League S.E. Region Tournament

ATLANTA BRAVES

WARNER ROBINS

RACING

ROAD ATLANTA

Braselton, 800-849-race, www.roadatlanta.com May 31-June 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WERA Cycle Jam June 15-16 �� NASA July 27-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SCCA Dougle SARRC

MISCELLANEOUS

June 17, July 16, Aug. 15 ��Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Gorge St. Pk. Tallulah Falls, 706-754-7981 Aug. 16-18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buckarama Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry, 478-987-3247

BIKING

June 1-8 . . . . . . . . BRAG Athens to Brunswick, brag.org June 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meriwether Miles Cycling Lake Meriwether, Woodbury, 770-927-2847 June 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GA 400 Hospitality Bike Ride Kings Mkt. Shopping Ctr., Roswell, 678-520-7337

EQUESTRIAN

Sept. 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IRPA Championship Rodeo Cumming Fairgrounds, 770-781-3491

CONYERS INTERNATIONAL HORSE PARK

770-860-3001, www.georgiahorsepark.com June 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GQHA Novice Show Series June 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Muddy Princess June 8-9 . GHF/Massey Ferguson Annual Dressage Show June 15-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H.J. Fox Classics I & II June 21-23 . . . . . . Southern Fox Summer Classic (USEF) June 27-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . Stars & Stripes Circuit (GQHA) July 1-7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GQHA Big A Circuit July 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snapping Shoals EMC July 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GQHA Novice Show Series Aug. 3-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Aug. 10-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horse Show Ventures The Southern Hunter/Jumper Series Aug. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rugged Mania 5K Obstacle Race Aug. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GQHA Novice Show Series Aug. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battle of Atlanta - K9 Competition Aug. 31-Sept. 1. . . . . . . . . GDCTA Labor Day Classic I & II

Home Schedule

June 1-2 . . . . . . . . DETROIT June 10-13 . . . PITTSBURGH June 14-16 . . PHILADELPHIA June 17-18 . . . . . . . . . METS July 1-4. . . . . PHILADELPHIA July 5-7. . . . . . . . . . . . MIAMI July 18-21. . . WASHINGTON July 23-24. . . KANSAS CITY Aug. 1-4. . . . . . . CINCINNATI Aug. 13-15. . . . . . . . . . METS Aug. 16-18. . . LOS ANGELES Aug. 20-23. . . . . . . . . . MIAMI Aug. 30-31. . . . . . . CHICAGO 404-577-9100 www.atlantabraves.com

AUGUSTAGREENJACKETS

June 6-9 . . . . . KANNAPOLIS June 13-16 . . . . . . . . . ROME June 24-26 . . . . . ASHEVILLE June 27-30 . . . . LEXINGTON July 4-7. . . . . . KANNAPOLIS July 15-17. . . CHARLESTON July 18-21. . . GREENSBORO July 31-Aug. 2. . LAKEWOOD Aug. 3-6. . . . . . . . . HICKORY Aug. 12-14. . . . GREENVILLE

706-736-7889 www.greenjacketsbaseball.com

ROME BRAVES

June 1-9 . . . . . . LEXINGTON June 10-18 . . CHARLESTON June 20-23 . . HAGERSTOWN June 24-26 . . CHARLESTON July 4-7. . . . . . . . ASHEVILLE July 15-17. . . . . LEXINGTON July 23-25. . . HAGERSTOWN July 26-29. . . . . . . WEST VA Aug. 8-11. . . . . . . . AUGUSTA Aug. 20-22. . . . KANNAPOLIS Aug. 23-25. . . . . . COLUMBIA Aug. 30-31. . . . . . ASHEVILLE 706-378-5144 www.romebraves.com

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

GEORGIA Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about

YOU

It’s All About You . . .

METRO ATLANTA

Photo credit: Staticflickr.com

Scott Antique Market in Atlanta

The Scott Antique Market at the Atlanta Expo Centers is the world’s largest monthly indoor antique show and features two buildings (366,000 square feet) with over 3500 booths, outdoor shopping, and a courtyard of merchandise – all stocked full of pretty much every antique imaginable. All things antique wind up at the Scott Antique Market – antique furniture, vintage hardware, rare art, stunning glassware, heirloom silver, incredible jewelry, and much more. The Scott Antique Market, described as “America’s favorite treasure hunt,” always takes place the second weekend of every month at the Atlanta Expo Centers which straddle I-285 at Exit 55. Parking is free; admission is only $5; and a complimentary shuttle goes between both buildings. Show hours are Thursdays 12:45-6pm, Fridays & Saturdays 9am-6pm, and Sundays America’s Favorite Treasure Hunts! 10am-4pm. Food and snacks are available. Upcoming shows will be June 6-9, July 11-14, and Aug. 8-11. For more information on Scott Antique Markets visit www.scottantiquemarkets.com, or call 740-569-2800.

SCOTT ANTIQUE MARKETS TM

2ND WEEKEND of Every Month in Atlanta! 3,500 Booths!

Atlanta Expo Centers - Atlanta, GA 2019 Shows JUN 6, 7, 8 & 9 JUL 11, 12, 13 & 14 AUG 8, 9, 10 & 11 SEP 12, 13, 14 & 15

Show Hours

Thurs. 10:45am - 6pm Fri. & Sat. 9am - 6pm Sun. 10am - 4 pm

OCT 10, 11, 12 & 13 NOV 7, 8, 9 & 10 DEC 12, 13, 14 & 15

Directions

3 miles East of Atlanta Airport, I-285 at Exit 55 (3650 & 3850 Jonesboro Rd SE)

740-569-2800 www.scottantiquemarkets.com P.O. Box 60, Bremen, OH 43107

Ongoing Summer Events Thru June 2 — Georgia Renaissance Festival. Fairburn. Sat. & Sun. 770-964-8575. June 14–16 — Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival. 404-753-4555. Thru July 27 — Saturday Concerts. Dunwoody Nature Ctr. Every other Sat. 770-394-3322. Thru Aug 4 — Six Flags Over Georgia. Opens Daily. Weekends Aug. 11 – Sept. 16. Thru Sept. 30 — Wednesday WindDown. Centennial Olympic Pk. 5:30-8pm 404-223-4412. Thru Oct. 19 — Lasershow. Stone Mountain Park. 9pm. 770-498-5690. June 6, July 4, Aug. 1 — First Thursday Art Walk. Downtown Atlanta. 5-8pm 404-658-1877.

14 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth The Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia, showcases the colorful history that railroads and transportation played in shaping both Atlanta and North Georgia. The 35-acre museum features more than 90 pieces of historic railroad equipment, buses and artifacts that bring to life the region’s transportation history. Many of the railroad cars and locomotives on display are open for guests to climb aboard and explore. Visitors can buy tickets to ride on a train consisting of vintage cabooses or purchase a cab ride and join the engineer as the train traverses the property. Among the rail cars on display is The Superb, a Pullman Co.-built private car President Warren G. Harding used during his 1923 “Voyage of Understanding.” Harding died before finishing the trip, and the coach, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, carried the president’s coffin to Washington, D.C., for the state funeral and then to Marion, Ohio, for his burial. The state designated the museum “Georgia’s Official Transportation History Museum.” It hosts special events throughout the year, including the Fast Track 5K in May, Trains, Trucks & Tractors in August, Train-or-Treat in October and holiday events in December. For more information about exhibits, prices and events, visit www.SoutheasternRailwayMuseum.org.

Ongoing Summer Events June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 — Marietta Square Art Walk. 5-9pm. 470-899-3008. June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 — Roswell Riverside Parks Concerts. 7pm. 770-641-3705. June 8, July 13 — Smyrna Summer Concerts. Village Green. 7-10pm. Free. 770-434-6600. June 8-July 28 — Summer at the Rock. Stone Mountain Park. 770-498-5690. June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 — Alive After Five and Alive at the Square. Roswell. 5-10pm. 770640-3253. June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27 — Glover Park Concerts. Marietta Sq. 8pm. 770-794-5601. June May 31-Jun. 1 — Candler Park Music & Food Festival. 1500 McLendon Ave. 404-885-1365.

1 — Brew Moon Summerfest. Downtown Alpharetta. 6:30-11pm. 404-402-5389. 1-2 — Virginia Highland Summerfest. Atlanta. 404-874-2084. 1-2 — Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. Roswell. 770-992-2055. 2 — Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder/ I’m with Her. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404876-5859. 6-9 — Scott Antique Market. Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000. 7-9 — Dixie Hwy. 90 Mile Yard Sale. Marietta to Ringgold. 770-387-1357. 8 — The ICON Music Festival. Cummings Fairgrounds, Cummings. 770-781-3491. 8 — Roswell Lavender Festival. Barrington Hall Grounds, 10am-5pm. 770-640-3855.

Because you are never too old to enjoy trains... SoutheasternRailwayMuseum.org Duluth, Georgia June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

M E T R O A T L A N T A

Roswell Historical Society Tour of Homes Touted as one of the city’s most anticipated annual event, the 2019 Roswell Historical Society Tour of Homes will include a stroll beneath the canopies of one of our most genteel historic landscapes, the Formal Gardens at Mimosa Hall. The gardens were designed in the early 20th century by renowned architect, Neel Reid. Among the four homes on this year’s tour is a lovingly restored cottage on Mimosa Blvd., one that will surely make an impression among the giants of our historically significant and grand residences. This is truly a not-to-bemissed event! Tour date is September 14th from 10am-4pm. Tickets will be available online only at www.roswellhistoricalsociety.org. Mark your calendars, grab your pumpkin spice lattes and join us for a sensational event!

June 8 — Food That Rocks. City Green at Sandy Springs. 404-875-4434x2. 8 — Tunes from the Tombs. Historic Oakland Cemetery, 1-8pm 404-688-2107. 8-9 — Peachtree Corners Festival. Peach tree Corners Parkway. 770-367-3167. 8-15 — Dunwoody Restaurant Week. 404658-1877.

The Roswell Historical Society proudly presents

Our Annual Tour of Homes September 14, 2019 10am-4pm Four Homes on Tour & The Formal Gardens at Mimosa Hall Tickets will be available online only at

www.roswellhistoricalsociety.org

9 — Saved by the Band. Sandy Springs Concerts by the Springs. 404-851-9111. 9 — June Singing of Sacred Harp. Alpharetta City Hall, 10am-3pm. 678-297-2811. 14 — SiriusXM The Pulse Presents: The Mighty O.A.R. with American Authors. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. 14-16 — Juneteenth. 404-753-4555. 15 — An Evening Under the Stars Blues Festival with Tucka and Willie Clayton. Wolf Creek Amphitheater. 877-725-8849. 15 — McDonough Caribbean Cultural Festival. 1-8pm. 678-902-4224. 28 — Mandolin Orange. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. 29 — Cooler Festival Atlanta. Murphy Park Fairgrounds. 2pm. 404-594-1170. July 10 — The Woods Brothers. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. 11-14 — Scott Antique Market. Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000. 12–13 — Raccoon Creek Bluegrass Festival. Dallas. 770-445-2555. 12–14 — Atlanta Comic Con. World Congress Center. info@atlantacomiccon.com. 14 — Departure. Sandy Springs Concerts by the Springs. 404-851-9111. 14 — Tomato Festival. 1198 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, 1-5pm. 26 — John Butler Trio with Trevor Hall. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. 27 — Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. Piedmont Park. 404-875-7275.

16 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Celebrate Our Country’s Independence in Conyers! In Conyers, every day is a celebration and this year the city is hosting two events leading up to Independence Day. On Saturday, June 29, gather at Conyers First United Methodist Church at 921 Main Street NW at 10am for the Celebrate Community Parade. The parade features golf carts, bicycles, pets and people decked out in patriotic splendor as the route travels through the historic residential neighborhood of Olde Town Conyers. Prizes are awarded at the conclusion of the parade. On Wednesday, July 3, fireworks return to Olde Town Conyers after 16 years with Red, White & Boom! presented by the city of Conyers and Rockdale County and title sponsor Piedmont Rockdale Hospital. Taking place from 6-10pm within a central location at the Olde Town Pavilion, the evening features music from the Fly Betty Band, children’s activities, food trucks, a beer garden and fireworks at dark. The pavilion is located at 949 S. Main Street, Conyers, GA 30012 with free admission. For more on these events and other celebrations in Conyers throughout the year, visit the event calendar at www.conyersga.com.

July 27 — Peach State Depression Glass Club Presents Collectible Glass Show & Sale, 10am-5pm. Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta. www.psdgc.com. 27–28 — Repticon Reptile and Exotic Animal Convention. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Lawrenceville. 863-268-4273. August 2–4 — Trains, Trucks, Tractors. Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth. 770-476-2013. 3 — Old Soldiers Day Parade (9am) and Road Race (7am). Alpharetta. 678-297-6048. 8–11 — Scott Antique Market. Atlanta Expo Ctr. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000. 10 — BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass. Harmony Park in Oakhurst, Decatur. 12-8pm 404-370-4100. 11 — Atlanta Brass Cats. Sandy Springs Concerts by the Springs. 404-851-9111. 15–18 — Atlanta Underground Film Festival. Synchronicity Theatre. 404-521-6600. 16 — Toad the Wet Sprocket/Big Head Todd and The Monsters. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. 17 — Melissa Etheridge. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 404-876-5859. 17-18 — Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival. 10am-5pm Sat., 11am-5pm Sun. info@affps.com. 23–24 — Kennesaw’s Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. Adams Park. 770-422-9714.

24-25 — Grant Park Summer Shade Festival. 404-617-7043. 29–Sept. 2 — Dragon Con Atlanta. Various convention sites. 404-614-0006. 31 — Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Mercedes Benz Stadium. 678-686-4400. September 5–8 — Yellow Daisy Festival. Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. 12-16 — Scott Antique Market. Atlanta Expo Center. 740-569-2800 or 404-361-2000. 14 — Annual Tour of Homes. Roswell. Presented by Historical Society. www.roswell historicalsociety.org.

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

M E T R O A T L A N T A

It’s all about . . . Gardens and Nature Share the Joy . . .

Share the Experience ! New ACS

Membership Category for First-Timers!

Introductory ACS Electronic Membership Try out an American Camellia Society Membership With the New Introductory One-Year Electronic Membership Rate of $10. Those who have never been an American Camellia Society member qualify for the New Introductory One-Year Electronic Membership Rate of $10. The new membership category allows persons or organizations that have never tried out ACS member benefits to enjoy a full year of benefits for half the cost of a Regular Electronic Membership. Introductory Electronic Membership Benefits include: • Access to the online editions of the The Camellia Journal and The Camellia Yearbook, • Use the ACS Membership Card to visit Massee Lane Gardens and other botanical gardens under the reciprocating gardens program, • To access all of the Members Only content on the ACS website, and • To receive a ten percent discount on ACS Gift Shop purchases (including the online gift shop). Allow 7-14 days for processing. Call 100 MASSEE LANE 877-422-6355 or email Lorie Huff, MemFORT VALLEY, GEORGIA 31030 (877) 422-6355 bership Coordinator, with questions or for WWW.AMERICANCAMELLIAS.COM more information.

18 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Ongoing Spring Events

Thru Oct. 27 – Imaginary Worlds. Atlanta Botanical Garden. June, July, Aug. – Organ Concerts. Callaway Gardens. 800-callaway. Check for dates. June-July – Concerts in the Park. Dunwoody Nature Center. Check for dates. June 1-29 – Twilight Live Music Series. Gibbs Gardens. Saturdays. 6-9pm. June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7 – Swamp Saturday Hike. Phinzy Swamp. Augusta. June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 – Children’s Hike with Story Time. Phinzy Swamp. Augusta. June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 – Concerts. Chattahoochee Nature Center. July 11-17 – The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. Columbus Botanical Garden. Aug. 4-Sept. 8 – Chattahoo chee Nature Summer Adventures Day. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Aug. 16-18 – Perry Buckarama. Georgia Wildlife Federation. Mill Creek Nature Center. Buford.

June

June – Rare summer blooming Camellia Azalea, Crepe Myrtles, Day Lilies, Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, Azaleas, Irises, Carnivorous Plants, Rose Garden, and Native Wildflowers in bloom at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley. 1 – National Trails Day. Mill Creek Nature Center. Buford. 1-2 – Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival. Douglasville, Douglas County High School. pennymchenryhydrangea festival@gmail.com. 1-2 – Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 3-July 31 – Butterfly Encounter. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 11 – Beekeeping: Getting Started. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 17 – Full Moon Hike. Phinzy Swamp. Augusta. 22 – 34th Annual Magnolia Ball. Bulloch Hall, Barrington Hall, Roswell. 26 – Alston Lecture: Mason, Miners & Thieves, The Real Lives of America’s Bees. Atlanta Botanical Garden.

July

July – Rare summer blooming Camellia Azalea, Crepe Myrtles, Day Lilies, Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, tropical fruit trees, Irises, Azaleas, and Native Wildflowers in bloom at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley. 15 – AgLanta Eats 2019. Atlanta Botanical Garden. 27 – Painting with the Park. Smithgall Woods. Helen.

August

August – Crepe Myrtles, Day Lilies, Hydrangeas, Hibiscus, Azaleas, Confederate Roses and Native Wildflowers in bloom at Massee Lane Gardens, Fort Valley. 4 – Summer Adventures Day. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell. 11 – Beekeeping for Beginners. State Botanical Garden. 17 – Butterfly Festival. Dunwoody Nature Center. 770-394-3322. 17 – Ultraviolet Night Hike. Smithgall Woods. Helen. 29 – Sportsman’s Dinner and Auction. Mill Creek Nature Center, Buford.

Garden & Nature Centers in Georgia

• Ashantilly Center, Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912-437-4473 • Atlanta Botanical Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404-876-5859 • Autrey Mill Nature Preserve/Ctr., Johns Creek.678-366-3511 • Bamboo/Coastal Gdns., Savannah. . . . . . . . . . . 912-921-5460 • Barrington Hall, Roswell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-640-3855 • Big Haynes Creek Nature Center, Conyers. . . . 770-860-4190 • Birdsong Nature Ct., Thomasville . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-953-bird • Callaway Gardens, Pine Mtn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-Callaway • Chattahoochee Nat. Ctr., Roswell . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-992-2055 • Cochran Mill Nature Ctr., Palmetto. . . . . . . . . . . 770-306-0914 • Columbus Botanical Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-327-8400 • Dunwoody Nature Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-394-3322 • Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville . . . . . . . . . . 770-535-1976 • Flint RiverQuarium, Albany. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229-639-2650 • Ga. Mt. Research Ctr., Blairsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-745-2655 • Ga. Nature Center, Watkinsville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-769-1000 • Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-893-1881 • GSU Botanical Gdn. Statesboro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912-871-1149 • Hills & Dales Estate, LaGrange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-882-3242 • Massee Lane, Fort Valley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478-967-2358 • Mill Creek Nature Center, Buford. . . . . . . . . . . . . 770-787-7887 • Oatland Island, Savannah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912-395-1212 • Oxbow Meadows, Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-507-9550 • Phinizy Swamp, Augusta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-828-2109 • Sandy Creek Nature Center, Athens. . . . . . . . . . 706-613-3615 • Smithgall Woods, Helen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-878-3087 • State Botanical Garden, Athens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 706-542-1244 • Tybee Island Marine Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 912-786-5444

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

G A R D E N S A N D N A T U R E

Local Roots â&#x20AC;Ś. Lane

For more than a century, the family farmers at Lane Southern Orchards have dedicated themselves to planting, growing and harvesting the best-tasting peaches and pecans in Georgia. The farm has grown to include 5,000 acres of peaches and 6,000 acres of pecans. Back in 1989, the sales team would continuously get knocks on the door wanting to know if the passer-byers could purchase some peaches. One day, they decided to hire a college student, buy a picnic table and an umbrella and make sure their curious customers were taken care of. The college student would grade through the peaches every day and throw away the ones that had bruises or were too ripe. They finally decided to make home-made ice cream in old-fashioned ice cream churns. Since they picked peaches every day, and graded every day, they ended up buying more ice cream churns. Well, when they counted 13 churns, they knew it was time to do something different, so they built a small kitchen and added an ice cream machine and served madefresh-daily peach ice cream. Since they loved having visitors, and to allow them to visit longer, they put four rocking chairs out on the front stoop. When their visitors started coming more often, they decided to add a small kitchen and offer chicken salad for lunch. To accommodate the visitors, they added more rocking chairs and a restroom. Today, you can enjoy burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken pot pie, fried pecan crusted sweet water catfish and other home-style southern specialties. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit the Bakery for goodness gracious goodies like pecan pie, peach fritters, fried dessert pies, made fresh daily peach bread, and cinnamon pecan bread, home-made milk shakes, and, of course, their famous peach cobbler and ice cream. After a while, they decided to make home-made jams, jellies, dressings and other southern gourmet items. Today, their Roadside Market gets over 375,000 visitors annually and there are now 30 rocking chairs on the porch. The store is open daily year-round with seasonal hours. You can pick your

20 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Southern Orchards

own strawberries in April and May and around mid-May the big, beautiful, juicy, red peaches are harvested. The farm grows over 30 varieties which mature at different times to extend the peach season through August. In October, they have their 6-acre corn maze which features puzzling cornundrums and other hints to help you find your way out. Don’t worry if you get lost, they have corn cops who will find you and guide you through the winding paths. October also begins harvesting of the pecans. With over 6,000 acres, it takes from October through January to harvest these rich, buttery pecans which are sold year-round in the shell, or already shelled. They also offer several different candy-coated varieties of pecans to choose from. Did we mention their home-made pecan pie? So, if you are anywhere in the Middle Georgia area, it’s worth a trip to visit Lane Southern Orchards roadside market and café located just off I-75 at Exit 142 in Fort Valley. The kids can play on a farm-themed playground with real tractors. All year long, you can sample some homemade favorites and grab a rocking chair on the front porch, relax and make more memories. Everything will be just peachy. Lane Southern Orchards www.lanesouthernorchards.com 1-800-277-3224 I-75, Exit 142, Fort Valley, GA June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

It’s ACT 1 THEATER

Alpharetta, 770-663-8989, www.act1theater.com June 7-23 School House Rock Live!

Music & Dance ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Atlanta, 404-584-2211, www.agathas.com Thru July 31 Murder Impossible: NiteFort Edition

404-733-4900, www.atlantasymphony.org (Check website to find complete listing.) June 1-2 Beethoven & Bernstein – Part Two June 6-8 Beethoven’s Revolutionary Fidelio June 14-15 Carablanca in Concert June 21 Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers with ASO June 27 Rick Springfield with ASO June 28 Ben Folds with ASO June 29 Common with ASO July 19 WCLK 45th Anniversary – Kirk Franklin: The Long Live Love Tour Aug. 10 Lyle Lovett & His Large Band

ALLIANCE THEATRE

Atlanta, 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org June 20-July 21 Max Makes a Million July 20-Oct. 27 Hey Willy, See the Pyramids

BACK LOT PLAYERS

ART STATION

706-632-9223, blueridgecommunitytheater.com Thru June 2 Boeing, Boeing June 7-9 Bergonzi String Quartet July 11-28 A Funny Thing Called Love Aug. 15-31 Everyone Loves Opal

ACTOR’S EXPRESS

Atlanta, 404-607-show, www.actors-express.com June 1-23 Jump July 17-Aug. 25 Head Over Heels

AGATHA’S

Stone Mountain, 770-469-1105, www.artstation.org June 6-9 Burlesque Revolution July 11-28 Tenderly

ARTISTIC CIVIC THEATRE

Dalton, 706-278-4796, www.actdalton.org June 17-22 Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr Aug. 2-10 Working

ATHENS COMMUNITY THEATER

706-548-3854, www.townandgownplayers.org June 7 The Secret Garden June 28 The Pillowman Aug. 9 A Midsummer Night’s Dream

ATLANTA LYRIC THEATRE

Marietta, 404-377-9948, www.atlantalyrictheatre.com June 7-23 Oliver! Aug. 16-Sept. 1 War Paint

Forsyth, 478-994-0443, www.thebacklotplayers.org July 12-20 The Addams Family – A New Musical

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATER

BRUNSWICK ACTORS’ THEATRE 912-262-0268, www.soglogallery.com June 15-30 Ben Butler Aug. 10-25 Sordid Lives

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS

Atlanta, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org Family Series June 11-July 28 Beauty and the Beast July 30-Sept. 1 Old MacDonald’s Farm New Direction Series June 15 & 16 A Chance Encounter Movies July 20 Muppet Guys Talking Aug. 2 Short Circuit Aug. 3 The Neverending Story Aug. 4 The Muppets Take Manhattan Aug. 10 The Terminator

AURORA THEATRE Lawrenceville, 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com Thru June 30 Pardon Our Progress Un-Gala 22 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

DALTON LITTLE THEATRE

706-226-6618, www.daltonlittletheatre.com Divorce, Southern Style June 7-15 July 19-27 A Gnome King Takes A Bride

GEORGIA ENSEMBLE THEATRE Roswell, 770-641-1260, www.get.org Performances at Oglethorpe University Driving Miss Daisy June 28-July 21

HABERSHAM COMMUNITY THEATER Clarkesville,

NEW AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE THEATRE TAVERN Atlanta

404-874-5299, www.shakespearetavern.com June 1-2 Henry the Eighth June 6-16 The Tudor Rep: A Man for All Seasons, Henry the Eighth, Anne of the Thousand Days June 22-July 14 As You Like It July 19-Aug. 11 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Aug. 17-Sept. 1 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

706-839-1315, www.habershamtheater.org June 1-10 I DO! IDO! Aug. 1-4, 8-11 Oklahoma

NEWNAN THEATRE COMPANY

HENRY PLAYERS

SAVANNAH THEATRE

770-892-9906, www.henryplayers.com June 13-16, 20-23 The Odd Couple

HISTORIC HOLLY THEATRE Dahlonega, 706-864-3759, www.hollytheater.com June 1 Free Fallin, A Tribute to the Memory of Tom Petty June 8 Freebird – The Ultimate Lynard Skynyrd Tribute June 22 Aladdin, Jr. July 5-7 The Music Man Kids July 29-Aug. 11 Newsies Aug. 16 Hank Williams, Sr.The Lonesome Tour Aug. 17 All My Rowdy FriendsA Hank Williams, Jr. Tribute

HISTORIC RITZ THEATRE

Brunswick, 912-262-6934, www.goldenislesarts.org June 14-16 Shrek Jr., The Musical

912-233-7764, www.savannahtheatre.com June 5-28 The 70’s Show

SERENBE PLAYHOUSE

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Chattahoochee Hills, 770-463-1110, www.serenbeplayhouse.com June 6 Ragtime The Musical The True Story of Pocahontas June 13-Aug. 4 July 3-Aug. 18 Hair

SOUTHSIDE THEATRE GUILD Fairburn, 706-324-5714, www.springeroperahouse.org July 11-21 Mama Won’t Fly

SPRINGER THEATRE Columbus, 706-324-5714, www.springeroperahouse.org June 29 What’s Love Got To Do With It! A Musical Tribute to Tina Turner by Sheryl Rouse

LaGrange, 706-882-9909, www.lsparts.org June 14-15 Junie B. Jones

STAGE DOOR PLAYERS Dunwoody, 770-396-1726, www.stagedoorplayers.net Thru June 16 Ain’t Misbehavin’ July 11-Aug. 4 Laughter on the 23rd Floor

LEGACY THEATRE

SWAMP GRAVY Colquitt,

Tyrone, 770-306-3343, www.thelegacytheatre.org July 5-Aug. 4 Matilda

229-758-5450, www.swampgravy.com June 14-23 Shrek the Musical, Jr.

MAIN STREET PLAYERS

SYNCHRONICITY THEATRE Atlanta,

PERRY PLAYERS

THEATRE ALBANY

478-987-5354, www.perryplayers.org July 11-28 Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical



M U S I C

770-683-6282 www.newnantheatre.org Aug. 14-18 & 22-25 Arsenic & Old Lace

LAFAYETTE THEATRE ACADEMY

Griffin, 770-229-9916, www.mainstreetplayers.org June 5-16 Hank Williams & Lost Highway

T H E A T R E

404-484-8636, www.synchrotheatre.com June 6-30 Hands of Color

229-439-7193, www.theatrealbany.com Thru June 9 Sister Act

PUMPHOUSE PLAYERS

Cartersville, THOMASVILLE ON STAGE 770-387-2610, www.pumphouseplayers.com 229-226-0863, www.tosac.com July 19-21 Brave Little Tailor June 28-30 Aladdin, Jr. June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

D A N C E

24 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Join us this Summer for a full calendar of events! Come and experience the Ancient Biblical World through our Archeological Replica Garden, Biblical Life Artifacts, and Biblical Meal! Be sure to follow us on Facebook to learn more about the fun events we have happening! Evening in the Garden, Family Movie Night, and more!

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm $20 per adult â&#x20AC;˘ $15 per child (ages 6-12) Children ages 5 and under are Free

BiblicalHistoryCenter.com

130 Gordon Commercial Drive â&#x20AC;˘ LaGrange, Georgia (one hour southwest of Atlanta) 706.885.0363 June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

It’s All About Venues in Georgia AMERIS BANK AMPHITHEATER Alpharetta, 404-733-5010, www.amerisbank-amphitheatre.com June 6 Florence & The Machine: The High as Hope Tour 2019 June 14 Dierks Bentley: Burning Man 2019 July 10 Train/GooGoo Dolls July 12 Luke Combs: Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour 2019 July 23 Dave Matthews Band July 25 Rock 100.5 Presents KoRn & Alice in Chains Aug. 10 KIDZBOP World Tour 2019 Aug. 11 Peter Frampton FINALE – The Farewell Tour Aug. 15 Breaking Benjamin Aug. 17 Heart, Love Life Tour Aug. 21 The Smashing Pumpkins & Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Aug. 23 Brad Paisley, Chris Lane & Ruby Green AUGUSTA ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX

706-722-3521, augustaentertainmentcomplex.com June 2 Pentatonix: The World Tour June 4 REO Speedwagon June 16 A Day to Remember June 18 Finding Neverland July 30 Big Apple Circus

CELLAIRIS AMPHITHEATRE LAKEWOOD

CHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATER

Atlanta, 888-292-8495, www.chastaintickets.com June 7 Anderson. Paak June 15 Maze featuring Frankie Beverly June 19 Jon Bellion June 23 Billie Eilish June 28 Adam Sandler June 29 Common with ASO June 30 Weird Al Yankovic July 5 Boyz II Men July 8 Rob Thomas July 14 Young the Giant and Fitz and The Tantrums July 16 Mary J. Blige July 22 Third Eye Blind with Jimmy Eat World July 24 Earth Wind and Fire July 30 311 and Dirty Heads July 31 Lionel Richie Aug. 20 Bush and Live Aug. 22 Double Vision Aug. 24 The Yacht Rock Revue

COBB ENERGY CENTRE

Atlanta, 770-916-2800, cobbenergycentre.com June 7-9 The Lightning Thief June 22 Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D. R. E. A. M. The Tour July 20 Eddie B July 22 Gordon Lightfoot Aug. 30 The Adventure Zone Apr. 5-14 Shen Yun 2019

Atlanta, 404-443-5090, www.cellairis.amphitheatreatlanta.org June 1 Hootie & The Blowfish/Barenaked Ladies COBB GALLERIA CENTRE June 8 Tycoon Music Festival Atlanta, 700-955-8000, www.cobbgalleria.com June 22 Freaknik Festival 2019: Uncle Luke, June 7-9 The Blade Show Project Par, DaBrat, Foxy Brown and June 26-29 National Square Dance Convention Lil Scrappy July 18-19 S.E. 2019 Hemp & Medical June 28 Disrupt Festival: The Used, Thrice, Cannabis Convention Circa Survive, The Story So Far & Atreya July 25-28 Southeast Homeschool Expo June 29 Dead & Co Aug. 4 Georgia Bridal Show July 20 Iron Maiden Aug. 25-27 S.E. Homeschool Expo July 24 Nelly, TLC and Flo Rida July 26 Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell & COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER Joni Langston 706-494-8330, www.columbusciviccenter.org Aug. 10 Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch & June 8 Denim & Diamonds Concert Russell Dickerson June 6 Father’s Day Blues Festival Aug. 31 Fla. Ga. Line, Dan and Shay and Aug. 31 SoulFest 2K19 Morgan Wallon 26 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

FOX THEATRE

Atlanta, 404-881-2100, www.foxtheatre.org June 1 Rodrigo y Gabriela June 6-9 Pride and Joy: The Marvin Gaye Musical June 7-9 The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical June 12 Brit Floyd June 25-30 Come From Away July 5-6 The String Cheese Incident July 10 Latin History for Morons, written by and starring John Leguizano July 20 Champions of Magic July 25 George Clinton’s One Nation Under A Groove Tour July 28 Bring It! LIVE July 30 Monsta X Aug. 2-3 Tedeschi Trucks Band: Wheels of Soul 2019 Aug. 4 Iyanla Vanzant Aug. 6-11 CATS Aug. 17-18 Paw Patrol Live! Aug. 24 The Revialists Aug. 27 Vampire Weekend

FREDRICK BROWN, JR. AMPHITHEATER Peachtree City, 770-631-0630, www.amphitheater.org June 2 Joan Jett and The Blackhearts June 15 Kool and the Gang June 22 Robert Cray and Marc Cohn June 29 Marc Martel – Queen Celebration July 20 Spin Doctors and 10,000 Maniacs Aug. 3 Lost 80’s Live Aug. 10 MJ Live – Michael Jackson Tribute Aug. 17 Chris Botti

GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIRGROUNDS

Hiawassee, 706-896-4191, www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com June 1 Gene Watson & Lorrie Morgan June 6 Gail Bliss June 8 Happy Together Tour June 21 The Temptations and The Tams July 13 The Grass Roots, Box Tops, and the Associations July 19-27 Georgia Mountain Fair Aug. 2 Blood Sweat & Tears Aug. 9 Vince Gill Aug. 31 Sawyer Brown and Exile

MABLE HOUSE AMPHITHEATER

Mableton, 770-819-7765, www.mablehouse.org June 8 Old School Hip Hop Festival June 22 An Evening of Jazz July 6 An Evening of Jazz July 20 The Gentleman of Soul July 22 Folk Art Fever Summer 2019 Aug. 3 An Evening of Jazz Aug. 17 An Evening of Soul

ROSWELL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER 770-594-6232, www.roswellgov.com

June 8 Live! In Roswell Presents: Balsam Range with The Atlanta Pops Ensemble Roswell Summer Puppet Series June 10-15 The Little Pigs Build A Better House June 17-22 Sleeping Beauty June 24-29 “That Puppet Guy Presents”: Rucker Go Home! July 1-6 All Hands Productions Presents: The Pied Pickle July 8-13 “That Puppet Guy Presents”: The Giant, The Beanstalk & Jack July 15-20 “That Puppet Guy Presents”: The Fairy Tailor

SAUTEE-NACOOCHEE CENTER

706-878-3300, www.snca.org June 8 Cheri Luhn in Concert July 13 Auntie Q and Her Wayward Girls July 28 Doris Davenport Aug. 3, 10 The Valley Where They Danced Aug. 31 Folk Pottery and Arts Festival

SAVANNAH CIVIC CENTER

800-351-7469, www.savannahcivic.com June 22 Bring It! Live: The Dance Battle Tour July 25-29 Inspire National Dance Competition Aug. 8 Vince Gill Aug. 9 Black Violin Aug. 18 Georgia Bridal Show Aug. 24-25 Eastman Gun Show

SOUTHERN GROUND AMPHITHEATER

Fayetteville, 770-19-4173, www.southergroundamp.com June 29 Tommy James & The Shondells July 11 Amy Grant July 27 The Lowrider Band Aug. 17 Purple Madness (Prince Tribute) Aug. 24 Mother’s Finest & Wet Willie

INFINITE ENERGY CENTER Duluth, 800-224-6422, www.infiniteenergycenter.com STRAND THEATRE Marietta, June 8-9 Grinningelk Atlanta Guitar Show 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org June 19 Luis Miguel June 15 Strand Ole Opry: King of the Road June 21-23 An Evening with C. S. Lewis July 2 Indie Film Night June 27-29 Free Chapel Forward Conference July 10-14 Little Black Dress July 27 Banda Ms De Sergio Lizarragh July 27 The Georgia Players Guild Aug. 2 Jesus Adrian Romero Presents: The Music of CCR Aug. 4 Dude Perfect & The Grateful Dead Aug. 10-11 Interglactic Bead Show Aug. 24 Maraco Antonio Solis Aug. 16-25 Jukebox Giants: Motown & More June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 27

E N T E R T A I N M E N T V E N U E S

28 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Come experience life at 15 mph Seeking a unique place to relax this summer?

Come visit Peachtree City, Ga., where you can enjoy world-class dining, resort-style hotels, multiple recreational activities, and more, and available—our signature feature—a golf cart! Visitors to our master-planned city can rent golf carts during their stay and coast at a relaxing 15 miles per hour while enjoying more than 100 miles of paved multi-use paths that wind through the city to popular dining, shopping and entertainment spots. Plus, getting here is easy. We’re located just 25 minutes south of Atlanta and are easily accessible from anywhere throughout the state.

ENTERTAINMENT

We’re close to dozens of interesting attractions. View vintage aircraft (and take a ride, too!) at the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing Museum. Experience dynamic live shows and Grammy-winning performers at “The Fred” amphitheater. You can also take The Southern Hollywood Film Tour where you’ll see film locations from hits such as Sweet Home Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Spider Man Homecoming. Are you a fan of The Walking Dead? We’re just 15 minutes away from Senoia where Alexandria and other locations of the hit series are filmed. There, you can take multiple tours and visit some of the series’ sites. If you like live theater, you can visit nearby communities in Serenbe and Tyrone and experience The Serenbe Playhouse and The Legacy Theatre.

DINING

Peachtree City features local favorites and a variety of national brand restaurants that include choices of fare from cozy and relaxing to a quick bite. Tastes include world-class cuisine such as French, Mediterranean, South African, Spanish, and northern Italian. We also feature the best of regional cooking with noveau Southern cuisine at several restaurants. Thirsty? Afterwards, you can visit our local brewery, Line Creek Brewery, and enjoy flavors unique to our region.

REST

After a day of enjoying our city, a prime night of rest and relaxation awaits guests in Peachtree City at one of our premiere hotels or award-winning resort-style hotels. We offer eight hotels from budget-friendly to upmarket that feature a variety of amenities including pools, spas, resort-style dining and more.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Our city features three championship golf courses. Want to experience premium soccer without the crowds? Our pre-pro team MOBA features superb talent all within the accessible and beautiful 1,000-seat stadium. If you like the outdoors, we have two nature trails, a gorgeous preserve, and fishing opportunities in our three lakes.

SHOPPING

Our city offers an array of shopping destinations. In addition to upscale retailers, you can find one-of-a-kind items at local boutiques. In Peachtree City you will find a community with big ideas and big hearts, a place where Southern hospitality meets resort style living, a town that invites you to learn how much better life can be at 15 mph on a golf cart. But don’t take our word for it. Expedia.com recently named us as the Number One City that Must Be Seen in 2019! Learn more about our unique city by visiting our website https://visitpeachtreecity.com/. June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

It’s All About . . . . Independence Day Celebration in Warner Robins Warner Robins comes to life this summer with the annual Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 3, 2019, sponsored by Robins Financial Credit Union, the City of Warner Robins and the Warner Robins Convention & Visitors’ Bureau. This year’s featured entertainment is Better Than Ezra. The opening act will be Rebecca Howell recently seen on The Voice. Gates will open at 6pm at the McConnell-Talbert Stadium for this the free event which is a tribute to all our military and our country’s Independence. Food vendors and a Kids Play Zone will be on hand for the family to enjoy. The evening concludes with one of the largest fireworks displays. Take I-75 exit #146 to South Davis Drive where the stadium is located. Warner Robins was awarded the “Official Best Family Fun Destination—Georgia 2019”. Come visit some of the best family fun attractions such as the Museum of Aviation, Rigby’s Entertainment Complex and Water World. While in Warner Robins be sure to visit the Georgia Artisan Center, located in the E.L. Greenway Welcome Center, 99 Armed Forces Boulevard N. Everything is Georgia Made Georgia Grown and uniquely handcrafted by an artisan in the local area. Shop southern jams and jellies, books, hand-woven basket and more for a special one-of-a-kind treasure to give year round. For a complete list of Warner Robins events, attractions, hotels, and restaurants visit our website at www.WarnerRobinsVisitorsCenter.com.

Lake Chatuge’s Rust & Roses Vintage Market Don’t miss the chance to shop for antiques, vintage clothing, vintage jewelry and repurposed furniture at the exciting new event to be held in Young Harris, GA, on Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8. The Lake Chatuge’s Rust & Roses Vintage Market will feature some of northeast Georgia’s finest antique dealers along with true artists and craftspeople that have made beautiful showcase items from old, unwanted furniture. The Lake Chatuge’s Rust & Roses Vintage Market will be held in a state-of-the-art facility halfway between the cities of Hiawassee and Young Harris, the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center. No worries about inclement weather–the event is held inside! Over 50 vendors have been invited to participate and the response has been fantastic! And, what better place to visit for a day or weekend than the beautiful northeast Georgia mountains! The Towns County Recreation & Conference Center is located at 150 Foster Park Road, Young Harris, GA 30582. (Please use the full name when googling for driving directions.) Admission will be $5/adult and children over 14; children under 14 are free. Weekend passes will also be available. If you love finding great deals and one-of-a-kind items, plan now on attending the Lake Chatuge’s Rust & Roses Vintage Market on September 7 from 10am to 5pm and September 8 from 11am-4pm. For more information, call the sponsor, Towns County Chamber of Commerce at 706-896-4966 or visit www.golakechatuge.com. See you there! 30 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Summertime in Georgia Freedom Celebration in Warm Springs The historic town of Warm Springs, Georgia is the home of FDR’s Little White House and receives more than 100,000 visitors a year. Those visitors absolutely love the quaint little town with its unique shopping, great restaurants, a wine and craft beer tasting room, and lots of southern hospitality. This year the town will be hosting its second annual Freedom Celebration. This event, which was held the first time in 2017 was used to kick off the unique Marvel Comics Geo Quest Trail a very popular addition to the other two geocache trails in the county: The Real Woodbury’s Zombie Quest and the popular Magic City Rail Quest. Freedom Celebration event organizers invited special guests to participate in the launching of this event, including costumed Spider Man, Iron Man, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. In addition, children from throughout the community were invited to participate in the parade by decorating their bicycles, tricycles, golf carts, and wagons with Independence Day décor. The day concluded with outdoor kids’ activities, music, and great food. This year’s event will be held on June 29th and will also include the Freedom Celebration Parade. Come out and enjoy live music, kid and family activities and sidewalk sales. Festivities start at 10am. For information, contact 706-655-3322 or visit www.meriwethertourism.com. June 1-Aug. 31 – BLAIRSVILLE – Saturday Night Concerts, Paradise Hills, 2-5pm. 706-745-5493. Thru June 1 – HELEN – HelenJune 1-Aug. 31 – WOODBINE – FriAtlantic Hot Air Balloon Festival. 706day & Saturday nights, 7-10pm. 912878-2271. 576-3027. May 31-June 1 – ALMA – Georgia June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 – JEKYLL Blueberry Festival, Goldwasser Park. ISLAND – Beach Village Music Series. 912-310-7399. Village Green. 912-635-3636. May 31-June 2 – YOUNG HARRIS June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 – NEWNAN – North Georgia Highlands Seafood Fes– Downtown, Main St. and Market Days, tival. Mayors Park. 706-897-6179. 10am-noon. 770-253-8283. Thru August – FT. VALLEY – Lanes June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 – BRUNSSouthern Orchards. Packing Line Tour. WICK – Rhythm on the River. Mary Ross Call for dates. 800-277-3224. Waterfront Park. 6-8pm. 912-265-4032. Thru Aug. 30 – MADISON – Music June 2-Nov. 24 – ETOWAH, TN – in the Park, Rutledge Town Pk. 706-342Hiwassee River Railroad. Not a typical 4454. museum with a building and glass cases Thru Aug. 31 – WASHINGTON – of artifacts on display. It’s a museum in Farmers Market Days behind the courtmotion, the operating train is the museum. house, 9am-noon. 727-841-7297. Call for dates and times. 423-894-8028. Thru Sept. 15 – BLUE RIDGE – Scenic June 7-July 18 – WARNER ROBINS Railway. Call for schedule. 877-413-8724. – Free Summer Movie Series. Museum June, July, August – BLAIRSVILLE of Aviation, 1:30-3:30pm. 478-926-6870. – Live Music at Paradise Hills. Saturdays June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 – BRUNS1-5pm. Contact paradisehillsga.com/fm/ WICK – 1st Friday, Dwntn, 5-8pm. 912events/list/. 265-4032. June 1-Aug. 31 – CORDELE – SAM June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 – VALDOSTA – Shortline Excursion Train, various dates. 1st Friday, Dwntn, 6-9pm. 229-259-3500. Call for schedule. 877-ga-rails. June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 31

Ongoing Georgia Events

Merritt Pecan Company in Weston Merritt Pecan Company, located on Hwy. 520 in Weston, specializes in farm-fresh pecans and offers a large selection of items including pecans, pecan candies, brittle, divinity, jams, jellies, sauces, souvenirs, homemade pies and cakes, t-shirts, cookbooks, and gift baskets. The pecans are grown and harvested on their farms and processed at their plant. The company, in business since 1980, is halfway between Albany and Columbus. It has a Chevron Foodmart and offers convenience store items, BBQ sandwiches, hot wings, hot dogs, cheeseburger dogs, sausage biscuits, and other food items. The store also offers a picnic area with tables for customers, an inside ATM, clean restrooms, walking area for dogs, and bus and camper parking. Local produce items, ranging from peas to peaches, are available when in season. Football fans will find souvenir items for Georgia, Auburn, and other local teams ranging from books to back scratchers. Merritt Pecan Company, reminiscent of a general store, is decorated with memorabilia, has a display of John Deere toys inside, and an antique tractor barn with John Deere tractors and other antique tools. The store is open from 7am-7pm daily except for Christmas Day. Visit www.merritt-pecan.com or phone 800-762-9152.

Ongoing Georgia Events

June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 – STATESBORO – First Friday, Downtown, 5:308pm. 912-764-7227. June 7, Aug. 2 – THOMASVILLE – First Friday Sip & Stroll. 229-228-7977. June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 – GRIFFIN – Second Saturday. 5-11pm. 770-2288200. June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 – WOODSTOCK – Summer Concert Series, Northside Hospital-Cherokee Amphitheater. 7:30pm.

June 14-July 6 – CALHOUN – Cooper Creek Farm, Sunflower Festival. 706-280-5592. June 22 – CORDELE-CRISP COUNTY – Watermelon Days Festival. 229-273-3102. June 28, July 26 – GRIFFIN – Movies in the Park. 7-9pm. 770-228-8200. June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27 – BLUE RIDGE – Classic Cars Cruisein. 706-897-5857. June 29, July 27, Aug. 31 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Movie on the Green. Village Green. 912-635-3636. July 1-Sept. 30 – AUGUSTA – Lucy Craft Laney Museum. 706-724-3576. Aug. 31-Sept. 15 – WATKINSVILLE – Perspectives 2019. OCAF Art Center. 706-769-4565.

June

1 – BAXLEY – Altamaha River Rat Run Canoe Paddle (12M). 912-367-7731. 1 – EATONTON – Dairy Festival, Courthouse Square. 706-485-8112. 1 – KENNESAW – Outdoor Movie Series. 6-9:30pm. Swift-Cantrell Park. 770-422-9714. 1 – LAFAYETTE – Honey Bee Festival. 706-639-1500. 1 – MARIETTA – Renaissance Festival. 10am-4pm. Miller Pk. 770-528-8806. 1 – ST. SIMONS – Georgia Sea Island Festival. 800-933-2627 or 844460-2539. GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

PERSPECTIVES: Georgia Pottery Invitational 2019 in Watkinsville PERSPECTIVES: Georgia Pottery Invitational 2019 will take place August 31-September 15 in Watkinsville, Georgia, at the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation campus. This year is the 17th annual award-winning event that showcases the works of the 50 selected Georgia potters. The largest juried show of its kind in the Southeast, PERSPECTIVES features 6000 pieces of contemporary functional pottery for sale. In addition, the event this year will host a “Meet and Greet” with select potters at the Opening Gala on Friday, August 30 from 6 to 9. A $20 entrance donation allows Pottery by Deborah Adornato first option to purchase pots prior to the public opening the following day and admits attendees to a catered buffet. There are three pottery exhibits, weekend gallery talks, pottery demonstrations, and a twoday demonstration/workshop with well known potter, Glenn Dair. Schedule of all events and details can be found at www.ocaf.com.

June

1-2 – MADISON – Juneteenth Celebration at Morgan County African American Museum. 1-3pm. 706-342-4454. 1-2 – ROSWELL – Butterfly Festival, Chattahoochee Nature Ctr. 770-992-2055. 2 – DUBLIN – Dub Jam. 7:3010:30pm. 478-272-4002. 6 – WARNER ROBINS – Museum of Aviation, D-Day 75th Anniversary, 9am-

5pm. 478-926-6870. 6-8 – MARIETTA – Georgia Celebrates Quilts. Cobb County Center. 10am-5pm. East Cobb Quilters Guild. 7 – BLUE RIDGE – Seniors Fishing Rodeo. Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery. 9am-noon. 706-838-4723. 7-8 – BLUE RIDGE – Appalachian Weaving of a Market Basket. The Arts Center. 10:30am-3:30pm. 706-632-2144.

2019

Perspectives Georgia Pottery Invitational™

August 31 – September 15 Watkinsville, Georgia 10am – 5pm, free admission

706-769-4565 • ocaf.com

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Ride the Hiwassee River Railway Ride the historic Hiwassee River Railroad scenic rail excursion through the unspoiled Cherokee National Forest, along the beautiful Hiwassee River, and through the secluded Hiwassee River Gorge. All trips feature the engineering marvel, the Great Hiwassee Loop. At the top you’ll pass over a bridge 62 feet above the tracks on which you’ve just traveled as the rails negotiate a spiraling formation. All trips begin with a short bus trip from the restored L&N Depot & Museum in Etowah, TN. For those riders choosing a trip to Copperhill, the route continues beyond Farner through Turtletown and Ducktown to the border towns of Copperhill, TN and McCaysville, GA. The trains feature comfortable coach seating with large viewing windows for standard service. Dome seating allows passengers a panoramic view from high above the car. Observation lounge seating provides a unique view from the car at the rear of the train in one direction. While traveling in the other direction, the car will be directly behind the locomotive. Special rates are available for groups of 25 or more; charter trips can be arranged for groups of 80 or more. For information, phone 423-894-8028, x0, or visit www.tvrail.com.

June

8 – GRIFFIIN – June Jam. Noon-midnight. 770-228-8200. 8 – HIAWASSEE – Solar Astronomy Day at Brasstown Bald. 10:30am-1pm. 706-896-2556. 8 – LAGRANGE – The Biblical History Center, An Evening in the Garden. 6-9pm. 706-885-0363. 8 – SANDY SPRINGS – Food That Rocks. City Greens at City Springs. 6:30-11pm. 404-875-4434. 8 – WASHINGTON – Concert on the Square. The Moonshine. Downtown. 7-9pm. 706-678-5111. 8 – WOODBURY – Peaches in the Pines. 706-655-2558. 8-9 – CARTERSVILLE – Rock Fest, Tellus Science Museum. 770-606-5700. 8-9 – CAVE SPRINGS – Arts Festival, Rolater Pk. 800-444-1834, 706-777-3382. 8-9 – YOUNG HARRIS – Home and Garden Show 2019. Recreation and Conf. Center. 10am-5pm. 828-321-2111. 10-14 – WARNER ROBINS – Winshape Camps for Communities, Green Acres Baptist Church. 844-972-2677. 14-16 – CUMMING – Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. 1321 Atlanta Hwy. 770-889-3400. 15 – BYRON – Peach Festival. 478Trains run from Etowah, TN, through 825-4002. the scenic Hiwassee River Gorge 15 – CLEVELAND – Lavender in the on select dates, spring - fall. Mountains. 706-865-0510. 15 – McDONOUGH – Caribbean For Reservations and dates: Cultural Festival. Avalon Park. 1-8pm. 423.894.8028 or www.tvrail.com 678-902-4224. 34 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019 7-8 – FT. VALLEY – Georgia Peach Festival. 478-825-4002. 7-9 – CARTERSVILLE – Dixie Hwy. 90 Mile Yard Sale. 770-387-1357. 7-9 – ELLIJAY – Plein Air. Art in the Mountains. 706-635-7400. 8 – BLAIRSVILLE – Annual Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Meeks Park. 706-745-5789. 8 – BLUE RIDGE – Kids Fishing Rodeo. Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery. 9am-noon. 706-838-4723. 8 – CUMMIING – The ICON Music Festival. Cumming Fairgrounds, 1pm. 770-781-3491.

The Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville The 21st Annual Butternut Creek Festival is a fine craft and art show sponsored by the High Country Artisans, Inc. It will be held July 20 and 21 at Meeks Park, located on Hwy. 76/515 just 0.7 miles west of Blairsville. Festival hours will be 10am5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. There will be good food and live entertainment. Admission, parking and shuttle service will be free. Please note the Union County Recreation Department does not allow dogs in this section of the park. Over 80 artists have been selected to participate and will be offering folk art and decorative gourds, musical instruments, stained glass, leather and metal craft, jewelry, pottery, knives, wood turning, birdhouses and yard art, fine art and photography, purses, totes, hand-carved Santas, handmade candles, soaps and lotions, rustic furniture and more. Their tents will line the walkway along the shady shores of the Butternut Creek. Mal McEwen will be demonstrating his chain saw art. Proceeds from this event are used to assist art programs in local schools, as well as other art-based community projects. For more information, visit www.ButternutCreekFestival.com, like them on Facebook at ButternutCreekArtFestival, phone 706-781-1221, or email butternutcreekfestival@gmail.com.

Towns County Made in Georgia Festival

A big new event is making headlines in Young Harris, GA! Scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and June 30, the Made in Georgia Festival features 100 vendors from across the State of Georgia specializing in products that were grown, harvested, canned, baked, stitched or crafted in Georgia. Items that will be shown and sold at this big event are pecans, peaches, jellies, soaps, body lotions, dog biscuits, walking canes, clothing, bread, candles, pickles, pottery, syrups, and lots, lots more! This is an inside event–shop in the comfort of air conditioning! This year’s demonstrations and workshops will be conducted by Carlton Chamblin of Farm 2 Cocktail, Georgia Grown chefs, and two artists who will be sharing the schedule with creative projects to make and take home. Also on hand will be a live remote by WNGC Radio announcing the Hometown Hero for the month of June. The Butternut Creekchildren Festival about ad 2017:Layout 1 4/13/201 Mobile Dairy Classroom has agreed to be there both days to teach how milk gets from the cow to their glass! The event will be held June 29 from Come Celebrate 10am-5pm and June 30 from 11am-4pm at 21st Annual the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center in Young Harris. The address to use is 150 Foster Park Road, Young Harris, GA 30582–use the facility’s entire name when googling directions. Admission is $5/adults and children over 14; children under 14 are free. The Made in Georgia Festival is a great July 20 & 21, 2019 place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and items Sat. 10am to 5pm & Sun. 10am to 4pm that are grown in remote parts of Georgia. FREE Admission & Parking Please support our Georgia growers and 11Years In A R MEEKS PARK ow! crafters and attend this big event on June Blairsville, Ga. 29 and June 30. For more information, (on south side of Hwy 76/515 visit www.MadeInGeorgia.net or call 7060.7 mile west of Hwy 19/129 896-4966. The Made in Georgia Festival is traffic light) sponsored by the Towns County Chamber Live Artist Demonstrations, Live Music, Great Food of Commerce with generous support from www.butternutcreekfestival.com Towns County CVB and City of Hiawassee. June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA 35

Butternut Creek Festival

Summer Activities in Summerville June 29 ~ Celebrate Independence Festival & Fireworks Show Located at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 34 Middle School Road, Summerville, GA. The City of Summerville’s “Celebrate Independence” Festival and Fireworks show is a family favorite and one of the best firework shows in N.W. Georgia. Lots of food and specialty vendors will be on site. Free play on water slides, free sliced watermelon, Sack Racing, live music, a Cornhole Tournament, and, of course, the fabulous fireworks finale will keep every member of your family having a great time. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the entire evening of fun! Try your hand at The Greasy Pole Climbing Contest! Admission is free. Festivities for the evening kick off at 5pm. Fireworks Show begins at 10pm. July 6 ~ Stars & Stripes At The Depot Continue the celebration of our Independence with some Americana Fun. Witness the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train and the turning of the majestic steam engine on the Summerville Turntable. Depot Market vendors will be on hand, with a variety of items. Visit with “Good Ol Uncle Sam” for photo opportunities and fun throughout the day. Complimentary sliced watermelon will be on hand as long as supplies last. Savor the flavor of the Old Fashioned Fried Apple Pie Contest open to the public, which will lend lots of fun in the spirit of competition. Contestants will also have fried pies of all flavors for sale. Fried Apple Pie Contest registration will be located inside the depot beginning at 11am, with announcement of winners at 12:30pm. For more information, or to register a team contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900, ext 1337. July 20 ~ Wingfest & Cook-Off & Train Arrival Come taste some of the best finger-lickin’ chicken wings around Northwest Georgia at the Summerville Depot during the Wingfest & Cook-Off. Purchase a ticket to taste all the entries and vote for your favorite entry to win the “People’s Choice Award”. Lots of good food and fun for all. An arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train and working of the Summerville Turntable is scheduled for 1pm. Lots of food and craft vendors will be on hand, as well as live entertainment. Festival hours are 10am-3pm and admission is free. The Summerville Depot is located at 119 East Washington Street. For more information, or to register a team, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900, ext 1337. August 17 ~ Cowboy/Western Heritage Festival Saddle on up and head on over to the Summerville Depot, located at 119 East Washington Street, for the 2nd Annual Cowboy Western Heritage Festival! Be ready to wrangle up some chuck-wagon cooking, and shop for western wears, crafts, and furniture pieces. See live demonstrations that will spark your imagination and enjoy a wagon train parade, live music, and western dance. Children can participate in a variety of activities and roping fun. Watch the Tennessee Valley Railroad Antique Steam Engine roll in full of passengers and the Summerville Turntable in action at 1pm! Festival hours are 10am-3pm. Parking and admission are free.

June

Train Depot. 6pm. 229-924-4411 x 247. 22 – CLAYTON – Foxfire Heritage 15-18 – BLUE RIDGE – CommuniDay at the Foxfire Museum and Heritage ty Quilt and Fiber Art Exhibit. 706-632Center. 9am-4pm. 706-746-5828. 2144. 22 – CORDELE – Watermelon Days 16 – DECATUR – Arts Festival. 678Festival. 229-273-1668. 615-0915. 22 – SAUTEE NACOOCHEE – An17-21 – DULUTH – Southeastern nual Lavender Festival, 53 Hwy. 255 N. Railway Museum. Summer Railway 706-878-0100. Camp. 770-476-2013. 22-23 – BLAIRSVILLE – Mountain 21-23 – ATHENS – AthFest Music & Fling, N. Georgia Tech. 706-896-0932. Arts Festival, Downtown. 800-655-0603. 29 – JEFFERSON – Freedom Festi22 – AMERICUS – Red, White & val, Dwntwn Public Sq. 706-367-5714. Blues – BBQ Festival, Jackson Street 36 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Biblical History Center in LaGrange Biblical History Center (BHC) was founded in LaGrange in 2006 with the mission to help people encounter the ancient biblical world through its history and culture. BHC is truly a museum like no other, and the most authentic ancient world experience outside a trip to the Middle East. Visitors can enjoy guided and self-guided Archaeological Replica Garden Tours, a Biblical Meal, a tour through the Daily Life Artifacts Gallery, bread making under the goat haired tents, a simulated archeology dig, and special events throughout the year. BHC is one of only eight museums worldwide with a long term collection from the Israeli Antiquity Authority. The collection is the largest in the United States with over 250 artifacts exploring the daily life of the Ancient World. Be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram to learn when events are! Schedule your visit today at BiblicalHistoryCenter.com or (706) 885-0363!

June

29-30 – YOUNG HARRIS – Made in Georgia Festival. Towns County Recreation and Conf. Center. 706-896-4966.

July

6 – SUMMERVILLE – Stars & Stripes at the Depot. 706-859-0900, ext. 1337. 8-12 – WARNER ROBINS – Winshape Camps for Communities, Central Baptist Church. 844-972-2677. 11-13 – HIAWASSEE – Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruizin. Ga. Mt.

Fairgrounds. 9am-5pm. 706-896-4191. 13 – CLAYTON – Painted Fern Festival of Art, Savannah St. 678-467-2697. 19-20 – ROCKMART – Homespun Festival, 133 S. Marble St. 770-684-8760. 19-21 – CUMMING – Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. 1321 Atlanta Hwy. 770-889-3400. 19-27 – HIAWASSEE – Ga. Mtn. Fair, Ga. Mtn. Fairgrounds. 706-896-4191. 20 – CONYERS – Olde Town Summer Film Series, 7pm. 770-602-2606.

Enjoy Summer in Summerville! July 6 Stars & Stripes At the Depot • Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Passenger Train on the Summerville Turntable • Market Vendors • Photo with “Good Ol Uncle Sam” • Free Sliced Watermelon • Fried Apple Pie Contest

LL NG A CALLI QUEENS !! & GS S KING CKEN WIN I OF CH

SATURDAY, JULY 20TH 2019 AT THE SUMMERVILLE DEPOT

Aug. 17

Cowboy/Western Heritage Festival

10 am-3 pm • Chuck Wagon Cooking • Western: Wares, Crafts, Furniture, Demonstrations • Wagon Train Parade • Music & Dance • Arrival of Antique Steam Engine & Turntable 1pm Summerville Depot

706-859-0900, ext. 1337 • www.summervillega.org June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

70th Annual Watermelon Days Festival – “Thank A Farmer” What a great place to be–Cordele for the 70th annual Watermelon Days Festival. Cordele Watermelon Days remains the oldest festival in Georgia. Cordele claims its title as the Water melon Capital of the World and celebrates with this month-long festival. There are over 4000 acres of melons! More than 200 mil lion pounds of watermelons are shipped through the Cordele State Farmers Market each season. And, our melons are definitely the best…sweetest, juiciest, and crispiest. The main events of the festival fall on Sat., June 22. The event features a parade beginning at 8:30am. From that point head out to Georgia Veterans State Park at 2459 Highway 280 West. At the Park you will find arts & crafts, entertainment, free slices of watermelon, car & truck display, antique tractors, plus a variety of watermelonrelated competitions. These competitions consist of Water melon seed spitting, Watermelon chunking and Water melon eating. At the end of the day, relax at the Watermelon Days Dance at The Cypress Grill or watch or ride a Hot Air Balloon. The Balloon Festival (weather permitting) will be held at Georgia Vets State Park June 21, 22, & 23. For reservations ($225 per person to ride) call 813-243-9507 or www.americanballoonrides.com. Tether rides will also be offered $10 per person or Fast Pass $20 per person. Fast Pass tickets can be purchased at the Cordele-Crisp Chamber, 502 South 2nd St., Cordele. Fireworks on the Flint will be held at Georgia Veterans State Park on July 4th at 9:30pm. While in Cordele-Crisp County–visit Lake Blackshear, Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park, The Watermelon Capital Speedway (racing on June 29th), beautiful golf courses, the Historic SAM Railroad and of course the Cordele State Farmers Market, where you will find Georgia Grown produce. For a schedule of activities, call the Cordele-Crisp Chamber at 229273-1668 or visit www.cordelecrispga.com.

July

20 – DALTON – BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival. Edwards Pk. 706-913-6892. 20 – SUMMERVILLE – Chicken Wing Cook Off. Depot. 706-859-0900, ext. 1337. 20 – WARNER ROBINS – Museum of Aviation Foundation Auction, Raffle & Taste of Local Cuisine, Museum of Aviation. 478-922-5100. 20-21 – BLAIRSVILLE – Butternut Creek Festival, Meeks Pk. 706-781-1221. 22-26 – DULUTH – Southeastern Railway Museum. Summer Railway Camp. 770-476-2013. June 1st-30th 26–27 – MACON – Bragg Jam. Info: president@braggjam.org. “Watermelon Capital of the World” 26-27 – MADISON – Firefly Festival, Cordele, GA Main St., 6:30pm. 706-342-1251 x208. Main Day of Festival June 22nd 27 – CARTERSVILLE – National Day Parade • Arts & Crafts • Entertainment of the Cowboy, Booth Museum, 10amFree Watermelon Slices • Car & Truck Display 8pm, 770-387-1300. Watermelon Seed Spitting & Eating Contest 27 – KENNESAW – Outdoor Movie Series. 6-9:30pm. Swift-Cantrell Park. Hot Air Balloon Event June 21, 22 & 23 770-422-9714. Fireworks July 4th Dog Show • Walks • Horseshoe Tournament 27-28 – CHATSWORTH – Chief Vann Gospel Singing • Watermelon Pageant & More! House Days, 10am-4pm. 706-695-2598. 229-273-1668 28 – CLAYTON – Garlic Festival at List of events on web page Clayton Farmers Market. 9am-12:30pm. www.cordelecrispga.com 706-633-6706. 38 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

70th Annual

Watermelon Days Festival

Historic Westville Opening in Columbus Historic Westville redefines “living history” by providing experiences that transform the way we think about the past and remind us that history lives in our thoughts, actions, and understanding of the present. Through exhibits, live interpretations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, you can create your own museum experience each time you visit. Historic Westville is an accumulation of nearly a century of preserving the past. Several of their buildings and artifacts were first collected by John Word West of Jonesboro, GA, in the 1920s for “The Fair of 1850,” an outdoor museum showcasing Georgia vernacular architecture and folkways. Today, guests are able to experience firsthand what life would have been like between 1840-1860, before the sweeping mechanization of the late 19th century. They offer a multitude of classes in order to keep the traditional craftsmanship alive, including basket weaving, blacksmithing, textiles, shoe making, and carpentry. Inside the Museum Shop you are given the opportunity to purchase items made inside the village by interpreters and volunteers, along with other items made by Southern crafters. Hours of operation are Mon.-Tues., 9am-5pm; closed Wed.-Sat.; Sun. 12-4pm. Admission prices are: Adults $10; Active Duty Military, Senior, College Student w/ID $8; Children K-12th Grade $5; Children 5 and Under FREE; Groups of 10+ $8 per person. Ask about Museum Memberships so you can enjoy Westville year round! Please like Historic Westville on Facebook and follow their page for the most up to date information.

July

30 – YOUNG HARRIS – Made in Georgia Festival. Town County Recreation Center. 11am-4pm. 706-896-4966.

August

2-3 – DILLARD – 21st Annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, Franklin St. 823369-0559. 2-4 – DULUTH – Trains, Trucks and

Tractors 2019. Southeastern Railway Museum. 770-476-2013. 3 – MARIETTA – Cobb International Film Festival. 10am-4pm, Jim Miller Park. 770-528-8806. 3-4 – VALDOSTA – 100 Black Men of Valdosta BBQ Cook-Off, Downtown. 229242-2600. 8 – BLAIRSVILLE – Green Bean Festival, Farmers Market. 877-745-5789.

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Doc Holliday Barbecue and Music Festival in Griffin The annual Doc Holliday Festival will return to Griffin Sept. 7, bringing with it entertainment of the past and present. This family-friendly event not only offers entertainment for all, but great food and activities. The festivities will kick off at 10am Saturday with the BBQ Competition, food, and a variety of vendors. Vendors will be set up all day Saturday. A western re-enactment group will perform at the festival to present three shows depicting the shootout at the OK Corral, telling the story of the life of John Henry “Doc” Holliday, who was born in Griffin and later had a dentistry practice on Solomon St. Each show runs about 30 minutes. Show times are slated for approximately 11am, 1pm and 3:30pm. The Southside Riders’ Association Jr. Tab Run will also take place Saturday, complete with children’s activities and awards. There will be 300 to 400 motorcycles riding in. The Georgia Barbecue Association competition will be comprised of about 40 professional teams, set up in the Park by the ball fields. The general public can purchase a sampler platter with twelve teams’ barbecue; it’s called the People’s Choice. Purchasing barbecue casts a vote for your favorite. The ancillary cook-off competitions return. Open to the public, there will be three categories–chicken wings, barbecue sauce, and desserts. Registration is ongoing, with a fee of $25 per category. The ancillary competition will be held Friday evening. Additional information and registration is available online at http://www.dochollidayfest.com. This year’s raffle prize is a smoker valued at $2,500, donated by Stump’s Smokers, a primary sponsor. Tickets are only $5 each and will be available for purchase until 4pm Saturday. Griffin Main Street Program, the Exchange Club, Eagle’s Way Church, the Downtown Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Spalding Collaborative make the festival possible. A portion of the profits from the event will go to the Spalding Collaborative’s Children’s Charity Fund. The festival will run from 10am until 10pm Saturday. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, but bleacher seating in the park is provided. For more information, visit www.dochollidayfest.com.

August

15-18 – MACON – Macon Film Festival. 478-227-3840. 16-18 – CUMMING – Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. 1321 Atlanta Hwy. 770-889-3400. 17 – SUMMERVILLE – Cowboy/Western Heritage Festival. Depot. 10am-3pm. Arrival of Antique Steam Engine & Turntable 1pm. 706-859-0900, ext. 1337. 30 – WATKINSVILLE – Perspectives 2019. OCAF Art Center. “Meet and Greet” Opening Gala. 6-9pm. 706-769-4565. 31-Sept. 15 – WATKINSVILLE – PERSPECTIVES: Georgia Pottery Invitational. OCAF Art Center. 706-769-4565.

September

2 – BLUE RIDGE – Labor Day BBQ & Gospel Music Show. Downtown. 706455-3818. GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Fitzgerald’s Independence Day Celebration Enjoy a fun-filled Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, beginning at 4pm at Paulk Park in Fitzgerald. There will be old-fashioned contests and free hotdogs and soft drinks for children and adults. There will be a watermelon eating contest and a greased pole contest for both children and adults with prize money for the winners. Also a treasure hunt will be held for the children. Entertainment will begin at 6pm when a live band will entertain intermittently until dark; then a spectacular fireworks show will be held at dusk over the lake at Paulk Park. Take chairs and blankets, and pack your coolers for a picnic. Plan to stay overnight and experience the small town charm, the brick streets, the historic theatre, the museums and galleries, the unique shops and. . . who can forget about the wild chickens! The Blue & Gray Museum has more than 1200 artifacts and tells the story of Fitzgerald and its Civil War roots. Walk through Evergreen Cemetery where Yanks and Rebs rest side by side. A variety of self-guided tours are available on the website and at The Depot, 116 North Johnston St. For information, call 800-386-4642 or visit www.fitzgeraldga.org.

September

6-14 – CLARKESVILLE – Chattahoochee Mountain Fair. 706-678-6890. 6-7 – DOUGLAS – Go For Tortoise Festival, Downtown, 912-384-1873. 7 – GRIFFIN – Doc Holliday Festival. City Park. www.dochollidayfest.com. 7-8 – YOUNG HARRIS – Lake Chatuge’s Rust & Roses Vintage Market. Towns County Recreation and Conf. Center. 706-896-4966.

7-Oct. 26 – ELLIJAY – Apple Pickin’ Jubilee, Hillcrest Orchards, Weekends. 706-273-3838. 20-22 – CUMMING – Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. 1321 Atlanta Hwy. 770-889-3400.

October

11-12 – LYONS – The Real Squeal BBQ Festival. Downtown & Partin Park. 912-526-6445.

Fitzgerald, Georgia.

Small Town, USA is

Come experience the small town charm, the brick streets, the historic theatre, the museums and galleries, the unique shops and... who can forget about the wild chickens! Fitzgerald Area Convention and Visitors Bureau www.fitzgeraldga.org 1-800-386-4642 June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

“She sits down and puts her hand to her chest and rocks. Thinks of all she has lost and will lose. All she has had and will have. It seems to her that life is like gathering berries into an apron with a hole. Why do we keep on? Because the berries are beautiful, and we must eat to survive. We catch what we can. We walk past what we lose for the promise of more, just ahead.” ~ Elizabeth Berg Elizabeth Berg (2009). “Home Safe: A Novel”, p.237, Random House

Douglasville’s Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival June 6 & 7, 2020 . . . Save the date for the 13th Annual Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival in Douglasville, Douglas County, GA! The Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival is held each year in the month of June, when Douglasville becomes the Hydrangea Capitol of the South. It is a two-day outdoor/indoor event known by its award-winning Standard Flower Show. The Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival is a nationally recognized and award-winning Festival bringing thousands of festival-goers to share in their love and appreciation of the flowering plant and artisans’ crafts. For more information you can email us at info@hydrangeafest.org or visit us online at www.hydrangeafest.org.

Save the Date 13th Annual

Douglasville, Georgia

Mark your Calendars! When:

June 6

& 7, 2020

www.HydrangeaFest.org

42 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Georgia Zip Lines

Fly through the air and feel the breeze Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zip lines are sure to please.

Banning

Screaming Eagle at Historic Banning Mills 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd., Banning, Georgia 30185, 770-834-9149 Guinness World Records says that Screaming Eagle is the Longest and Largest Zipline Canopy tour in the world! Over 10 miles of course in the treetops, 101 Zip lines and 72 sky bridges! And we have one of the longest single zip lines in the USA, The Flight of the Falcon at 3400 ft long. Six tours to choose from with one being the ALL DAY RUSH and NOW a TWO DAY RUSH!!

Blue Ridge

Bowman

Blue Ridge Mountain Canopy Adventure 319 Hells Hollow Rd., Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513, 706-946-1010 Offers treetop adventures providing unforgettable experiences and state of the art zip lines. They provide a true canopy tour in a guided exploration of the forest canopy by means of a series of zip lines or aerial walkways and viewing platforms. See excellent views of the forest canopy and scenic views of the surrounding landscape including local flora and fauna and landmarks that may be of cultural or historic interest. Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge Lower Cashes Valley Road, Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513, 800-251-4800 Zip from the treetops through 165 acres of beautiful North Georgia Mountains! Rated one of the best Zipline canopy tours in the industry! 13 zips (over 1 mile of cable); 12 canopy decks (20-65 ft); 3 sky bridges/2 towers (35-75 ft); ACCT certified guides; 5 miles from Blue Ridge.

The Sandbar Zip Lines and Canopy Tour 3435 King Hall Mill Road, Bowman, Georgia 30624, 706-245-4163 Our zip line canopy tour is composed of 10 separate lines that zig-zag across Mill Shoal Creek. The Big Finale (1400ft) is our dual zip line over the Broad River. Race your friend down at speeds up to 40 mile per hour!

Buford

Lake Lanier Canopy Tours 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, Georgia 30598, 770-828-7654 At LLCT, our mission is to provide an unforgettable eco-adventure experience for people from all walks of life. We are proud to have 4 different tours on property and being on Lake Lanier Islands Resort, you have plenty of other recreational activities to also rock your world. (Zip Lines Continued) June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Buford

Tree Top Quest 2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford, Georgia 30519, 770-904-3500 Zip lines and obstacle course/ropes course. Heights up to 55 feet off the ground, on monkey bridges, Tarzan jumps, flying foxes, and soaring zip lines.

Clarkesville

Zippity Dude Ranch at Sunburst Stables 3181 State Hwy 255, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523, 706-947-7433 Sunburst Stables offers a mile of zips across 82 acres. Six lines cross 4 ponds and make a course across 3 ridgelines. Suitable for kids and adults from 40lbs up to 250lbs. N.E. Georgia’s longest zip lines.

Cleveland

Camp Coleman Ropes Course and Zip Line 201 Camp Coleman Dr., Cleveland, Georgia 30528, 706-865-4111 High and low ropes courses. The high ropes course has an exciting zip line and giant swing.

Columbus

Blue Heron Adventure 1000 Bay Ave, Columbus, GA 31901, 800-676-7238 Take flight on the Blue Heron Adventure in Columbus, Georgia! Crossing the Chattahoochee River, experience the only dual-zip line that connects two states reaching speeds up to 40mph. The fun doesn’t end there! The Blue Heron Aerial Course, a treetop experience will meet you in Phenix City, Alabama with a total of 10 obstacles. The adventure continues as you cruise in the motorized Canyon Raft back to Georgia.

Dawsonville

Amicalola Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, 706 265-1233 Our level 1 zip line canopy tour is approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours of heart pounding FUN! This tour consist of 11 ziplines that range from 75 feet to 1000 feet in length including 3 cable and wood suspension bridges. Be sure to look for bald eagles, red tailed hawks, deer and our very cute raccoons. Expanded Levels Coming SOON!

Duluth

Fun Forest Indoor Zipline 1630 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, Georgia 30096, 678-648-6655 Indoor zipline in family fun center.

Helen

Unicoi Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park 1788 Highway 356 Helen, GA 30545, (706) 878-4740 Have you heard? Did you know? Unicoi State Park now has its very own Zip Line Canopy tour course to add to all the other very cool adventures one can experience at the park. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the forest and allow yourself to “step out of the box” as you enjoy a world class ZIP LINE CANOPY TOUR! Nacoochee Adventures 7019 S. Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545, 706-878-ZIPS (9477) At ZipNTime we offer more than just an outdoor adventure - we also incorporate the history of North Georgia, both in general and specifically related to the Nacoochee Valley. From the Native American inhabitants, to the gold rush, to the moonshine makers - this region is home to a rich and varied history. Meet our ACCT certified guides and let them take you on a trip through time as we visit each of these periods of history.

44 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

Jasper

Cherokee Valley Ranch 909 Upper Salem Ch Rd., Jasper, Georgia 30143, 706 692 9277 Family Fun, Zip lines, Horesback riding, Dry Snow Tubing, Hayrides, Parties and more . . .

Johns Creek

Sojourn Adventures 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek, Georgia 30097, 678-405-2266 Leading group team-building experiences for over 12 years! Sojourn’s unique facilities, experienced staff, and background in adventure programming allow for a wide variety of experiences including the most extensive ropes course in North Atlanta.

Lula

North Georgia Canopy Tours 5290 Harris Road, Lula, Georgia 30554, 770-869 7272 Experience a heightened perspective on life at North Georgia Canopy Tours! Our two Eco-Tour Adventures include Ground School and then a progressive experience course with 12 zips, two sky bridges, a rappel, and 3 nature hikes on our Adventure Tour and 9 zips two sky bridges and two hikes on our Sky Bridge Tour.

Moultrie

Moultrie YMCA Adventure Course 601 26th Ave SE, Moultrie, Georgia 31768 United States, 229-985-1154 The Moultrie YMCA Adventure Course is family friendly! The course has a series of 10 low elements for team building activities, dual 300-foot zip lines, and a 50-foot Alpine Tower with a 30-foot Giant Swing! The course can benefit corporate groups, school clubs, church groups, sports teams, and all other groups that need help strengthening or learning to communicate, solving problems, increasing team work, and growing closer.

Pine Mountain

Rome

Callaway Gardens Treetop Adventures 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822, 1-800-225-5292 Put yourself to the ultimate test with this self-guided, inair obstacle course comprised of 10 zip lines ranging from 44 to 700 feet long and 34 challenges created with ladders, wires, logs, discs, netting and other suspended surfaces. Typically takes two to three hours to complete.

Daredevil Ziplines 4432 Cave Spring Road, Rome, Georgia 30161, 706-234-1980 Daredevil Ziplines at Belle Terra is a 50+ acre zip line and family fun park which includes zip line thrill rides, aerial challenges, and canopy tours . Our signature thrill ride, Dare ya!, hurls you downhill 600 feet out over a lake at speeds of approximately 50 mph. Suddenly, you encounter our unique bungee braking system which catapults you back across the lake after which you cruise in for a gentle landing on a sandy beach.

St. Simons Island

Peak Pursuits Inc. St. Simons Island, Georgia, 912-634-1248 High and low ropes courses with a zip line.

The Rock

Cow-a-bunga Zip Lines 5020 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock, Georgia 30285, 706-647-6374 Located at The Rock Ranch between Barnesville and Thomaston, GA. We have two 800 ft. Hoverin’ Heifer and Zip-a-dee-moo-da fast lines and two 1300 ft. Crazy Cow and Bull Run long lines atop the 60 ft. Cow-a-bunga tower.

Valdosta

CORE Challenge Course Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia 31698, 229-333-5898 In this challenge course participation is requested for the ‘strength of the team’ but not required, as some of these events may be outside of an individual’s comfort zone. Working together is an important skill for groups of any size, but it is not a skill that comes naturally. It must be developed and understood and VSU Ropes Course will do just that. June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA

Georgia Celebrates July 4th June

4 – ALPHARETTA – July 4th Fireworks & Festivities, Wills Park, Community Center Lawn, 29 – BLAIRSVILLE – Lake Nottely Independence 6-9:30 pm. 678-297-6130. Day Boat Parade, Marina. 10:30am. 706-745-3638. 4 – ATLANTA – July 4th Celebration, International 29 – THE ROCK – Celebrate American, The Rock Plaza. 404-223-4412. July 4th Festivities, Lenox Mall. Ranch. 706-647-6374. 404-223-6767. Peachtree Road Race. 29 – SOCIAL CIRCLE – Independence Day 4 – BLAIRSVILLE – Fireworks, Meeks Park. Celebration. 10am-10pm. 770-464-2380. 9:30pm. 706-745-5789. Independence Day at Vogel 29 – SUMMERVILLE – Celebrate Independence State Park, 8:30am-4pm. 706-745-2628. Festival & Fireworks Show. 706-859-0900x1337. 4 – BRUNSWICK – Old Fashioned 4th of July 29 – WARM SPRINGS – Freedon Celebration. Celebration, Mary Ross Park, 7pm. 912-265-4032. Parade 10am. 706-655-2558. 4 – CARTERSVILLE – Fireworks Hike, Pine Mountain Recreation Area, 8:15pm Stars, Stripes & July Fireworks, Dellinger Park. 800-733-2280. 4 – COVINGTON – Stars & Stripes Festival. 1-7 – STONE MOUNTAIN PARK – Fantastic Fourth Downtown, 2-10pm. 770-385-2077. Celebration. 10:30am-9:30pm. 770-498-5690. 4 – CRAWFORDVILLE – Old Fashion 3–6 – ATLANTA – Coca Cola July 4th Festival, Six Independence Day Celebration, Stephens St. Pk., Flags Over Ga. 770-739-3400. 10am-1pm. 706-456-2602. 3 – DULUTH – Duluth Celebrates America. 5:304 – CUMMING – Fairgrounds. 770-781-3491. 10pm. 770-476-3434. 4 – DAHLONEGA – Fourth of July Celebration. 3 – FORSYTH – 4th of July Celebration, Talent 706-482-2707. Showcase, Monroe County Rec. Dept. 478-994-7747. 4 – DARIEN – Cannons Across the Marsh, 10am3 – KENNESAW – Salute to America, Downtown, 3pm. 912-437-4770. 6-10pm. 770-422-9714. 4 – DECATUR – Pied Piper Parade, 6pm, Concert 3 – MADISON – Independence Day Picnic & Free 7pm. Fireworks 9pm, Downtown. 404-371-9583. Concert, Cultural Center, 7-9pm. 706-342-4743. 4 – DUNWOODY – Parade, 9am. 770-354-7653. 3 – MANCHESTER – Celebration & Fireworks, 4 – EAST POINT – Salute to the Red, White & Old Mill, 11am-10:30pm. 706-846-3141. Blue, East Point Main St. Association, 1526 East 3 – NORCROSS – Red, White & Boom, Lillian Forrest Ave, 9:30pm. Webb Park, 5:30-9:30pm. 770-448-2122. 4 – FITZGERALD – Independence Day 3 – WASHINGTON – Freedom Fireworks Celebration, Paulk Park. 800-836-4642. Extravaganza, Town Square, 6-10pm. Fireworks at 4 – GRIFFIN – Independence Day Celebration, sunset. 706-678-5111. City Park, 7pm. 770-229-6400. 3 – WARNER ROBINS – Independence Day 4 – HELEN – Fireworks 706-878-2181, Main St. Celebration. Concert & Fireworks. 6pm. Stadium Dusk. 706-348-7279. parking lot. www.WarnerRobinsVisitorsCenter.com. 4 – JEKYLL ISLAND – Independence Day 4 – ADEL – Reed Bingham State Park, Fishing Celebration, Oceanside of Island, 9pm. 912-635-3636. Rodeo, 9-11 am. 46 GUIDE TO GEORGIA / June/July/August 2019

July

4 – JULIETTE – Jarrell Plantation Road, Independence Day Celebration and BBQ, 10:30am-3:30pm. 4 – LILBURN – City Park, Sparkle in the Park, 5:30–10pm. 770-921-2210. 4 – MARIETTA – 4th of July Celebration, Square, 10am-dark. 770-794-4456. 4 – McCAYSVILLE – 4th of July Celebration, 6-10:30pm. 706-964-6531. 4 – MIDWAY – Independence Day Colonial Faire, Ft. Morris. 912-884-5999. 4 – NEWNAN – Parade, 9am. 770-253-8283. 4 – OMAHA – Fourth of July Celebration, Florence Marina St. Pk., 10am-4pm. 229-838-4706. 4 – PINE MOUNTAIN – FDR State Park, Liberty Bell Pool Party, 1-3pm. 4 – PINE MOUNTAIN – Star Spangled Beach Party, Callaway Gardens, 9am-9:30pm. 800-callaway. 4 – POWDER SPRINGS – Spring Festival on the 4th, Powder Springs Park, 4-10pm. 4 – RICHMOND HILL – Independence Day Celebration, Ft. McAllister State Park. 912-727-2339.

4 – ROSWELL – BBQ & Bluegrass, Barrington Hall, 5:30pm-dark. 770-640-3855. 4 – SANDY SPRINGS – Stars and Stripes Celebration, 9:45am. 770-730-5600. 4 – SAVANNAH – River Street 4th of July Celebration, 4-10pm. 912-234-0295. 4 – ST. MARYS – Independence Day Festival & Parade, Downtown. 912-882-4000. 4 – ST. SIMONS ISALND – 4th of July Sunshine Festival/Arts & Crafts Show. 912-230-1042. 4 – TALLAPOOSA – Americana Fourth of July, Veterans Memorial & Medal of Honor Park, 10am1pm. 678-416-1401. 4 – THOMASVILLE – July 4th Celebration, Downtown. 6:30-9:30pm. 229-227-7020. 4 – TYBEE ISLAND – Independence Day Fireworks, Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion, 9:15-10pm. 912-786-5444. 4 – WAYCROSS – Old Fashioned July Celebration. 912-287-4900. 4 – WATKINSVILLE – Oconee Veterans Park, 9:30pm. 706-769-3965. 6 – BLUE RIDGE – Fireworks, Lake Blue Ridge Marina, 8:30pm. 706-632-5680. Fourth of July Day Parade, 10am. 706-258-2750.

Shout out to CSX for honoring our Veterans and First Responders.

CSX photo CSXT 1776, which honors the country’s veterans, combines the CSX dark blue and yellow colors on the front of the locomotive with gray camouflage on the sides and top.

CSX photo CSXT 911 is painted in vibrant red with white and gold striped accents along with the logo of program partners First Responders Children’s Foundation and Operation Homefront. It also features generic police, fire, and emergency medical services logos.

June/July/August 2019 / GUIDE TO GEORGIA