Cagles Family Farm - Ag-Venture Tour Review

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Cagles Family Farm is a family operated farm located in Canton, GA. Since 1936 this farm has been in operation and was a working dairy farm up until 1995. Though it is no longer a dairy farm, it still maintains a herd of dairy cows and a variety of farm animals. Present day Cagles is now used primarily as an agri-tourism venue for family fun and education. Their motto is "Every urban child should learn that their food, including milk, is produced on a farm and not just a product of the local grocery store." 

A moms review:

Escape the city hustle and bustle for some good ole' country fun. Cagles offers many great activities for families and groups. At Cagles you can get lost in the huge corn maze, visit a pumpkin patch, take a hayride, watch the herding dogs work, take a walk through a scary haunted barn and see where milk really comes from. There is so much to do down on the Cagles Family Farm.

The kids and I took an Ag-Venture tour at Cagles Family Farm. We met our tour guides Cathy and Oak (a border collie) outside of the red brick ranch house, which is where you also pay. While we waited the kids had fun playing on a very large antique scale located outside of the house. They also got to pet a few of the other border collies that were out and about. From there our guide led  us through the "Cow Subway". The kids found the large steal tunnel going under the road fascinating. And of course they couldn't resist yelling to hear their echos. We moseyed our way into the museum barn where our guide told us about the Cagles Family Farm history and their transition from a Dairy Farm to an Agricultural Farm. There are lots of cool things to see in the museum like old tractors, tools, milk jugs, antique typewriter and more. 

Next came the highlight of our day. Our guide led us to an open barn where there was several animals including the two cutest baby cows. She explained to us that they were Holstein Cows and that they supply the majority of our milk. She then bottle fed one of the cows which got lots of awww's from the kids and adults. She briefly explained some of the other animals that were in the barn and gave each of the kids some special leaves to feed the animals. In addition to the cows there was also a pig, turkeys, white ducks and a few chickens. My daughter was fascinated by the cows who loved to lick your hand when you rub their noses. And my son was fond of the pig who loves to be scratched and will even roll over on his side just like a dog when you do. I had to practically drag my kids away from the animals when it was time to move on. I really liked that above each animal they had a sign with some great educational facts which I could read to the kids. On our way to the next area the kids got to see and pet some of the BIG cows. The guide provided each child and adult with some hand sanitizer as well before moving on.

Next we visited Miss. Rosie's Parlor for a milking demonstration. But where was Rosie? The guide opened the barn door and had us yell, "come on out Rosie." We had to do it a couple of times and then she came running out and right into the milking stall. The guide explained to us that Rosie was a Jersey cow and that she was a little different than Holstein cows. The kids noticed that she was solid brown and didn't have spots. The guide joked with the kids and said her brown color didn't mean that she produced chocolate milk...but that she did give richer, creamier milk that is used in ice cream, cheeses, etc. I think YUMMY was the response from all the kids. The guide also explained how they milked cows in the olden days and how cows are milked today. Then she hooked Rosie up to the milking machine and we got to watch the milk shoot through the tubes. The kids even got to put their hands on the milker tubes to feel how the suction feels to a cow. My kids said it felt just like a vacuum cleaner. Guess what else? Rosie is expecting a baby!

Next it was time to board the hayride. Our driver had some trouble starting the tractor but after we all yelled Yee-Haw it surprisingly started right up. We took a tour of the farm grounds and stopped in a large field by a lake to view a sheep herding demonstration. Oak our border collie guide did the demonstration. Oak is currently being trained and had to be on a long rope lead but he did a great job of following his commands and getting the sheep back to their pen. 

We ended our tour which took about a little over an hour by visiting the goats. Another favorite part for my kids. Each child and adult received a handful of feed. There were goats of all colors shapes and sizes. My kids could have stayed there all day petting and feeding the adorable goats. 

But wait.....on our way back to the car we stopped for a little fun on the Jumpee Pillow. WHEEE! 

My daughter (age 6) whose dreams of owning a farm when she is a grown up said she "had the best day ever." And after her first visit to a real working farm she is even more determined to be a farmer. But she is still very adamant that her husband will have to clean up the poop.

Extra details:

• Wear proper footwear like sneakers or boots. This is a working farm.
• During the summer months the concession stands are not open so make sure you pack a lunch, snacks and beverages.
• If your susceptible to headaches from certain smells I suggest sitting at the middle or back of the hayride so you don't get a headache from the tractor fumes. 
• Pavilions and nice shade trees are available to eat under.
• Ag-Venture tours are only offered on the 2nd and 4th Saturday at 10 am during the Summer months. However if you have a group trip you would like to plan they offer those by request during the week.

• Outdoor Bathrooms and hand washing facilities are available. They are very clean and not porta potties.
• The walking part of the tour is handicap and stroller accessible.
• There is a dirt parking lot with ample parking.
• They accept credit cards and cash.
• Sign up for the email list to get valuable coupons. Also check out websites like Groupon which offer special offers from time to time.

Where:

Cagle's Family Farm
355 Stringer Rd.
Canton, GA 30115
770.345.5591

Links to follow:

-Cagle's Family Farm Website

-Cagle's Family Farm Facebook

Johns Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility Tour

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A few weeks ago we took a fabulous fieldtrip to a wastewater treatment facility in Alpharetta Georgia. This state of the art facility which is called the Johns Creek Environmental Campus offers FREE educational fieldtrips to groups. The 5-acre, award winning facility is located on a 43-acres site off Holcomb Bridge Road in the City of Roswell adjacent to the Chattahoochee River.  The facility can treat up to 15 million gallons per day (MGD). The tour lasts about 2 hours and discusses water quality, water conservation and the water and wastewater treatment processes. The unique STEM opportunity connects nature and technology for elementary, middle and high school students.

For the first 15 minutes of the tour we sat in a classroom where they gave us an overview on the history of the plant, the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system, and the overall process of cleaning wastewater. We also got to watch a great power point presentation. 

Afterwards the group split into two smaller groups. One group went with a tour guide on a tour of the plant and the other group participated in a hands on lab activity with the other tour guide...then we swapped.

During the lab activity each child got to participate in a hands on activity to learn exactly how the wastewater is processed. We even got to see several actual water samples (one which included some micro-organisms).

After the lab activity we headed out the mini museum which included a functional model of the Membrane Bioreactor, informational fact boards and old water treatment machinery.

Next it was time for the final leg of our fieldtrip. We swapped with the other group and went on a tour of the actual plant!!! We got to walk through the water treatment process and got to see every pint the water was running through. My kids and I thought the biological process (where the bugs have a party) and ultraviolet disinfection process were the coolest parts. We even got to see where the state-of-the art membrane bioreactors are located, where the testing lab is and even got a sneak peak at the control room. JCEC was one of the first plants of its size to utilized the MBR technology in the United States. We also learned what the plant does to reduce noise and smell for their neighbors.

This educational, fun and FREE tour is perfect for helping children understand not only the "water cycle," but also the "water treatment cycle." 

Both of our tour guides Debra and Cheryl were fabulous. They were really patient and did a great job of keeping the children engaged and answering all of the children's questions. I highly recommend this tour for school groups, homeschool groups, scouts, etc. Tours are only available by appointment.

The JCEC event has downloadable pdfs of the entire water treatment process.

After the tour we headed out to explore the "backyard" of the plant. The landscape outback includes walking trails, fantastic views of the Chattahoochee, a playground, a pond and stream system complete with a covered bridge, over 1,000 trees and shrubs and specially designed stormwater bio retention facilities that help clean stormwater runoff. There are also great placards with lots of information about the land, flora, fauna and water treatment process. I have driven past this place several times and never knew it existed. It is a great spot for a picnic, birdwatching or a nice stroll. This area is open to the public year round. Oh and if you are a geocacher be sure to grab the 3 caches located there.

If you plan on doing a similar tour with a group I highly recommend ordering these FREE resources from the USDA to hand out to families before or after the tour.

Your Hometown Clean Water Tour activity booklet

Water Cycle 2 sided poster

There are also some great printables and information on the water cycle here. And a great printable activity booklet and video here. And lastly view some micro-organisms at work in this video.

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.