Designed to complement the Atlanta History Center’s award-winning permanent exhibition, Turning Point: The American Civil War, the new exhibition, War in Our Backyards: Discovering Atlanta, 1861-1865, challenges visitors to consider their personal connections to a war that was literally fought in all of our backyards. Daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM; open Sundays at 12:00 PM.

Enter through the `castle gates’… and spend the entire day in merry old England. Shop the 15-acre Artists Marketplace featuring thousands of Handcrafted Wares. You’ll be thrilled and amazed as jugglers, minstrels, acrobats, and jousting knights fill 12 Stages with fun entertainment. With Atlanta’s mild Spring Days… it’s the perfect time to spend an entire weekend filled with merrymaking, feasting and shopping. Georgia Renaissance Festival hours are: 10:30 AM – 6 PM Saturdays & Sundays, including Memorial Day. Coveniently located to all of Atlanta… the Georgia Renaissance Festival is only 8 miles to the south of Hartsfield Airport on I-85 … take Exit-61. For more information, go to www.garenfest.com

U.S. 11 Antique Alley is celebrated in each county up and down the US 11 corridor. Each town along the route will plan its own events, as festivals, antique sales, flea markets and yard sales, carnivals, etc., and many other activities to be held in conjunction with the “Happenin.”

This is an opportunity for folks to do what they like to do best, and that’s to get off the interstate highways and take the old roads. Especially on a spring weekend, through the scenic Tennessee Valley and the Heart of Dixie. They can shop for treasures, eat great food, join the festivities, or just enjoy the scenery or the friendly folks.

U.S. Highway 11 is, itself, an “antique” and serves as a route from the southernmost tip of Louisiana to New York state. The 502 mile “Happenin” is the brain child of Tourism and Chamber of Commerce directors in the corridor who have formed the Antique Alley Association, and who felt confident that the event could conceivable bring some 10,000 visitors, but in fact brought more than 30,000 through their counties during the three-day period. Because of the additional 252 miles in 2002, the days have been expanded to FOUR. Antique dealers, flea market vendors, and yard sale enthusiasts are expected to line the route from Meridian, Mississippi through Birmingham, Alabama, Dade County, Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee with Bristol, Virginia being the end of the event.

FOOD:

Rafael’s Italian Restaurant, 13475 North Main Street, 706-657-5524

Lalito’s Mexican Restaurant, on the Square, 706-657-8676

Asian Garden Chinese Restaurant, across from Ingles Shopping Center, 706-657-8866

McDonald’s, off US 11 SR 136 W., 706-657-7984

Huddle House, off US 11 SR 136 W., 706-657-7787

Larry’s Buffet Restaurant, off US 11 SR 136 W., 706-657-7585

Randy’s Family Restaurant, off US 11 SR 136 W., 706-657-5330 (World’s Largest Hamburger) full buffet or menu

FUEL:

Forshee Chevron, service, repair, and automatic car wash, off US 11 on SR 136 W., 706-657-6521

LODGING:

Days Inn, Georgia 136 West – For reservations, call 706-657-2550, Free Continental Breakfast.

KOA Campground – 1-706-657-6815 or 1-800-562-1239, cabins, campsites, and swimming. Take Slygo Road West @ mile marker number 16 on US 11. Mention this website for 10% Off For Fuel. Free bundle of wood with every night stay.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

3rd ANNUAL STATE OF DADE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Key activities for the event

Historic Debate Recreated by Dade County Students

Multi-Tribe Indian Powwow Children’s Day May 18th

Battle of the Bands – Cash Prizes – Studio Time

Dual Sport Poker Run for Motorcycles – Demo Bike trials

Farmer’s Market – Arts and Crafts Fair

Friends of Cloudland Canyon 5 Mile Canyon Walk to the Festival Grounds

Dade Heritage Scholarship Pageant

Antique Tractors – Food Vendors – Game Vendors – Polictical Campaign Area

Heritage Festival Girls Softball Tournment and much more

PLACES:

Stop by the historic 1920′s train depot, home of the Dade County Chamber of Commerce & a Georgia Regional Visitor Information Center. Get maps and information on local businesses, state tourism, special events, and local artists & craft makers. We are open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday. We are located at 111 Railway Lane, Trenton, Georgia 30752. Come visit us on the Web athttp://www.dadechamber.com

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bankofdade.com – Gross Shopping Center – 24 Hour ATM – 706-657-6842

CVS Pharmacy, US11 & SR 136, Trenton, 706-657-8011, connected nationwide, your pharmacy away from home

J.B.’s Variety Store, 11819 South US 11 – 706-657-2874 – Large knife selection, craft supplies, state flags, model cars and planes, puzzles, wind chimes, trailers, canopies, DVD movies, decoration flowers, and SPACE. Guns and Ammo.

One of the largest sales in Trenton, Georgia on Highway 11 South at 10444 at Hancocks Wrecker Service. We have furniture, glassware, clothes, musical equipment, miscellaneous items. Vendor space available 706-6573401.

Trenton United Methodist Church, across from the Post Office, Antique Alley “Come As You Are” services – Sunday, 10:00 AM

VENDOR SPACE:

American Legion Hall – North and across from City Hall, ample space out front, call 423-593-1572. Also Bingo in the hall Friday and Saturday evening. And Breakfast each morning.

Available space at the Old Massey Feed Store. $10 per day or $25 for 4 days. Call 423-605-3108.

The 2012 Funk Fest® music series marks the 18th anniversary of the festival which began as a small concert in an outdoor venue in Mobile, Alabama. Each year, Funk Fest® attracts music enthusiasts from all 50 states to its specially-selected venues and adds significant tourism revenue to each city’s local economy.Featuring Funk Festival, Erykah Badu, Special Ed, Raheem Devaughn, and LOOSE ENDS. For more information, go to www.funkfestconcerts.com

What is an Eggfest?

An Eggfest is a gathering of Big Green Egg fans and experienced cooks from all across the country and Canada. The cooks will be showcasing their skills and talents and will be preparing their specialty recipes all day long. The non-cooks (tasters) are free to stroll through the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, sample and experience wonderful egged food while talking to the cooks about their recipes and techniques. There will be some amazing food coming off the eggs all day long, so pace yourself! You’ll soon learn why the Big Green Egg is the “Ultimate Cooking Experience”.

Hiawasssee, Georgia is home to many famous activities including the Georgia Mountain Fair, Fall Festival, conventions and much more. The area features two championship golf courses, hiking trails, Lake Chatuge, waterfalls, scenic tours and Rhododendron Gardens. Five star lodging accommodations include The Ridges Resort and Brasstown Valley Resort. Also, there is the Holiday Inn Express and Ramada Lake Chatuge Lodge (our host hotel) which is within walking distance of all activities.

There will be several vendors displaying their product lines at the fest. This will be a good time to stock up on your favorite rubs and sauces, cooking equipment and gadgets as well as some new and unusual items.

Registration is now Live at www.MountainEgg.com to become a cook or a taster. Cooks: $10.00 Taster: $20.00 Taster Couples: $35.00

What is an Eggfest?

An Eggfest is a gathering of Big Green Egg fans and experienced cooks from all across the country and Canada. The cooks will be showcasing their skills and talents and will be preparing their specialty recipes all day long. The non-cooks (tasters) are free to stroll through the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, sample and experience wonderful egged food while talking to the cooks about their recipes and techniques. There will be some amazing food coming off the eggs all day long, so pace yourself! You’ll soon learn why the Big Green Egg is the “Ultimate Cooking Experience”.

Hiawasssee, Georgia is home to many famous activities including the Georgia Mountain Fair, Fall Festival, conventions and much more. The area features two championship golf courses, hiking trails, Lake Chatuge, waterfalls, scenic tours and Rhododendron Gardens. Five star lodging accommodations include The Ridges Resort and Brasstown Valley Resort. Also, there is the Holiday Inn Express and Ramada Lake Chatuge Lodge (our host hotel) which is within walking distance of all activities.

There will be several vendors displaying their product lines at the fest. This will be a good time to stock up on your favorite rubs and sauces, cooking equipment and gadgets as well as some new and unusual items.

Registration is now Live at www.MountainEgg.com to become a cook or a taster. Cooks: $10.00 Taster: $20.00 Taster Couples: $35.00

Downtown Historic Norcross, free to the public. Over 300 cool cars and motorcycles are expected at this year’s event….even if you’re not into vintage cars, this is a fabulous time to come people watch and picture the town when these kinds of cars lined the street every day. But if you like vintage, you’ll LOVE this event….it’s a nostalgic experience rounded out with local bake sales, raffles, music, and lots of good food. Come ogle the cars, stop in the shops, and enjoy breakfast lunch and dinner downtown!! To enter a car, call Dodger DeLeon at 770.316.0073

The Geranium Festival is a FREE outdoor gathering of vendors offering handmade, original arts and crafts for sale organized by the McDonough Lions Club and held annually on the 3rd Saturday of May in the McDonough Square.  All proceeds from the Festival go to supporting local non-profit organizations as well as Lions sponsored state and national charities.

This one-day Festival is a highlight of the Spring Season in downtown McDonough, GA that offers an exciting day of arts, crafts, music, entertainment, food, and community.  Annually, over 300 vendors are on hand with a wide variety of handcrafted items for sale and more than 25,000 people will attend.  Whether you are a Festival regular or this is your first time joining us, we can’t wait to see you there!

What happens we you cross a country fair with a city festival, a farm tour and a circus?  Bazaar Bizzaro!  It’s really good street food on a farm with circus performers, lots of roving musicians, games, artists and more.

The Bazaar Bizarro will be nothing less than riveting, with aerialist and acrobatic performance from Infinity Circus Productions, a raucous Maypole dance, performances from many local music acts including Christ, Lord!, Black Sheep Ensemble, Sourwood Honey, Under White Pines, Lilly and the Tigers, High Strung String Band, Spinning Leaves, Pachamamas, Vivian and Alex, and many more. We also have a handful of carefully curated artists on hand to show and sell their wares. We’ll have games and fun for children and adults, including tug o’war, a radish race, a blueberry hay ride, as well as street food from Farm Burger, the Sandwich Buddah and King of Pops.

Pre-purchased tickets are $20 for adults and $12.50 for children and can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/236962

All proceeds will go to Slow Food Atlanta’s mission to support the travel costs of Georgia’s Terra Madre delegates. Terra Madre is the bi-annual congress of food producers from all over the world that converge on Turin, Italy to discuss the state of food and build solidarity amongst the globe’s farmers, food artisans, and educators. Please help us support our delegates for 2012 by coming out to the farm for a day of stellar performances, sunshine, and good food.

Tickets will be $25, and $15 at the door.

Internationally acclaimed jazz violinist, Ken Ford will kick off the Ray’s Summer Charity Concert Series with Strings on the River. The riverside concert will be held Saturday, May 19th from noon – 4 pm.  Proceeds from the concert will benefit The Ken Ford Foundation.

ABOUT STRINGS ON THE RIVER
Strings on the River will take place at Ray’s on the River’s on the Event Lawn that overlooks the Chattahoochee River. The event will feature concessions (beer, wine, sodas and food stations) and performances Ken Ford and students of The Ken Ford Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ken Ford Foundation.  Plus, Praise 102.5 FM will be hosting an instrument drive during the event to benefit prodigies in schools and instruments for The Fragile Kids Foundation, a beneficiary of The Ken Ford Foundation.

TICKETS
Tickets are $45 for general admission. For $55 concert goers can purchase VIP tickets that include admission to the concert, plus a VIP meet and greet with autographed Ken Ford CD immediately following the show. Limited tickets are available. Please click here to purchase tickets.

EVENT RULES
Doors open at Noon. Performances begin at 1 pm. No coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. No pets please.

Internationally acclaimed jazz violinist, Ken Ford will kick off the Ray’s Summer Charity Concert Series with Strings on the River. The riverside concert will be held Saturday, May 19th from noon – 4 pm.  Proceeds from the concert will benefit The Ken Ford Foundation.

Join us in celebrating our nation’s special holiday in honor of our past, present & future men and women who ring the bells of freedom for our great country. Taking place on Memorial Day at the Heritage Green Amphitheatre, this concert features the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Wet Willie, and Tommy Talton! Purchase tickets online at memorialdayjam.com.

Second in the World War II Series, this lecture will be given by Pat Nagle. The lecture will focus on the United States’ impending involvement in the war, U.S. and Georgia life.

Friday, June 1, 8,
15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park
– Winder

Experience one of Georgia’s most picturesque and fascinating historic sites. You will partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in our brick oven. You’ll also have the delightful opportunity to work with a card loom. This is an experience you don’t want to miss. $3 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Siege on Fort Yargo
Trail Challenge and Adventure Race

Saturday, June 2,
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park
– Winder

Teams of two or three
will travel on a mandatory course with a three-hour limit. Teams will face
multiple challenges and obstacles as they travel through the course. The race
will include trail challenge, mountain biking and a six-hour cutoff for the
Adventure Race. $50 – $65. $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

June 4th - June 29th

Get ready for summer fun at the Museum. There are three camps for children to engage in smart play this summer: Imaginator Theater Camp, Adventure Camp, and Discovery Camp. Children will participate in fun-filled activities like creating an orginal theatrical production, learning to cook, exploring how their bodies work, and much more. Click here for more information. To make reservations call 404. 527. 3693, email reservations@childrensmuseumatlanta.org, and don’t forget to ask about our member discounts.

Friday, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Experience one of Georgia’s most picturesque and fascinating historic sites. You will partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in our brick oven. You’ll also have the delightful opportunity to work with a card loom. This is an experience you don’t want to miss. $3 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Calling all future actors and actresses! Act 3 Productions, the professional-level community theater in Sandy Springs, is registering children from rising Pre-K through third grade for Summer Stars Performing Arts Camp. Sessions last one week June 11-15, and June 18-22 and will be held at the Act 3 Playhouse, behind Trader Joe’s in Sandy Springs Plaza. Options include morning sessions from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM each day or morning plus afternoon sessions until 3:30 PM, with lunch and rest time in between on-stage activities. The young performers will enjoy singing, dancing and acting, and will also create theater-inspired crafts. Each session will end with a showcase finale performed for family and friends.Session I (June 11-15) is themed “When You Wish Upon a Star” and is inspired by Disney songs and the “land of make-believe”. Session II (June 18-22) is themed “When Your Dreams Come True” and is designed for children who have attended camp at Act 3 in the past, although newcomers are welcome. Healthy morning snacks, a T-shirt and art supplies are provided for both sessions. All camp instructors are theater professionals, and space is limited.

Friday, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Experience one of Georgia’s most picturesque and fascinating historic sites. You will partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in our brick oven. You’ll also have the delightful opportunity to work with a card loom. This is an experience you don’t want to miss. $3 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Come join us for the DMM 5K and Health Expo which will be sure to motivate your healthy lifestyle. This event will include a 5k Run. 1 Mile Health Walk, and a Health Expo that will provide you with a wealth of knowleadge and positive health experiences. THE FIRST 100 PEOPLE TO REGISTER RECEIVE A RACE T-SHIRT!

Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth  will launch her debut world tour in May. The 19-date North American leg of the tour kicks off May 9^th in Seattle and concludes in Chenoweth’s hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on June 24^th. Tickets for Kristin Chenoweth’s June 22nd performance in Atlanta go on sale March 9th at 10am at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, the Bank of North Georgia Box Office at Cobb Energy Centre or at 800-745-3000.

Friday, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Experience one of Georgia’s most picturesque and fascinating historic sites. You will partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in our brick oven. You’ll also have the delightful opportunity to work with a card loom. This is an experience you don’t want to miss. $3 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

Wednesday, 6/27/2012 – Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Earth Wind & Fire performs at the Chastain Amphitheatre with a full string orchestra for their Guiding Lights Tour. Go to classicchastain.com for more information.

Friday, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fort Yargo State Park – Winder

Experience one of Georgia’s most picturesque and fascinating historic sites. You will partake in fun antique methods of candle dipping and bread baking in our brick oven. You’ll also have the delightful opportunity to work with a card loom. This is an experience you don’t want to miss. $3 plus $5 parking. (770) 867-3489.

The most peaceful sights you could imagine are to be found on this 6-mile float down the Chattahoochee River hosted by the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism. After completing the float, join us for live music, wildlife programs, exhibits, crafts for kids, self-guided hike, food and fun for the entire family at Powers Island. Guests can bring their own kayak, canoe or raft, or rent one from one of our local outfitters.

Kick back and sip on a unique selection of specialty beers at the 3rd Annual Heritage Sandy Springs Beer Fest! The Beer Fest The Heritage Sandy Springs Beer Fest takes place at Heritage Green on the Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn. No outside food or beverage is allowed. Pets and smoking are not allowed. Parking is available on Sandy Springs Place in designated parking lots and in the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church’s Hitson Activity Center lot, on Sandy Springs Circle. All the proceeds will go to Heritage Sandy Springs, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

You are invited to one of the biggest celebration of the year – the 27th Annual Sandy Springs Festival! Each year an estimated 20,000 attendees gather at heritage Green to shop the street-lined booths with more than 600 artists, crafters and vendors, and enjoy good times with music, food and fun. The Sandy Springs Festival features a juried artists’ market, business and civic expos, the Doug Kessler Sandy Springs Lightning 10K/5K, Heritage education areas, the Kiwanis Pet Parade, and so much more! The Sandy Springs Festival is the largest fundraiser for Heritage Sandy Sprigs, a non-profit organization that operates the four-acre city park, Heritage Green.

2012 Sandy Springs Family Reunion FAM Tour & Workshop

Presented by Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism

October 12-13, 2012

Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism is hosting the 2012 Sandy Springs Family Reunion FAM Tour and Workshop on Friday October 12, 2012 and Saturday October 13, 2012. Registration is FREE. FAM Tour & Workshop attendees who book a stay at the Host Hotel (information below) will be eligible to win a grand prize package, including tickets to an Atlanta Braves game, the Georgia Aquarium, and Stone Mountain Park. Other door prizes will be available via a raffle to all workshop attendees.

 Tentative Itinerary: 

Friday, October 12, 2012          

• 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Courtesy shuttle from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Sandy Springs’ hotels
•  6 p.m. – 7 p.m. - Dinner – complimentary of Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism
•  7 p.m. – 9 p.m. - Evening fun activity (TBD)

Saturday, October 13, 2012      

• 9a.m. – 10a.m. – Hotel Tours
• 10a.m. – 12p.m. – Family Reunion Workshop
• 12p.m. – 1:30p.m. – Complimentary Lunch by Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism – Chattahoochee River via the “Shoot the Hooch” riverboat
• 1:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. – Complimentary shuttle service from Sandy Springs hotel to the airport
• 1:30p.m. – 3:00p.m. – City Tours courtesy of Premier Trolleys
• 3p.m. – 6p.m. – Additional hotel tours (Optional)

A special thank you to our Host Hotel, The Hampton Inn Perimeter Center:

October 12-14, 2012 – $69* per night.

769 Hammond Dr. Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-303-0014

 Book your room today!

  *A block of rooms have been reserved for Oct.12-14, 2012 at Hampton Inn Perimeter Center, the host hotel for the 2012 Sandy Springs Family Reunion Workshop.  Rate will be available until October 5th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.

 Thank You to our Sponsors!

Holiday shopping at the Elegant Elf marketplace is spectacular! Plan on some serious shopping for two full days, featuring skilled artisans and vendors from around the world, gathered together to showcase their products. This is an exquisite holiday gift market including items and gifts such as fine art, handmade jewelry, sculptural pottery, handcrafted handbags, beautiful clothing, whimsical yard art and countless other delights!

Veterans Day is a day to honor ALL American veterans and is intended to thank them for their dedicated and loyal service to our country. There will be several veteran’s service organization booths on-site, pre-event music, and a ceremony beginning with the presentation of colors and featuring opening remarks and keynote speakers. Parking is provided at North Springs United Methodist Church on the corner of Roswell and Morgan Falls Roads.