Field Trips with Sue » Lake Lanier

Three Ways to Stay Cool in Dahlonega, Ga.

Sue — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:36:39 +0000

Three Ways to Stay Cool in Dahlonega, Ga.

Photo by Jack Anthony

What: Cooling off from the heat
Where: Dahlonega, Ga.
When: As long as it’s hot
Cost: Varies, see below
Giveaway: Win a family four pack for tubing with Appalachian Outfitters

It may be the last few weeks of summer vacation, but it’s still HOT outside. If you’re looking for a fun way to cool off, try taking a short jaunt to Dahlonega. Dahlonega’s location in the north Georgia Mountains means that crisp, refreshing rivers and lakes are everywhere, providing the perfect way to beat the heat. No matter what age, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Located only 70 miles north of Atlanta, Dahlonega is the ideal place to get away for the day or for a short weekend trip to cool down. Once you’ve cooled off, you may want search for some gold as well, here’s a post we did recently on the Dahlonega Gold Tour.

Canoeing on the Chestatee River

Waterfalls
Some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls are located in North Georgia near Dahlonega. In Lumpkin County alone there are nearly 30 different waterfalls, which can be accessed by various hiking trails. Exploring these falls is a great way to escape the summer sun because the paths wind through the forest and bring you close enough to feel the mist from the falls.

For the adventurous set, Dick’s Creek Falls offers a refreshing, shimmering pool of water at the bottom of the cascading falls that is great for a swim. This spot is the most popular swimming hole in the county and is where the locals go to cool off.

Lake Lanier
Many people don’t realize that Lake Lanier can easily be accessed in Lumpkin County. This often unknown entrance allows Atlantans to avoid the traffic of the more popular ramps in other counties and get into the water for some refreshing fun.

Tubing with Appalachian Outfitters

Water Sports
Grab a swimsuit and head to Appalachian Outfitters in Dahlonega for an inexpensive way to beat the heat. The outfitter offers tubing trips that last 30-45 minutes and cost only $6 per person, and with a short 10-minute return hike to the “put in”, you can float it multiple times. Tubers must be at least 4 years old.

Win a family four pack of tickets to go tubing with Appalachian Outfitters! Each item is a new entry.
Post a picture of you and my book “100+ Free and Cheap Things to do in Atlanta with Kids” on Field Trips with Sue on Facebook. Don’t have a book? Order one from www.fieldtripswithsue.com/100free
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A Round Up of Holiday Light Displays

Sue — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:38:00 +0000

A Round Up of Holiday Light Displays

What: Holiday Light Displays
Where: Around Metro Atlanta
When: Now through Dec. 31
Costs: Vary

One of the things I LOVE about the holidays are the lights. One day, I’m going to rent a bus, stock it with good cheer and invite family and friends to tour the lights of Atlanta. Until then, here’s an incomplete list of where to find the lights so you can go on your own tour. Know a place I missed? Add it in the comments. While you’re at it, let me know a little about you — are you a white lights only or the more color the better?

Centennial Olympic Park Holiday in Lights
Dates: Nov. 14 – Jan. 3
Cost: Free
Info: 20 miles worth of lights blanket the 21-acre Park and include a 58 ft. holiday tree. While you’re there, enjoy Atlanta’s only outdoor ice rink.

It’s Snowin in Atlantic Station
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 31
Cost: Free
Info: View 250,000 lights within an 8 block radius. While you’re there, gather around Atlantic Station’s grand 50-foot tall Christmas Tree and experience the magic of a realistic snowfall weeknights at 7:30pm, and Fridays & Saturdays, hourly 6pm-9pm. (Snow is weather permitting)

Life College Lights of Life
Dates: Nov. 23 – Dec. 30
Cost: $5 per car, $10 per van and $20 per bus, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank
Info: More than 100 pieces displayed throughout the 1.5 mile drive through campus. The display of Santa and his sleigh stands over 65 feet high making it the tallest in the Southeast. There is a petting zoo and pony rides on weekends for free. You can also sit on Santa’s lap or have your picture taken for $10.

Lake Lanier Islands, Magical Night of Lights
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30, 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: Prices start at $33 for a pre-purchased car ticket. Vans and buses extra
Info: Known as the world’s largest animated light extravaganza. In addition there is a Holiday Village with carnival rides, pony rides and holiday treats. Warm up with a sweet marshmallow roast or step inside the Santa Shop for some holiday shopping.

Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights
Dates: Nov. 20 – Dec. 30
Cost: $25 per adult, $12.50 per child for same day purchases. Discounts apply for pre-purchased tickets (under 5 is free, but must have a ticket)
Info: More than eight million twinkling lights celebrate the holiday season. While you’re there, visit the Christmas Village where you can see every nutcracker imaginable, or view intricately decorated trees and dream of holiday mornings in Toyland.

A Stone Mountain Christmas
Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 30
Cost: Various plans, but the best value is a $109 family of four pass, includes 4 tickets and 4 meals vouchers
Info: More than two million twinkling lights. While you’re there, watch live entertainment shows, see the Polar Express in 4-D, watch a festive Christmas Parade, a special laser show and more.

Here’s a map guide to holiday light displays from the Atlanta Journal Constitution for 2008. They don’t know if they’re going to update this for 2009, but this is a good place to start.

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