The Words that May Haunt Me Forever

            Blaster Boats at Callaway Gardens

There has been a time or two in my life that I have said something that I probably shouldn’t have said. Let’s just say that I’m not proud of the phrases that I’ve uttered that have shown my lack of intelligence.

This past weekend my family was having a fun time on the Blaster Boats at Callaway Gardens. We were all cruising around the lake spraying each other with water and trying to outrun each other pretending that we didn’t want to get totally soaked.

It was a great time and I really enjoyed it. But being the blogger that I am, after a few minutes I decided to head back to shore so I could snap some pictures and video of my family in action. As I made my exit, and headed back to the dock I called out these words over my shoulder to my family….

“…I’m going to head back to get a few pictures, don’t use up all your water until I get a few shots, okay?”

I had no idea why they started snickering. Really. I was clueless. And when they pulled back up to the dock and the boats hadn’t run out of water,  I was amazed. No kidding. I still hadn’t caught on. So they enlightened me.

Have you guessed why they were laughing at me? Are you laughing at me too? The boats don’t run out of water, they suck water up from the lake! Duh….I really did know that! What on earth was I thinking? “…don’t use up all your water….” 

As my daughter and I were heading to the Dollar General later that evening to pick up a few snacks I commented that her face hadn’t gotten sunburned at all and do you know what she said?

 “Why would it be, it’s not like I looked directly at the sun.”

It was my turn to snicker. And then she reminded me of the comment I’d made earlier in the day.

Yep. The words “…don’t use up all the water…”  may haunt me forever.

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The Blaster Boats are a brand new attraction at Callaway Gardens and are sure to be a hit for those looking for a bit of water fun. If you are at least 54” tall, you are free to zoom around Chickadee Lake blasting anyone and everyone in your path. Children that are under 54” tall are welcome to ride with a parent.  Life jackets are provided, and required for all riders.  

Each motor operated boat costs $10 plus tax for a half hour ride (admission to the gardens is extra).  You’ll find the boats operating until August 13th from 10 am until 6 pm on Sundays, 10 am until 8pm Monday- Thursday, and 10 am until 9 pm Friday and Saturday.

**Disclaimer: My family did receive complimentary tickets to ride the Blaster Boats. The words and comments expressed in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Ten Reasons Why You’ll Love Callaway Gardens

Located in Pine Mountain, Georgia, Callaway Gardens is a special treat for the entire family. Whether you’re seeking some rest and relaxation amid the beautiful tranquil gardens and easy walking paths, or prefer a weekend of adventure, Callaway Gardens has just what you’re looking for. Here are ten reasons, you’re sure to love Callaway Gardens.

1.  The history buff in the family will enjoy learning about the history of Callaway Gardens in the Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center or visiting the Pioneer Log Cabin that was constructed of hand-hewn logs around 1830.

 

2. The beautiful gardens, walking and bike trails that wind through the wooded grounds are perfect for the nature lover in the family.

3. Young and old alike will love the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and marvel with amazement at the 1,000 butterflies and moths you’ll see flitting about.

4. The Birds of Prey raptor shows are really something to see as the birds soar about unfettered at the Discovery Amphitheater.  

5. With jugglers, acrobats and high-wire acts, the FSU Circus is sure to entertain you.

6. The brand new Light Striker Laser Tag attraction will get your heart pumping!

7. The Blaster Boats are really a blast! 

8. Sun worshippers will love soaking up the rays at the world’s largest manmade white sand beach at Robin Lake Beach.   

9. If you love watching Wipeout, here’s your chance to get in on a tiny piece of the action. Aqua Island is a large floating challenge course for you to slip, slide and climb all over.    

10. The thrill seeker in your family will love the adrenaline pumping, heart thumping, TreeTop Adventure, a series of zip-lines built around an aerial challenge course that will literally have you swinging through the trees.

There you have it, ten reasons you’ll love Callaway Gardens and I haven’t even mentioned the fishing,  golf course, tennis courts or water skiing that’s available. There really is something for everyone.   

What do you think? Are you ready to plan your own getaway to Callaway Gardens yet?   

Pine Mountain

This post is linked to OhAmanda and her Top Ten Tuesday link-up. 

Disclaimer: My family was invited to Callaway Gardens, with a group of bloggers,  for an expense paid getaway to check out one of the newest attractions, TreeTop Adventure in exchange for sharing our experiences on my blog and on Twitter. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not influenced by Callaway Gardens. We enjoyed our visit so much that we extended our stay (at our cost) one night to make sure we didn’t miss anything.  Be sure to stop back later in the week as I share more detailed experiences from our visit.   

Georgia 4-H: Homeschool Days

 

This fall, the Georgia 4-H Centers will be hosting their popular Homeschool Days programs once again. Exclusively for homeschool families, these programs are offered at several facilities across the state.

September 8-10; 11-13; and 18-20 – Homeschool Days at Burton 4-H Center

October 17-18 - Homeschool Days at Rock Eagle 4-H Center

November 16-18 and 20-22– Homeschool Days at Burton 4-H Center

If those dates and locations don’t work for you, five Georgia 4-H centers are willing to work with you so you can organize your own group for 10 or more people (children and adults). 

Wahsega 4-H Center, Dahlonega, 706-864-2050

Fortson 4-H Center, Hampton,770-946-3276

Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, 706-484-2862

Burton 4-H Center, Tybee Island, 912-786-5534

Jekyll Island 4-H Center, Jekyll Island, 912-635-4117

Tidelands Nature Center (day programs only), Jekyll Island, 912-635-5032

These classes are described as hands-on, experiential learning programs for the whole family, geared towards 5-17 year olds (children will be grouped with children of similar ages). Parents accompany children to classes. Families stay together in dorms or cabins, meals are provided in the dining halls. Class topics include marsh ecology, orienteering, herpetology, beach ecology, pioneer studies, etc.  Through environmental education, Georgia 4-H centers aim to inspire youth with a love for learning by using the outdoors as a “classroom without walls” filled with unique learning opportunities. 

Do you know of any Homeschool Days in your area? Please leave a comment and let me know so I can check it out.

Hotel Review of La Quinta Inn & Suites- Macon, Georgia

La Quinta Inn & Suites 3944 River Pl Dr Macon, GA 31210 478-475-0206

We’ve stayed at a lot of hotels over the years. For the past two, we’ve been partial to the La Quinta chain. Partly because we normally travel with our beloved pound puppy, partly because we don’t like to pay a lot of money for lodging when we travel, but mainly because La Quinta has one of the best rewards programs in the industry. If you aren’t familiar with their rewards program, allow me to assure you that the points we earn add up to free nights rather quickly.

Naturally when we’re seeking a hotel for the evening, 9.5 times out of 10, I’ll look for rooms at a La Quinta hotel and our recent trek through Macon, Georgia was no different. 

Walking into the lobby, I knew this hotel was different. The open lobby serves as a breakfast area in what is a huge atrium style room overlooking the beautiful outdoor pool. We also discovered a business center, fitness room and comfortable well decorated rooms.     

Even though we checked in at nearly 3 in the morning, I was still excited to see our welcome gift waiting for us- an Otis Spunkmeyer cookie and bottled water.

Another perk? This hotel has the friendliest hotel staff I’ve encountered! Gotta love great service!

Next time we travel through Macon, we’ll definitely reserve a room at this La Quinta. 

What do you look for when selecting a hotel?

Macon Hotels

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site- Cartersville, Georgia

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site located near Cartersville, Georgia, is an easy drive from the Atlanta area and is a great place to stop and stretch your legs for those traveling along the I-75 corridor. 

Reminiscent of a National Park, visitors enter the park  through a Visitors Center, where you begin a self-guided tour. A short 15-20 minute video is shown that  offers an overview of the history of the mounds. From there you may view the artifacts on display in the small interpretive museum. The exhibits detail the every day life of the Indians that once lived on these grounds.

You’ll find the six mounds on site a short, easy walk from the Visitor’s Center. On the way to the mounds, you'll pass a wattle and daub house, a dugout canoe, borrow pits and what was known as the plaza.  It is believed that the occupants of the village used handmade stone tools to loosen and dig the soil before using baskets to carry the soil to build the earthen mounds.  

Only a fraction of this historic site has been excavated,  as  Etowah claims to be the most intact example of Mississipian Culture in the Southeastern U.S.

In 1964, Etowah was named a National Historic Site and is a sacred site for the Creek and Cherokee, descendants of Etowah's earlier residents.

While visiting, you'll want to climb at least one of the three largest mounds before making your way to the Etowah River where you can relax on a fallen tree at the river's edge, rest on the wooden swing or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the wooden picnic tables. 

If you don't have time to tour the site, you can drive past and see the mounds from the road, but I'd certainly encourage you to stop and climb the 65-foot tall ceremonial mound which will give you an excellent view of the entire grounds.     

Plan to spend 1-2 hours learning about this culture.

For current hours, admission or for more information you can contact Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site at 770-387-3747. You’ll find the park at 813 Indian Mounds Rd. Cartersville, GA 30120.         

Atlanta

Medieval Times, Atlanta

I have a confession. I have often imagined what it would have been like to have lived during the Middle Ages. I’ve dreamed of wearing the rich, ornate  gowns of the nobility. Never mind that it was likely they only owned one or two dresses, that hygiene was poor and living conditions a bit unsanitary, even filthy, a major contributor to the Black Plague! Just think, if it hadn’t been for that time period, perfume may never have been invented or needed!

In my mind, I have completely romanticized the Middle Ages into something that it most definitely was not. I guess it’s that crazy notion that has attracted me to Renaissance Faires, Shakespearean plays and knights in shining armor.

In light of that admission, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when my husband was working in Georgia, one of the attractions I wanted to visit was Medieval Times Atlanta.

Last week, after waiting nearly a year, my  family finally had that opportunity. We traveled to Atlanta to be transported back in time to the 11th century as guests of King Philippe and Princess Leonore for a celebration featuring a feast and tournament. The Castle is located at the Discover Mills mall and you really can’t miss it.  Just look for the huge stone fortress in the parking lot.   

Medieval Times Atlanta, one of nine Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament locations in North America

We’d arrived early to hook up with our group, to look around and to tour the Torture Museum that was located in the Dungeon. We had been cautioned that the Torture Museum was not intended for young children due to the graphic nature of the illustrations and equipment on display. Since I have teenagers I really didn’t think it’d be a problem, we do watch the History Channel, you know. I was wrong.

I can’t say that I found the pictures terrible, in and of themselves.  After all, they were crudely drawn,  simple black and white drawings, authentic to the style of the time period. What was disturbing was to see the objects of torture and then READ how they were used by the accompanying descriptions. That was disturbing.  All fondness I had for that age quickly disappeared after glimpsing the chastity belt and other devices that I’d rather forget. As I escaped the dungeon I found myself wishing I’d never entered.

After looking at the souvenirs available for sale, we waited in the Hall of Arms  for our number to be announced which would allow us to enter the arena where the festivities were to be held.

Since we’d booked as a school group,we found small cheering banners and commemorative programs at our seats. Unlike evening shows, the matinee includes special educational programming explaining different aspects of the time period to the audience. My oldest son really enjoyed that aspect of the show. My daughter hated it.

The food was served to us by serving wenches. Keep in mind we were in the Middle Ages so there were no utensils. Our menu consisted of a piece of chicken,  corn on the cob, a potato, garlic toast and a chocolate chip cookie. Hmmm….not sure that the chocolate chip cookie fits in the time period but we ate it, so who’s complaining?

I’d love nothing more than to say that my family absolutely loved the show at Medieval Times Atlanta, or rather that I loved the show. It’s not that I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t what I’d expected or built it up to be.

There were some aspects that I really enjoyed—the falcon demonstration was incredible, the dancing horse was pretty neat, and the jousting was entertaining.

Bottom line, I’m glad we went but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was just a teeny tiny little bit disappointed. But then I’ve discovered that sometimes happens when I blow things up, larger than life,  in my mind.  My biggest disappointment of the day? Medieval Times Atlanta does not have a smashed penny machine!  My son did buy a really cool sword though.

My family saved over $100 visiting as part of a school group, so if arranging a field trip is an option for you, it would be well worth checking into.

If you REALLY love horses, really LOVE the Middle Ages (and not just the clothes from that time period), and have never been to a jousting event, I think you’d be thrilled with the experience, the other families in our group seemed to be.  

Have you been to Medieval Times Atlanta or any of the other locations? What was your experience like?

Atlanta

Update: February Homeschool Days at Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island

A couple weeks ago I shared some information about Georgia’s 4-H Centers hosting Homeschool Days. Today I got an email stating that the Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island has just added a new date to the list. February 21st- 23rd they will be offering another Homeschool Days Program with special reduced rates, with classes appropriate for children between the ages of 5-16.  

The full program is $82 per person which includes lodging for 2 nights, 7 classes and 5 meals. Other options include a one night/one day program for $46, or a day program for $26 . Children 5 and under are half price, while those under 2 are free.  The program appears to be very flexible with options for families that chose to stay off-site as well as options which allow families to extend their stay by arriving a day early, or staying a day later.

The hands-on classes include Marsh Ecology, Beach Ecology, Games, Squid Dissection, Crabs and Critters and Wetland Monitoring. During your free time you may choose to discover Fort Pulaski, the Tybee Island Light House, the Tybee Pier, Historic Savannah or the Oatland Island Wildlife Center. Doesn’t this sound absolutely wonderful?

You can view the schedule and enrollment form here or call 912-786-5534 if you have any questions or for more information.

Do you plan to attend any of the homeschool days offered at any of the Georgia 4-H facilities?

Georgia 4-H Centers Host Homeschool Days

I’m excited to announce that the Georgia 4-H Centers will be hosting  Homeschool Day programs again this spring and fall. This year I’m really hoping my family can attend one of the programs, which are designed exclusively for homeschool families - they sound amazing! 

These are hands-on, experiential learning programs for the whole family.  Families stay on site in dorms or cabins, eat in the dining halls and attend the programs designed for 5-17 year olds (children grouped with children of similar ages) together.  Classes offered include various topics and subjects such as marsh ecology, herpetology, beach ecology, pioneer studies, etc.  The aim of the 4-H centers is “to inspire youth with a love for learning by using the outdoors as a “classroom without walls” filled with unique learning opportunities.”  Doesn’t that sound incredible?

I’ve listed the dates of the Homeschool Days at each of the various facilities below. You’ll need to visit the links below for further details  or contact the facility directly at the number provided, as details (classes, prices and schedule) vary among each individual 4-H center.

Tentative- February 21-25 - Homeschool Days at Burton 4-H Center on Tybee Island

Email David Weber (dweber@uga.edu) if you are interested.  If there is enough interest a program can be scheduled for these dates.

April 11 and 13 - Homeschool Days at Fortson 4-H Center, Hampton

April 18-19 - Homeschool Days at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton

September 8-10; 11-13; and 18-20 – Homeschool Days at Burton 4-H Center, Tybee Island

October 17-18 - Homeschool Days at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton

(at this time the Homeschool Days in the fall seem to have the same schedule as the spring program)

November – Homeschool Days at Burton 4-H Center, Tybee Island

OR…Schedule a Homeschool Day for your own local support group

If those dates or events don’t work for you, there is another option. If you have a group of ten or more friends (children and adults), you can plan your own trip to any of the following Georgia 4-H Centers. You pick the classes and schedule that work for you for either an overnight or day field study. 

Wahsega 4-H Center, Dahlonega,  706.864.2050

Fortson 4-H Center, Hampton,  770.946.3276

Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Eatonton, 706.484.2862

Burton 4-H Center, Tybee Island,  912.786.5534

Jekyll Island 4-H Center, Jekyll Island,  912.635.4117

Tidelands Nature Center (day programs only), Jekyll Island , 912.635.5032

Do you know of any special Homeschool Days in your area? Leave a comment below with a link and I’ll check it out.

 

Zoo Atlanta Homeschool Field Trip Days

 
Join other homeschoolers the first Tuesday of every month for HomeSchool Field Trip Days at Zoo Atlanta. Cost is $8 per person for everyone over the age of  three. Reservations are required up to two weeks in advance in order to receive the discounted admission. You can check out the website for more specific information and while you’re there make sure you take a look at the Homeschool Classes and the Holiday Homeschool Program that is specifically for homeschooling families.

You may also be interested in the Atlanta History Center and The High Museum of Art events for Homeschooler’s.

Atlanta History Center Homeschool Days

I’m a bit late getting this posted, since the first event is tomorrow but the Atlanta History Center offers monthly homeschool days that all members of your family from toddler to teen will enjoy. The events are $7.50 for nonmembers with reduced prices for members or groups of 10 or more.

Admission covers an exhibition tour as well as hands-on crafts and activities and sound pretty incredible! 

Lincoln’s Legacy
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
1:00 - 4:00 PM

This month, see With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition before it leaves!  The second program in this two part series will examine the immense impact of Lincoln's presidency as he led our nation out of slavery and set the stage for Civil Rights in the 20th Century.

History’s Mysteries
Thursday, November 18, 2010
1:00 - 4:00 PM

Ponder some of the perplexing puzzles of the past. What happened to Amelia Earhart? Who shot JFK? Explore historical mysteries while solving a museum caper that will have you sleuthing around the History Center for clues.

Holidays in History
Friday, December 17, 2010
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Come enjoy our annual holiday program, and experience how Christmas was celebrated in years past, from the 1860s Tullie Smith Farm, to the 1930s Swan House, and beyond!

Revolutions
Monday, January 10, 2011
1:00 - 4:00 PM

Explore from the American Revolution to innovations of industry, science, and thought, come and see how history remembers these moments of change and how they’ve shaped our modern world.

Please visit the website for more information.

If you live in the Atlanta area, don’t forget about the Homeschool Days at the High Museum of Art.

A Few Fun Stops

I know my blog posts have been a bit nonexistent lately and I do apologize. My computer crashed a couple weeks ago and it took me some time to replace it. But, now that it’s here, I promise, I’ll get busy adding some more posts. In the meantime, if you’d like to find out where we’ve been the past few weeks, here are a few posts from my other blog:

Disney's Christmas Carol Train comes to Atlanta, GA

I have to admit, after our first experience in Atlanta, I swore I'd never step foot in the city again. Well, I know the Lord has a sense of humor, because it wasn't long before my husband’s job led us back to the very place I intended to avoid for the rest of my life. Though I wasn't initially excited, a friend challenged me to make the best of our visit by finding five really cool attractions to visit. Well, that was a challenge I was up for and when we returned, not only did I find some really awesome outings to go on with my family, but I also discovered some reasons to return ... again ... and again ... and again.... (read the entire post here)

What'll ya have, what'll ya have?

When we planned to visit Atlanta several months ago, I sent out a plea on one of the yahoo groups I belong to asking for some recommendations of what we should or could do in the city. One of the suggestions I received over and over was to eat at The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant. Though we planned to go several times, we just hadn't made it. Until today. And it was worth the wait. Visible as soon as you exit I-85, the famous red V icon beckons you. (read the entire post here)

The B-17 Aluminum Overcast

This past Tuesday we found out that an historic WWII plane would be flying into our area and would be open for tours for two days only. Having studied that time period last year in school, and having two boys that are particularly interested in historic war planes, my husband and I knew that this opportunity was not to be missed. Thankfully my husband had a short day of work already planned on Wednesday so we were able to view this fascinating marvel. On the short drive to the airfield, my boys were taking turns impressing us with their knowledge of the B-17’s. Were they excited? You bet! (read the entire post here)

What'll ya have? What'll ya have? A trip to The Varsity downtown Atlanta

When we planned to visit Atlanta several months ago, I sent out a plea on one of the yahoo groups I belong to asking for some recommendations of what we should or could do in the city. One of the suggestions I received over and over was to eat at The Varsity, the world's largest drive-in restaurant. Though we planned to go several times, we just hadn't made it. Until today. And it was worth the wait. Visible as soon as you exit I-85, the famous red V icon beckons you.

Around back, a delivery truck was unloading. According to the brochure, that's only one of three or four that arrive throughout the day guaranteeing that only the freshest ingredients are used to prepare the treats that are served to thousands of visitors a day. Check out these facts: 2 miles of hot dogs, 2500 pounds of potatoes, 300 gallons of chili, and 3000 pounds of onions are devoured each day at The Varsity!

Stepping inside, you'll see the wall of fame, a collage of notable Who's Who that has eaten the world famous cuisine/fare. Elvis, our favorite redneck Jeff Foxworthy, Ryan Seacrest and Presidents Carter, Bush and Clinton, have all darkened the threshold of this landmark.

Instantly you'll hear the famous What'll ya Have, What'll ya Have bellowing from the food service workers waiting to introduce you to the taste of a Naked Dog, Rings or famous F.O. Yes, The Varsity even has a lingo all their own. The service is quick and well practiced. It's clear to see how they could serve 30,000 people on game days.

Fascinated with the diner decor, we chose a window booth on the upper floor overlooking the parking lot where we had a magnificent view of downtown Atlanta.

The fries and onion rings were so delicious, we ordered a second time. I've not ever eaten greasy rings like them but they were yummy. The F.O. or Frosted Orange was like drinking a push-up, the first few sips were yummy, but after that the tangy sweetness was a bit much. My husband didn't care for the chili on the hot dogs, comparing it to Skyline Chili and though my kids loved the burgers, it was certainly the onion rings that got our vote for favorite menu item served at our table.

So, if you find yourself passing through the Atlanta area, don't pass up an opportunity to eat at the World Famous Varsity! Just be sure to grab a napkin or two on the way to your table.

Thumbs up from our family though more from atmosphere than anything else!

Atlanta

Legend, Landmark or Roadside Attraction? Say Hello to the Big Chicken

On one of our trips to the Atlanta area, we drove by this huge eye-catching structure, known by the locals as a landmark and by passers-by as a roadside attraction, legend has it that planes to the nearby air force base have used it to navigate. I wanted to take a picture, but that was one of the times I'd left my camera in our hotel room. I vowed that on our next visit, I'd be sure to drive by and photograph this 56-foot tall fowl, with rolling googly eyes and a moving beak, known by locals as 'The Big Chicken'.

Though the attached restaurant is now a KFC, the original eatery began as a hamburger joint. When the owner began selling chicken and needed publicity to get his diner noticed, he had the chicken idea. The landmark became so loved by the community that when it was damaged by a storm in1993 and rumored to be torn down, the intense public outcry encouraged KFC to repair the chicken for a cost of $700,000. Today you’ll find the chicken near the intersection HWY 41/North Cobb Pkwy and HWY120/Roswell Rd. If you're in the city, make sure you drive by. It's not to be missed!

We love to visit roadside attractions...how about you? Any cool sites in your neck of the woods?

Atlanta