Happenings in Middle Georgia & Glamping At Georgia State Parks
Welcome to Happenings in Middle Georgia and Beyond
Keeping you informed of What’s Happening On and Off The Beaten Path in middle Georgia and beyond.
Glamping at Georgia State Parks
Yurt at High Fall’s State Park in Jackson, Ga.
Go Glamping at THESE 5 Georgia. State Parks. Enjoy your stay in a Yurt!
Cloudland Canyon Yurt Balcony in Rising Fawn, Ga.
What is a Yurt? Made of wood and canvas, yurts feature a deck, picnic table and grill/fire ring outside. Inside you will find furniture to sleep six, electrical outlets, large windows and locking doors. A water spigot is located outside. All you need to bring are sleeping bags or linens, cooking utensils, a cooler, food, and family or friends.
[Tweet “Go Glamping in a Yurt at one of five Georgia State Parks. #glamping #exploregeorgia”]
Andersonville
Andersonville National Historic Site began as a stockade built about 18 months before the end of the U.S. Civil War to hold Union Army prisoners captured by Confederate soldiers. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site comprises three distinct components: the former site of Camp Sumter military prison, the Andersonville National Cemetery, and the National Prisoner of War Museum, which opened in 1998 to honor all U.S. prisoners of war in all wars.
- First Saturday June 6. Join a park ranger on a guided walk following in the footsteps of the 45,000 United States soldiers who entered into Andersonville prison from 1864-1865. FREE Tickets are required and may be obtained online Here.
Barnesville
The Rock Ranch . Check the calendar for open dates when planning your trip to The Rock Ranch.
Berry Picking Saturdays in June
Open Dates: Sat., June 6 & Sat. June 13 Open Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $10 per person over the age of three
Byron
Peach Festival June 6 at North Peach Park.
- FREE concert with performance by Doc Holliday Band.
- 3D Fireworks Display will light the skies over Byron around 9:45 p.m, Free 3D firework glasses will be given out as long as the supplies last.
- Activities begin at 6pm at North Peach Park. Food vendors and peaches!
Cordele
Ride in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage train cars. (Admission applies. Call 229-410-7937 for group reservations and rates).
Americus Explorer Train Ride (6 hrs) Travel from Cordele through Ga. Veterans State Park, across Lake Blackshear, visit Historic Downtown Americus, tour Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village
- June 19
Watermelon Express Train Ride (5hrs.35mins.) Enjoy this ride from our Downtown Cordele Depot to Historic Plains, the small Georgia town made famous by President Jimmy Carter.
- June 12, 13 & 25
Thronateeska Limited (5 hrs. 30 mins.) After a short ride through the Sumter County countryside, we deboard in the small town of Leslie, home of the 200,000 square foot Georgia Rural Telephone Museum. Train tickets include FREE admission to the museum, where you will explore the largest collection of antique telephones and telephone memorabilia in the world. You will also see numerous antique vehicles and even a working cathedral pipe organ.
- June 5
- July 24
Dairy Festival Saturday June 6. The festival is on the streets surrounding the courthouse. Events include Fun Run, Arts & Crafts, Parade, Food, entertainment and more.
Fort Valley
Peach Festival June 13. Downtown Fort Valley. Arts & Crafts, Food, Pancake breakfast, Concert, Parade, Kids Zone, World’s Largest Peach Cobbler and more. Concert featuring the Soul Purpose Band.
Jackson
The Village at Indian Springs
Indian Springs State Park, 678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, GA 30216
- June 5. Wine Tasting in the Village at Pinky’s Parlor. 6:30-10pm. Only $10 per person
- June 6. National Trails Day 8am.
- June 13 Art Exposition featuring the work of Macon resident Daly Smith. The Gallery from 2-6 pm
360 Mt. Vernon Rd. Jackson, Ga. Wildlife, trails and family fun for FREE!
Macon
Living History Map. Explore the Living History Map managed by the Historic Macon Foundation. Explore a few of Macon’s most important historic places.
These free kids clinics fill up fast so register early! Included are a free apron, goggles, patch and more.
- June 13. 10 am. Iron Man’s Avenjet
- June 27, 10 am. Captain America Motorcycle
Douglas Theatre. 355 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (478) 742-2000.
- When Love Meets The Past June 6 at 5pm. $15. A play about lies, forgiveness and acceptance.
- Spring Movie Series Free movies at dark in Luther Williams Stadium in Central City Park. Bring blankets & chairs to sit on the green, or take a seat in the stands. Outside food and drink is permitted, but the concessions will be available for purchase.
- 6/12 The Lego Movie
- 6/26 Wizard of Oz
[Tweet “Free Outdoor Movies in Macon,Ga.at historic Luther Williams Stadium #visitmacon #getoutdoors #exploregeorgia”]
- Children Summer Workshop June 10, 17, & 24 from 10:00-2:00. Reservations Required! Ages 6-12 ONLY! Please call (478) 752-8257 ext 222 to sign up your child. Children will participate in a 1 mile hike, learn how the Native Americans lived here. Learn how to make pottery, paint necklaces, and learn how play Native American games.
- National Get Outdoors Day June 13 from 10:00-12:00.
- Flag Day Program June 14 from 3:00-4:00
- June 6 First Saturday: Free Admission sponsored by MedCen Foundation/Navicent Health
Lake Tobesofkee Sandy Beach Water Park COMING SOON!
Madison
Chamber Music Festival May 1-June 14. Madison-Morgan Cultural Center 434 S. Main Street Madison, GA 30650. Featuring concerts with both traditional and non-traditional chamber music. Performances by Canadian Brass member Brandon Ridenour, the stunning Grammy Award-nominated Eroica Trio, the iconic and award-winning bluegrass trio the Kruger Brothers band, prodigious pianist Daria Rabotkina, not the mention, international prize-winning Dover Quartet, and an evening with Entre Flamenco!
Perry
Georgia National Fair Grounds & Agricenter
- ReptiDay Perry Reptile & Exotic Animal Show June 13 10am-5pm
- Kids Fishing Event. June 1-June 30 (Tues, Wed. & Thursdays)
Pine Mountain
- Callaway Gardens Farmers Market, beach activities, kids zones, great food, drink specials and much more. Aqua Island, Paddle Boats, Miniature Golf, Table Tennis, Shuffleboard. Admission Info
- .38 Special Concert with Sam Koon June 26th. Performance at Robin Lake Beach on Friday, June 26. Advance tickets are $25; $35 day of show. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. Parking will be $10 beginning at 4 p.m. The venue, including food and beverage, will be available beginning at 6 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m.
Open daily at 10 am, closing times vary. 1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Roosevelt’s Little White House
- Traveling Exhibits in May Remember WWII and the Holocaust Daily until June 1. 9am-5pm
- Beyond Rosie: Women in World War II June 1- Aug. 28. 9am-5pm.
- Rosie The Riveter and D-Day Remembrance June 6 12-3pm
Warner Robins
Museum of Aviation located at GA. Hwy 247 at Russell Parkway is open daily 9 am-5 pm with Free Admission.
GEORGIA STATE PARKS
F.D. Roosevelt State Park. ($5 parking)
- Music & Dancing on the Mountain. June 20.
- Farmer’s Market. Saturdays 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM – May 23, 2015 until Sep 5, 2015
- Art in the Park. Saturday’s from 2pm-5pm. Hand crafted, local items for sale. Craft demonstrations.
High Falls State Park ($5 parking)
Indian Springs State Park ($5 parking)
- Junior Ranger Day Camp June 15-18 10am-3pm. $40 per child. Want something fun to do this summer? At Junior Ranger Day Camp, children learn about nature, history, and animals while playing games and making new friends. Children will earn badges to take home. Join your child for International Picnic Day on the last day of camp! Open to children ages 6-12. Register at the park office.
- Tour the Museum June 6 2pm-4pm
- Creatures of the Night- Night Hike June 19th 8:15-9:15pm. $3 per person Join our park naturalist on a hike around McIntosh Lake to see what is out and about at night. We will be looking for frogs, fireflies, and listening for night sounds to see what we can identify. Meet at the Programming Hut.[Tweet “Night Hike at Indian Springs State Park Georgia June 19 #exploregeorgia #nighthike “]
The Village at Indian Springs is open! You will find Big Chief Country Store, Daisy Pearl’s Boutique, Ladybugs & Tadpoles Children’s Store, Mrs. Lee’s Stagecoach Sweet Stop, Vintage Post Antiques & Gifts and Watkins Outfitters.
Jarrell Plantation Historic Site (711 Jarrell Plantation Rd. Juliette, GA 31046) Admission $4-6.50)
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Sew a Simple Doll July 18 & August 15. Learn to sew a Miss Poppet doll. The required doll kit is $7.99 plus tax.
- Quilting Bee. Sat. June 20. 10 am-11 am
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Junteenth Get Outdoors Day Sat. June 13th. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Emancipation with living history farm demonstrations and a focus on the African American contribution of Georgia agriculture and food, music, and southern culture. Enjoy the outdoors even more by packing a picnic lunch.
[Tweet “Find out What’s Happening in Middle Ga. this weekend. #exploregeorgia #thisismygeorgia #georgia”]
Travel Tips
Did you know that you can check out Georgia State Park “ParkPass” and Historic Site Pass from your local library. Ask for the Park Pass to exempt the $5 parking fee. Ask for the Historic Sites Family pass which will cover up to four visitor at State historic sites operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program of The Wildlife Resources Division provides rods, reels and tackle box equipment to participating State Parks and Historic Sites Offices
Georgia State Parks Money saving Special discounts page can be found HERE. [Tweet “Find out how to get a Free Parking Pass for Ga. State Parks #exploregeorgia “]
I like glamping, and that place at Georgia looks beautiful. I wish that I will be able to visit those places soon.
I read the book Andersonville years ago, so I’ve always wanted to visit. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you join us again this week. Your article is pinned and stumbled!
Sadly we have not taken advantage of the free national parks in our area at all. Recently we drove to DC, with a friend who educated us on the national parks, my kids became junior park rangers, and we purchased passports as keepsakes. The above list is perfect for our road trip planning for the summer, thank you!
I posted a funny graphic about glamping on my facebook page, I am not big on camping, so glamping would be the only way they could lure me out there! This chick needs her amenities! 🙂
Still would rather be on a beach sipping umbrella drinks, but maybe I could give this a go for a long weekend!
I’ve never really traveled to this part of the country before, but the Watermelon Express Train Ride sounds like a good activity to try! I would love to go GLAMPING! I have always avoided camping because I wanted more amenities. I can’t wait for more summer fun this season!
I’ve never been to Georgia, but judging from the pictures it must be very beautiful. I think I’d like to visit your state. I’ve also never heard the term “Glamping.” Those Yurts look awesome!
Seeing the word “Free” in so many of those parks, events, and festivals makes me most excited. It’s sad however that I live too far away. The food and activities will all be missed. I would also love to experience riding one of the 1949 vintage train cars. I wonder how it looks like as it sounds so cool!
Check out the State parks in your area. They offer pretty much the same or similar things. Parking is $5 but you can get a free parking pass at your local library. The train ride is awesome, we have done it and plan to go again.
I came through Macon the other day while coming back from Jekyll island and got a ticket ..they are on my bad side lol. It wasn’t for speeding either it was because my kids seatbelt wasn’t in front of them…smh. Anywhoo I do love Macon and we love the Rock Ranch. Will check the rest of these places out this summer.
Uh oh. I guess it looked to the officer like the child wasn’t wearing a seat belt. I have been known to put mine behind me when it is so uncomfortable. We will be at the Rock Ranch next weekend, hopefully.
I’ve visited Georgia several times, as we have family there, and I am amazed by this states beauty and diversity each and every time. I had no idea they had glamping opportunities, though- I am SO there! Thanks for the info 🙂
Oh those Yurts! I could go glamping. Staying in one of the Yurts is on my to-do list for sure. Glamping is my kind of camping.
I loved experiencing Georgia many years ago! There was also so much to do and see and was always welcomed with open arms from the locals! While I have never been glamping, I probably should put this on my list to do! Sounds like a lot is going on and thanks for highlighting it all today!
It’s awesome that you were able to visit Georgia. Most southerners are quite friendly. I’ve definitely got Glamping on my to-do list! The state parks are gorgeous and always have a lot going on.
Glamping in a yurt??
Seems like an oxymoron!
LoL. I know! Those Yurts are so nice, not much roughing it going on. It is in the woods though. I really want to do it but would prefer the Fall of the year when the leaves are changing.