Why You Should Invest In Memberships?

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

As you may know I admin a large homeschool group for the Southeast United States, called SE Homeschool Fieldtrips. There are over 2,000 families now in the group and well it keeps me VERY busy which is why you don't see me blogging as much as I used to :) You see we have embraced a different way of educating our children. Rather than sitting at the kitchen table reading about animals, nature, wars, knights, etc in a textbook we go out and experience them. Don't get me wrong books are awesome and we love and use them a lot too (especially in the car while we are driving to our destination for the day), but we also take full advantage of the world around us. I have found that the experiences are more memorable and unforgettable. And that is one of the many reasons I created the SE Homeschool Fieldtrips Group. It is a place for me to share with other families the amazing, educational opportunities we have available to us. It is a place for me to share tips and tricks for fieldtripping and traveling with children. And it is a place for me to share my passion for experiential learning.

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" - St. Augustine

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine - See more at: http://wanderingtrader.com/list-of-best-inspirational-travel-quotes/#sthash.0FhAK0I5.dpuf

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine - See more at: http://wanderingtrader.com/list-of-best-inspirational-travel-quotes/#sthash.0FhAK0I5.dpuf

In Georgia and our neighboring states there are endless educational opportunities for families. I often hear families say that they don't take advantage of these opportunities because of the expense involved with visiting some of them. And that is why today I am going to share some information about memberships and the reasons you should invest in them, how to save money on them and even how to get one for FREE in 2015.

Just about every museum, zoo, aquarium, history center, nature center, state park, amusement park, etc offers a membership of some sort. Since we cannot obviously purchase a membership to all of them every year we rotate our memberships. We generally have 3-4 memberships at a time. Some of our local favorites have been the HIGH Museum of Art, Georgia State Parks Pass, Fernbank, Atlanta History Center, Legoland Discovery Center, Zoo Atlanta, Elachee Nature Center and Chattahoochee Nature Center.

Reasons to invest in them:

1. Save Money - of course the number one reason is that they save you money. Most memberships pay for themselves after 2 visits
2. Special Perks - who doesn't love some special perks? With a membership you can almost always guarantee that you will receive discounts in the cafe and gift store. But you can also sometimes get additional benefits like early registration to special events or discounts on special events.
3. Friend Benefits - sometimes things are way more fun with friends! Most memberships provide you with several guest passes that you can share with friends or extended family members. Some even allow you to bring friends for FREE (like Legoland Discovery Center on Friend Fridays, Atlanta Zoo). And others provide your friends with a generous discount every time you bring them (like the HIGH Museum of Art).
4. Reciprocity - if you travel often than this is a great reason to get a membership, because you can take advantage of reciprocity benefits (FREE or discounted admission) at participating attractions around the country, thanks to programs like the AZA, ASTC, NARM, ACM and others.
5. Discounted or More Accessible Parking - there are quite a few museums where the only parking available is paid parking. But if you have a membership you can receive discounted, FREE or more accessible parking.
6. Tax Deductible  - many memberships are tax deductible possibly saving you even more money come tax time. 
7. Homeschool Days - many attractions offer homeschool day programs and if you are a member they are often discounted or even included in the cost of your membership.
8. Support - by purchasing a membership your money is supporting a cause/effort ie: art restoration, animal conservation, etc.
9. Make Great Gifts - if you need to purchase a gift for a family and have no idea what to get consider an attraction membership. It is a gift that keeps giving and a great way for families to create special memories together.
10. Endless Learning Experiences and Memories - museums, zoos, state parks, etc are not only fun, but they are also great learning experiences for both kids and adults. And they are a great way to create special memories with your family. 
11. Changing Exhibits - exhibits, animals, and experiences come and go so you are always in store for something new at an attraction. Some obviously change more than others but by having a membership you can experience those changes and maybe even have some input into them. 
12. Freedom - have you ever been to a museum that is so large that you are overwhelmed and worried you won't be able to see it all? Or maybe you visited a museum with young children...and ended up having to leave earlier than you wanted?  Well having a membership gives you the freedom to enjoy the attraction without feeling rushed, stressed and overwhelmed.

But you don't need to take my word for it....check out what some of my fellow homeschool group members have to say about why they purchase memberships:

• "I love the freedom it gives us to explore places more deeply and fully, without feeling the need to see it all in one day. With a membership, we can spend 3 hours observing lions and not feel like we are missing out on anything else. We'll hit the other stuff a different day." - Betsy S.
• "With a family of 5 to buy one visit is just slightly less or sometimes more than buying an annual pass / membership. So we usually get the membership. It is also nice when a membership has extra perks like a discount at the cafe or gift shop. I like memberships that include grandparents or extra kids. RECIPROCAL memberships are the BEST I love when being a member to one place gets us in for free or a discounted rate at another place." - Elizabeth M.
• "We have several memberships , of course it saves money but for the major we really want to support the organization. The Atlanta Zoo, The High Museum , The Fernbank Natural History Museum and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens ETC... all have wonderful community programs. They give back in so many ways. Those are the memberships I feel are worthwhile for our family." Barbara BS
• "I also like memberships for the discounts it gives us on things like classes, gift shops, parking, etc. We really like being able to take out of town friends and family places. Either our membership gets them a discounted ticket, or we can take them in with our family pass." - Christina G.
• "A membership / and the membership card in my wallet is a gentle reminder to get out and enjoy life" - Alana G.

How to save money on them:

1. Educator Discount - if you are a homeschooler or teacher ask about receiving the educator discount. Many of the Georgia attractions offer about $10 off memberships if you show them proof that you homeschool or teach in the public school system. 
2. Split The Cost - many family memberships get in up to 4 kids and 2 adults. So if your spouse doesn't go often with you split the cost of a membership with a friend instead. 
3. Deal Websites  - take advantage of deal websites like Groupon, Sweet Jack, etc. Often attractions offer membership deals on these websites sometimes saving you up to 50% off.
4. Swaptember Savings - take advantage of Swaptember Savings which happens every September in Georgia. During the entire month you can show your membership from a participating attraction and save up to $10 off a membership or discounted admission at another participating attraction.
5. 4th Grader FREE National Park Pass - in 2015 every 4th grader can receive a FREE National Park pass thanks to the Every Kid In A Park initiative. The park pass will benefit the entire family of the 4th grader for 1 year.

And there you have it! So which memberships will you be investing in this year?

Marvel Universe LIVE Storms Into Georgia on December 20th

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

Calling all comic book geeks! Are you ready for an amazing show featuring all of your favorite Marvel Super Heroes? I know we are. Marvel Universe LIVE will be coming to Philips Arena on December 20-22 and The Arena at Gwinnett Center on December 26-28.

Prepare to be amazed as you watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers (Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk and more) and threatening villains (Dr. Octopus, Electro and more) come to life before your eyes in an action-packed arena extravaganza. The show will be mind-blow and unlike anything you have ever seen before. It will be packed with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It has even been hailed the most technically advanced live show ever!!!

My children have no idea we are attending, but I can tell you my son will definitely be excited about seeing Captain American jumping ramps on his motorcycle. And my daughter will be excited to see the butt kicking female super heroes Storm and Black Widow. Me I am looking forward to Thor, I am a sucker for men with long, flowing hair, lol!

This show is great for fans of all ages and a once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance!

Tickets will make a great early Christmas gift...but HURRY they are selling out fast. After watching the video see below for venue and ticket ordering information!


Be sure to follow Marvel Universe Live on Twitter and Facebook.

Philips Arena 

December 20-22, 2014

Order Tickets

Arena at Gwinnett Center
December 26-28, 2014
Order Tickets

       

Don't live in Georgia don't worry Marvel Universe LIVE will touring the United States through 2016!

     

How To Spend A Day In Macon

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

Remember our South GA Adventure a couple months ago? Well I still have a couple more things to share with you from our trip.

Macon, GA was the first stop during our adventure, but it won't be our last.This magnificent city has been on our list of places to explore for quite awhile and we are so glad we included it in our trip. This historic Southern city offers a lot of charm and something for every family

The history of Macon starts 17,000 years ago, but the city is most known for its musical heritage. Famous musicians including Otis Redding, Little Richard, the Allman Brothers Band, Joey Stuckey, Bo Ponder, Eddie Kirkland and Johnny Jenkins all called Macon home and helped make Macon the "Song and Soul of the South." Macon is the perfect place to spend a day or a week.

Macon History:
Macon's history begins over 17,000 years ago. Creek Indians inhabited Macon in the 18th century. But before them their prehistoric predecessors, the Mississippian's, built a powerful chiefdom (950–1100 AD) based on an agricultural village and constructed earthwork mounds for ceremonial, burial and religious purposes. Some of these still stand today. In the 1800's the city of Macon began its settlement and growth. Macon originally started out as Fort Hawkins and was located along the Ocmulgee River. The fort served as trading post for the Native Americans and colonists. It was also used as a military distribution point during the War of 1812 against Great Britain and also during the Creek War of 1813. During this time period settlers continued to flock to Fort Hawkins, which was later renamed Newton. In 1823 the city gained its name Macon. Due to its location along the Ocmulgee River the city thrived and was known as the Black Belt of Georgia, where cotton was the chief commodity crop. In 1843, railroad's helped increase marketing opportunities and contributed to the economic prosperity of Macon. During the Civil War, Macon served as the official arsenal of the Confederacy. Camp Oglethorpe, in Macon, was used as a prison for captured Union officers and enlisted men. Macon City Hall, which served as the temporary state capitol in 1864, was converted to use as a hospital for the wounded. Unlike many major Georgia cities Macon was spared during Sherman's  march to the sea preserving many of the historical buildings and artifacts in Macon. Macon continued to prosper and was even dubbed, "The Central City" in 1895 by the New York Times. Macon also has a long civil rights history that begins with slavery. Many famous African Americans from Macon helped contribute to and influence civil rights history. And Macon was one of the few Georgia cities that peacefully abolished segregation.

10 Places To Visit:
We only spent a day and a half in Macon so we were only able to fit in the Harriet Tubman Museum and Ocmulgee Mounds. The Museum of Aviation (located just outside Macon) we visited a couple years ago. The other places listed below are attractions we have on our list for future visits.

1) Tubman  Museum
Ever since I was a child I have always been fascinated with Harriet Tubman's life so I was really excited to visit this museum. The Tubman Museum was established in 1981 and is the largest museum in Southeast dedicated to educating people about the art, history and culture of African Americans. The museum is truly amazing and the dedicated staff and volunteers really enhance the overall experience. And in 2015 this museum is going to get even better, because they will be moving to a new location just down the street, which is 49,000 square feet. This larger space will allow them to have even more artifacts and artwork on display. This museum is a great place for children and adults of all ages. During our visit we also had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Andy Ambrose, the Executive Director of the museum.

The two story museum flowed quite nicely and in each section there was a staff member or volunteer available to discuss the pieces and answer any questions.

The first section of the museum included a large acrylic and oil mural that takes you on a voyage from Africa to America, no passport needed. As you travel through time you will learn about the feats of African Americans from past to present. After viewing the mural we learned more about Harriet Tubman and her amazing life through articles and artwork. Next we walked through the Black Artists of Georgia and African Folk Art exhibits. These exhibits were fascinating and very inspirational. My children loved the bright colors and use of mixed media.

Next we headed to the Inventors Gallery where we learned some amazing history. This exhibit featured select inventions that were created by African Americans. Many of these we had no clue about!  We then made our way upstairs to the Local History gallery. In this section we learned about the roots of the Tubman exhibits. There were artifacts and artwork from Macon and Georgia history, including materials associated with the lives of Ellen and William Craft. We had never heard of the Crafts and were in complete awe of their amazing story and journey. The last portion of the museum included an inspiring video about Ellen and William Craft which was narrated by their great, great granddaughter. The Craft story is a powerful story about courage, perseverance and faith.

Be sure to check out the amazing gift shop afterwards.

*This information is based on the current museum location.

2) Ocmulgee National Monument
Travel back in time and soak in the beautiful scenery and sounds at the Ocmulgee National Monument. First learn about the history of this amazing place in the museum. You will be greeted by a Ranger who will briefly tell you about the Paleo-Indian period during the Ice Age as well as the different cultures that occupied the land over thousands of years. Be sure to grab a scavenger hunt and Jr Ranger booklet from the Ranger. As you walk through the museum you will view artifacts and read in depth information about this historic area.

Afterwards head outside to step inside the continents only Earthlodge or climb to the top of the Early Mississippian temple mounds. There are a total of 7 mounds in the park. Throughout the park are informational placards to help you learn even more about the historic sites. You can also utilize the cell phone audio tour to learn even more.

From the top of the Great Temple Mound you can view downtown Macon and the wetlands. The view is absolutely breathtaking. There are several hiking and biking trails throughout the park including the Opelofa Trail, Bartram Trail, Walnut Creek River Trail and Heritage Bike Trail. You can also visit the site of only two Civil War Battles fought in Macon.

The Ocmulgee Mounds are FREE to visit. Pack a picnic lunch and stay all day. Be sure to visit the website for information on events, activities and monthly walks.

*If you are a gecoacher there are a couple that you can grab here. 

3) Museum of Aviation
The Museum of Aviation is FREE to visit and is a definitely a must see!! It is one of the largest aviation museums in the United States and a major Air Force Heritage, Exhibit and Education Center in the Southeast. The museum is located on U.S. Air Force property next to Robins Air Force Base, the Museum is the second largest museum in the U.S. Air Force. It is one of only ten aviation museums in the United States to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The majority of the staff at the museum are volunteers and many of them are veterans. And boy can you learn a lot just by talking to them. There are several buildings located on the 51 acre property which house the exhibits. Definitely plan on staying at least 2-3 hours. During your visit you will learn the history of various wars, touch planes and even fly planes.

The Museum has a large collection of approximately 85 historic U.S. Air Force aircraft, missiles and cockpits dating from a replica of an 1986 glider to modern aircraft in today’s U.S. Air Force inventory.

Major exhibits include:
- The 14th Air Force Flying Tigers
- The “Hump” Pilots of the China Burma India Theater during WWII
- The 50th Anniversary of WWII and the history of Robins Air Force Base
- The 483rd Bomb Group which flew B-17s out of Italy during World War II
“God Is My Co-Pilot” – the story of WWII Ace Brig. Gen Robert L. Scott
- “Down to Earth: - the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and the Air Invasion of
 Normandy
- The Tuskegee Airmen – A Proud Heritage
- The Korean War: The Forgotten War

After you visit the museum make sure you stop by the museum store to pick up some great souvenirs. Then enjoy a picnic lunch out at the picnic area. Also check the website for information on events, educational programming and more.

4) Allman Brothers Band Museum
At the Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House you can view the largest collection of the band's memorabilia in the country. The Big House became the place where members of the band, their roadies and friends and families lived until 1973. 

Image courtesy of Allman Brothers Museum and The Big House website.

5) Cannonball House & Museum
The Cannonball House and Museum is a Greek Revival mansion that was built in 1853. It was the only house in Macon that was struck by a cannonball during Stoneman's Raid on Macon in 1864. The home has been restored with furnishings of the period and is open to the public. Also on the property is an English garden featuring seasonal blooms. 40 minute tours are offered every 1/2 hour and include the main house and the original two-story brick kitchen and servants' quarters.

6) Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
Georgia's storied athletic heritage is featured in the 43,000 square foot Georgia Sport Hall of Fame. This museum offers educational and interactive exhibits that honor heroes from the state's top high school, collegiate, professional and amateur athletic fields such as record home run hitter Henry "Hank" Aaron and golf legend Bobby Jones.

Image courtesy of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame website.

7) Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area
The Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area is located just outside the city limits and offers families a year-round recreation area covering nearly 1,800 acres with 35 miles of shore line. there are 3 parks Clavestone, Arrowhead and Sandy Beach which provide white sandy beaches, swimming, fishing, boating, camping, water skiing, sailing and picnicking.

8) Hay House
In the mid 1800's, William Butler Johnston was the keeper of the Confederate treasure, but the mansion he built is the real treasure he left behind. The Hay House design was inspired by the mansions of Florence and Rome. The 18,000 sq ft home took 4 years to build. The Italian Renaissance Revival mansion is now a National Historic Landmark and open to the public to tour.

Image courtesy of Hay House website.

9) Museum of Arts and Sciences
"Discover The World - Explore The Universe" at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. This museum is the largest general purpose museum in Georgia and the only cultural institution in the state dedicated to both art and science. The museum was founded in 1956 in the basement of the old Weslevan Conservatory, the museum's 55,000 square-foot facility located on 14 acres on Forsyth Road in Macon. The museum offers a wide selection of art and science exhibits, a full-dome planetarium, mini-store and more. 

10) College Hill Corridor
If you are looking for a fun place to visit and play head over to the College Hill Corridor. This two square mile section of Macon connects Mercer University to Downtown Macon. Visitors can explore the Old South architecture, music history, and burgeoning culinary scene. But wait there's more you will also experience a vibe and a lifestyle, an urban renewal machine, entrepreneurial/maker's haven, bicycling & pedestrian streetscape, an educational oasis. 

It started as a senior capstone project by four Mercer students in 2007. At the time, Mercer was in a bubble, the surrounding neighborhoods were struggling, and dining and entertainment were limited. The city's Mayor and Mercer's President created the College Hill Corridor Commission and a movement was born. Thanks to an initial grant of $2 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the College Hill Alliance became operational in the fall of 2009.

Image courtesy of College Hill Corridor website.

More than $91 million in private and public investment later, the area is now an icon of urban renewal - and all that comes with it. Creativity is a constant with offbeat art projects, live theatre, festivals, urban hikes, a huge neighborhood Soap Box Derby, art house movies, free outdoor Second Sunday concerts, restored parks and green spaces, the city's top three house museums, art galleries, great dining, and nightlife all within walking and biking distance. Add bookend hotel accommodations - the Hilton Garden Inn right on the edge of campus, next door to the new Mercer Bears football stadium, and the luxurious 1842 Inn in the heart of the In-Town Historic District, and you've got an amazing new (historic) destination. 

Where To Eat:
There are tons of great places to eat in Macon. From soul food and vittles that kept Macon's Southern Rock musicians fed, to new farm-to-fork cuisine in a downtown landmark. But if you are only in Macon for a day you MUST stop by one of the Nu-Way Weiner restaurants. Nu-Way has been serving up their famous hot dogs since 1916. What started out as tiny stand on Cotton Avenue has turned into a chain restaurant that has won national recognition. Nu-Way is the second oldest hot dog restaurant in the USA.

Where To Stay:
If you need a place to stay check in at the Wingate on Northcrest Blvd. This is the perfect for hotel for business or leisure. The hotel is conveniently located off Interstate 75 and within minutes from major attractions. Check in was quick and easy and the staff at the Wyngate was very courteous. Overall the hotel was comfortable, clean, and affordable. The hotel is pet and smoke free which was a huge plus for us.

The room decor was very pleasing and featured dark woods and colors. We stayed in a double queen room which was very spacious and accommodated our family of 4 quite nicely. Everything you could possibly need to make your stay comfortable is included in the accommodations. The room had fast free Wi-Fi connection, a refrigerator, a microwave, a flat screen TV, a hair dryer and plenty of clean towels.

If you need to relax after a long day head out to the seasonal pool and whirlpool. There is also a free gym available if you need to stick to your workout routine during your trip. Start your morning off right with a free hot, robust breakfast. Vending and ice machines are also available. For guest convenience there is a business center located inside the hotel too.

Whether you are just making a pit stop in Macon or staying for a week there is definitely plenty to see and do!

Travel Through History Aboard The SAM Shortline Train

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

Who needs a DeLorean when you have a train? One of our many fun adventures during our South Georgia Adventure was a ride aboard the SAM Shortline Train. The 19th century mainline is operated today by Heart of Georgia Railroad and used by the SAM Shortline's passenger trains. As a matter of fact the name “SAM Shortline” derives from the original railroad’s name, the Savannah, Americus and Montgomery, and from the name of the line’s founder and president, Colonel Samuel Hugh Hawkins, a prominent 19th century Sumter County capitalist. You can read more about the amazing history of  the SAM Shortline here.

A moms review:
The SAM Shortline train is an air-conditioned passenger train with vintage cars from 1949. Each train car is named after one of the cities it visits. The SAM Shortline makes stops in 4 quaint towns that offer a variety of attractions, restaurants and shopping. The train only operates Thursdays through Sundays and there are several excursions to choose from. Depending on which day you travel, the train stops long enough for passengers to get on and off the cars, usually only 5 minutes. Some stops are longer layovers, allowing you to visit the town (s) and soak in some history. You can also opt to stay in a town and catch the train back on its return trip or even the next day.

There are two boarding locations from which excursions begin: The Cordele Depot or the Georgia Veterans State Park Depot. We took the Watermelon Express Train Ride which boarded at the Cordele Depot and had a layover in Plains, Georgia.

The Cordele Depot is located on 9th Avenue in a historic, yellow brick building right across the street from the railroad tracks. On the other side of the railroad tracks is ample free parking for passengers. While I picked up our tickets the children had fun playing with the toy train tables. After I got our tickets we read about the history of the railroad, checked out the artifacts and posed with Sam and Thomas for photos. Definitely be sure to check out the gift shop which is full of train toys, memorabilia and lots of Thomas the Train merchandise.

Then the whistle blew and it was time to board. The first thing the children noticed about the train was that it had two engines! Since we were in the "Hawkins" car we had to take a little bit of a walk down the sidewalk to our train car. There is no platform so you do have to step up to board, but handicap lifts are available for those with disabilities. Boarding was quick and easy! There are several car accommodation options to choose from including coach class, premium seating and VIP lounge seating. Fares start at $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children. Seating ranges from bus like benches to padded luxury.

The "Samuel H. Hawkins" car was absolutely lovely. Stepping inside truly felt like we had traveled back in time. This particular car is the most historic piece of equipment operated by the SAM Shortline and was named after the original SAM founder and president. The #1508 tavern-observation car was built by Budd in 1939 and ran on the Florida East Coast Railway as the "Bay Biscayne" before becoming the 6607 on the Seaboard's passenger car roster. The car was climate-controlled (bring a sweatshirt) and featured carpeting, ceiling fans, leather couches (comfy enough to take a nap on) and tables and chairs (perfect for dining, playing and coloring). The windows were very wide and provided us with great views and photo ops. This VIP lounge ticket also includes includes a complimentary beverage and lunch from the concession car.

Throughout all of the cars are beautiful old photos and artwork depicting early trains and the cities on the route. Restrooms are available and feature airline style toilets, hot water and soap. My husband recommends sitting because the toilet is a moving target!

Crown Reef Resort - Myrtle Beach, SC

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

Crown Reef Beach Resort, opened its first tower in 1994. This affordable, family friendly, ocean front resort is located at 2913 South Ocean Boulevard along the south end of Myrtle Beach. It is just minutes from the Myrtle Beach airport and about a 1/2 hour away from a variety of attractions and entertainment, such as Alligator Adventure, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Odditorium, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and more. The Crown Reef offers the most oceanfront rooms (514) in Myrtle Beach, a large conference center, indoor and outdoor water amenities, on-site dining and more.

A moms review:
In today's economy family vacations can be difficult to arrange. They are often cost prohibitive, unaccommodating, and require excessive travelling.  But what if I told you there was an affordable, family friendly resort on the east coast that offers something for everyone in your family and is only hours away from major east coast cities? Yes such a place exists and it is called Crown Reef Beach Resort.

Myrtle Beach is just 6 hours from Atlanta and a super easy, relaxing drive. Believe it or not we have never stayed at a resort so we were very excited and didn't know what to expect. The Crown Reef Resort has undergone major renovations over the last year totaling 7.5 million dollars. Some of these renovations include 500 newly renovated rooms, 2 million dollar Oceanfront Watepark, Loco Gecko Beach Shak Restaurant, Grab n’ Go Grill and Coffee Bar, Swirl Ice Cream and Sweet Shop, and Game On! More renovations are in the works and will continue to be added over the next several months. 

Finding the hotel was really easy...it's kind of hard to miss three giant towers. We arrived at the resort around 5 pm. Because of our blogger status we had priority check in at Tower 2, but standard check in is located across the street. The very friendly guest services hostess gave us our room keys, parking tag, bracelets for waterpark admission, hotel map, VMB card offer sheet and resort activity schedule. The check in was super quick and easy.

After we got checked in we found a parking spot in the covered garage closer to our elevator and unloaded our luggage. There were ample luggage carts available by the elevators to make unloading and loading easy. There are plenty of elevators available so you don't need to worry about loitering around the elevators for too long.

Below is a breakdown of all the fabulous resort features.

Newly Remodeled Rooms and Private Balconies:
We were in complete awe when we entered our room. It was large, clean and smelled great. But I will admit that we didn't even pay much attention to the room details when we walked in, because we all made a mad dash for the private balcony to check out our view first. We took advantage of the balcony several times during our stay. Each morning my husband and I enjoyed a quiet breakfast on the balcony while the children ate theirs and watched cartoons. And each evening we would sit on the balcony in the moonlight and listen to the waves crashing on the beach.

After soaking in the beach front view, which all 514 rooms at the Crown Reef offer, we then preceded to check out our room and unpack. The updated decor is bright and modern, but still retains a beachy feel and look with light oak furniture and a blue and white color palette.  We stayed in an Oceanfront Queen Efficiency which sleeps 4 (2 double beds). The room has many amazing features and Crown Reef definitely tries to make you feel at home as much as possible. When you first enter the room you will be standing in the full kitchen area complete with a full size refrigerator, sink, granite counter tops, a microwave, stove, coffee maker, serving dishes and utensils as well as granite counter tops! Having the kitchen was amazing. About 10 miles away from the hotel we stopped at one of the many local grocery stores to pick up beverage, breakfast, lunch, and snack items. It was terrific not having to eat out for every single meal and it really saved us lots of money. Other features included a dining table for 2, 2 chairs, a nightstand, a dresser, ironing board and iron, closet with hangers, in room safe, flat screen TV and hair dryer. The beds were really comfortable and included ample pillows. There are also basic rooms, deluxe suites and jacuzzi suites available. We had the opportunity to meet our housekeeper a few times during our stay. She was very kind and provide us with everything we needed on a daily basis to make our stay as comfortable as possible. As we were leaving our room on the last day she was in the hallway. She thanked us for visiting, told us to visit again and wished us safe travels home. How often does that happen at a hotel or resort?

Oceanfront Waterpark and Water Fun Area:
 The Crown Reef Resort just opened a new 2 million dollar Oceanfront Waterpark. This amazing waterpark is free to use for all Crown Reef Resort guests. Remember I mentioned something for everyone. For family members who are not fond of the sand and ocean they will really enjoy this waterpark. We didn't hit up the waterpark on our first night, but we did take full advantage of it our second and third. The new waterpark towers 40 feet above the ground and features a 278-foot long two-person tube waterslide, a single-person 302-foot long waterslide and an 8-foot tall, 20-foot long slide for the little ones. The "TWISTER" Waterslide and the world's first hotel" EXPLOSION" Tube Waterslide are the two newest water amenities at the Crown Reef. The two-person “EXPLOSION” tube slide pumps more than 2,500 gallons of water per minute. The "EXPLOSION" is a two-person serpentine-style ride with many left-to-right turns in 54-inch enclosed flumes. There are tight radius, 360-degree turns where the fiberglass enlarges and explodes into a 72-inch diameter to provide a change of speed and direction and add an all-new experience to the ride. The “TWISTER” slide, is a one-person body slide that pumps 800 gallons of water per minute.

The waterpark also includes a water fun area for all ages with a silly sub and other fun water features, like a giant dumping water bucket. My children are apprehensive of large slides so they mostly hung out in the water fun area and rode the 8-foot slide over and over again. But don't let this little slide fool you, it is really fast!! The lines were always short which was perfect for impatient children. 

There is ample seating in this area so parents can relax while children play. And guess what? This attraction will be open year-round! Yup even in the winter you can enjoy the waterpark, because it will be enclosed. 

Pools and Hot Tubs:
Besides the awesome waterpark and water fun area there are several other water features including a tropical island pool, heated indoor pool, hot tubs and fountains. Our family loved the 125-foot ocean front pool, which was never crowded. For the younger children who are not quite ready for the big pools there are three kiddie pools. On days it is really hot or raining you will love the large winding pool by Tower 1 where you can be splashing around in the sun on one side and protected with a covered top on the other side. The children loved the bridge with the sprinkler in this pool. And parents there are 11 hot tubs where you can relax. Yes moms you get to relax too on this vacation! I spent some time in the hot tub relaxing (with an adult beverage) while the children enjoyed the lazy river, it was perfect!

The pool deck is always hopping but surprisingly it is never too crowded. We always found a lounge chair or table and there were plenty of areas that provided shade if you are not fond of baking in the sun. Here are some of the other things going on around the pool deck.

• Snow cone stand where you can purchase a cold treat
• Pool side bar where you can get yourself a refreshing beverage. I made friends with the amazing bar tender and bumped into him several times during our stay both on the resort and off. He even posed for a photo.
• Salty the Shark appearances. Salty visits the Crown Reef every day except Sunday in June and July.
• Chief Kamu's Fire and Hula show. Cheif Kamu is a native Hawaiian and shares stories about Hawaii and performs a captivating fire show. His authentic hula dancers also teach you how to Hula Dance if you are feeling brave. 
• Greg Holt Magic Show. Greg performs weekly magic shows right at the pool, or in the arcade if the weather is bad.
• Other activities may include trivia extravaganza, water aerobics, tie dye shirts ($10), family scavenger hunt, hula hoop and limbo contests, arts and crafts (fee varies), beach soccer, beach kickball, Hair wraps ($1 per inch), shark tooth search, pool games and more! When you check in you will be provided with a list of events for the week!
• Need some alone time? Then take advantage of the Kids Night out for $15.

*All activities are subject to weather and occupancy.

Lazy River:
Get super lazy on the Lazy River. This was were we spent the majority of our time. We floated round and round the 575-foot lazy river for hours each day. It is the longest oceanfront lazy river in Myrtle Beach. Tubes are provided and we could always find a tube when we needed one. I loved that I could relax in a hot tub or on a lounge chair and easily keep an eye on the children while they floated in the river.

Town Center Dining & Fun Zone
The Town Center opened this spring and offers visitors oceanfront dining and entertainment! There is a casual dining restaurant, coffee bar, ice cream and sweets shop, and video game arcade and redemption center. Below is a breakdown of these areas.

Game On!:
If you need something to keep your children busy for an hour or so you can head to Game On! This arcade center provides children a fun place indoors to relax and have fun! You can easily load a game card with credits for playing games, that way children can pick and choose which games they want to play without the hassle of coins or bills. Some of the games include Crank It, Sink It, Super Bikes 2, Typhoon, Ice Ball, air hockey, Doodle Jump and more. For even more added fun you can earn tickets/points by playing the games and then redeem them for small prizes at the Winner's Circle. Tickets/points are automatically added onto the card so there is no need to hassle with carrying paper tickets around.

Grab N’ Go Grill & Coffee Bar:
Whether you are looking for a light breakfast, quick lunch or dinner, refreshing beverage or a tasty snack the Grab N' Go Grill has something for every appetite. The thing I liked most about the Grab N' Go Grill was that everything was really affordable. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options too if you choose to stay rather than go! Breakfast buffet options include a continental style breakfast with biscuits & gravy, pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit, pastries, and more. Tip: If you add the breakfast buffet to your reservation you can save money! Dinner, lunch and snack options include pizza, corn dog, salad, chicken wings, chicken fingers and more. There is a wide variety of cold and hot beverages to choose from including fresh-brewed coffee, smoothies and more. We definitely utilized the Grab N' Go during our stay. One evening we enjoyed a quick, quiet dinner there and the morning we left we stocked up on some bottle beverages and snacks for the road.

Swirl Ice Cream and Sweet Shop:
If you are looking for a way to cool down after spending all day at the beach or waterpark in the sun then check out Swirl Ice Cream and Sweet Shop. Swirl Ice Cream shop serves up creamy Breyer's ice cream. Flavor selections include mint chocolate chip, french vanilla, cookie dough, strawberry and more. At the Sweet Shop you can find all kinds of sweet goodness to add to the top of your ice cream, from gummy bears to M & Ms, there is something for every sweet tooth. I don't know about your children, but mine love ice cream and sweets so this place was totally irresistible and added even more fun to our vacation.

Loco Gecko Restaurant:
We are loco for the Gecko. We ate dinner at this brand new restaurant 2 nights during our 3 night stay. I loved that we didn't need to leave the resort to have a nice, relaxing sit down dinner. As long as there are not hurricane force winds the Gecko opens the garage doors on the restaurant to give you fabulous view of the Atlantic while you dine. The restaurant decor is everything you would expect from a beach shak resturant. There are fun beachy signs, and beach themed art pieces. The restaurant features casual beach dining and has variety of menu options including salads, pizzas, burgers and more. For children there are several tasty options on the children's menu. You can choose to sit inside or outside, but either way you will still get to experience the ocean breezes and beautiful view. We were able to feed our family of 4 for around $35 (including tip). The restaurant was never crowded and we often had our choice of seating. During each of our visits the waitresses were helpful and friendly. We had one minor issue during our 2nd dinner visit, but the attentive restaurant manager resolved the issue quickly and professionally. The children were thrilled that we were able to take our plastic Loco Gecko cups home as souvenirs!

The Beach
Don't worry I didn't forget about beach! After all the beach would be one of the main reasons you stay at an ocean front beach resort, right? We spent afternoons relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, building sand castles and of course collecting shells. And each night after dinner we took a nice relaxing walk on the beach to collect more shells and do some beach combing. It is amazing what you can find laying on the beach after a busy day. We were even able to sneak in a beach geocache which we found several resorts north of the Crown Reef. And shh don't tell the children, but we also were able to sneak in some homeschool too! The beach is full of educational learning opportunities.

Accessing the beach is super quick and easy. Just walk through the pool area, over a gated bridge and your toes will be touching the sand. If you don't want to lug your umbrella and chairs out to the beach you can rent a set of comfy chairs and an umbrella for the day from the lifeguards. There are numerous wash stations to rinse off sandy bodies and gear before heading back to your room or next amenity. 

A few other amenities I'd like to mention include the fitness center (which will be getting an overhaul too) and  a 12,000 square foot space for meetings, banquets, weddings and events for groups of 25 to 1,200.

More Details
So are you ready to book your next vacation now? The Crown Reef  “all-in-one” resort offers something for family at an affordable price. You can stay at the resort the entire time and never run out of stuff to do or head to the many wonderful attractions located around Myrtle Beach. If you decide to take advantage of the local attractions be sure to check with the Crown Reef front desk to see how you can save and in many cases even purchase your tickets. We would definitely stay at the Crown Reef Beach Resort again!

Where:
Crown Reef Resort
2913 South Ocean Blvd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
877-684-9998

When to visit:

All year long!

Cost:

For families looking for a great budget friendly option definitely check the Crown Reef Resort first. Rates start at just $39 a night on select dates.

SPECIALS:

Crown Reef Resort offers a variety of special throughout the year. Check their Specials Page for more details. 

Links to follow:

-Crown Reef Resort Website

-Crown Reef Facebook 

-Crown Reef YouTube

-Crown Reef Twitter

What do you think your favorite amenity would be?

We were given 4 days, 3 nights at the Crown Reef Resort plus a $100 food voucher in exchange for our review, all opinions are our own.

Albany - Southwest Georgia's Hidden Gem

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Have you ever visited a city and fell in love with it so much you want to move there? Well we did when we visited Albany, GA. Albany is a the perfect getaway for a day, weekend or an entire week. This beautiful Southwest Georgia town offers visitors of all ages a wide variety of award winning museums and attractions, first class hotels, fine dining and of course true southern hospitality.

I'm a history buff so before I give you the inside scoop on where to stay, eat and have fun let me first tell you a little bit about Albany.

The first inhabitants of the area which is now Albany were the Creek Indians. They resided alongside the "Thronateeska" riverbank. This strange word means "the place where flint is picked up." The river was renamed Flint River, eventually by settlers, but as you can see it kept part of it's original meaning. Nelson Tift founded the city in 1863 in hopes that the settlement would prosper as a trade center like Albany, New York. So in the mid 1800s Albany integrated several plantations. They were one of the few Georgia cities that saw no battles during the Civil War, however the plantations did provide cotton and food for the Confederacy. Due to the low water and sandbars in the Flint River, Albany turned to rails for transportation and became a rail center by the turn of the 20th century. Industry and commerce followed the railroads, and an active arts community ensured cultural as well as economic growth. Albany also played a major roll in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, Albany is riding high, thanks to a private-public partnership that is redeveloping the downtown by playing up the area’s premier natural resource – the Flint River. Albany has an estimated population of over 77,000 people, but don't let that number fool you. This city still has all its charm and small southern town feel. The residents of Albany are amazing and some of the best people we have met in Georgia over the last 14 years. Albany has lots of stories to tell and is waiting for you to visit.

10 Places To Visit:

1) Flint RiverQuarium -
This one-of-a-kind aquarium is the centerpiece of the redevelopment of downtown Albany. The highlight of the aquarium is the 175,000 gallon, 22-foot deep Blue Hole which is filled with over 120 plants, fish and reptiles that can be found in the Flint River ecosystem. The Blue Hole tank allows visitors to explore it from the surface to the depths through a panorama of discovery points. The Common Snapper, Spotted Gar and Gulf Sturgeon were some of our favorites. After checking out the surface viewing area you will make your way through the Flint River Gallery.

The Flint River Gallery explores the Flint River from its urban headwaters in a culvert at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta to its confluence with its sister river, the Chattahoochee, at Lake Seminole and onto Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Over 40 species of both freshwater and saltwater fish, reptiles and amphibians are on display in individual exhibits in this area. It is truly a unique journey offering a first-hand look at life all along the river's path. Throughout the exhibits are interactive touch pads where children can learn more information about each of these magnificent creatures. Since we had a guided tour the children even got to touch a gopher tortoise. Some of our favorites in this area were the Tiger Salamander, Longsnout Seahorse, American Eel and Green Tree Frog.

The next stop was the hatchery. This was my favorite part of the aquarium because we got to see baby sharks still inside their eggs. This exhibit is constantly changing so you never know what you may see. The fish here are raised from egg to fingerling and once they are big enough they are transferred to other exhibits in the aquarium or sometimes shared with other aquariums.

Next we made our way through the World of Water and Spring Run Creek exhibits. These areas had lots of activities for the children and taught them the importance of rivers, introduced them to rivers around the world and discussed pollution and water conservation. There was a limestone cavern to crawl through, a make your own river table, interactive learning station and of course more fish, reptiles and amphibians. Throughout this area there were also beautiful photographs and wall murals on display. One of our most memorable moments in this exhibit was when our guide stuck his hand in the Piranha tank to debunk the myth about them being human attacking fish.

Our final stop of the day was the Cypress Creek Aviary. This 35 foot high enclosure is located behind the aquarium and gives visitors an up-close look at passerine and wading birds indigenous to the Flint River basin. Gwyn even got to have a conversation with a Blue Jay.

After you tour the aquarium you an head over to the Imagination Theater. Here you can watch a nature film on a three-story IWERKS screen with digital surround sound. And don't forget to stop by the gift shop too where you can check out a tank made by the guys from the Animal Planet show "Tanked".

We were very impressed with the aquarium and will definitely return again. The layout was fabulous and it flowed nicely. Staff members were very attentive and ready to answer any questions we had about the aquarium, animals, etc. The tanks were large and some even offered multiple viewing angles allowing you to view even the shyest of fish. The tanks were very clean and the animals looked happy and healthy.

Be sure to check out Flint RiverQuarium's website for more information on pricing and special programs including alligator feedings (you must see Moonshine the rare Albino Alligator), dive shows, educational programs and more!

2) Historic Bridge House Visitors Center:
The visitor center is located in the Historic Bridge House and FREE to visit. The house is a restored circa 1858 home which was built by African-American bridge builder Horace King. Horace was a freed slave and was commissioned by the Tift to construct a toll bridge as well as the house. The archway served as the entrance to the bridge. At the visitor center you can learn the history of the Bridge House, watch the film “From the Heart of Southwest Georgia," view some artifacts, rent bicycles, check out the historical photographs, and even find a geocache. This is also the place to pick up informational brochures on Albany as well as Albany souvenir's like stuffed turtles, books by local authors, postcards by a local photographer and kitchen and cooking items inspired by Albany native and queen of southern cuisine, Paula Deen.

3) Art Park on Pine:
BYOP (bring your own paint) and get ready to create your own street art! The Art Park is a place where everyone is welcome to observe, create and/or perform all forms of art, and an extraordinary venue for public and private events. The Art Park is FREE to visit and was designed to enhance the quality of life in the Downtown Albany Area while also providing a Community Center for Artists and lovers of the Art, alike. There are many plans in the works for this amazing art mecca in Albany including a co-op garden within the park, gallery enclosures, studio spaces, an art supply store and more. Several local artists watch over the Art Park walls to ensure a small measure of appropriate content and the sharing of space.

We spent over 3 hours enjoying this one of a kind open air community art gallery. It is the only one in Georgia, but hopefully it will pave the way for more throughout the state. Everything in this dilapidated, re-purposed structure can be used as a canvas including the porter potties (yeah those were my son's favorite item to paint on). Local artist Cameron met with us teach us the art of street art. Gwyn my aspiring artist was brimming with ideas. She finally settled on the perfect space and with Cameron's help she created an alley scene with rats, trash cans and a hungry stray dog. She even utilized the holes is the walls as part of her design. Even I couldn't resist picking up a can of spray paint!

4) Riverfront Park:
Spend the day enjoying all that the six-acre Riverfront Park offers. The park is spread out along the Flint River and hosts open views of the river, a community built Turtle Grove Play Park with Dino Dig and Tot Lot, a music and light animated play fountain, pavilion areas, arbor garden sitting area with swings, the 3 mile Greenway Trail System, the Horace King Overlook, the Albany Welcome Center, and the Ray Charles Plaza.

The Greenway Trail currently travels north three miles to Cleve Cox Landing on Philema Road. And eventually the trail will connect to Chehaw – “Nature’s Playground” and south to Radium Springs Garden, one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders. If you don't wish to walk the trail you can rent bikes at the visitor center and in the near future you will even be able to rent a kayak so you can float down the Flint River alongside the trail. The Audubon Chapter has designated this trail system as one of the best local areas to bird watch for fall migrants.

Ray Charles Plaza is a great spot to take a relaxing break. In the center of the plaza is a rotating life-size bronze sculpture of the pioneering soul musician seated at a baby grand piano. Water flows over the slowly rotating pedestal and spills into a reflecting pool at its base. Throughout the day at timed intervals you will hear the beloved melodies play from the "The Genius of Soul."  Take a seat on a piano key bench and enjoy the concert.

5) Thronateeska Heritage Center:
Thronateeska Heritage Center is located in Heritage Plaza one of the oldest Train Depots in the state of Georgia. This depot united the seven railroads that served as many as 55 trains daily. Now it is home to the newly expanded and renovated Thronateeska Heritage Center which includes the Wetherbee Planetarium, Science Discovery Center, Museum of History, Train Exhibit, and Archives and Collections Department.

Thronateeska Heritage Center is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and was  incorporated in 1974 for the purpose of historic preservation and science education in Albany and Southwest Georgia. The museum are FREE to visit, however planetarium shows require a small fee.

We toured the Wetherbee Planetarium, Science Discovery Center and Train Exhibit. The Museum of History is currently undergoing renovations. The Science Discovery Center was constructed between the Railway Express Agency building and the Fryer-Merritt House in 2008. The new building incorporated architectural features of the original 1926 Central Georgia Roundhouse on the façade of the building. 

The Science Discovery Center offers visitors fun, interactive, hands-on learning. Exhibits include archaeology, paleontology, geology, hydrology, astronomy, physical science and more. Have you ever wanted to be a weather man? Well there is even an interactive weather channel simulator where you can test out your skills. The children loved that they were able to touch the exhibits and I loved seeing their curiosity flourish. Gwyn loved the paleontology and astronomy sections. And Rowyn couldn't keep his hands off the piano strings. Currently on display is a special exhibit called the Flood of Memories which commemorates Albany's flood history. It was really neat seeing how the Albany community came together not once but twice after severe flooding ravaged the city. The museum is one giant circle so it is really easy to navigate and the staff is readily available to answer any questions you may have.

The Wetherbee Planetarium is one of the first of its kind in the world. Visitors can experience a variety of educational films in this hi-def planetarium with a 40 foot dome, digital projection and surround sound. We got a sneak peek at several of the films that are showed at planetarium and the visuals were stunning.

We finished up our visit at the Train Exhibit. On display is a steam locomotive, several rail cars and an HO-scale model railway exhibit inside a railroad baggage car and mail car that once made trips to New Orleans and Jacksonville. Rowyn was in awe of the train engine and rail cars.

Thronateeska Heritage Center offers educational group tours daily, special exhibits and more so be sure to check out their website for further details.

6) Chehaw Animal and Adventure Park:
Chehaw is truly, "natures playground." This 800-acre nature park offers visitors a variety of activities including a 100-acre AZA-accredited zoo, one of the states largest play parks, disc golf, BMX dirt bike course, walking/biking trails, miniature train ride and camping. The park requires a small entrance and if you wish to visit the zoo there is an additional fee. 

During our visit to Chehaw we spent our time at the Chehaw Wild Animal Park, where my animal loving daughter fell in love with zoo and it's inhabitants. This zoo is unlike any other we have ever visited. The native and exotic animals are not caged in and are free to roam in larger areas that are more conducive to their natural habitat. Unobstructed views of the over 219 specimens, representing 84 species of wild animals give you an up-close look at how these animals react in their natural environment. The zoo is laid out in a giant circle and offers plenty of shade for visitors as you stroll through scenic boardwalks and cypress swamps. Each animal has a placard in front of their habitat which provides information about the species and their status in the wild. The amazing Wild Animal Park design was originally done by Jim Fowler, a native of Albany, GA, and host of Wild Kingdom.

When we entered the zoo we were greeted by an animal ambassador in front of the reptile house. A very large red-tailed boa which captivated my children. Next we headed over to feed "Bogart" the camel. The children loved Bogart and feeding him gave them an up-close look at the rare Bactrian Camel species. Have you ever seen a camel run? It has got to be the funniest thing I have ever seen. Next we headed over to the animal that my daughter was anticipating the most, the cheetahs. We have never seen a cheetah at a zoo and now we can say we have seen three. These three sisters were so beautiful and loved entertaining visitors. Next it was time for our African Veldt Ride. This ride takes you on a mini safari into the "wild." There is no set route for this ride and the driver will get you as close as they safely can to the wild African animals. You will experience wildebeest, zebras, eland, kudu and more. We learned so much about these magnificent African animals during our ride. Before heading off to look at the other creatures at the zoo we headed over to the alligators to feed them a snack too. Wow was this fun!!! I mean it's not everyday you get to feed an alligator! Some of the other exhibits include the African black rhinoceros, American bald eagle, lemurs, meerkats, zebras, bobcats and more. All of the activities listed above as well as the cheetah lure run, rhinoceros feeding and educational animal programs are offered every Saturday and Sunday an included with general admission.

Chehaw is devoted to conservation, preservation and education and this is definitely evident when you talk with any of the dedicated staff members and see the condition of the animals. Chehaw has a few new additions in the works including a flamingo and several cat exhibit. Also onsite are clean restrooms, a cafe gift shop and barnyard petting zoo.

Visit the Chehaw website for more information about the nature park.

7) Radium Springs Blue Hole and Garden:
Radium Springs is one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders and actually what sparked this trip to Albany. This natural spring pumps 70,000 gallons of clear, 68 degree water per minute from an underground limestone cave. In 1927 the Radium Springs Casino and Resort opened and visitors from all over flocked to this special Blue Hole. However the depression, fire and a couple floods resulted in the casino and hotel closing it doors. Up until the mid-late 90's the spring was a popular swimming place for Albany residents but due to the flood damage the state and local governments eventually took over the property in 2003. Thankfully in 2010 Radium Springs Gardens opened it's gates again so that visitors could enjoy this magical place. Though swimming is no longer allowed there is still much to see and do at this beautiful place which is FREE to visit. Part of the casino ruins still stand and have been converted into a butterfly garden area with ample seating and even public restrooms. There are walkways, interpretive panels, spectacular viewing areas, and gazebos around the spring. Enjoy a few hours or entire day soaking in the foliage-draped hillocks, crystal clear waters, and exotic flora and fauna.

We enjoyed a nice walk through the gardens and around the spring and loved the educational, interpretive panels. We even found a virtual geocache while we were there. We spent a good 15 minutes just watching the fish swim around in the crystal blue water. Since the algae was really bad the blue waters didn't expand out as much as they normally do, but we still got a breathtaking view. We stayed for about an hour soaking it all in and even found some lizards to keep us company.

8) Marks Melon Patch:
Located just outside Sasser, Georgia is the famous roadside fruit stand know as Mark's Melon Patch. For the past 30 years, families from across the state and country have visited this Highway 82 roadside stand for their delicious fruits and vegetables. Mark's also sells delicious jellies, jams, preserves, syrups, pickled vegetables, pecans, peanuts, BBQ sauces, candies and much more. Customers can also now purchase over 150 items online.

During the Fall Mark's offers kid-friendly activities including hay-rides, face-painting, Pumpkin Jump Castle and more. In September and October you can find pumpkins everywhere in the Patch. It is the perfect destination for Fall family photos. Many professional photographers utilize the location for the gorgeous sunflower garden as well as the bright oranges, red and greens throughout the property.

Our car was so packed to the brim that sadly we could not go shopping at Marks. But we did make a quick stop to check it out.

9) Art Museum of Albany:
The Albany Museum of Art has six galleries and hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase works from the AMA’s Permanent Collection as well as temporary exhibitions of nationally and internationally recognized artists. Visit the Albany Museum of Art and view one of the finest collections of sub-Saharan African art in the Southeast. The AMA also features AMAzing Space, an interactive education gallery for children. This museum is FREE to visit! (we were unable to fit this museum in during our trip)

10) Civil Rights Institute: 
In 1961, crowds gathered at Mount Zion Baptist Church to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders inspire listeners to challenge the systematic oppression of African Americans. Old Mount Zion, built in 1906, is the most important artifact in the new Albany Civil Rights Institute’s collections. Since ACRI’s opening in 2008, visitors have learned about the Long Southwest Georgia Movement that stretches back to slavery and reaches right up to today. Come hear the power of music in the movement and see what happened to ordinary people in extraordinary times. On the second Saturday of the month, you’ll hear the authentic songs of the Civil Rights era performed by the SNCC Freedom Singers, a group formed in 1962 to share the freedom songs – and leave their mark, and tracks, in Albany. (we were unable to fit this museum in during our trip)

Other area of interests include FREE Legacy Park (18-hole disc golf, fish pond with pole available, soccer, baseball and softball fields, 8 tennis courts, sand volleyball, a mile and a half walking track, recreational facilities and more. The All American Fun Park which features arcade, go-carts, bumper boats, miniature golf and cosmic bowling. And the WWII Memorial.

Where To Eat:
The South is known for its cuisine and Albany is no different. Albany offers something for every palate from southern food to upscale locally-owned restaurants. During our visit we ate at 5 very different and unique restaurants.

1) Harvest Moon: 
This restaurant is one of three restaurants in Stewbo's group. Harvest Moon offers lunch and nightlife for locals and visitors. Menu options include artesian crafted pizzas, calzones, wraps and over 50 choices of beer. The restaurant offers inside and outdoor dining with a laid back atmosphere. Several times a week you can catch a local band performance too. The rojos here are to die for!

2) Pearly's Famous Country Cooking:
This is a  family owned restaurant that has been serving up breakfast and lunch for over 50 years. It is not unusual to see the owners and staff in the parking lot during rush times taking orders from cars lining up for an Albany-only experience! Their menu is a complete Southern-style country cooking experience. The omelettes are outstanding!

3) Our Daily Bread:
This relaxing family owned restaurant serves up delicious dishes made with local vegetables, gourmet burgers and sandwiches, baked deserts and coffee. But they are much more than a restaurant. They are a marketplace to buy organic, locally grown produce. A Farm to Fork experience! A community hangout for friends and family alike. They offer a one of a kind menu with dishes not found anywhere else in town. Work from local artists hangs on the walls and on Friday nights some of the best local musicians and bands perform for diners. Its healthy food for your physical body and spiritual food for your soul. If you are a peanut butter lover than you must experience a tasty Jimmy Carter Bison Burger!

4) Austins Firegrill and Oyster Bar:
What a menu! Austin's Firegrill and Oyster Bar offers a southern menu that pairs tender steak, juicy pork, and salty, fresh seafood! This restaurant offers a family atmosphere where you are bound to run into your friends, Austin’s Firegrill and Oyster Bar is a place to relax and enjoy and considered by some to be one of the best restaurants in Albany, GA. Look out for some live, local entertainment on the weekends. Everything we ordered was amazing here! But the steak, WOW!

5) The Cookie Shoppe:
Downtown Albany's best kept secret where everything is homemade! Cookies baked fresh in the morning along with yeast sub rolls for the sub sandwiches, if you want a sub sandwich you better get there early. Choose from pimento cheese, chicken, tuna, egg or ham salad, vegetable soup, chili, Baklava, and don't forget the best sweet tea and lemonade made in the south!

Where To Stay:
Albany has more than two dozen hotels – and many include complimentary breakfast and have the all-important swimming pool, among other amenities. But if you are looking for amazing amenities, impeccable service, spotless accommodations, and beautifully landscaped grounds then Merry Acres Inn is where you want to stay! This 110-room, historic boutique style hotel has been serving guests since 1952. They combine Southern charm and hospitably with modern conveniences to make you feel right at home.

Amenities include:
-Secluded salt water swimming pool and shade gazebo
-State-of-the-art PT Gym (5 fee)
-Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
-24 hour business center with two personal computers, high-speed internet, fax, copier, and printer 
-Complimentary manager’s reception Monday-Thursday
-In-room coffee, microwave, refrigerator, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, desk, ergonomic desk chair
-32-inch flat screen HDTV and premium cable in all rooms
-Merry Acres Restaurant and Manor House Pub onsite
-Room service from our on-site eateries and our three offsite restaurant

-Pet friendly

-Chauffeured 1939 Studebaker, 12-passenger Mercedes Sprinter, 15-passenger van rental

-5,900 square foot Event & Conference Center

-Swing set and slide

-And more...

From the moment we drove up to the hotel I just knew our stay would be fabulous. I'm a total sucker for historic hotels that have a story to tell. The check in process was really simple and the staff was very courteous. The rooms are laid out like a quaint little village and the grounds around the rooms are beautifully landscaped with bright flowers and large shade trees. The beautiful wrought iron railings outside the buildings and shutters on the windows make you feel like you are stepping back in time. Pull up parking is available in front of each room making unloading for your stay a breeze. Rooms are positioned off of the main road so there is no need to worry about noisy cars waking you up from restful sleep. The rooms are large and tastefully decorated with dark woods and earthy greens. The bathroom and closet space are very spacious too. All the necessities you require in a hotel such as comfortable beds, seating areas, cold air conditioning, flat-screen high-definition televisions and wireless internet service are available in every room. If you need something in your room to make your stay more comfortable you can rest assured that you will have very responsive concierge service. To start your morning off right the Merry Acres Restaurant provides visitors with a FREE complimentary breakfast in their large dining room. The breakfast includes a smorgasbord of foods including waffles, sausage, eggs, biscuits, bagels, cereal, yogurt and more. Read more on the history of Merry Acres Inn here. 

Albany has adventure that is out of this world. Experience the great outdoors, walk through history, and spoil yourself with true southern hospitality! Perhaps after a visit to Albany you will fall in love too and want to move there!