Track 4: Get Out of Town!
While this year’s Forum will be in the heart of downtown Atlanta, there are plenty of fun things to do that are within an hour of the hotel. You’ll have some down time to take advantage of fun outside of the Forum but if you’re bringing your family, these activities will be especially appealing. Read on:
May 30:
12:00 PM; 1:00 PM; 2:00 PM; 4:00 PM; 5:00 PM
Chateau Elan Winery
100 Tour De France
Braselton, Georgia 30517
Phone: 1-800-233-WINE (9463)
Drive time: 45 minutes north of the Marriott Marquis
Cost: $10.00
Château Élan Winery & Resort is a 3,500-acre resort 40 minutes north of Atlanta with lush vineyards, a 16th century style French Château, and a full production winery with tours and tastings. In addition to the AAA Four Diamond 322-room Inn, Chateau Elan is also home to the renowned European Spa, 63 holes of championship golf, seven distinctive restaurants, Culinary Studio and cooking school. Tour the winery, stomp the grapes, take home a bottle of wine with a label custom-made for you! Whether you’re a wine-snob or a novice, the tours are informative and the wine tastings are fabulous. This is a unique option that will make your “Get Out of Town” time a memorable event!
Ages: 21 and older
May 31:
10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Six Flags Over Georgia
275 Riverside Parkway, SE
Austell, GA 30168
Phone: 770-948-9290
Drive time: 25 minutes west of the Marriott Marquis
Cost: $30.00 per person (advance purchase online) plus parking ($15.00 per vehicle)
Just in case you’re bringing the family or if wine isn’t your thing, how about a ride on the Great American Scream Machine? No, it’s not a cab ride through downtown Atlanta … it’s Six Flags Over Georgia, the South’s premier family theme park! Looking for thrills? Well, you'll find plenty! In fact, you'll find some of the fastest, tallest, wildest, gut-wrenchingest rides in the country - including a few record-breakers. If you’ve got pint-sized thrill seekers, Six Flags has the day planned for you too! They have tons of great fun for little ones to enjoy on their own and with parents. These rides spin, fly and promise to take kids on magical journeys that are perfect for their height and age.
Ages: All
http://www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia/index.aspx
June 1:
Dawn to Dusk (i.e. 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Chattahoochee River Fun!
1978 Island Ford Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30350
Phone: 678-538-1200
Drive Time: 45 minutes north of the Marriott Marquis
Cost: $3.00 to enter the park; varies based on activity
Sixteen recreation areas along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River have been designed to conserve the river and provide outdoor entertainment for the whole family. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers several outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, picnics and evening family programs.
Ages: All
June 2:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Attractions)/ Laser Show starts at 9:30 PM
Stone Mountain Park
U.S. Highway 78 East, Exit 8
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Phone: 770.498.5690 or 800.401.2407
Drive Time: 35 minutes east of the Marriott Marquis
Cost: $8.00 park entrance fee per vehicle; attraction prices vary
Stone Mountain Park is home to the world’s largest piece of exposed granite rock and is the state’s most visited attraction. With more than 3,200 acres of natural beauty, the park offers families recreational activities, special events, lodging and camping. Plus, there’s the Sky Hike, the largest family adventure course in the treetops. Also see the Skyride, Paddlewheel Riverboat, Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard, The Great Barn, Scenic Railroad, Ride the Ducks, Great Locomotive Adventure, Golf, museums and the 1870s town of Crossroads® which includes live shows, craft demonstrations, shopping and dining. The digitally-remastered LaserShow Spectacular highlights musical scores featuring well-known themes from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones and High School Musical. With added displays of laser lights, graphics, characters and fireworks, this new show is bigger and better than ever!
Ages: All
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/default.aspx
June 3:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Yellow River Game Ranch and Kangaroo Conservation Center
4525 Highway 78
Lilburn, GA 30047
Phone: 770-972-6643
Drive Time: 40 minutes east of the Marriott Marquis
Cost: $8.00 (ages 12 and up); $7.00 (ages 2-11); Free (Under age 2)
Located just two and one-half miles east of Stone Mountain on Highway 78, the Yellow River Game Ranch offers a magnificent photo opportunity and a chance to meet wildlife on a close and personal basis. The Kangaroo Conservation Center is America’s Aussie Adventure, home to the largest population of kangaroos outside of Australia. Explore the rustic trail where newborn fawns are a delightful favorite during the summer months - feed deer who come right up to greet you! Huge bears stand up for special treats and our overhead "catwalk" allows an extraordinary view of a very feline cougar. You'll have our animals eating out of your hand-- literally!
Ages: All
http://www.yellowrivergameranch.com/index.htm
Next month, we’ll visit the SportZone so whether you’re a spectator or a full-on participant, you’ll find out about the sports activities in the ATL. In the meantime, we are ready to serve you as you plan your trip to Atlanta. If you have any questions, please contact any of the members of the Atlanta Local Arrangements Team:
Your Atlanta Local Arrangements Committee:
Andy Clark, Armstrong Atlantic State University <Andy.Clark@armstrong.edu>
Denise Gardner, University of Georgia < gardnerd@uga.edu >
Jonathan Gordon, Georgia Tech < jonathan.gordon@oars.gatech.edu >
Lily Hwang, Georgia Gwinnett College < lhwang@ggc.usg.edu >
Sean Mullins, North Georgia College and State University < SMMullins@ngcsu.edu >
Alice Simpkins, Paine College < simpkinsa@mail.paine.edu >
Barbara Stephens, Bainbridge College < bstephen@bainbridge.edu >
Sandi Bramblett, Local Arrangements Chair, Georgia Tech <sandi@gatech.edu>
Bill Hayward, Local Arrangements Associate Chair and Honorary Georgian, Northwestern University < bh@northwestern.edu >