Georgia Magazine - July 2012 - (Page 28)

Family-friendly fun Explore eight awesome attractions in Georgia By BrEt LovE S ummer in Georgia typically means three things: Heat, humidity and kids out of school desperate for fun things to do. Fortunately, no matter what part of the Peach State you live in, there are numerous family-friendly attractions worthy of a day trip or a weekend getaway. Here are a few favorites: Blue Ridge SCeNiC RAilwAY 1 2 Mead Observatory, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge H 1 Blue Ridge Scenic Railway • • Trains played an integral role in Georgia’s history, and this budget-friendly attraction offers the equivalent of an immersive history lesson. Departing from the downtown Blue Ridge depot, the train takes visitors on a scenic, 13-mile ride along the beautiful Toccoa River to the twin border towns of McCaysville, Ga., and Copperhill, Tenn.—a 125-year-old route. Volunteer conductors and “car hosts” are a fount of information, keeping kids entranced with stories while parents enjoy the picturesque views. Special trips are occasionally offered that combine train rides with activities such as whitewater rafting or tubing. 241 Depot St., Blue Ridge. www.brscenic.com. (877) 413-8724; (706) 632-8724. 28 H 2 Coca-Cola Space Science Center • • 3 Flint RiverQuarium This Albany attraction is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Georgia’s coolest native wildlife species. Located on the banks of the Flint River, the RiverQuarium’s showpiece is the 175,000-gallon Blue Hole Spring, which features more than 120 different kinds of fish, turtles, alligators and other critters that make their home in southwest Georgia’s waters. Other kid-friendly elements include a new aviary, nature movies in the Imagination Theater, traveling exhibits such as Alien Attack: Target Everglades, animal encounters, dive shows, and special programs such as RiverQuest Summer Camp and “Sleep With the Fishes” overnight stays. 117 Pine Ave., Albany. www.flintriver quarium.com. (229) 639-2650. This Columbus State University-owned attraction blends education and entertainment to get kids excited about scientific exploration and discovery by tapping into their natural curiosity about outer space. The teaching and research site for all CSU astronomy courses, the center also features the Omnisphere Theater and planetarium, a full fleet of telescopes (including a 16-inch Meade LX200) in the Mead Observatory and the interactive Challenger Learning Center, which provides mission simulations such as Voyage to Mars and Return to the Moon. The center also offers yearlong Astronomy Nights and summer camps for kids. 701 Front Ave., Columbus. www.cc ssc.org. (706) 649-1470. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org H • • GEORGIA MAGAZINE MARY JOHNSON http://www.brscenic.com http://www.ccssc.org http://www.flintriverquarium.com http://www.ccssc.org http://www.flintriverquarium.com http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2012

Georgia Magazine - July 2012
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar of Events
Currents
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
Unveiling a Healthier Georgia
A Soldier’s Wish
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - July 2012