JANUARY 2019 THECURRENTHUB.COM
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If you have a high-schooler between the ages of 15 –17, the Beginner Environmental Leadership Program is a great opportunity offered by the aquarium. The program empowers those interested in aquatic ecosystems to become leaders in future environmental conservation. Volunteer hours can be accumulated during school breaks, including spring break. It’s an amazing opportunity for young adults. Details can be found at www.georgiaaquarium.org. Some other attractions in the downtown area include the SkyView Ferris Wheel that overlooks Centennial Olympic Park. The World of Coca-Cola, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and the College Football Hall of Fame are all in walking distance of one another. Another one of my favorite attractions in Atlanta is the Fernbank Museum of Natural History located at 767 Clifton Road NE. Fernbank is host to the world’s largest dinosaurs, Atlanta’s largest movie screen, 75 acres of outdoor nature adventures, interactive exhibits and much more. You walk through time on a journey of Georgia’s natural history as well as the development of the planet. Growing up, my kids loved that section of the museum the most. They loved seeing the dinosaurs looming above them, seeing the various creatures that used to, and those that still inhabit our state. These are the ecological variants that sum up Georgia. It is a great educational experience masked in fun. If you like amusement parks, like my 20-year- old daughter and I do, plan on visiting Six Flags Over Georgia. With 11 rollercoasters, a wide variety of shows, a section dedicated to little riders, and Hurricane Harbor, a large in-park water park, this 290-acre park has something for everyone. Our favorite ride by far is Goliath. This hypercoaster drops you from 12 stories high at 70 MPH and you experience 4Gs! We always choose the front seat for the best viewing experience and we typically ride this mammoth at least four times per visit. This ride is not for the faint of heart. Six Flags has special spring break hours so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance and plan accordingly. www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia Our local area is filled with fantastic outlets for the outdoor enthusiast. There
and brewery located in the town of Stone Mountain. For the dare devil thrill seeker drive two hours east of Atlanta to Durhamtown Off Road Resort. The largest in the southeast, this resort sits on 6,000 acres and offers over 150 miles of one way tracks for dirt bikes, ATV, and SXS trail riding. They have 15 unique racing tracks, shooting ranges, and hunting memberships for day hunts. I’ve been meaning to take a trip there with my 18-year-old son to show him up on a dirt bike. Well, it’s been about 25 years so we will see how that goes. durhamtown.com Atlanta is centrally located in the midst of day-drive destinations that are definitely must see. A two-hour drive lands you in Chattanooga. While there, make a reservation to go tandem hang gliding at Lookout Mountain. This is one of the most invigorating experiences I’ve shared with my kids. A certified instructor by your side talks you through your choice of an altitude of 1,500 or 3,000 feet. We chose 3,000 feet and I truly felt like an eagle soaring freely over the beautiful surrounds of Lookout Mountain. I was apprehensive to watch my children dangle above me at the Bear Hair Gap Trail within Blood Mountain Wilderness is hands of a an instructor we had just met a scenic, stream-filled forest hike. The dog-friendly path but after flying myself I felt I could not allows the fur one to come along, too. Photo courtesy of deny them the experience. I also had ImagineCamper.com every confidence with the well is certainly no lack of light to vigorous experienced instructors. Afterward, visit hiking trails, water sports, biking, and downtown Chattanooga and stay camping available. I love to drive a few overnight in one of the cars of the hours north to climb Amicalola Falls or famous Chattanooga Choo Choo. There Blood Mountain. The views from both are fantastic and the hikes are well marked. Amicalola Falls also has zip lining, archery, and rock climbing walls. Visit www.atlantatrails.com for guidance and to find the perfect trail to suit tour needs. For a spectacular view of Atlanta, take the family for a hike up Stone Mountain. Picnic on the massive quartz stone while taking in the view. Make it an overnight visit and rent a yurt, RV, or safari tent overlooking the lake. Play a round of golf or take a ride on the duck boats. There are plenty of options to choose from. I have a year parking pass to Stone Mountain and I often like to make the hike to the top of the mountain and then cool off with a good German brew from The Village Corner, a great little German restaurant, bakery, 1939 delivery truck at The World of Coca-Cola museum.
Durhamtown Off Road Resort is two hours east of Atlanta. Let ’em get dirty. Photo: Georgia Department of Economic Development are so many unique shops and activities to take advantage of there. So whether you decide to drive to beautiful Savannah and explore Tybee Island, visit the beaches of the Panhandle, or any of the destinations I suggested, you’re sure to find something to delight everyone in your family. There is no excuse for you to sit idle over spring break and listen to complaints of, “I’m bored!” ❍ When not writing, Roswell resident Tara Gary is busy making industrial furniture, charcuterie boards, and local art. Most nights she can be found with her friends at local breweries and pubs drinking craft beer.