Georgia One Of A Kind Camping Series - Conestoga Wagon

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

Back in January I made a vow that we would go on more camping adventures! As I began the search for camping destinations I learned that Georgia has some very unique, one of a kind, camping experiences to offer. And it was that discovery that led me to this post today which is the first in my series "Georgia One Of A Kind Camping." I hope you will follow us along on our journey as we seek out the unique, one of a kind, uncommon camping experiences in Georgia. Remember you can follow our journeys on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Our hashtag is #2015campingfun!

To kick off our "Georgia One Of A Kind Camping Series" we headed down to Rock, GA to The Rock Ranch to spend the night in a Conestoga Wagon! That's right folks you can experience what 19th century pioneer life was like and make some special family memories while you're at it.

Con • es • to • ga / pronunciation: kon-i-sto -ga  / noun: a large wagon with broad wheels and an arched canvas top; used by the United States pioneers to cross the prairies in the 19th century

< syn: covered wagon, prairie wagon, prairie schooner>

A moms review:
Before we checked in at our Conestoga Wagon we had hours of family fun at The Rock Ranch.

Rock Ranch Fun:
The Rock Ranch is a 1,500 acre cattle ranch that offers visitors an "agritourism" experience. It is owned by the Chick-fil-A family and dedicated to "Growing Healthy Families." The Rock Ranch offers seasonal events, educational fieldtrips, and more! So far we have gotten to experience the Spring Saturdays and Fall Family Fun Days and both have been exceptional. During Spring Saturdays you can pick strawberries (extra fee), fish with a cane pole (Tom and Huck style), take a tour of Tiny Town, visit the petting zoo, jump on a giant pillow, get a workout on the paddle boats, slide through a hill, ride a train and MUCH more! For an extra fee you can even tackle the rock climbing wall, speed down the zip line or go around in circles on the carousel. Be sure to read my previous post about the Fall Family Fun Days.

Before heading to The Rock Ranch office to check into our wagon we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Big Daddy's Vittles. After our yummy dinner we hopped on the shuttle which transports you to the Farmers Market area...this is also where The Rock Ranch office is located along with VIP parking area (which is where our car was parked). We checked in with our guide and hopped in our car to be escorted to the wagon area.

The Conestoga Wagons:
As we approached the fenced in field with the wagons the kids squealed with joy (okay maybe I did too)! There were 7 wagons in a circle to the left of the entrance and 1 lone wagon to the right of the entrance (which was the one we spent the night in). We parked the car under the nearest tree and unloaded our gear while our guide took the other family that was staying the night over to their wagon. After she was done with them she made her way back to us to explain all the details about our accommodations for the evening. The Rock Ranch provides the wagon equipped with bunk beds (8 bunks total) and vinyl covered mattress pads, a fire ring, plenty of firewood, picnic tables, clean port-a-potties (they truly are the cleanest I have ever seen), a hand washing station next to the port-a-potty complete with hand washing water, paper towels and soap, trash cans, a folding table and a wooden love seat swing, The Rock Ranch also provided us with a large plastic tub that contained bug spray, paper towels, a lantern, first aid kit, cups, paper and matches to help start a fire, and the contact information for our guide. She placed the bin on a second folding table that was next to our wagon and pointed out the drinking water that was also available for us.

The wagons are HUGE!!! As I mentioned above there are 8 bunks in total...of course both kids wanted a top bunk. To enter the wagon you go up a few steps and through a small split gate which has a slide latch on it. At the front end of the wagon is a large platform where you can store your gear, plus each bunk has their own shelves which is great for storing personal items (cameras, books, glasses, toys, etc). Both of the open ends of the wagon have vinyl flaps which can be dropped down to help keep out bugs, wind, etc. If you are looking for a great photo opp have your kids sit on the drivers seat!

After we unpacked what we needed to and laid out our pillows, blankets and sleeping bags we got our fun filled evening started. Hubby got the fire roaring while the kids ran around and explored (and gathered marshmallow roasting sticks). While they continued exploring hubby and I sat on the swing and enjoyed a friendly competitive game of mancala (I won). After the kids were done exploring we set up the folding table and played our favorite camping board games together (look for a post on that later this week). Even hubby enjoyed playing the games...even though he will probably never admit it. After we were done playing games we got out our s'more making supplies and enjoyed some tasty (not so healthy) treats. As we ate our s'mores we watched the sun go down and listened to the serenade of crickets, frogs and birds.

When it was time for the kids to hit the hay I helped them get settled in for the night by reading them some books....about Conestoga Wagons of course (Conestoga Wagons, Frontier Home, and Wagons West). After they were all tucked in I headed back out to the fire pit to stargaze with hubby. But of course the kids didn't settle down right away...instead they gave us a little puppet show!

In the morning the kids and I took a walk around the property. First we walked up to the pasture to check out the cows. Then we discovered a nice little path with some beautiful wildflowers and a stream. The path led to a pasture where we spotted a few frolicking deer. When hubby woke up we went exploring a little more and found termites, spiders and other amazing creepy crawlies, Then we made some flower tiaras and bracelets and taught the kids how to make grass whistles.

Oh I totally forgot to mention there is a volley net with a ball and horseshoe pit too!

Extra details:
-Beware of fire ants! And make sure your children know what the mounds look like so they don't step in one.
-Warn children about the bugs that will probably be occupying the wagon...take along a broom to sweep out the wagon and get rid of any lingering bugs.
-Pack snacks, breakfast, beverages.
-If you want to play horseshoes make sure to bring your own.
-Pack games, frisbees, books, and other things to occupy your time.
-If you plan to also visit The Rock Ranch festivals or events make sure you allow yourself enough time to explore everything they offer...at least 5-6 hrs.

Where:
5020 Hwy 36
The Rock, GA 30285

When to visit:
Anytime of the year!

Cost:
$225 per wagon (each wagon sleeps 8 in bunk beds).  Two night options are available for $365 per wagon. During Fall Family Fun Days at The Rock Ranch campers can enjoy the added entertainment and public attractions for a discounted admission price of $10 per person.

Hot dog dinners, storytellers and an astronomer are available for an added fee!

Links to follow:
-The Rock Ranch Facebook
-The Rock Ranch Twitter

Educational resources:
If you are looking for a way to enhance your Conestoga Wagon/Pioneer experience and make it even more educational and fun check out these resources.

-Conestoga Wagon craft
-Conestoga Wagon wooden model
-Prairie Pioneers Unit Study
-Westward Ho Activity Book
-Going West Lapbook
-Cowboy Things To Make And Do Book

What is the most unique camping trip you have taken?

*Prices indicated in post are subject to change

Georgia Travel Log - December 2014 - Holiday Fun Edition

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

We have been super busy lately traveling around Georgia and experiencing some of the newest exhibits and attractions. Because there are so many wonderful things I need to update you on I came up with a brilliant idea (well I think it's brilliant). I am calling it the "Georgia Travel Log." Once or twice a month I will give you an update on several of the newest attractions, exhibits, etc. Most of them will be ones that we actually get to experience that way I can share our personal experiences and show you some personal photos too. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Georgia Travel Log. Please leave comments with information on any other new attractions or exhibits that you know of. Also remember to follow us on Instagram to keep up with our daily adventures!

If you are hosting an upcoming event or promoting a new exhibit or attraction please email me to discuss getting it covered in the next Georgia Travel Log edition.

I know I missed a few months and I am so very sorry...I won't even bother making excuses because there are just too many!

This edition is going to be filled with lots of holiday events. Check out what The Rock Ranch, Stone Mountain, Atlanta Speedway, Historic Westville and Fernbank have to offer your family this holiday season.

The Rock Ranch:
In October we visited the Rock Ranch for one of their Fall Family Fun Days. Sadly I wasn't able to get a post up up sooner about our experience so I am going to share some of that with you now so you can start planning for next year. Hopefully you saw our photos and shout outs on social media and were able to attend this year. What you may not know though is that The Rock Ranch also has Christmas events like breakfast or lunch with Santa, Santa's workshop and country Christmas in lights (FREE).

The Rock Ranch is a family friendly outdoor destination that offers family's seasonal fun. Though they offer events throughout the year their Fall Family Fun Days from September - November (Saturday only) always draw in the crowds. Each Saturday they have a different theme which adds even more fun on top of the main attractions.

We visited on lumberjack day and had an absolute blast. The weather was perfect and we spent an entire day soaking in all that The Rock Ranch has to offer. All of the attractions on site are included in the cost of admission with the exception of the rock wall, carousel and zipline which there is a nominal charge for. The adventure starts out with a hay ride from the parking lot to the attraction area. Inside the attraction area which is encircled by a train track you will find pony rides, slide hill, tiny town (my children's personal favorite), pedal carts, corn maze, cane pole fishing, corn cannon, toddler playground, cow train, rope maze, horse shoes, no left turn maze, wagon jolly jump, paddle boats, petting zoo, corn box and more! There are also several places to pick up some scrumptious food and 2 stores to pick up great gift items.

If you enjoy corn mazes you will love the one at The Rock Ranch. Each year the ranch chooses a special theme for their corn maze. This year's theme celebrated 75 Years of Wizard of Oz, the movie. Throughout the day Wizard of Oz characters were available for photo ops. Throughout the maze there were informational placards, movie quotes, displays and more. If you got lost the corn cops were on duty to give you hints. We were really proud of ourselves for navigating the maze without any assistance. It took us about 1/2 an hour.



More Details:
The Rock Ranch is a 1,500 acre cattle ranch located one hour from Atlanta that offers visitors an "agritourism" experience unlike any other. The Rock Ranch is owned by Chick-fil-A owner S. Truett Cathy and dedicated to "Growing Healthy Families." The Rock Ranch offers seasonal events, educational fieldtrips, unique camping experience, and meeting spaces for events.

Stone Mountain Christmas:
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go...and Stone Mountain is no exception. Stone Mountain has been decked out with more than 2 million beautiful LED lights. We got a sneak peek of the Stone Mountain Christmas festivities and it was pretty awesome. From now until January 4th families can enjoy a variety of holiday shows including Forever Christmas, Toyriffic, A Crossroads Christmas Carol, Holly Jolly Cabaret and The Gift (religious show). Our family was able to catch two of the shows and Toyriffic was the children's favorite of the two. But there's more...you will definitely want to catch the 4-D Ice Age A Mammoth Christmas film, get your photo taken with Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, and take a ride on the Sing-Along Christmas Train. If you stay through dusk you can also enjoy the high energy Christmas parade, meet with Santa and experience some holiday magic as the Snow Angel flies overhead creating a nightly snow and fireworks show. If you want to see everything including the night time parade and Snow Angel magic be sure to arrive early I would say no later than noon. Stone Mountain Christmas will definitely get you into the holiday spirit.

All of the above mentioned fun is included in a Stone Mountain Christmas Adventure Pass plus the Summit Skyride, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and the Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard are also included in your pass. Stone Mountain Christmas Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children.

And don't forget about Snow Mountain which will offer visitors hours of fun in something we rarely get to see here in Georgia...SNOW. Tickets are $28 for Snow Mountain and there are combo deals available for both Snow Mountain and Stone Mountain Christmas. Snow Mountain operates through February 22, 2015.

More Details:
Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most popular attraction and features a wide variety of family activities. Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, adventure awaits as you discover interactive family friendly attractions and many natural and historical sights. Plus you won’t want to miss dozens of fun annual events such as Spring FUN Break, Summer at the Rock, Yellow Daisy Festival, Indian Festival and Pow-Wow, Stone Mountain Christmas and Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain activities are suitable for all ages.

Fernbank Goose Bumps Exhibit and Winter Wonderland:
This is another review I totally slacked on but thankfully special exhibits stick around for a little bit at Fernank. Goose Bumps the Science of Fear will be on display through January 4th.

This special exhibit was tons of fun for both children and adults. If you have ever been curious about coulrophobia, pyrophobia or aviophobia then you will definitely want to visit this exhibit before it's gone. You will learn about the physiological, neurological and sociological aspects of this often misunderstood emotion through immersive and engaging hand-on activities.

The first part of the exhibit contains a wall of display boards which highlights several phobias. After learning about phobias such as aviophobia, dentophobia and pyrophobia head over to the Fear Lab where you will meet "Mr. Goose Bump"s the exhibit host. Mr. Goose Bumps will demonstrate how the bran and body work together through hands-on activities, video and exhibit interactives. Right across from Mr. Goose Bumps you can get an up close look as some real brains. Learn all about the amygdala aka the threat center of the brain.

Other hand-on experiences in the first half of the exhibit include the "Trigger Fear" table, "Science in the Works" study, "What are the Odds" test and the children's favorite "Freeze Game" a game that demonstrates predator vs prey.

Next you will head into the "Challenge Course." Here you will face four common fears through immersive displays. The first challenge is the Fear of Animals. In this room you will reach into concealed terrariums that may just house a creepy-crawly creature. In the next room you will face the Fear of Electric Shock. If you are brave enough place your finger into the slot and prepare for a shock! The 3rd room is the Fear of Loud Noises challenge. This demonstrates how this instinctive fear can help keep us out of harm's way. And the final challenge is the Fear of Falling challenge. This one was one of my favorite's. In this challenge you are safely strapped to a table which then falls backward. Afterwards you can head around to the back of the exhibit to watch the recording of your fall and examine your fear face.

Other exhibits include discovering how fears, both real and perceived can be spread and the impact they have on society, how to cope with fear in extreme situations, how to identify facial expressions and more.

The exhibit is great for all ages and is not "scary" in the traditional sense. Visitors can easily bypass any experience they do not wish to participate in or have fun watching others.

Also be sure to read our review on the Winter Wonderland exhibit which will be on display until January 11th. Special events will be going on just about every weekend in December.

More Details:
Ferbank museum offers immersive, hands-on exhibitions that make science, culture and natural history come alive in a big way. From the largest dinosaurs ever discovered, to the biggest movie screen in Atlanta, Fernbank Museum offers world of adventure for all ages.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Gift of Lights:
If you are looking for an affordable light show near Atlanta then the Atlanta Motor Speedway Gift of Lights is it. The Lights will be on display through January 3rd and is bigger, better and brighter than ever. The light show is on the track field and is 1.5 miles with over one million lights. How cool will it be to tell your friends you drove on the famed Atlanta Motor Speedway oval? Proceeds from the show benefit the Speedway Children's Charity.

There are over one million LED lights and the light display is broken into themed segments. Themes include nativity, nursery rhyme, underwater, outer space, patriotic, race car and 12 Days of Christmas. Before you enter the light display through the blue light tunnel you will want to make sure your radio is tuned in to the correct station so you can experience some fun holiday music.

You may drive your own vehicle through the light display at your own pace...and you may only drive through once so take your time. So sit back relax and get into the holiday spirit as you drive on the Atlanta Motor Speedway infield, cross the checkered finish line and even go up on the banking between turns 3 and 4 (if you are brave enough).

We enjoyed the light show very much, however it is not one that I would recommend driving over an hour to visit. Even driving at slow speed we still made it through in less than 1/2 an hour and my children were not happy that we drove so far for something that was so short. If you live close to the speedway be sure to hit it up because it is a fun, affordable family outing during the holidays.

On the following weekends December 5th-7th, 12th-14th and 19th-21st you can even visit the Christmas Village near the Atlanta Motor Speedway Gift Shop which includes a decorated tree, a Santa with his sleigh (professional photos available for a fee), bonfire, and gift shop.

The light display is open 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Admission is $15 Monday-Thursday, $20 on Fridays-Sundays & holidays

However, my readers Save $2 to Gift of Lights.

Six Flags Holiday in the Park:
For the first time ever Six Flags Over Georgia is open during the holiday season. Our family got to attend a special preview night of Holiday in the Park and we definitely left filled with holiday cheer. The park has totally been transformed and is filled with millions of bright, LED lights. Only certain areas of the park and certain rides are open to visitors during this holiday event...but there is still plenty to see and do. Visitors of all ages can enjoy holiday shows, fun games, thrilling rides, sweet treats and even a ride to the North Pole to see Santa Claus.

From the moment you enter the park you will be blasted with holiday cheer and a winter wonderland experience as you admire the many lights hanging overhead, enjoy the falling snow and meet some very fun characters.

The park is broken into 10 sections A Main Street Christmas, Peppermint Plaza, Retro Christmas USA< Candlelight Carousel, Bugs Bunny World, A Georgia Christmas, North Pole, Rejoice!, North Pole Express and S'mores Village.

If you have little ones you will definitely want to go visit Santa. You can either walk through the park to the North Pole or board the North Pole Express. I personally recommend taking the train so you can enjoy the many beautiful lights. The Santa was amazing with the children and spent time getting their wishlist. The lights at the North Pole were white and blue which truly gave the impression of being in a winter wonderland.

Next we headed to the giant snow globe for a fun photo op. I made a recommendation that they put a fake snow blower in the globe to really enhance it...hopefully they will add one.  The children really wanted to rid the Candle Lite Carousel so we made our way over to the other side of the park. Along the way...which took a while thanks to a wrong turn we enjoyed the over one million lights and 400 trees. And the children insisted on stopping every few minutes for a photo op. One of my favorite things about Holiday in the Park was the various tributes to the brave men and women who serve our country. There were several patriotic light displays and patriotic photo ops throughout the park.

We only experienced two of the rides the Candle Lite Carousel and Rockin' Tug. And the Carousel was well worth our long walk. It was spectacular!!! There were beautiful lights adorning the carousel, candles dangling from above and up beat Christmas music. Other rides that are open during Holiday in the Park include Goliath, Dare Devil Dive, Georgia Cyclone, Up, Up and Away, Dahlonega Mine Train, Sky Buckets and most of Bugs Bunny World. 

It's been a pretty mild winter so far but if you are worried about cold night don't be. There are fire pits and propane heaters stationed throughout the park to warm you up. There is also hot cocoa and soup being served at the many cafes that are open. 

And in addition to all of the above there are also several fun shows going on in the park too like A Looney Tunes Christmas, Carols at the Carousel, Hometown Holidays and Because It's Christmas.

Holiday in the Park will be open until January 4^th (on selected dates). Times the park will be open are from  4-10 pm through Dec 23rd and 12-8pm through January 4th. I highly recommend arriving at opening so you have time to enjoy everything...during our visit we ran out of time. The cost for the event starts at $41.99.

I hope you enjoyed this edition stayed tuned for more Georgia Travel Log updates!

Peachtree City Adventures - From Air Aerobatics to Zombies There's Something for Everyone

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A few weeks ago we visited Peachtree City for a short weekend getaway. It was our first time visiting this spectacular city and we fell in love. Peachtree City is located just 26 miles South of Atlanta and is the perfect place to live, work or play.

In the 1950's a group of developers joined forces to build a planned community on over 12,000 acres in Fayette County.And in 1959 Peachtree City was chartered. There are 5 villages in Peachtree City each connected by over 90 miles of multi-use recreational and golf cart paths. Peachtree City's current villages are Aberdeen, Braelinn, Glenloch, Kedron, and Wilksmoor and each has their own shopping areas, elementary schools, recreational parks, facilities and more. There is something for everyone in this amazing city including outdoor recreation, leisure activities, nationally recognized festivals and more.

During our visit we stayed at the beautiful, serene Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree Hotel. And we had the opportunity to catch the breathtaking plane stunts at The Great Georgia AirShow, geocache on the Peachtree City pathways and tour film locations on The Southern Hollywood Film Tour.

Visit my Trekaroo list for more information.

Cultural Events and Tours In Georgia

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One of my favorite things about Georgia is that is it one big melting pot of cultures. And I am very thankful that my fellow Georgians are so passionate about sharing their religions, holidays, festivals, music and food with others in an effort to bridge cultural gaps. Every year there are a multitude of festivals and even tours which help educate families on cultures and religions from around the World.

*Note: I have only included the months the events take place in because the actual days change from year to year. Please visit the website links for additional detail, pricing and to confirm the event is still occurring.

Mexican and Hispanic

• Fiesta Georgia - September - Fiesta Georgia is Georgia’s Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration, featuring a daylong celebration of Latino culture with continuous live musical performances by international, national and local recording artists. Mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing, helicopter rides, youth soccer clinics, interactive sponsor displays with many free product samples, arts and crafts and authentic foods from several Latin-American countries all bring Fiestas Patrias to life at Fiesta Georgia.
• Day of the Dead Atlanta History Center - November - Visitors of all ages will become immersed in a cultural celebration of family and friends. Visitors will learn about this ancient festival rooted in Mexican heritage that serves as a way to honor and memorialize the lives of their deceased loved ones while celebrating the continuity of life. Smiling faces, swirling brilliant colors, beautifully decorated altars designed to honor lost family and friends, delicious authentic Mexican food, and a variety of traditional music and dance performances are highlights of this celebration.
• Atlanta Day of the Dead - November - Atlanta Día de los Muertos is a long-established Mexican celebration that brings together family and friends to remember past friends and family members. Atlanta Day of the Dead is an interactive, educational and cultural celebration of Mexican culture. The festival features live musical and cultural performances, traditional altars and activities for children, and more
• Plaza Fiesta - Various events and festivals year round - Plaza Fiesta is the heart of the Latin American Community in Georgia. There are over 280 retail and specialty stores and Plaza Fiesta has everything you are looking for under one roof! From Quinceañera dresses, Mexican candy, the best tacos, burritos and Hibachi Grill buffet in Georgia. Plaza Fiesta is not only a mall; it's a gathering place for the community where entertainment takes center stage! With a busy calendar of events, you will find entertainment for the entire family every day. Along with one of the largest indoor play areas in Georgia, children will also enjoy the large arcade area with games for all ages!

Jewish

• Atlanta Jewish Film Festival - February - Throughout the month of February, theaters city-wide will premiere more than 60 films. Celebrate cinematic storytelling with contemporary narratives and documentaries exploring universal stories with Jewish themes. Featuring docudramas, romantic comedies, animated shorts, biographies and more, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is a treat for movie buffs and animation lovers alike. 
• Nibble and Nosh Festival - August (Labor Day Weekend) - Every year the parking lot of Temple Kol Emeth is transformed into a mix of delicious tastes from local restaurants, sounds of live music from local artists, community vendors and children's games and inflatables that will keep them busy for hours! 

Greek

• Atlanta Greek Festival - October - The Atlanta Greek Festival brings all the aromas, sounds, tastes and traditions of Greece to your doorstep. Your admission ticket becomes your passport as you enjoy all the Beauty of Santorini and the Fun of Mykonos. The Annunciation Cathedral and the Atlanta Greek Community are proud to host the Atlanta Greek Festival. 

Middle Eastern

• Arab Festival - April - Visit the Alif Institute for a weekend of Arab music, dancing, arts and crafts, food and more.
• Mid East Food Festival - May - Visit the St. John Chrysostom Melkite Catholic Church to experience Middle Eastern food, desserts, church Tours, music, dance, children's activities and cultural items.   
• Mid-East Fest. St. Elias of Atlanta - September - Join St Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church for a festival that includes Mid-Eastern food delicacies & desserts as well as church tours, an artists market, dancing and other cultural events.
• Muslim Festival - October -  Enjoy Muslim foods, crafts, arts and more. 

Indian 

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir - Various festivals and free tours year round - A Mandir is a Hindu place of worship – a haven for spirituality and a place of paramount peace.  It is also a center vibrant with social, cultural, and spiritual activities. You can even sit in on a worship service.

Chinese

• Shaolin Institute Chinese New Year Festival - February - The Chinese New Year’s Festival is an ancient tradition which embraces and honors the importance and unity of family, is one of the most unique cultural events celebrated in the southeast United States, providing a fun and enriching experience for people of all ages.
• Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival - February - The program include a free lion dance, dragon dance, folk songs and dances, arts & crafts exhibition and authentic Chinese new year food & gifts available to purchase.
• Atlanta China Town - Various festivals and events year round - Atlanta Chinatown Mall, is filled with traditional heritage of the Asian cultures and is excited about sharing it all. Atlanta Chinatown Mall serves the Chinese, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Laotians and Korean culture all in one small community. Escape into the artfully designed and charming courtyard garden and koi pond, a sure gathering place of conversation. They offer a spacious food court of (6) six restaurants and a bakery featuring authentic cuisines from around China, recipes passed down from generation to generation, as well as two dine-in restaurants.      

Korean

• Korean Festival - October - Korean Fest would like to extend an invitation of a lifetime to join them in the festivities of the annual Korean Festival in Suwanee, Georgia. 

Japanese

• Japan Festival - September - The mission of JapanFest is to improve the understanding and appreciation of linkages between Japanese and Americans residing in the Southeastern United States through an annual salute to Japanese culture and friendship entitled JapanFest. This celebration will promote multicultural education, encourage social harmony, and ensure the cultural integrity of JapanFest by providing an appropriate mix of authentic contemporary and traditional programs on Japanese art and culture. Activities include a wide variety of performing arts, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions.
• Japanese Maple Festival  - October-November - On select weekends enjoy Japanese dancing, live music, tea ceremonies, bonsai, food and more. 

Australian and New Zealand

• Down Under Fest - May - The Down Under Fest has been designed to show you the unfamiliar aspects of the lands Down Under as well as the more legendary American favorites: Vegemite, Hugh Jackman, and G’Day!  Join us  as we celebrate the beauty, wackiness and uniqueness that make Australia and New Zealand the heart of what we like to call “Mateship.”The Down Under Fest   It’s a celebration with Australian and New Zealand artisans, performers, kid’s crafts, animals, food, boomerang throwing, athletes and more!

Irish

• Savannah Irish Festival - February - Kick-off the Savannah St. Patrick's Day festivities with a celebration of Irish culture featuring Traditional Irish Music, Irish Dancing, and plenty of laughter.
• Irish Fest Atlanta - October - Irish Traditions Atlanta aims to promote Irish Traditional Music in all its forms; restore the playing of the Harp and Uilleann Pipes; promote Irish traditional dancing with emphasis on set and céilí dancing; promote and foster traditional singing in both Irish and English; foster and promote the Irish language at all times; create a closer bond among all lovers of Irish music; and co-operate with all bodies working for the restoration of Irish Culture.

Scottish

• Savannah Scottish Games - May - The Savannah Games are the 4th oldest Scottish games in the Southeastern United States. The Games allow the visitor to enjoy the sounds, tastes, and visual images that Highlanders experienced as early as 100 AD.   Come join a grand celebration of Scottish culture with competition, entertainment, shopping, activities, and refreshments for the entire family!
• Blairsville Scottish Festival - June - Join a weekend of fun and athletic games, ceremonies, Scottish dancing, live music, live demos, great food, workshops and more.
• Stone Mountain Highland Games- October - Join the fun in the meadows of the Stone Mountain Park located in the Northeast suburbs of Atlanta GA. The meadows and meandering tree-lined paths will be transformed in the impressive mix of sights and sounds of a Scottish Highland Games presented in a uniquely southern style.

African

• Savannah Black Heritage Festival - February - The Savannah Black Heritage Festival (SBHF) is a professionally produced, multi-disciplinary festival, and it is one of the many ethnic cultural arts events sponsored annually by the City of Savannah’s (GA) Department of Cultural Affairs.  The focus of the festival is to present performances, exhibits and activities that attract a broad cross-section of age, socio-economic and ethnically diverse residents in Savannah and its outlying areas as well as visiting tourists.
• Roswell Roots - February - The City of Roswell celebrates Black History Month every February with the annual Roswell Roots festival. Roswell Roots is one of the largest and most comprehensive Black History celebrations in the state of Georgia and celebrates black history and culture by sponsoring a variety of art exhibits, history and cultural events.            
• Pan African Festival of Georgia - April - This 3 day festival offers live performances, including jazz, gospel, hip-hop, theater, and African drumming; face painting, games, safety demonstrations, storytelling, and dance for children; and a wide variety of African American and Caribbean foods.
• African Drum Festival - July - This weekend event is fill with music, dance and song from Africa and Diaspora. There are classes for the entire family.

Romanian 

• Romanian Festival - October - Taste traditional food and enjoy the folkloric music and dances. The admission is free. Bring your friends and family to experience live traditional food cooking, museum tours, kids activities and more.

Native American

• Mothers Day Pow Wow - May - Celebrate Mothers Day at this annual pow wow. This event will include Native Dancing, Singing, Dancing, and Drumming, Arts and Craft, Native Cuisine, Living Tipi Village, Warrior On Horseback, Aztec Dance Company, Native Storytellers and Flute Players, Wildlife Displays, Kids Activities, Audience Participation and Much, Much More.
• Veterans Day Pow Wow - 
• Cheehaw Native American Festival - April -  Native American Festival educates visitors on the history of the Native American people through dance, music demonstrations and vendor booths showcasing and selling Native American crafts and jewelry from throughout the Americas.
• Ocmulgee Mounds Pow Wow - September - The third weekend in September welcomes the largest Native American gathering in the Southeast as more than 200 craftsmen, dancers, storytellers, living history demonstrators and others with ties to the area return to their ancestral home at Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon, Georgia.
• Kolomoki Mounds Festival - October - The festival hosts a variety of Native American demonstrators, arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, dance performances, boat tours, delicious food vendors, a parade, and so much more.
• Euharlee Veterans Pow Pow - October - Support Veterans and thank one in person at the Euharlee Veterans Powwow. Enjoy dancing, music and more.
• Stone Mountain Indian Festival and Pow Wow - October - Celebrate the nation's first civilization with dance and drum competitions. Get lost in the ancient art of storytelling or enjoy authentic dishes and craft demonstrations. Teach a new dog old tricks with primitive skills workshops, including pottery, open-fire cooking and bow-making.
• Oka'Chaffa Indian Festival - November - This event will included Native Dancing, Singing, Dancing, and Drumming, Arts and Craft, Native Cuisine, Living Tipi Village, Live Buffalo, Warrior On Horseback, Aztec Dance Company, Native Storytellers and Flute Players, Wildlife Displays, Kids Activities, Audience Participation and Much, Much More.

Religious Tours/Events

• Tibetan Festival - November - A taste of Tibetan arts, history and culture along with activities for all ages. Since His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed the Atlanta center in 2007 and again in 2010 Drepung Loseling has been working towards completing its vision of creating a "Little Tibet" in Atlanta and hundreds of visitors have enjoyed the past festivals. There are also yearly Tibetan Tours throughout the country, including Georgia. 
• Monastery of the Holy Spirit - Various tours and events year round - The Monastery invites you to explore their site and visit the grounds to learn more about the monastic lifestyle. The Monastery is truly a destination for the entire family. Shop, sample gourmet food or walk with nature. 
• Historic Temple Mickve Israel - Tours offered Monday - Friday - The Temple Mickve Israel is the only purely Gothic revival synagogue in the United States. Founded by a group of Sephardic Jews who landed in Savannah just a few months after General Oglethorpe, the congregation received a perpetual charter from Governor Edward Telfair in 1790. They represent the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States.
• Shrine of The Immaculate Conception Church - Tours offered year round - Being the oldest Catholic Church in Atlanta, Shrine of The Immaculate Conception is a true representative of Christian belief and Atlanta history. It was named after Murillo's painting "Immaculate Conception". In 1861 Fr. Thomas O'Reilly was appointed pastor of the church. He went on to become one of the most famous priests in Atlanta. The church was rebuilt in 1869 in the neo-Gothic style
• The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints Atlanta - Tours offered year round - The Atlanta Georgia Temple was the first temple built in the Southeastern United States (and in Georgia).
• Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta - Tours offered year round - The Masjid is a central location for congregational prayer and community services. Our services include a 5 daily prayers, library, education center, private school, recreational areas, and areas for social events/activities.

Make sure you bookmark or pin this post because I will continue to add to it as I discover more festivals and tours.

Be sure to visit my Journal/Notebooking page for a FREE Christmas Around the World Journal Page, Geography Journal Page and Holiday, Festival and Celebration Journal Page to help you enhance the cultural experiences. 

Georgia Travel Log - September 2014 and A Giveaway

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.

We have been super busy lately traveling around Georgia and experiencing some of the newest exhibits and attractions. Because there are so many wonderful things I need to update you on I came up with a brilliant idea (well I think it's brilliant). I am calling it the "Georgia Travel Log." Once or twice a month I will give you an update on several of the newest attractions, exhibits, etc. Most of them will be ones that we actually get to experience that way I can share our personal experiences and show you some personal photos too. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Georgia Travel Log. Please leave comments with information on any other new attractions or exhibits that you know of. Also remember to follow us on Instagram to keep up with our daily adventures!

If you are hosting an upcoming event or promoting a new exhibit or attraction please email me to discuss getting it covered in the next Georgia Travel Log edition.

Stone Mountain - Yellow Daisy Festival:
Get ready for one of the top three arts & craft shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 event and winner of multiple awards by the Southeast Festival of Events Association. The Yellow Daisy Festival takes place at Stone Mountain Park on September 4th - 7th.

Despite its growth from a small arts & crafts show to the four day event that it has become today, the Yellow Daisy Festival Presented by Humana continues to be a big show with a small-town feel. The mission of re-connecting families and friends with fun, shopping, live entertainment and good food has remained constant over the past forty-five years. Multi-generations of mothers, daughters and grandmothers meander the wooded trails together in search of the perfect item.



More than 400 artists and crafters from 38 States and two countries display their works for your appreciation and purchase. Daily live entertainment, Children's Corner activities, and crafter demonstrations throughout the event as well as fabulous festival foods.

Yellow Daisy Festival is FREE with paid parking admission. Vehicle entry to the park is $10 for a one day permit or $35 for an annual permit.

Fernbank Martinis and Imax:
If you are on the search for a fun date night or moms night out then you need to head to Fernbank for Martini's and Imax. I went last month with two of my very good friends and we had a blast. Actually I had so much fun I am attending again this month!

Martini's and Imax happens every Friday night (except holidays) from 7pm to 11pm. Live entertainment begins at 7:30pm.. This fun event is one of the most unique “culture and cocktail” opportunities in Atlanta. Guests enjoy special cocktail menus, small plates, live entertainment, dancing and a chance to see a film on the biggest screen in town, Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre. This popular event, the first of its kind in Atlanta!

The night my friends and I attended we saw the Great White Shark IMAX, read my review here. After the IMAX we headed downstairs to the party! We grabbed our very tasty adult beverages, I opted for an Island Sparkler. There is always a full bar with a wide selection of specialty cocktails, craft beers, wine and more (menus change monthly). Drinks average $6-$8. After we grabbed our drinks we found a seat so we could relax and chat. There were plenty of seating options available. The night we attended a great band called Georgia Floods was providing the entertainment for the evening. And when we worked up an appetite we headed out to the Happy Belly Food Truck for some fresh, wholesome food. Prices on the food ranged from $4-$10 and the food was absolutely amazing. There are also several games on the terrace like Cornhole and Ladder Ball that you can join in playing too!

Visit my friend websites Almost Supermom and The Diva Beautiful.

There are some awesome nights coming up in September and October like Totally 80's Night, Adult Halloween Party Night and special evening hours of the new special exhibit Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear.

General tickets for Martinis & IMAX are $13 for adults, $12 for students and seniors with ID and $8 for Museum members. To enjoy the atmosphere of the event without seeing a film in the IMAX® Theatre, there is an $8 cover charge for non-members. Purchase tickets online or by calling 404.929.6400. Please be aware that some shows do sell out and may not be available. View cocktail menus, live entertainment schedule, VIP policies and more here.

More Details:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the 5-story-tall Rankin M. Smith Sr. IMAX^® Theatre are located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Call 404.929.6400 or visit the website to purchase your tickets. The film will be shown daily through September 18th. IMAX tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, $11 for children 12 and under and $8 for museum members. Extended show times available Fridays during Martinis & IMAX. Don't forget to download the Official Fernbank App before your visit.

Walker Stalker Con:
Are you a Zombie fan? Do you love the Walking Dead as much as my husband and I do? Then you need to add Walker Stalker Con to your October calendar.

Zombies will be taking over the Atlanta Convention Center at Americas Mart on October 17-19, 2014. Special guests include some of your favorite performers, actors, musicians, and artists like Norman Reedus, Andrew Lincoln, Emily Kinney, Irone Singleton, Paul Wesley and more. The exhibit floor will be open all three days and will feature games, toys, comics and other memorabilia for true fans of zombie, horror and science fiction. View the full even schedule here.

Tickets for the event start at $35 for general admission. Children 10 and under are FREE with adult paid admission.

Update: Here is a great deal on Walker Stalker Con Tickets from GoldStar.
 

Image courtesy of Walker Stalker Con.

CONjuration:
There is a new magical convention coming to Atlanta and just in time for Halloween. Two geeks from Atlanta designed a unique Southeast convention dedicated to the use of magic in books, films & other media. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Supernatural, Charmed, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, fortune telling, magicians and other magical elements then this is the event for you. The convention is dedicated to highlighting the importance and use of magic in our literature, entertainment and imaginations.

CONjuration takes place in Atlanta at the Marriott Perimeter Center on October 31 - November 2, 2014. Convention tickets are just $40 for all 3 days ($50 at the door) or $20 for Friday and Sunday tickets and $25 for Saturday tickets. Children 10 and under get FREE admission per paying adult. 

Do you want to win 2 tickets to this family friendly, magical convention? Then enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post.

More Details:

Taking advantage of the need in the southeast U.S. for a stable, annual, magical, fantasy convention experience; the creators of CONjuration, Chris Seckinger and Angela Hammond, have designed this convention as a means of increasing the experience and enjoyment of our attendees and guests. According to Chris Seckinger, “CONjuration will be a haven for images of all types and an enchanting experience for everyone involved! We are creating a convention where geeks that truly love magical fandom can come  together, meet others like them, and have a blast by taking part in a variety of events.” CONjuration will have trick or treating, wandering entertainers, panel discussions, classes and crafts, vendors and artists, costume contest, gaming, guest speakers, a tea party, a formal ball, quiz shows, charity events and much more. The convention has been designed to have something for everyone. 

World of Coca Cola - Discount:
With the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games coming up Aug. 28 and Aug. 30, the World of Coca-Cola is hosting Fan Days for football fans. Now through Oct. 15, fans can text “WOCC” to 66937 to get two tickets for $25 – a total savings of $7 from regular adult admission.

Image courtesy of World of Coca Cola

Atlanta History Center - The Big Read:
The Atlanta History Center - in partnership with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System - presents the Atlanta Metro campaign, The Big Read. A program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. The Big Read is the largest reading program in American history and a multi-faceted initiative uniting communities across the nation through great literature. This is the Atlanta History Center’s fourth time participating in The Big Read.

The Atlanta History Center selected Luis Alberto Urrea’s Into the Beautiful North for the 2014 Big Read and encourages the public to get involved by reading the book, attending free programs, and promoting the initiative in their community.

The Big Read launches on September 3, 2014, with a variety of free programs, including a ‘Taste of Mexico’ kick- off party, a keynote lecture with Luis Alberto Urrea, a StoryCorps event, dedicated discussions and lectures at various Atlanta-Fulton Public Library locations, and a film festival.

Into the Beautiful North is written by award-winning and best-selling Mexican American author, Luis Alberto Urrea. Urrea has written numerous works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In his third novel, Into the Beautiful North, Urrea transcends the "us against them" discourse of immigration and writes with compassion, complexity, and humor about the people and places caught up in the border wars. The U.S.–Mexico border is not just a line on a map; it is a dream-like destination and departure point, surrounded by desperation and expectations. Urrea invites us to think of the border as more than a stark divide between nations: he reminds us that it is a place of convergence here meaningful conversations, and even love, between cultures begins.

In conjunction, younger readers are encouraged to participate in The Little Read for pleasure and enlightenment. Tots can read along to I Love Saturdays y domingos by Alma Flor Ada. While middle school ages will surely be swept up by Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan.

Whether an avid reader or simply making up for lost time, everyone in Atlanta can take part in The Big Read. Read alone, read to another, join a book club or discussion group, and discover what happens when all of Atlanta reads the same book.

Register today at BigRead@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com to participate and receive information, updates, and program details. For more information, call 404.814.4000 or visit www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/BigRead.

I hope you enjoyed this edition stayed tuned for more Georgia Travel Log updates!

Now time for the giveaway: 
One lucky winner will win 2 tickets to CONjuration.

Only the first entry is mandatory. Other entries are optional and give you extra chances. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. The winner will be posted on the blog and will be emailed. Winner must reply within 24 hrs with their contact information or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be mailed via me.

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