Georgia Magazine - December 2020 - 30

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Around GEORGIA

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Top left: See 10 acres of lights during Christmas Lights at
A.H. Stephens State Park in Crawfordville. Above: The 40th annual
Hofwyl Plantation Christmas in Brunswick includes a Christmas tour
of the plantation house. Bottom left: Cabins provide a relaxing
getaway at Mistletoe State Park in Appling. Bottom center: The new
cabins at Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth are great places
to celebrate a quiet family holiday.

event depicts an 1850s Christmas celebration on a Southern
rice plantation. Stroll down the
old carriage road, sample the
hot wassail and join in singing
Christmas carols.
Another traditional favorite is Victorian Christmas at the
Hardman Farm State Historic Site in Sautee Nacoochee.
Visitors to this event, which takes place on Friday and Saturday
nights Dec. 4-19, will find the Mansion at West End dressed to
the holiday nines in period decor. Docents clad in the 1870s
version of their Sunday best will share Victorian Christmas
traditions, and the house will be alight with twinkling candles
and live music.
Whether you are planning to attend a holiday event at
one of the parks or are simply getting away for the holidays,

Georgia Magazine

December 2020

Georgia's state parks offer places to disconnect from technology
and focus on the family. Most parks have campsites or cabins for
rent that put visitors in the very heart of nature, with scenery that
includes forests, fields, mountains, marshes, cascades, canyons,
rivers and swamps. Many of the parks are also dog-friendly, so
furry friends can join in the fun.
Excellent options include the new cabins at Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth, a hiker's haven on Lake Allatoona
with more than 15 miles of forested trails. Another good choice
is staying in a lakeside cottage or log cabin at Mistletoe State
Park in Appling, a park with a name that makes it
even more irresistible during the holidays. (See the
sidebar on page 29.)
" Southern Georgia's mild weather means
you can enjoy nature trails, biking, golf and many
outdoor activities year-round, " Hatcher notes. " The
parks are open every day-even Christmas Day-and
going for a walk with your family would be a nice
thing to do. "
Kathy Witt is a freelance writer from Kentucky.

When you go

For more information about the Georgia Department
of Natural Resources Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites
Division, visit gastateparks.org. For a list of holiday activities and their
admission and parking fees, visit explore.gastateparks.org/events.
Because of the pandemic, all events are subject to protocols
such as social distancing and visitor limits. Visitors should call ahead
to make reservations as well as to ensure that activities are still
scheduled to take place. Check the online calendar for updates,
as events are subject to change.

http://www.gastateparks.org http://explore.gastateparks.org/events

Georgia Magazine - December 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - December 2020