Cassie Hallam, Author at Atlanta Magazine

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Full Moon Fun

August 27, 2015

This Friday and Saturday, head to Georgia’s beautiful lakes to take advantage of the full moon. An abundance of activities will take place in honor of this special lunar phase, including:

Full Moon Kayak Tour: Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge

This Friday and Saturday from 8-10pm, the staff at Hard Labor Creek will offer guided tours of Lake Rutledge beneath the moonlit sky. As you paddle, take in the scenery and learn all about the history of this lovely state park.
Register in advance (706-557-3001) and meet at the beach

Full Moon Party: Sunset Cove at Lanier Islands

On Saturday from 7-11pm, Sunset Cove will throw a full moon party you won’t want to miss. Dance in the moonlight as live musicians take the Sunset Cove Stage. Sit near a fire pit while sipping a drink and be amazed by stilt walkers, magicians, fire-breathers…and, of course, the full moon.

Evening Paddle on Allatoona Lake: Red Top Mountain State Park in Acworth

On Saturday from 6-7:30pm, hop in a kayak and join a ranger-led tour of Lake Allatoona while the sun sets and the full moon rises to steals the show.
Register in advance (770-975-0055)

Full Moon Paddling Tour: Don Carter State Park in Gainesville

On Friday and Saturday from 8:30-10pm, paddle along Lake Lanier beneath the full moon and experience the unique show that nature puts on at night.
Register in advance (678-450-7726) and meet at the boat ramp.

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival

Cassie Hallam

August 13, 2015

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival

Jekyll Island is replete with culture, history, and beauty; this September, experience it for yourself at the 10th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival. You’ll find plenty of family-friendly entertainment, professional cooking competitions, and of course, an endless supply of shrimp and grits under a canopy of oak trees in this National Historic Landmark District.

Craft Brew Fest, 9/18 5:30-8:30pm, 9/19 10:30am-6:30pm, 9/20 12:30-4pm in the Morgan Center

Double the size of last year’s fest, this brew bonanza lets guests ages 21 and over sample as many as sixteen different beers from a large variety of breweries. Purchase your tickets here.

United Way Kids Zone, 9/18-9/20 in the Historic District

Your kids just might beg you to leave them here forever. Rides, bouncy houses, and live entertainment will be provided all weekend long. Performances on the kids’ stage feature stilt-walkers, puppet shows, and more.

Cooking Competitions, 9/19-9/20 11am-1pm behind the Morgan Center

These competitions are separated into divisions: amateurs on Saturday and professionals on Sunday. Spectators receive food samples while professional chefs judge the competition. For applications to join the cook-off, click here.

But that’s not all! More than 100 regional arts & crafts vendors will line the area to sell their goods. Browse for homemade jewelry, photography, and handcrafted gifts while listening to live music on the main stage.

Be on the lookout for the Jekyll Island Experience Pavilion as well. Here, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the Jekyll Island Museum will showcase all things unique to Jekyll Island while wildlife researchers perform live demonstrations.

All set for Augusta!

Cassie Hallam

August 6, 2015

Augusta is one of Georgia’s most classic Southern cities. Located two and a half hours east of Atlanta, it’s situated on the Savannah River and features vibrant galleries and restaurants, a lovely Riverwalk, and of course, one heck of a golf course. Visit August 15, when the city is abuzz with activities:

Triple 8 Group Run: 8/15 at 8am at the Augusta Riverwalk
- Kick off your day with an 8-mile run on 8^th street at 8am. If 8 miles is a stretch for you, the Riverwalk will also host 1-mile and 3.5-mile group runs.
Augusta Market at the River: 8/15 from 8am-2pm at the Augusta Riverwalk
- Augusta artists, bakers, farmers, and more all join together every Saturday to sell plants, fresh produce, bread, jewelry, and art. A recently opened food court also gives guests a place to sit and enjoy lunch.
Swamp Saturday Guided Bike Ride: 8/15 at 9:30am at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
- This 7-mile guided bike ride will take you through Augusta’s diverse wetland trails. Admire the large variety of plant life and keep your eyes peeled for otters and alligators. Note: Bring your own bike!
Augusta Beerfest: 8/15 from 1pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm at Bell Auditorium
- Cap your day at Augusta’s second annual beerfest, which boasts more than 100 specialty brews from across the state. Ticket holders receive a free souvenir cup and all the suds they can sample. Food trucks will also line the venue, offering snacks and meals for purchase.

Beat the Heat on Columbus’ Famous Whitewater Course

Cassie Hallam

July 31, 2015

Beat the Heat on Columbus’ Famous Whitewater Course

Atlanta’s sweltering summertime temps got you panting for the nearest body of water? Just ninety minutes southwest, Columbus, Georgia, has a seriously fun way to cool you down. The city is home to the longest urban whitewater course in the world, which follows a nearly three-mile route along the Chattahoochee River in the heart of Uptown Columbus. Cruise the lazy river and the Class I rapids, or fly down Columbus’ famous Class V rapids–whatever floats your raft.

After you dry off, soar across the Chattahoochee River mid-air on the Blue Heron Adventure zipline that connects sends you flying at 30 mph from Georgia to Alabama, where a treetop course awaits. Once you’ve navigated your way through the aerial adventure, hop right onto a motorized raft that will take you back to Columbus.

Round out your Columbus excursion with stops at some of its remarkable museums, including The National Infantry Museum, National Civil War Naval Museum, and the Columbus Museum of art and history. If you happen to schedule your trip on a Saturday, don’t miss Market Days on Broadway, when the wide street is lined with vendors and live entertainment from 9 am to noon.

Summertime Activities at the Rock Ranch

Cassie Hallam

July 13, 2015

Before another summer month flies by, take your family to visit The Rock Ranch. Just an hour south of Atlanta, it features more than 1,500 acres of Georgia’s finest agritourism offerings.

A summer day at the ranch includes everything from an underground slide adventure to a trampoline-like giant inflatable pillow that sends you soaring into the atmosphere. Petting zoos, cane pole fishing, and paddleboats are just a few more popular summertime events offered Monday through Saturday in July.

Chic-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy purchased the land for the ranch in 1989. His dream was to create an environment where families, teams, and businesses could all come together to enjoy a variety of activities, while also learning on the farm. The ranch opened with a petting zoo in 1994; today, it welcomes 100,000 visitors a year to its vast and varied grounds.

While the staff at the ranch is certainly passionate about growing healthy families, they are also well known for growing fresh produce right on the farm. Stop by the Georgia Grown Farm Market during your visit and pick blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

Want to make a night or a weekend of it? The ranch offers a variety of overnight experiences such as stay-houses and cottages, tent camping, and even wagon camping.

Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gainesville Summertime Experience

Cassie Hallam

July 2, 2015

Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gainesville Summertime Experience

If sipping a glass of wine and strolling through beautifully designed gardens sounds like your perfect summer evening, then look no further for your next Georgia getaway. Atlanta Botanical Garden’s new 185-acre Gainesville location offers this unique Wine in the Woodlands experience the last Thursday of every month through October.

That’s not the only special event you’ll find here. Artists such as The Temptations (July 11) and Scotty McCreery (July 17) will perform at the garden’s newly opened Ivester Amphitheater during SunTrust Concerts in the Garden. Relax on a blanket or lawn chair beneath a canopy of stars while listening to your favorite Motown or country tunes with 2,000 of your closest friends.

Open since May, the Gainesville outpost of Atlanta Botanical Garden is five times larger than its big-city counterpart. Media legends Charles and Lessie Smithgall donated the land in the hopes that Hall County would one day have the most green space per capita in Georgia. Already, the gardens are home to the largest nursery in the Southeast. During your visit, check out the model train garden, five-acre display garden, and a conservation center for endangered plants. Lanier Islands, just thirty minutes away, is a convenient and scenic place to stay.

Boom! 16 Fourth of July festivities around Georgia

Cassie Hallam

June 22, 2015

Boom! 16 Fourth of July festivities around Georgia

From the mountains of North Georgia to the marshes of the coast, there is no shortage of Independence Day celebrations in the Peach State. Here are a few highlights:

St. Simons Island:

Sunshine Festival 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Mallery Park, Saturday, July 4th, 8am
- Kick off your holiday with a brisk job through quaint residential neighborhoods decked out in red, white, and blue. While each runner competes for the best time, each house vies for the title of “best decorated yard.” (Registration and packet pick-up begin at 6am. At 7:30am, the 1 mile Fun Run begins. A 5k then follows at 8am.)
Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show, Pier Village, July 3rd-5th, 10am-5pm
- Kick off your holiday by checking out the works of some of the area’s top artists–browse paintings, jewelry, woodwork, and more.
Fireworks, Neptune Park, Saturday, July 4th, 9pm
- Check out a colorful display of patriotic fireworks over the water, complete with live music.

Savannah:

DJ and Live Music, Arbor Stage, Saturday, July 4th, 4-10pm
- Spinning for more than 34 years, DJ MXM will set the party atmosphere at 4pm until the Savannah-born rock n’roll band, The Hypnotics, performs at 7pm.
Fireworks, Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Saturday, July 4th, 9pm
- Make sure to stay for Savannah’s vibrant fireworks display over the water.

Helen:

Fireworks, Helen Welcome Center, Saturday, July 4th, 9pm
- The beautiful backdrop of “Alpine Bavaria” brings tens of thousands of tourists to this fireworks show, so make sure to arrive early. Spend the day floating down the Chattahoochee River and then grab a seat for Helen’s longest fireworks display to date.

Dahlonega:

Firecracker 5k/10k, Downtown Dahlonega, Saturday, July 4th, 7:30am
- Start the day with a bang at the Firecracker 5k/10k! This race not only rewards the top runners, but it also gives props to the athletes with the most patriotic attire–so make sure to wear your red, white, and blue. Check-in and registration open at 6:30am. Both races begin at 7:30am.
Car Club Show, Courthouse Hill, Saturday, July 4th, 10am-5pm
- Every year, Dahlonega hosts one of Georgia’s top-three car shows. Stop by and admire a variety of cars, from show cars to old timers to brand-new rides.
Patriotic Ceremony, Dahlonega Gold Museum Lawn, Saturday, July 4th, 12pm
- Set in the historic lawn in the heart of downtown, this ceremony features a keynote speaker with a military background, the raising of the flag, and local talent singing the national anthem.
Watermelon-Eating Contest, Hancock Park, Saturday, July 4th, 2pm
- There’s nothing better than gorging on watermelon on a hot summer day–and earning a trophy for your appetite. Contest registration is from 1:15-1:45pm, and if you’re still hungry, free slices of watermelon will be handed out after the contest.
Live Appalachian Music, Dahlonega Gold Museum Lawn, Saturday, July 4th, 2-5pm
- …because it wouldn’t be a true Dahlonega festival without the sounds of bluegrass, folk, and country music from live musicians!
Parade, Downtown Dahlonega, Saturday, July 4th, 5pm
- This small-town Americana parade features the winners from the day’s Car Club Show.
Fireworks, UNG Drill Field, Saturday, July 4th, at dark (9pm)
- The University of North Georgia opens its campus to the 20,000 visitors expected for this year’s Fourth of July events. The massive fireworks display can be seen from miles away.

Callaway Gardens:

Beach Activities, Robin Lake Beach, July 3rd-5th, 10am-7pm
- Try paddle boarding, a rock climbing wall, a water slide, and even a flying trapeze while DJ Mikey J spins upbeat tunes.
Live Music, Robin Lake Beach, July 3rd-5th, 7pm
- A different band performs live each night; the blues and rock band Swingin’ Medallions will take the stage before the fireworks set off on the fourth.
Circus Performances, Robin Lake Beach, July 3rd-5th, 3:30-6pm
- FSU Flying High Circus has been a part of Callaway Gardens’ summer fun since 1961. This year, the team will perform trapeze acts, highwire walks, juggling performances, and more.

Anna Ruby Fall’s Colorful Night Hike

Cassie Hallam

June 13, 2015

The evening air was cozy and crisp. The sound of rushing water in the distance invited me to nap beneath the canopy of stars that were showing off above us. But the thousands of fireflies winking at me from amidst the trees were a colorful reminder that napping was not what I came here to do.

Anna Ruby Falls in northeast Georgia offers a unique and animated nighttime hiking experience every May and June. While our tour guides were certainly adept, the myriad of fireflies lighting up the trails tended to lead the way.

As I hiked the half mile to the falls, our guides introduced us to a beautiful phenomenon called foxfires–a certain fungi that live in the wood of decaying trees. When the sun goes down, these fungi emit a vibrant and glowing green light.

So there I was, hiking up to the falls, taking in the vibrant scenery of fireflies dancing throughout the woods and the glow of foxfires illuminating the path. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more magical, the trees cleared and gave way to the cascading falls. As the water roared down into the stream below me, I looked up at a sky full of stars that seemed to be nodding their approval of this quiet little spot on Georgia’s map.

Anna Ruby Falls only offers this nighttime hike experience on Thursday evenings. Because of high interest in the hike, registration is required. Call Anna Ruby Falls’ tour guide, David, at 706-878-1448 to secure a spot.

Where to stay:

Anna Ruby Falls is located within Unicoi State Park, which provides various accommodation options such as campsites, lodge rooms, or cottages. I opted for a room within Unicoi State Park and Lodge, which was the perfect spot for me to rest my head after the hike. Bright and early the next morning, I awoke to a stunning view of the valley and mountains within the park. And before hitting the road back to Atlanta, I made sure to spoil myself at the breakfast buffet.

Lots happening in Georgia’s Golden Isles the first weekend in June

Cassie Hallam

May 28, 2015

Lots happening in Georgia’s Golden Isles the first weekend in June

If you’ve been searching for an excuse to escape to Georgia’s Golden Isles, we’ve got you covered. The first weekend in June, the lovely barrier islands will host a slew of family-friendly events and activities. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:

Art Exhibit at the Ritz Theatre on Friday, June 5th 9am-5pm and Saturday, June 6th 10am-2pm

See the works of Georgia’s disabled artists at this annual event in Brunswick hosted by The Pilots Club of Metro Atlanta. Browse for paintings, photography, pottery, textiles, and more.

Summer at the Lighthouse on Friday, June 5th 10:30am-12pm

The Coastal Georgia Historical Society hosts an educational program on the lawn of the St. Simons Lighthouse. Kids ages seven through twelve play historic games from the late nineteenth century, such as marbles, dice, and ring-toss on the lawn. Register here.

First Friday on Friday, June 5th 5-8pm

The first Friday of every month, the city of Brunswick entertains the crowds with a combination of live music, wine and beer tastings, art shows, and other activities designed for the whole family. The party begins between Newcastle and Gloucester Streets.

Georgia Sea Island Festival on Saturday, June 5th and Sunday, June 6th 12-6pm

St. Simon’s Island is rich with African American musical traditions passed down through the generations. For decades, the island has celebrated this music and other time-honored arts at the Sea Island Festival. Pick up a variety of crafts and food at Gascoigne Bluff Park.

Memorial Day Getaways in Georgia

Cassie Hallam

May 20, 2015

Eager to escape Atlanta this holiday weekend? Here are some travel-worthy events happening around the state:

Savannah:

Memorial Day Commemoration, Fort McAllister State Park, Saturday, May 24th, 9am-4pm
- Enjoy a day of canon and musket firings, Civil War demonstrations and other patriotic events such as wool-spinning demonstrations and homemade spindle making.
Armed Forces Festival, Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Sunday, May 25th, all day
- Browse a wide selection of arts and crafts and enjoy live entertainment along Savannah’s historic River Street. All proceeds from this event benefit the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation.
VVA Memorial Day Ceremony, Emmet Park, Sunday, May 25th, 7pm
- Honor the men and women who have defended and served our country by attending Savannah’s Vietnam Veterans of America ceremony in Emmet Park. A distinguished guest speaker will begin the program, followed by a reading of the names of every fallen Vietnam soldier from Savannah .

Helen:

Bavarian Fest, Helen Festhalle, Saturday, May 24th, 6-11pm
- Sample a taste of Bavaria at this weekend gala featuring live music, dancing, and a thick Bavarian atmosphere. Import and domestic beers and wines, hot dogs, pretzels, and other snacks will be available. Active military and veterans receive free admission; general admission for all other adults is $7.

Pine Mountain/Callaway Gardens:

Master Water Skiing and Wakeboarding Tournament, May 23rd-25th
- Callaway’s 56th annual water sports tournament features a lineup of competitive athletes hopeful to tear up Robin Lake. Join the fun by watching the show and enjoying other beach activities, plus live music and food.
Fireworks Show, Saturday, May 23rd, 10pm
- No Memorial Day weekend is complete without a good fireworks show. Behold Callaway’s booming display above Robin Lake after the tournament Saturday evening.

Athens:

An Illustrated People’s History of Athens, ATHICA, Friday, May 23rd, 6-8pm
- Love all things Athens? Don’t miss this exhibit at the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, which showcases the Athens community throughout the years through a combination of visual artists and storytellers.
Running with the Dawgs 5k, The Classic Center, Monday, May 25th, 8am
- Kick off your Memorial Day right with this fun 5K through downtown Athens. Registration begins at 7am. Register here.

12 Page 1 of 2

Cassie Hallam

Full Moon Fun

Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival

All set for Augusta!

Beat the Heat on Columbus’ Famous Whitewater Course

Summertime Activities at the Rock Ranch

Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gainesville Summertime Experience

Boom! 16 Fourth of July festivities around Georgia

Anna Ruby Fall’s Colorful Night Hike

Lots happening in Georgia’s Golden Isles the first weekend in June

Memorial Day Getaways in Georgia

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