The Mansell House is a beautifully restored piece of Alpharetta's past. Now managed by the Alpharetta Historical Society, this turn-of-the-century home is available for weddings, receptions, parties, meetings, showers and dinners. Enjoy the historical ambience of the heart pine floors and 12-foot ceilings, or step out onto the veranda and take in the beauty of the award winning gardens.
The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), across the street from the High Museum of Art in the Midtown Arts Corridor, showcases the design work of emerging and well-known designers, and serves as a place for education, inspiration and more. All manner of design work is shown here, from skateboard art to graphic and furniture design, from vehicles to fashion. Various programs, demos and workshops are available for kids, teens and adults.
Founded in 1968 by the University of Georgia, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a 313-acre non-profit natural retreat tucked away along rolling hills and the Middle Oconee River. The Garden's goal as described by its mission statement is to, "foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of plants and nature through research, collections and displays, horticultural gardens, educational programs, and special events."
At the center of the State Botanical Garden is the Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center and Conservancy, a large predominately glass building that welcomes all guests. Here, visitors may obtain information about the gardens, peruse the indoor gardens and displays, eat at the Gardenside Cafe, visit the gift store and explore the educational wing of the State Botanical Garden. As part of its core cirriculum, the gardens sponsor educational opportunities for both adults and children including the Garden Earth Naturalist After-School Clubs, student field trips, teacher certification programs, conferences, symposiums, literature and more.
Surrounding the Conservatory are several theme gardens that explore different realms of plant life. The most recently developed is the Heritage Garden, which focuses upon historic and socioeconomically important species. Other gardens include the International Garden, Shade Garden, Native Flora Garden and Flower Garden.
Extending even further from these areas, visitors may amble along any of the garden's eight nature trails through wooded forests and the Middle Oconee River. Trails are well-marked and make a great escape from urban life.
Other areas and buildings of note include the Callaway Building, which serves as the administrative home of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and houses a library, event reception center and auditorium for larger events. On the far side of the property from the Callaway Building, visitors will find the beautiful Day Chapel, perfect for events such as weddings. Additionally, the gardens play host to the state headquarters of the Garden Club of Georgia, which is housed in a stately building near the Day Chapel.
If you are looking for an undisturbed and relaxing adventure into the great outdoors, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is an excellent place to grab some peace of mind. Entrance is free.
Fort Pulaski National Monument is a fun outdoor adventure situated between historic downtown Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. Visitors can enjoy guided or self-guided tours throughout the grounds. Children particularly love wondering through the remains of the fort and climbing over the old cannons. There are several miles of trails for walkers and bikers. Fishermen will enjoy their sport while sitting along the surrounding Savannah River.
How to get to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is accessible by car only. Travelers should take US-80 East from downtown Savannah, Georgia.
Best and worst time to go to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fall is the best time to enjoy the grounds. The worst day as far as crowds is July 4. Visitors during the summer months should strive to arrive at 9:00 a.m. when the park opens to avoid the hot Savannah sun.
Admission to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Admission is set at $5.00 per adult. Special rates are set for commercial tour vehicles that range from $25.00 for up to six people to $100.00 for vehicles that carry up to 100 passengers.
Must see/do at Fort Pulaski National Monument
First time visitors should be sure to walk the Lighthouse Overlook Trail. This access trail gives the best views of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse.
Other places to visit near Fort Pulaski National Monument
Tybee Island is just a few miles away from the fort. Tybee offers more than three miles of beach area and is consistently voted one of America's top family-friendly beach towns.
Insider tip for visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument
Historic weapons demonstrations are held at 1:30 every afternoon except on Saturday. There are three demonstrations that are held on Saturday: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Author's bio: Jamie Davis is a freelance writer and top-selling author with Llewellyn Worldwide. She lives on Wilmington Island, an area of Savannah, Georgia. She loves all things coastal Georgia and if pressed to describe herself in one word, she would choose "traveler."
The Teaching Museum opened in 1988 as a way to further develop the education of Fulton County students. The museum serves as an extension of Fulton classrooms.
Through hands-on and exploratory learning, students come to make new discovery about things they are already learning within the classroom. Participatory exhibits make it possible for students to directly interact with new ideas and academic learning in a unique way.
For more information, or a list of programs, click here.
