Summer agenda May 15 2002

By Unknown Author Wednesday May 15, 2002 12:04 AM EDT

Festivals & events
ATLANTA CELTIC FESTIVAL Two day celebration of Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Celtic culture. Games, dance, music and more. $5-$10. May 18, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; May 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Road. 404-572-8045. atlanta.celticfestival.org.

Atlanta Film & Video Festival Nine-day festival offering 150 screenings, panel discussions and an awards ceremony. Produced by IMAGE Film & Video Center. May 31-June 8. 404-352-4225. www.imagefv.org.

ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL Atlanta Jazz Festival Free weekend concert series and jazz workshops at Piedmont Park. May 25-27. Exhibits, concerts and events at other various venues May 19-26. 404-817-6851. www.atlantafestivals.com.

Atlanta Pride Festival June 28-30 Fri. June 28, 6-10 p.m., June 29-30 11 a.m.-10 p.m. The parade is June 30 and kicks off at 1 p.m. from the MARTA Civic Center Station and ends at Piedmont Park, which is ground zero for festival festivities. 404-688-4800. www.atlantapride.org.

ATLANTIS MUSIC CONFERENCE Bringing the music industry to Atlanta, venues span Little Five Points, Virginia Highland, Downtown, Midtown & East Atlanta for the four-day event. July 31-Aug. 3. 770-499-8600.

COUNTRYFAIR Family oriented event with amusement rides, petting zoo, kids zone and more. Music events include the Oak Ridge Boys, Ronnie Millsap, Lonestar and others. May 17-27. Mon.-Fri. 5 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. 770-761-2034. www.cc-events.org.

Dahlonega International Film Festival Featuring new and independent films. June 27-30. Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. 706-864-3759.

Decatur Arts Festival Neighborhood arts festival featuring visual arts show, art walk, children's festival, artist's market, performing arts stage, garden tour and film festival. Garden tour $10, other events free. May 22-26. Decatur Square, Decatur. 404-371-9583. www.decatur-ga.com. decaturartsalliance@earthlink.net.

DECATUR BEACH PARTY The city brings in 40 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach. Live bands perform on the stage that spans Ponce de Leon as revelers dance in the street. Adults $5; children 12 and under free. June 21. 5-11 p.m. 404-371-8262.

DownStream International Film Festival Independent film festival. July 18-21. John S. Burd Center for Performing Arts at Brenau University, 429 Academy St., Gainesville. 770-998-2288. www.downstreamfest.com.

FINSTER FEST Festival features more than 100 folk artists from across the Southeast and country along with music and more in honor of Howard Finster. $5. May 18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 19, noon-6 p.m. Paradise Gardens, Summerville. 706-857-2926.

FIRST THURSDAYS Presented by the Downtown Arts Coalition to experience Atlanta's art scene the first Thursday of each month. 5-8 p.m. Free. 404-577-0330.

FOURTH SATURDAY FAMILY FUN DAYS Each Saturday from noon-4 p.m. there is a theme for families to participate in. May 25 "Flights and Kites." Other Sat. dates: June 23, July 28, Aug. 25. Free. Centennial Olympic Park. 404.222.PARK. www.centennialpark.com.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Family events and an evening concert. Fireworks and a parade. July 4, 2:30-10 p.m. Centennial Olympic Park. 404.222.PARK. www.centennialpark.com.

Georgia Renaissance Festival Step back into the 16th century with jousting knights, beautiful maidens, strolling minstrels and non-stop entertainment. Feast like a king on savory fare or shop like royalty in the 15-acre artists' market. I-85 to Peachtree City exit. Through June 2. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-$15. 770-964-8575. www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.

MUSIC AT NOON Take a break during the middle of the day with performances for theater, dance and musical groups. Including jazz duo Kari Gaffney and the Celtic folk rock band Emerald Rose. Tues., Thurs, noon-1 p.m. May 2-Sept. 26. Centennial Olympic Park. 404.222.PARK. www.centennialpark.com.

NATIONAL BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL Various locations throughout the city including the Woodruff Arts Center, 14th Street Playhouse, the Atlanta University Center, Greenbriar Mall and Martin Luther King Center, featuring theater, dance, music, workshops and more. July 19-28. www.nbaf.org. 404-730-7315

PEACHTREE ROAD RACE If you're not running, you still can be a spectator as thousands line the streets and restaurants for Atlanta's largest race. July 4. www.atlantatrackclub.org.

PIED PIPER PARADE Decorate your bicycle, big wheel or wagon and join the fun as the parade winds down the street. Concert on the square features Callanwolde Concert Band. Fireworks at dark. July 4. 6-9 p.m. Free. 404-371-8262.

Puppets Take Atlanta Exhibits, performances and workshops involving puppets is sponsored by the Center for Puppetry Arts and takes place at various arts venues in the city. June 1-Aug. 18. Free-$25. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. 404-873-3391. www.puppet.org.

SCI-FI SUMMER Science fiction conference with workshops, signings, lectures and more. $15. June 14-16. www.sci-fi-summer.com.

SCREEN ON THE GREEN A five-week classic film festival shown for free at dusk on Wednesdays from June 4-July 2 at Piedmont Park Ball Fields (enter at 12th or 14th streets). 877-262-5866.

Spring Festival for Readers and Writers More than 24 workshops on writing, publishing, editing, marketing, promotion, taxation and internet businesses. As well as readings and signings by Barbara LeBey, Rich Eldridge, Peter Bowerman, Jeanne Braselton, J.L. Miles, Tony Grooms, Ralph Tejeda Wilson, Bill York. $20-$50. May 18, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-943-5699. www.georgiawriters.org.

SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL Fifteen movies, including classic films, recent blockbusters and Oscar contenders, highlight the 2001 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. June 17-Aug. 29 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND SUMMERFEST This popular outdoor festival features a juried artist market, music stage, KidsFest, 5K run and local food vendors. Free. John Howell Park. 404-222-VAHI. summerfest@vahi.org.

Outdoor Concerts
BLUE SKY CONCERTS Bring your lunch and enjoy a concert on the square every Wednesday in May. At the community bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur. May 1, 8, 15, 22. Noon-1 p.m. Free. 404-371-8262.

CLASSIC CHASTAIN A summer feast of jazz, blues, country, world music, pop and rock music from artists including The Chieftains, Pointer Sisters, B-52's and more. 4469 Stella Drive. June 15-Aug. 25. 404-253-5976.

CONCERT AROUND THE FOUNTAIN Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road. 404-872-5338.

CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE Pack your picnic, bring your quilts and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment every Saturday night in May. Concerts kick off with DeKalb Symphony Orchestra and feature a variety of bands. May 4, 11, 18, 25. 7-10 p.m. Free. 404-371-8262.

GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FAIR Nine concerts scheduled this season. Special performance by Paul Revere and the Raiders. 6:30 & 9:30 p.m. $22. Season tickets available. 706-896-4191.

ON THE BRICKS Free Friday music festival at Centennial Olympic Park. Featuring acts like India.Arie, Alanis Morissette, Sister Hazel and more. May 24-Aug. 16. www.onthebricks.com.

WEDNESDAY WIND DOWN Relax after work and enjoy music performances at the Southern Company Amphitheater. Beer and wine are available. Ongoing through Sept. 25. Centennial Olympic Park. 5:30-8 p.m.

Amusement Parks
AMERICAN ADVENTURES An amusement park especially for kids ages 15 and under featuring outdoor amusements like tilt-a-whirl, super slide, mini roller coaster, go carts, miniature golf and the indoor Foam Factory, carousel, video games and a multi-level fun house. On Cobb Parkway just north of the Big Chicken in Marietta. Take I-75 to exit 265. Fri. 4-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11-7 p.m. $4-$15. 770-424-9283.

SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA More than 100 rides, shows and attractions for the entire family including new roller coaster Superman. 7561 Six Flags Road, Austell. $18.25-$36.75. 770-739-3420. www.sixflags.com/georgia.

SPEEDZONE A racing theme park dedicated to NASCAR. Four unique types of custom-scaled racing. More than 100 electronic video games, billiards, and more. 3005 George Busbee Parkway, Kennesaw. 770-514-8081.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK The world's largest mass of exposed granite features a railroad, sky lift, antebellum plantation, restaurants, riverboat, antique auto and music museum, golf, tennis, bike rentals, campground, swimming, canoeing. Laser show nightly during the summer. Located off Highway 78 east of Atlanta. 770-498-5702.

WHITE WATER The South's largest water park featuring wet amusements including the Cliffhanger, Lizard's Tail, Atlanta Ocean wave pool and more. Dive-In movies shown Fri. nights at 8:30 p.m. June 23-Aug. 11. Park open May-Sept. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $10-$24. On Cobb Parkway in Marietta. Take I-75 north to exit 265. 770-424-6683.

Attractions
ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN Witness the most beautiful and unusual flora in the region. See endangered plants from around the world in the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory. 1345 Piedmont Ave. Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m. 7 p.m. 404-876-5859.

ATLANTA PRESERVATION CENTER GUIDED WALKS Tours include the Fox Theatre, Sweet Auburn, Downtown, Inman Park, Druid Hills, Ansley Park, Piedmont Park, West End/Hammond's House, Wren's Nest & Atlanta University. Tours last approximately one-and-a-half hours at various times of the week. 404-876-2040

BARNSLEY GARDENS Manor house ruins, restaurant, museum, plant shop nursery, picnic area, gift shop and amphitheater. 30 acres landscaped with rare and exotic plants. 770-773-7480

BLUE RIDGE SCENIC RAILWAY A 26-mile, three-hour train ride from Blue Ridge to McCaysville and return along the Toccoa River. Fri., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults $22, kids $12. Trains depart from the depot approximately 80 miles north of Atlanta. 800-934-1898

BRAVES MUSEUM AND TURNER FIELD TOURS are available year round. 755 Hank Aaron Drive. Tours every hour, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Sat. $4-$7. 404-614-2311.

CAGLE'S DAIRY Take a tour of a real dairy farm with herding demonstrations by border collies, demonstrations on feeding calves, processing the milk, hay rides and a free pint of milk. 362 Stringer Road, Canton. March-November. $5. 770-704-5713.

CALLAWAY GARDENS Families can enjoy the Florida State University's Flying High Circus, garden tours, golf, biking, swimming, shuffleboard, mini train rides, riverboat cruises and more. Cabin rentals and hotel accommodations. Pine Mountain. June 3-Aug. 18. $5-$10. 800-CALLAWAY.

CANNONBALL TRAIL Self-guided tour covers Marietta's Civil War sites. Pick up information at Marietta Welcome Center. 770-428-1115.

CARRIAGE RIDES AROUND MARIETTA SQUARE Available on weekends. Rides start at the corner of North Park and West Park Square. 770-499-9719.

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS "Puppets: The Power of Wonder," an interactive museum allowing visitors to control the actions of more than 200 puppets from around the world. 1404 Spring St. Open year round. $4-$5. 404-873-3391.

CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER Natural science exhibits and trails on 127 acres of forest and marsh on banks of Chattahoochee River. Guided walks Sat. and Sun. 1 & 3 pm. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Open year round. $3-$5. 770-992-2055.

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Fishing, boating, walking trails along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River at Abbotts Bridge, Highway 20 & Medlock Bridge. 770-395-6851.

CNN STUDIO TOUR Experience world news first-hand in the state-of-the-art Control Room Theater, Special Effects Studio and Live Working Newsrooms. Learn the story behind the news. One CNN Center. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $5-$8. 404-827-2300.

FOX THEATER Come tour the mysterious interior of one of the few remaining movie palaces of the '20s. Meet in the theater's arcade, 660 Peachtree St. Mon., Wed., Thurs. 10 a.m. and Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. $4-$5. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

HERITAGE PASSPORT The Marietta Welcome Center offers visitors access to six of Marietta's historic attractions on one special pass. Attractions include the Marietta Museum of History, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, Brumby Hall and Gardens and more. $12. 770-429-1115.

HORSE TRAILS 15 miles of horse trails climbing from the Yellow River to the hills of Georgia's Piedmont at The Georgia International Horse Park. All riders must register at International Saddlery at 770-929-8832 and pay $5 fee. Proof of Negative Coggins is required. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 770-602-2606.

MARIETTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY Housed in the second floor on Marietta square, the Kennesaw House Museum features an eclectic mix of memorabilia. Open year round. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $2 donation. 770-528-0431

PIEDMONT PARK The Piedmont Park Conservancy offers a free tour of the park every Saturday beginning at the Visitor's Center at 12th Street. Relive 175 years of rich history. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 404-875-7275.

PHILIPS ARENA ALL ACCESS TOUR A behind-the-scenes look at players' locker rooms, luxury box suites including the Delta Business Elite Lounge, and the Hawk Walk. 1 Philips Drive. 404-878-3000. www.philipsarena.com.

SCITREK The High-Tech Playground features more than 150 hands-on experiences. Visitors can explore technology and science through video games, freezing shadows, creating a "lightning storm in a jar" and more. 395 Piedmont Ave. Open year round. Mon.-Sat. 10a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. $5-$7.50. 404-522-5500

TRIBBLE MILL PARK 640-acre natural park includes fishing lakes, walking trails and plenty of open space. 770-822-8840.

UNDERGROUND ATLANTA The Atlanta attraction offers unique shopping, fascinating history, dining and free entertainment. Discover an old tradition with a new flavor. Located on Peachtree Street at Alabama Street. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. 404-523-2311.

WORLD OF COCA-COLA traces the century-old history of Coca-Cola using state of the art technology. Also, a futuristic soda fountain and a TradeMart. 55 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Open year round. $3-$6. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. Summer: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.. 404-676-5151.

ZOO ATLANTA Houses more than 1,000 animals including elephants, Sumatran tigers, black rhinos, zebras and Chantek, the first orangutan to use sign language. One of two zoos in the country to house and study giant pandas. 800 Cherokee Ave. in Grant Park. Open year round. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $11-$15. 404-624-5600.

Historic sites & museums
APEX MUSEUM A museum of the African-American Panoramic Experience features American-African history beginning with the arrival of the first enslaved Africans and other exhibits. 153 Auburn Ave. $3-$6. 404-521-APEX.

ATLANTA CYCLORAMA A 3D diaramic painting of "The Battle of Atlanta," with music and narration. 800-C Cherokee Ave., Grant Park. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 404-658-7625.

ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER Devoted to urban and suburban history, featuring an 118-seat theater, discovery areas, special events facilities and cafe. Permanent exhibit: Metropolitan Frontiers: Atlanta, 1835-2000. 130 W. Paces Ferry Road. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. $4-$10. 404-814-4000.

BIRTH HOME OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Tours are conducted daily by park rangers. Points of interest include the APEX Museum, MLK's birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Fire Station No. 6 and the King Center. 450 Auburn Ave. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 404-331-6922.

BULLOCH HALL 1840 home of Theodore Roosevelt's mother, Mittie Bulloch. Serves as cultural center with photographs, documents from Bulloch & Roosevelt families, Civil War room, history room & gardens. 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. Guided tours Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun 1-3 p.m. $3-$5. 770-992-1731 x1951.

CARTER CENTER Memorabilia from the Carter administration and various art exhibits in the museum of the Jimmy Carter Library. 441 Freedom Parkway. 404-331-0296.

FERNBANK The largest natural history museum south of the Smithsonian is home to a number of permanent and traveling exhibits and an IMAX theater. 767 Clifton Road NE. 404-378-0127.

GEORGIA STATE CAPITAL Tour the Capitol year round. Washington Street. Mon.-Fri. 10 and 11 a.m., 1 and 2 p.m. 404-656-2844.

HERNDON HOME The 1910 residence of Alonzo Franklin Herndon, a slave-born Georgian who founded Atlanta Life Insurance Company, is open for hourly tours. 587 University Place. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 404-581-9813.

HISTORIC BRUMBY HALL Tours are given every Thurs. of Brumby Hall and Gardens, a historic home on the grounds of the Marietta Conference Center & Resort. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $4. 770-427-2500.

THE KING CENTER FOR NON-VIOLENT CHANGE Established by Coretta Scott King to preserve the legacy and continue the work of her late husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose crypt is located in the reflecting pool of the center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 450 Auburn Ave. 404-331-6922.

MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE Offers daily tours of the turn-of-the-century Tudor Revival House which includes a video titled, "It May Not Be Tara." 999 Peachtree St. Open year round. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $6-$7. 404-249-7012.

OAKLAND CEMETERY WALKING TOURS A 11/2-hour tour with Historic Oakland Foundation's volunteer tour guides will give you a taste of Atlanta's history, art and architecture. March-October. $2-$3. 248 Oakland Ave. 404-688-2107.

RHODES HALL Modeled after Rhineland castles, this Richardsonian Romanesque-style mansion was built at the turn of the century for furniture magnate Amos Rhodes and features exquisite stained-glass windows and a carved mahogany winding staircase. 1516 Peachtree St. Weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. noon-3 p.m. 404-885-7800.

WILLIAM BREMAN JEWISH HERITAGE MUSEUM Core galleries feature "Absence of Humanity: The Holocaust Years" and "Creating Community: The Jews of Atlanta from 1845 to the Present." 1440 Spring St. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 404-873-1661.

WREN'S NEST Learn about the life and times of storyteller Joel Chandler Harris at Atlanta's oldest house museum and National Historic Landmark. Special storytelling programs held Sat. during the school year. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $4. 404-753-7735.

Sports & recreation
ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY Top racers compete in the Indy Cars Northern Light Series July 14-15, the Napa 500 in August and other events throughout the year. Hampton, Ga. $10-$60. 770-946-4211.

CANOE AND KAYAK RENTALS Tour Lake Allatoona & Red Top Mountain State Park. A romantic date or great one-on-one with your kids. Rent one- or two-person kayaks & the company provides life jackets and paddles. Bring a picnic lunch and cooler. $15/two hours, $50/24 hours. 770-529-9484.

GUIDED CANOE TRIPS ON THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER Learn about the Chattahoochee River Watershed and get an up-close look at local plant and wildlife with a guide from the Chattahoochee Nature Center. May 1-Aug. 30. 6 p.m. $15-$20. 770-992-2055 ext. 122.

TOM LOWE SHOOTING GROUNDS Skeet, traps, sporting clays and a five-stand course all available. Located between Enon and Butner Roads off Camp Creek Parkway. West of I-285. 3070 Merk Road. 404-346-8382.

Parks & Camping
ATLANTA MEMORIAL PARK Great place to bring your four-legged friend, Frisbee or football. 384 Woodward Way. 404-355-2258.

CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST More than 430 miles of trails including a path to Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak, and Anna Ruby Falls. Camping, picnicking, hiking and fishing offered. March-December. 706-754-6221.

F.D. ROOSEVELT PARK The former president sought comfort here on Pine Mountain just outside of Warm Springs. Park includes two lakes, hiking trails, swimming pool, fishing, boating and more. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 2970 Ga. Highway 190, Pine Mountain. 706-663-4858.

FT. MOUNTAIN PARK Part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the park offers hiking and mountain bike trails, a lake with boat rentals and fishing, camping and more. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth. 706-695-2621.

HIGH FALLS PARK Hike through this former industrial town enjoying the remains of a grist mill and the waterfall on the Towaliga River. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 76 High Falls Park Drive. 912-993-3053.

KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK The national park, established to preserve the site of the Civil War Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, offers 16 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests. 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive. 770-427-4686.

MOCCASIN CREEK PARK Enjoy hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains, fishing and swimming on Lake Burton and more. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 3655 Ga. Highway 197, Clarkesville. 706-947-3194.

PANOLA MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION PARK Stone Mountain's smaller sibling, this granite dome features endemic plants and animals and four interpretive and fitness trails. 2600 Highway 155, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801.

RED TOP MOUNTAIN PARK AND LODGE Located on Lake Allatoona, the park offers all water activities including boating, fishing and swimming in addition to hiking trails, tennis courts and camping. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 781 Red Top Mountain Road, Cartersville. 770-975-4226.

SMITHGALL WOODS CONSERVATION AREA The conservation area offers catch-and-release fishing, four miles of hiking trails, guided tours, primitive camping and bicycling. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. 706-878-3087.

SOPE CREEK A local mountain bike and hiking trail known as "the Hooch" with challenging jumps and bumpy terrain. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Paper Mill Road. 7 a.m.-dark. $2. 770-399-8074.

SWEETWATER CREEK CONSERVATION PARK Only 15 miles from Atlanta, the park offers six miles of easy to moderate trails that pass a Civil War era textile mill and patches of wildflowers. Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 770-944-1700.

TALLULAH GORGE PARK A 1,000-foot-deep gorge cuts through this park that offers more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, swimming and restricted whitewater paddling. 8 a.m.-dark. $4. U.S. Highway 41, Tallulah Falls. 706-754-7970.

UNICOI PARK AND LODGE Located outside of the Alpine village of Helen, the park offers arts and craft activities in addition to hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and canoeing. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Ga. Highway 356, Helen. 706-878-3982.

VOGEL PARK Visitors can hike 17 miles of trails, fish and swim in the 20-acre lake, and camp in cottages and campsites at this park located at the base of Blood Mountain. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 7485 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville. 706-745-2628.

YELLOW RIVER Ten miles of biking trails for the beginner to intermediate rider featuring a river loop and creek loop. Juhan Road, Stone Mountain.

Public Tennis Courts
BLACKBURN TENNIS CENTER 18 courts available for nominal fees during day and evening hours. 3501 Ashford Dunwoody Road. 770-451-1061.

BURDETT TENNIS CENTER Eight lighted courts, office and clubhouse. 5975 Old Carriage Lane, College Park. 770-996-3502.

DEKALB TENNIS CENTER 17 hard surface courts. Restrooms available. 1400 McConnell Drive, Decatur. 404-325-2520.

DUNWOODY TENNIS CENTER Courts available for rental at a nominal fee. 1850 Cotillion Drive, Dunwoody. 770-551-8578.

GLENLAKE TENNIS CENTER Nine hard surface courts available for rental. 1121 Church St., Decatur. 404-377-7231.

NORTH FULTON TENNIS CENTER 20 hard surface courts, four clay surface courts and a tennis center clubhouse and pro shop. 500 Abernathy Road. 404-303-6182.

SOUTH FULTON TENNIS CENTER 20 Hard surface courts, four clay surface courts and a tennis center clubhouse. 5645 Mason Road, College Park. 770-306-3059.

STONE MOUNTAIN TENNIS CENTER 15 hard surface courts for public rental and the Olympic tennis stadium. 5525 Bermuda Road, Stone Mountain. 770-465-3340.

Resorts
FORREST HILLS MOUNTAIN RESORT Group lodges available with hot tub cabins, swimming pools, tennis, golf, three restaurants, horses and ropes course. Amicalola Area National Forest, Dahlonega. 770-534-3244.

BARNESLY GARDENS RESORT A championship golf course with no two holes alike. Named "The best resort course in north Georgia" by Golf News. Full-service European Spa, two restaurants, Bavarian Beer Garden and four-and-a-half miles of hiking trails. 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville. 770-773-7480.

CHATEAU ELAN Winery & resort featuring three 18-hole championship golf courses, one private with access (on a space available basis) if staying on the property and one resort/daily fee. Nine-hole, par 3 course available. Braselton. 770-271-6050.

LAKE LANIER ISLANDS RESORT Enjoy a sunset cruise, a round of golf, horseback riding, boat rentals, concert series and beach & water park. Holiday events include a fireworks display, a haunted house and Christmas light extravaganza. 7000 Holiday Road. 770-932-7200.