Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the beautiful state of Georgia
1.) Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site located in Atlanta hours of operation are 9-5pm Start at the visitor center and then work your way around the three main sites in this historic park: the home in which the leader of the Civil Rights movement in America was born, the church where he preached and the memorial site where he is buried. A major Atlanta attraction, the park draws some 500,000 visitors each year.
2.) National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center located in Columbus hours of operation are 9-5pm The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an Infantryman does what he does, why he puts himself in harm’s way in defense of an idea and you will leave transformed, just as the Infantry transforms the man into the Soldier. The 190,000-square-foot museum opened in June 2009 on a 200-acre tract of hardwoods and pines just outside the gates of the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence. You can easily spend 2-3 days here soaking in the multiple floors worth of information so very well thought out.
3.) SCADstory located in Savannah hours of operation are 10-5pm Haven't you ever dreamed an impossible dream? Step into SCADstory - an immersive 4D experience that tells a universal tale of the dreamer in us all. SCADstory carries guests on an unexpected journey through SCAD history, across four decades of beauty, design, and invention. With the magic of 25 SCAD disciplines - from animation to themed entertainment design - this is a journey like no other.
4.) Jekyll Island Historic District You cannot visit Jekyll Island without spending some quality time in the Historic District. The story of the island is extremely interesting. You might try it on your own...certainly can be done. However, for the first-time visitor I highly recommend taking a trolley tour around the district, complete with tour guide. Saves a lot of walking because it is a pretty expansive area. More importantly you receive a tremendous narrative as you travel along throughout the district. Easy to do. Just head for the Jekyll Island Museum. You purchase your trolley tickets there. Entry into the museum is included in the price for the trolley ticket. Adult charges for the 90 minute tour was around $20
5.) Fort Frederica National Monument located in Saint Simons Island This beautiful park was the site of one of the first British colonies.This is a “must stop here “ place. There is a 20 minute film that explains the history of the fort. The film is well done with a lot of information. The museum is very informative. On the day we visited,there were “rein-actors who demonstrated weaving, cooking and weaponry. You can walk all throughout the ancient site and imagine the town that was there. General Oglethorpe brought disenfranchised people from England to start a new life as well as to protect the new colony from the Spanish invaders. Several interpretive markers are laid out strategically which explain the history of the buildings and their significance. Artifacts from that particular structure are enclosed in the marker. Many of the signs are worn and in need of repair. We love the live oak trees of the South; Fort Frederica has many. One in particular is 18 feet in circumference and 300 years old. Given that the fort is on the coast and hurricanes are prevalent, it is amazing that these majestic trees continue to stand. You could easily spend two hours strolling the grounds, resting on the benches throughout the grounds
6.) Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park located in Macon 17,000 Years of Continuous Human Habitation! Welcome to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a memorial to the relationship between people and natural resources. Native Americans first came here during the Paleo-Indian period to hunt Ice Age mammals. Several cultures occupied this land for thousands of years, each creating their own history here. The Mississippian culture arrived here around 900 CE and constructed mounds for the elite members of their society. Today the mounds remain for all to see and explore.
7.) Museum of Aviation located in Warner Robins hours of operation are 9-4pm Free U.S. Air Force museum open to the public Over 90 aircraft like the SR-71, F-15 & a B-29. Exhibits include Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, WWII Hump Pilots, Tuskegee Airmen, D-Day, and the Flying Tigers. Motion simulator rides $10, $8 for Military. Gift shop, playground, and picnic park. Closed on Sundays and Federal Holidays. Ten miles east of I-75 Exit 144.
8.) Andersonville National Historic Site and National Prisoner of War Museum Andersonville National Historic Site pays tribute to all American prisoners of war. The park has three features: the National Prisoner of War Museum, the site of the Andersonville prison, and the Andersonville National Cemetery.The National Prisoner of War Museum commemorates the sacrifices of all American prisoners of war. Museum exhibits tell the story of prisoners of war using artifacts, visuals, text and oral history interviews with former prisoners of war. Two 30-minute introductory films alternate throughout the day. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. A tour road encircles the Andersonville prison site; a self-guided driving tour is available. The Andersonville National Cemetery contains the graves of nearly 13,000 Union prisoners of war. The national cemetery is still active and contains over 20,000 interments.Most visitors spend at least two hours in the park. Those with an interest in the Civil War or military history could easily spend most of the day.
9.) State Botanical Garden of Georgia located in Athens hours of operation are 10-4:pm This 313-acre preserve is used by the University of Georgia as a horticulture laboratory and is open to the public.
10.) Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park America's first and largest military park is located just over the border from Tennessee. The park includes the main battlefield at Chickamauga plus a park on Lookout Mountain and a few other small reservations on Missionary Ridge and Orchard Knob. We only visited the main battlefield and the small park on Lookout Mountain. The battlefield has a nice visitor center with maps and other information, a museum, a bookstore and a movie which explains the military situation and the battle itself. The movie is highly recommended before touring the rest of the battlefield. There are many monuments to various outfits throughout the park which are interesting, and excellent signage that details where outfits were situated during the battle, what part they played and often casualty counts. There is an excellent self-guided audio auto tour which can be downloaded (for free) to one's phone, and which details the actions which took place at each stop and their significance in the overall battle. The park on Lookout Mountain has some fantastic views (if the weather permits) which help to understand the movements during the November 1863 battles for Chattanooga. The small visitor center just outside the park entrance gate includes a small bookstore and a museum which also explains the military situation and battles which took place. There is a small entrance fee to enter the park, or entrance is covered if you have a national park pass.
11.) Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park hours of operation are 9-5pm Site of a crucial Civil War battle offers a modern visitor center and a number of hiking trails on its grounds. At the base of the mountain, the park entrance has a new interpretive center, museum, and numerous self-guided tour trails that document Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's "March to the Sea" during the Civil War. There is an incredible amount of history here.
12.) BabyLand General Hospital located in Cleveland hours of operation are 9-5pm New home of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Free Admission. Deliveries Daily. There are thousands of Cabbage Patch Kids just waiting to be adopted. Big and small, Preemies, Newborns and 'Kids, from bald to a full head of hair, every baby has a name, birthday and a hard to resist personality.
13.) Jimmy Carter National Historic Site located in Plains Few U.S. Presidents have had such close ties with where they were born and raised. The rural southern culture of Plains, Georgia, that revolves around farming, church, and school had a large influence in molding the character and in shaping the political policies of the 39th President of the United States. The site includes President Carter's residence, boyhood farm, school, and the railroad depot, which served as his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election. The Plains High School serves as the park's museum and visitor center. The Jimmy Carter National Preservation District includes part of the town of Plains and its environs. The area surrounding the residence is under the protection of the Secret Service and the home is not open to the public. The Carters returned to Plains in January 1981. The former President and First Lady pursue many of the goals of the administration through The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, which has programs to alleviate human suffering and to promote human rights and world peace. When they are in Plains, Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church to which the public is invited. The Carters' ties to Plains have endured the stresses of public life, remaining as strong as they were decades ago.
14.) Senoia Welcome Center Historic Downtown Senoia Georgia is truly the perfect setting. For life. The area includes a variety of quaint shops and restaurants on Main and Barnes Streets, as well as dozens of historic homes and other structures on the surrounding blocks. Make the Senoia Welcome Center at 68 Main Street your first stop to plan your day of shopping, touring, and dining. The Welcome Center is open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Need more information about our merchants and enjoyable yearly events? Check out our website at www.EnjoySenoia.com and don't forget our Enjoy Senoia Facebook page
15) Madison Morgan County Welcome Center Known for its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and friendly people, let Madison captivate you with her grace and beauty. Step into a slower pace of life and discover more than two centuries of historic tales, vibrant culture, and small-town charm of this enchanting Southern city. Named “Best Small Town in Georgia” by Southern Living and 10th “Best Historic Small Towns in America” by USA Today, Madison is located just one hour east of Atlanta and less than half an hour from Lake Oconee. With one of the largest historic districts in the state of Georgia, get lost roaming the streets, shopping the unique boutiques and absorbing the local art and history. Make your first stop at the Madison Morgan County Welcome Center. Located right on Madison's downtown square, our Welcome Center is open 7 days a week to assist you with your traveling needs and we're always happy to show you the many things to see and do in our beautiful town!
16.) Goats on the Roof located in Tiger hours of operation are 10-6pm GOATS! There are 14 goats that get to frolic on the roof between two buildings and then in a pen. You can hand feed them and send food up via a conveyer belt. The goats are friendly and gentle with eating so it makes it a very family friendly friendly activity. They have a small playground for kids, gem mining, a food truck, a cute store, and some fancy liquid nitrogen ice cream. There is even an ice cream challenge if you are up for it. I definitely recommend this place but I also love goats so I may be a little biased! Fun little activity that doesn't cost though it is kinda in the middle of nowhere. Go see and feed the goats!
17.) The Rock Garden located in Calhoun hours of operation are 9-7pm Began by two friends in 2007 as a place for meditation and prayer. The Structures are built from pebbles and cement as well as ornate stained glass. There are approximately 50 structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Dover Castle, and Rome Colosseum just to name a few. There are walking paths crisscrossing between the buildings with various seating areas and a gazebo. There is also a trail through the woods behind the garden.
PLEASE NOTE: Climbing on the structures is not permitted as it could cause significant damage or even collapse.
18.) Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Welcome to the Atlanta Fed's Monetary Museum. By exploring an exhibit of historical artifacts, you'll discover the fascinating story of money—from barter to modern times. You'll also learn about the turbulent history of banking in America and see examples of rare coins and currency. The museum features a display on the history of money; interactive, multimedia exhibits explaining the Federal Reserve's role in the economy; and a view of the Bank's automated vault and cash-processing areas.
19.) Noah's Ark Rehabilitation Center located in Locust Grove hours of operation are 12-3pm Noah's Ark is a 250-acre animal rehabilitation center with habitats for more than 1,200 animals. Habitats are open to the public and house tigers, wolves, bears, lions, a leopard, monkeys and more. Call for hours and directions.
20.) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir located in Lilburn hours of operation are 9-6pm Open to one and all, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was inaugurated in August of 2007 after only 17 months of construction time utilizing 1.3 Million volunteer hours. The Mandir is composed of 3 types of stone (Turkish Limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone). More than 34,000 individual pieces were carved by hand in India, shipped to the USA and assembled in Lilburn like a giant 3-D puzzle.
21.) Alpine Helen / White County Convention & Visitors Bureau What a great little town. Like it was moved here as-is from Bavaria. Enjoying a couple of days here checking out the town, shops, restaurants, etc. You have to try some of the authentic German food in some of the specialized eateries. Lots to see and do
22.) The Harlem Museum and Welcome Center, Home of the Laurel and Hardy Museum of Georgia hours of operation are 10:30 -4pm The Laurel and Hardy Museum of Harlem, Georgia opened in 2002 and is the ONLY museum in the United States dedicated to comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Harlem, Georgia is the birthplace of Oliver Norvell Hardy. The original museum combined with the Harlem Museum and Welcome Center after the 2019 renovation of the Columbia Theatre, one of Harlem's historic buildings that was built in the 1940s! We have changed things up a lot here and show less of the objects on display. We rotate our collection so we can better care for the objects and to keep the clutter to a minimum. Admission is still FREE and DONATIONS appreciated!
23.) Double Barreled Cannon located in Athens This gun was designed during the Civil War and is the only double barrel cannon of its kind.
24.) Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center located in Blairsville hours of operation are 10-4pm Byron Herbert Reece was an award-winning poet and novelist who still saw his major life's calling to be tending his family's farm in a steep valley beside Wolf Creek in southern Appalachia. His farm has been beautifully preserved as a monument both to his literary achievements and to help people today learn about what life was like on a farm in the first half of the 20th century. Reece wrote: "From bits and shards in idle times I made these stories, shaped these rhymes May they engage some friendly tongue When I am past the reach of song." Many educational displays in the original farm buildings help guests understand the hardships and rewards of farm life in Appalachia.
25.) Battlefield Park Heritage Center located in Savannah hours of operation are 9-5pm This spot is home to both a Revolutionary War battleground and a railroad museum. While in town check out all the other historical sites.
26.) Candler Field Museum located in Williamson hours of operation are 11:30-9pm The museum is easy to locate just outside Griffin Georgia at a grass airstrip and has an adjacent restaurant (Barnstormers). Plenty of parking.
The museum is free, and consists of a single hangar with a mix of aircraft, vehicles, and dozens of pieces of aviation memorabilia from across the 20th century.
27.) Vidalia Onion Museum hours of operation are 9-5pm Come smell the Vidalia Onions! The Vidalia Onion Museum provides guests with an interactive, historical experience. The 1,300-square-foot space is filled with an array of educational exhibits that highlight the sweet onion's economic, cultural and culinary significance.
28.) Champ's Clock Shop located in Douglasville hours of operation are 9-5pm The World's Largest and Finest Selection of clocks. Attractions Include the World's Largest Real Cuckoo Clock, The Operating 1865 John Moore & Son's English Tower Clock, Over A thousand clocks on display and for sale all in a Museum quality environment. Frequent Engagement Photo Location. Photography clubs Welcome, Senior and School Groups welcome. Please Give advance notice for group visits.
29.) Sautee Nacoochee Center hours of operation are 10-5pm Mission: We value creativity, along with the historical, cultural, and environmental resources of the Sautee and Nacoochee Valleys and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The Cultural Center is a recognized cultural hub in Northeast Georgia documenting and exploring the performing and visual arts, early settlement of Native Americans, Spanish and English Settlers, and Slaves brought in from the coastal towns in Georgia and South Carolina. We provide 35 stage performances a year presented by local and national talent. We also display six art shows a year featuring juried artists living and producing art within a 50-mile radius of Sautee Nacoochee, GA. Our dance groups provide monthly instruction and dance sessions specializing in Contra and Line Dancing.
30.) Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking located in Atlanta hours of operation are 9-5pm The Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking is an internationally renowned resource on the history of paper and paper technology. In addition to more than 2,000 books, the museum features a remarkable collection of over 10,000 watermarks, papers, tools, machines, and manuscripts. The museum's mission is to collect, preserve, increase and disseminate knowledge about papermaking - past, present and future. Located in the Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech, the museum's exhibits feature Hunter's historic collection, tools from the early industrialization of papermaking, environmental issues related to papermaking, and changing gallery spaces.
With over 800 different things that you can do while visiting this state I am sure that you can find something to appeal to even the most picky person in your home. There are so many opportunities to get out into nature with the state parks and breathtaking waterfalls. I am sure that you can find something that will delight your whole family.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
