18 minute read
School Spotlight
By Donna Neale
Determined to address the spiritual, academic, emotional and physical needs of children from pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade within a diverse and faith-filled environment, Our Lady of Victory Catholic School combines high academic standards with Roman Catholic religion to give young students the tools they need for a well-rounded future.
The school’s methodology involves three distinct areas: a nurturing school community, engagement in the Catholic faith and academic excellence. “At OLV we pride ourselves on being a community where each individual is welcome and known, and as a tight-knit community, we are working to prepare each of our students for success,” Principal George Wilkerson said. “Our faculty, staff, parents and stakeholders ensure all of our students excel in mind, body and spirit.”
OLV’s choice to intentionally limit the school’s overall student population allows the principal, teachers and staff to build meaningful relationships with the students and their families, while smaller class sizes facilitate individualized learning for every student. OLV’s student body is a reflection of the variety of cultures in the southern metro Atlanta area. “OLV has a diverse population of students: white, African-American, Vietnamese, Hispanic and more are not only present, but also represented at our school. We are a true vision of the Catholic Church and our community,” says Wilkerson.
Instruction grounded in the teachings of the Catholic Church lays the foundation for faith-based education. “Our Catholic faith is integrated in every aspect of our school. We pray daily, celebrate the Eucharist at mass weekly and incorporate the faith in all of our academic contents,” says Wilkerson. The school also provides age-appropriate service projects and Catholic ministries to give students more opportunities to grow in their faith.
OLV provides rigorous courses in religion, math, language arts, social studies and science. The challenging curriculum is aligned to national standards and fused with teachings of the Catholic Church. Students also participate in enrichment classes such as foreign language, technology, music, art and physical education.
OLV is accredited through AdvancED, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The school’s overall academic excellence has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which presented OLV with the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award, placing it in the top 10 percent of all schools in the nation.
Additional programs include before- and after-school care and an interscholastic sports program. Financial aid options and scholarship opportunities are also available. “At OLV we prepare our students to be critical and independent learners,” says Wilkerson. “We hope to build a foundation of a strong work ethic and eagerness to continually grow. Our graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, Olympic athletes and, most importantly, well-rounded, faith-filled, learned individuals.” N THE SPECIFICS
Grades: PreK-8th grade Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $9,400 Catholic rate, $9,900 non-Catholic rate Location: Tyrone Contact: Web: 211 Kirkley Road, Tyrone, GA 30290 770-306-9026 olvcatholicschoolk-8.org
ATLANTA’S TOP PLACES TO RELAX AND REFRESH
By Michelle Bourg
Whether you’ve been busy unpacking or work ing behind a desk all week, we all need to take a break and recharge our batteries with some fresh air. Fortunately, Atlanta boasts a multitude of outdoor attractions that let you soak up some sun and enjoy a nice summer breeze while getting to know your new city. On the pages that follow, we highlight 10 of the metro area’s most popular spots for walk ing, hiking, catching a game, shooting the rapids and much, much more. ATLANTA BELTLINE One of the most extensive urban redevelopment projects in the country, the Atlanta BeltLine comprises 22 miles of reclaimed railroad corridor and has opened in phases. When complete, it will encircle the city and link 45 neighborhoods, numerous parks and additional trails. But the BeltLine, which is expected to be finished by the end of this year, is more than just a trail; it’s the place where “Atlanta comes together” and a fun and unique way to experience the city.
From the pathway, you can take the family to the playgrounds and skate park at Historic Fourth Ward Park, visit the Carter Center or stop for brunch or drinks on the patio at some of the city’s best eateries. It’s also a destination space for performances, art exhibits and events such as yoga classes or the Lantern Parade. Of course, you can always just walk, rollerblade or ride your bike and enjoy the scenery, summer weather and Atlanta skyline.
Be sure to visit the website to view and download a map before hitting the trail. You can also register for a bus, bike or walking tour to familiarize yourself with everything the BeltLine has to offer. 404-477-3003, beltline.org
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN The Garden is one of Atlanta’s most beautiful spots, with more than 30 acres of gardens, greenhouses and woodlands. Notable are the formal Levy Parterre with its fountain sculpture by Dale Chihuly, and the Fuqua Orchid Center, housing the largest permanent display of these flowers in the U.S. The Kandeda Canopy Walk lets visitors traipse among the treetops for an aerial view of the gardens. Back on the ground, there’s the Longleaf Restaurant or Quick Café, a gift shop and a welcoming staff of experts happy to provide tips for your own garden.
The Garden also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibits, cocktail functions and seminars. Sum mertime events include the annual Concerts in the Garden series and the new Alice’s Won derland Reimagined exhibition of topiary-like sculptures.
A second location of the Atlanta Botani cal Garden is in Gainesville, about 90 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta. A community and educational center, it hosts a series of adult classes and family programs. In addition to outdoor gardens, it features a model train garden and the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast, dedicated to the propagation of endangered plants. Atlanta: 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859, atlantabg.org Gainesville: 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. 404-888-4760
ATLANTA BRAVES AT TRUIST PARK Summer is here—time to “Play ball!” This year marks the fourth season of the Atlanta Braves in their new home at Truist Park near Interstates 285 and 75 in Cobb County near Cumberland Mall. This state-of-the-art stadium combines a classic look and feel with the latest technology for an unmatched fan experience and great sightlines for a clear view of every play.
Truist Park anchors The Battery Atlanta, a lifestyle destination featuring shopping,
Truist Park (formerly SunTrust Park)
Atlanta BeltLine
A SERIES OF CONNECTED SITES ALONG THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER (“THE HOOCH”), THE RECREATION AREA STRETCHES ROUGHLY 48 MILES FROM COBB COUNTY TO LAKE LANIER.
Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
entertainment, dining and luxury residences — all a line drive away from the stadium gates.
East side fans can take in a ballgame closer to home with the Gwinnett Stripers, the Braves’ Triple-A minor league team, at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, an intimate and welcoming park that provides a fun experience for every one in the family. Atlanta Braves, 755 Battery Ave., Atlanta. 404-522-7630, braves.com Gwinnett Stripers, 2500 Buford Drive NE, Lawrenceville. 678-277-0300, milb.com/gwinnett
CHASTAIN MEMORIAL PARK At 268 acres, Chastain is Atlanta’s largest city park. Centrally located just north of the Buckhead district, it’s home to walking paths, an amphitheater for major concerts, a tennis center, an equestrian center and a golf course. (Each facility is individually man aged, so be sure to check in advance for hours and public access policies). Area kids helped design the new 40,000-square-foot playground, showcasing a wheelchair-accessible tree house, roller slides, a climbing wall and an outdoor piano and music-making area. 140 W. Wieuca Road, Atlanta. 404-237-2177, chastainparkconservancy.org
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA A series of connected sites along the Chattahoochee River (“the Hooch”), the Recreation Area stretches about 48 miles from Lake Lanier to Cobb County. Along its length are varying opportunities for walking and running, hiking, biking, boating, fishing and horseback riding, as well as picnicking and wildlife watching.
One of the most popular units is Powers Island, situated near Powers Ferry Road and
Piedmont Park
I-285 in Sandy Springs. Here, a wheelchairaccessible flat dirt path stretches north along the river for about three miles, connecting to additional walking paths and hiking trails. At the Jones Bridge unit in Johns Creek, you’re likely to encounter deer in the woods along the hiking trails or as you fish for trout in or paddle in a boat down the river. 1978 Island Ford Pkwy., Sandy Springs. 678-538-1200, nps.gov/chat
FERNBANK MUSEUM Located in DeKalb County mere minutes from downtown Atlanta, Fernbank Museum’s facili ties include dinosaurs, science explorations and historical cultural objects. But what some may not realize is Fernbank is also home to 75 acres of outdoor adventures.
An elevated walkway takes you from the museum’s terrace down into the treetops of Fernbank’s WildWoods, a large wooded area offering nature experiences for all ages during all seasons. Look for a variety of plants, flowers and other wildlife as the trails take you toward the wetland's meadow and wildlife sanctu ary. Guests can customize their WildWoods experience with numerous exploratory options tailored to both children and adults alike. WildWoods also provides access into Fernbank Forest, where the adventure continues.
Fernbank Forest, a 65-acre old-growth for est, offers several ways to continue your nature exploration. From a slow-and-steady stroll to a brisk walk, you can traverse over two miles of trails that will transport you from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta to a serene and tranquil environment. Keep your eyes peeled, as you never know what you might spot in Fernbank Forest, which includes countless plant species, including wildflowers and some of the state’s largest trees, and hundreds of animal species, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300 or fernbankmuseum.org.
GEORGIA’S STONE MOUNTAIN PARK Located 25 miles east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain is actually the world’s largest mass of exposed granite, etched with a high-relief carving cover ing three acres and depicting Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson on horse back. View the carving from the Memorial Lawn and then head to the summit by cable car or walking trail for views stretching to the Appalachian foothills.
Back on ground level, you can ride the park’s full-size locomotive before taking advantage of the park’s 15 miles of trails, picnic areas, restaurants, boating and fishing and two cham pionship golf courses. Historic Square, a village of restored historic buildings, houses the largest collection of period furniture and decorations in the South, set around a working farmyard. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401- 2407, stonemountainpark.com
PIEDMONT PARK Located in the city’s center, Piedmont is Atlanta’s unofficial back yard and the setting for hundreds of annual events, including concerts, foot races and festivals such as this September’s Music Midtown.
In the park, you can stroll, rollerblade or bike while taking in Lake Clara Meer, land scaped plantings and stonework walls and steps that date back to the 1895 Cotton States and International Exhibition. There are picnic areas, two playgrounds, a dog park and, of course,
plenty of greenspace. Sports facilities include softball and soccer fields, tennis, basketball and bocce courts and a pool.
Before you go, stop by the Green Market for farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheese and cut flowers. 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404- 875-7275, piedmontpark.org.
SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA Get your thrill on all summer long at Six Flags. Just 10 minutes west of Atlanta in Austell, this 300-acre theme park boasts more than 40 rides and attractions, from the toddler-friendly Riverview Carousel to the SkyScreamer. Wooden coaster buffs will love the famous Twisted Cyclone. This year also sees the unveiling of the Catwoman Whip and Poison Ivy Toxic Spin rides in the Gotham City part of Six Flags. The park is also home to Hurricane Harbor Water Park for wild and wet excitement. And, of course, there are souvenirs and cotton candy. 275 Riverside Pkwy. SW, Austell. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia. ZOO ATLANTA Here you’ll meet more than 1,000 exotic animals in carefully reproduced habitats, from the lions of the African Plains, to the silverback go rillas in the Ford African Rainforest, to the sun bears of the Asian Forest. There’s also a petting zoo with more familiar critters. But the stars are undoubtedly the giant pandas: Yang Yang, Lun Lun and their twins, Xi Lun and Ya Lun. Zoo Atlanta is one of just four zoos in the country to host these special creatures.
The zoo is located just south of I-20 inside Grant Park, Atlanta’s oldest urban park. Its 131 wooded acres include playgrounds, picnic areas and the earthworks of Fort Walker, one of the city’s last remaining Civil War fortifications. There’s also a farmers market on Sundays from April to December and oc casional festivals, including Summer Shade in August. 800 Cherokee Ave. SW, Atlanta. 404-624-9453, zooatlanta.org.
Zoo Atlanta
The metro Atlanta area is unique in the great number of parks and trail systems it offers. For information on Atlanta’s parks, recreation areas and historic sites managed by the National Park Service, visit nps.gov/state/ga For information on Atlanta’s greenway trails, visit pathfoundation.org.
Children jump into the water at Callaway Gardens' Robin Lake Beach.
SIX OF GEORGIA’S BEST BEACHES
By Hope S. Philbrick
From remote island escapes to sandy getaways near the big city, dog-friendly banks ideal for splashing into the surf and romantic shores ideal for watching sunsets, Georgia has a beach for every occasion. Make sure to include these sunny spots on your summer to-do list for a long weekend or beach vacation sure to leave you with sand in your toes and a smile on your face.
LAKE LANIER ISLANDS RESORT Located about an hour north of Atlanta, this sprawling resort is home to a half-mile stretch of white sand dubbed Big Beach. Lounge and get some sun, dig in the powdery sand or splash in the blue water secure in the knowledge that a lifeguard will keep watch. This 1,500-acre vacation spot, located on the 38,000- acre lake that gives the place its name, is Georgia’s most-visited lakeside resort.
The lakeside beach is only part of the fun: Get a wet adrena line rush just steps away at the other attractions that make up Margaritaville at Lanier Islands (formerly LanierWorld), the resort’s water park. Thrills await kids of all ages, including nine waterslides, the Raging River, a wave pool, beach volleyball courts, a ropes course and much more.
Beyond the beach and water park, enjoy horseback riding, golf, boating, biking, dining, hiking, partying and more. Accom modation options range from villas to campsites, cabins and even houseboats for literal overnights on the water. 770-945-8787, lakelanierislands.com.
ELIJAH CLARK STATE PARK On the western shores of Clarks Hill Lake on the border between Georgia and South Carolina is where you’ll find the white sand beach at Elijah Clark State Park. Hugging the blue waters of this 71,000-acre lake—one of the largest in the Southeast—the beach
is open year-round, although it’s most popular from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are two other state parks on the same lake, but this 447-acre retreat, its beach nestled under tall trees, is especially peaceful.
The lake’s cool water lures swimmers, water-skiers and boaters, who can launch from one of four ramps or rent a canoe. Fish for striper and largemouth bass from the pier, deepen your understanding of history touring a Revolutionary War-era cabin or test your skills at archery, geocaching, hiking, miniature golf and shuffleboard. All state park beaches are free, so the whole family can enjoy a day at the beach for a $5 parking fee. Stay overnight in one of 20 cottages or camp in a tent, trailer or RV. 800- 864-7275, gastateparks.org/elijahclark.
ROBIN LAKE BEACH The world’s largest manmade white sand beach loops a mile around the 65-acre Robin Lake in Callaway Gardens, a 13,000-acre resort and preserve in Pine Mountain, about an hour and a half southwest of Atlanta. From June through early August, the lake serves as the hub of summer fun in west Georgia. Lounge in the sun, splash into the water or test your skills at waterskiing, wakeboarding or just holding onto an inflated tube.
Miniature golf, ping pong, shuffleboard, giant chess and checker sets, a playground and more are included with general admission. Other activities and amenities are available for an additional fee, including access to a floating playground of obstacles, Blaster Boats with water guns that can spray up to 50 feet, laser tag, cabanas and individual waterskiing lessons. Some activities require advance reservation. 800-225-5292, callawaygardens.com.
ST. SIMONS ISLAND The largest barrier island in the Golden Isles, St. Simons Island sports four miles of beaches on its south side. During high tide, try kayaking,
From top to bottom, left to right: A family enjoys a day at Lake Lanier Islands Resort with Bucky Beaver, its mascot. A couple relaxes at Callaway Gardens' Robin Lake Beach. Children play at Elijah Clark State Park. The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort includes three pools overlooking the ocean.
fishing or bird watching. Then run with your dog, nap on the soft sand or build sandcastles at low tide when retreating water expands the beach a couple of hundred yards, exposing sand bars and tidal pools. The island also boasts a charming selection of boutiques, restaurants and historic sites. Built in 1872, the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and keeper’s residence are Glynn County’s oldest surviving brick struc tures. The Maritime Center offers insight into the area’s natural, maritime and military history.
For a regal experience, stay at the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort, listed on the Na tional Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Guests have been lured to this location since it first opened its doors in 1935 as a private dance club, drawn by its reputation for elegance and warm Southern hospitality. stsimonsisland.com.
TYBEE ISLAND Just 20 minutes from Savannah’s Historic Dis trict, Tybee Island is the northeasternmost of Georgia's barrier islands. The party is on South Beach, with its wide stretch of sand, a pier for dolphin watching and nearby shops and restaurants. For a more private setting, live the dream of owning beachfront property and rent accommodations from Oceanfront Cottage Rentals or Tybee Vacation Rentals: Options range from condos to cottages to mansions.
You can spend your entire stay loung ing near the sea, or get up off that towel and discover what else Tybee Island has to offer. Charter a private ecology tour to explore the salt marsh that houses dozens of birds, turtles, dolphins, alligators, crabs and other creatures. Climb 178 steps to the top of the Tybee Island Light Station, a lighthouse that has guided sailors into the Savannah River since 1736. And see Fort Pulaski National Monument, where the brick walls were considered unbreachable until a two-day Civil War battle proved otherwise. Note that dogs are not allowed on the beach, since Tybee Island is an important nesting area for endangered sea turtles. visittybee.com. SAPELO ISLAND About 50 miles south of Tybee along the coast is Sapelo Island, an 11-mile island with attractions such as the African American community of Hog Hammock, Reynolds Mansion (which dates back to 1810), Nanny Goat Beach, the University of Georgia Marine Institute and a lighthouse built in 1820. Because the island is owned by the state and only accessible by ferry, guests must make a reservation to visit it.
Visitors can stay overnight one of two ways: at the Reynolds Mansion (groups only) or by camping at the Cabretta Campground. Even if you’re not staying at the mansion, it’s worth visiting. Built by Thomas Spalding, it includes marble sculptures, an ornately decorated Circus Room, murals by Athos Menaboni, a bowling lane, billiards and a library. Just inland is the city of Darien, which has several restaurants and boutiques in its downtown area. gastateparks.org/reynoldsmansion.
Opposite page, from left to right: the dunes on Tybee Island. A mother and daughter dip their toes in the ocean at Tybee. Above: The lighthouse on Sapelo Island was built in 1820. Right: A skylight is among the architec tural features at Sapelo's Reynolds Mansion.
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MORE GEORGIA BEACHES
Cumberland Island National Seashore is on the state’s largest and southernmost barrier island, which boasts 17 miles of pristine beaches and is home to wild horses. nps.gov/cuis.
Don Carter State Park is one of Georgia's newest state parks and the first located on 38,000-acre Lake Lanier. Situated on the north end of the reservoir, the park boasts a huge sand swimming beach. gastateparks.org.
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is a cameraready beach scattered with knobby, twisted tree trunks and root bulbs made gray by the sea. It’s a great spot to look for seashells while taking a leisurely stroll. jekyllisland.com. East Beach on St. Simons Island is an ideal spot for bodysurfing at high tide and napping on the soft sand at low tide, when the beach expands to a couple of hundred yards wide. comecoastawhile.com.
