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Looking for the perfect location to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends? Pack up your lawn chairs and blankets, and get ready to mark the anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence with all the festivities in Dahlonega, the site of the first major U.S. gold rush. Only an hour's drive north of Atlanta, for a full day of exciting family-fun activities and events for everyone, come on up. Firecracker 5K and Fun Run 5K starts at 8 a.m. Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Start the festivities early with the 7th Annual Firecracker 5K and Fun Run. Take a scenic tour of historic downtown Dahlonega through winding roads and up gently sloping hills. The run starts in the downtown square in front of the Dahlonega Gold Museum located inside the oldest courthouse in Georgia. Race pass scenic Hancock Park, through shady, tree-lined neighborhood streets, and by many historic buildings. Cross the finish line just in time to enjoy the rest of our city's Independence Day celebration. Patriotic Ceremony Starts at 9:30 a.m. The patriotic city of Dahlonega is proud of our deep military heritage. Join us and show your support for America's freedom with this annual ritual. The gala kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the singing of the national anthem, the presentation of Colors by Dahlonega's Junior ROTC, and a quick address from the keynote speaker. more Dahlonega Car Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Don't miss the Dahlonega Car Club Car Show. Travel back in time with over 150 fully restored classics, and experience the beauty and vintage styling of some of the finest cars in north Georgia. The cars are on display in the parking lot at Lumpkin's County Library. A $20 entrance fee for all cars showcased at the event benefits the county's DARE Program and local fire department. Proceeds purchase toys to help comfort young fire victims. Fourth of July Parade Begins at 11 a.m. The Dahlonega's Fourth of July parade is always a crowd-pleaser. Don't miss the patriotic-themed floats and entertainers as they cruise through town. The procession starts at Memorial Drive and circles through the city's historic square. After the spectacle, grab a bite to eat at one of Dahlonega's 18 restaurants and consider a nap in your hotel room before the big show. Dahlonega offers guests an excellent selection of charming lodging choices, such as a bed and breakfast like the Mountain Top Lodge or a family-friendly hotel like The Quality Inn. Whether you stay for a night or a week, discover restful accommodations and real southern hospitality that suits every fancy and budget. Grand Fireworks Display Starts at Dark Wrap up the day's festivities with Dahlonega's Fourth of July family fireworks celebration on the drill field at the University of North Georgia. Known for having one of the best fireworks displays in the state, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spread out to watch the grand finale. This year's family-fun Independence Day celebration is bigger and better than ever before. Head up to Dahlonega and spend the day with us. Photo by ThoroughlyReviewed via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

For nearly 30 years, the Ford Explorer topped the charts as America's family favorite vehicle and the country's best-selling SUV. The seven-passenger 2018 Explorer offers a rugged stance, tons of power, a roomy, upscale interior, and all-wheel drive. From the inside, outside, and under the hood, discover what makes the new Ford Explorer Platinum stand out from the crowd. Take the Road Less Traveled With four-wheel drive standard on every Explorer Platinum, what's stopping you from taking the road less traveled? Fear no trail with Ford's four terrain management driving modes that handle whatever you encounter from normal conditions, mud and ruts, sand and grass, gravel or snow. A maximum trailering capacity of 5,000 pounds with the companion trailer tow package is just right for that fishing boat or small camper. With safety technology like hill descent control, hit the rough country with confidence in your new Platinum. Performance You Demand Unleash 365 horsepower with the Explorer Platinum's twin turbo 3.5-liter V-6, alongside an eager six-speed automatic transmission. With excellent passing and pulling power, the Platinum has enough gusto to tackle most jobs you put to it. The Platinum won't break the bank at the pump either, earning a decent 22 mpg highway. The Explorer's taut suspension gives this big SUV impressive cornering agility and offers a balanced and comfortable feel with its 20-inch wheels. A smooth suspension makes the Platinum trim an ideal choice for a relaxing road trip. more Luxury Amenities You Love Platinum has long been a symbol of success, and this Explorer trim truly shines. Enjoy all the available advanced tech-based safety systems with Ford's Safe and Smart Package, including adaptive cruise control and cross traffic alerts. Ultrasonic sensors help drivers parallel park the Explorer, then safely pull out from parking spots. Never drop your packages or fumble for your key fob again with the new Platinum's liftgate. With just the wave of your foot under the rear bumper, the lift automatically opens or closes. Discover the latest connectivity and technology with Ford's Sync Connect, a voice-activated navigation system and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. Experience premium sound from Sony's 500-watt 12-speaker system with subwoofer and Clear Phase and Live Acoustics functionality to enhance the quality of your music for a crisp, clean experience. That's right — your Platinum is a rolling rave. Refined Interior Highlights Have a seat in your new Explorer and take your adventures to a luxurious new level. Appreciate the Platinum's interior, loaded with real wood accents, premium quilted Nirvana leather upholstery, and a dual-panel moonroof. With a third-row, power folding 50/50 split bench seat, and generous cargo space of 80.7 cubic feet, there's room for whatever moves you. Striking Appearance Prepare to turn some heads with the Platinum's bold craftsmanship and unique satin-chrome finish. Run your eyes over a sporty liftgate spoiler and the striking chrome-plated quad exhaust tips. With its fresh new look, notice the dynamic grille and distinct, energy-efficient LED headlamps to light your way. Discover your next SUV: the 2018 Explorer Platinum. Stand out from the crowd, starting at $53,940.   Photo via Ford.com

When you need a peaceful setting to reconnect with nature, head up to Amicalola State Park, just an hour and a half drive north of Atlanta. It's the perfect recipe for a great escape that everyone will enjoy. Experience a Georgia adventure at Amicalola, and plan to spend the day or spend the night — and plan to play. Exciting Activities Discover an almost endless list of day and evening activities at Amicalola Falls State Park. Take a guided fitness hike or sit in on the GoPro camera class and expertly capture all your memories at the Park. Get your heart pumping with a thrilling tree-top zip line, then test your skill at 3-D archery. Grab the kids and go on a GPS scavenger hunt, then spend the evening gathered around the campfire toasting marshmallows. Learn to endure the wilderness using outdoor skills picked up at Survivalist Camp, and get up close and personal with native birds of prey such as owls, falcons, and hawks. more The Park Amicalola Park is 829 beautiful acres of outdoor mountain adventures just waiting to happen. It's no surprise Amicalola is the most popular park in the area. Named for the 729-foot falls, Amicalola, or Tumbling Waters as known to the Cherokee nation, is the tallest cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi River. Wind through the park on miles of trails, including the 8-mile path to Springer Mountain that connects with the world-renowned Appalachian Trail. Fish for trout at the base of the trail or go geocaching. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. To park you must have a $5 Georgia State Park Pass. Your leashed, four-legged pal is welcome too. Accommodations in Amicalola Amicalola State Park's lodge is more than just a place to lay your head — it's a true highland retreat. Experience a welcoming "Bed and Breakfast" feel with cozy charm and spectacular views from every room. Modern conveniences abound such as suites, loft rooms for the kids, and Wi-Fi. For those who want a bit more seclusion, discover unique cabins nestled in the mountain surrounding the lodge. Designed for a romantic weekend or for families traveling with kids, there are one, two, and three bedroom cabins equipped with a full kitchen that offer heat, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Guests that want a real outdoor adventure are invited to pitch their tent in the park's primitive camping sites near the waterfall. RV hookups are also available, and the sites are roomy enough to spread out. The Maple Restaurant Delight in contemporary buffet-style dining at the Maple Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Delight in homemade, traditional American and classic Southern favorites, such as surf and turf, and order an adult beverage off the drink menu. They offer an excellent selection of wine, beer, and spirits. Dinner usually ranges from $15.99 to $19.99, depending on the carte du jour. Time your meal with a sunset view. You won't be disappointed. Don't miss a chance to make wonderful, lasting memories when you spend the day and night at Amicalola State Park. Photo by IIIP Photo Archive via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2018 Ford Explorer is a sporty and bold entry in today's auto market. It's not only stylish, though! It's spacious enough to seat seven, making it a great SUV for an upcoming family road trip. And with five trims in the lineup, you know the Ford Explorer doesn't lack variety. Take a look at what makes each model so unique. Base The 2018 Explorer starts at $32,140 and offers a lot even at the base level. The outside gets black-accented bumpers and heated power mirrors, while the interior sports cloth seating and single-zone climate control with air filtration. On the multimedia end, SiriusXM satellite radio offers hundreds of channels for your listening pleasure. In terms of performance, this trim is backed by a 3.5-liter V-6 that sees 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Lastly, enjoy peace of mind thanks to an SOS post-crash alert system and AdvanceTrac roll stability control. more XLT The XLT can be yours for only $2,035 more. This higher model includes extras like LED signature lighting, plus an available power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and nearly a dozen paint options. The interior is fancy too, with an available Wi-Fi hotspot, voice-activated navigation, and twin-panel moonroof added to the list. The engine lineup remains unchanged, though security features get a slight upgrade. You now have access to to a perimeter alarm and a SecuriCode keyless entry keypad. Limited This trim will set you back about $10,000 more than the base, but you just may find it worth the investment. A foot-activated liftgate makes way for seamless loading and unloading, while all-around LED lighting offers clear illumination at night. As you head inside the cabin, you'll find ample accessories to keep comfort levels high. These include dual-zone air conditioning, a power-adjustable steering column, and a SYNC 3 infotainment system. Under the hood sits a 2.3-liter EcoBoost getting up to 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Sport The Sport trim is every bit as adventurous and capable as you'd imagine. It starts at $45,950 and features plenty of stylish add-ons. Show off your SUV with a gloss-black grille and mirrors, plus distinct hood badging. Inside you're greeted with first-row lighted scuff plates, leather-trimmed seats with red stitching, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Performance really takes a step forward here, as you now have a sport-tuned suspension system and intelligent four-wheel drive as standard, not to mention a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine that gets 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Platinum If you're someone who craves luxury, the Platinum trim is a great option. It starts at $53,940 and features plenty of high-end amenities. Enjoy an exterior adorned with automatic high beams and satin chrome styling, while the interior boasts premium leather seating and a 500-watt Sony sound system. Performance is hardly different, though safety is even better than before. Lane departure warning with lane keep assist work in tandem to reduce drifting, and state-of-the-art inflatable safety belts offer an extra layer of protection for rear outboard occupants. After reading this guide, how can you narrow down your choices to just one? Test drive the 2018 Ford Explorer to find your best match!   Photo via Ford.com

Hybrid and electric cars have increased in popularity over the past few years, with new models popping up every year. Ford has an impressive lineup of electric and hybrid models, encouraging more drivers to choose these options and reduce their environmental impacts. When you choose a Ford model, you can get a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly model that will get you to where you need to go. Impressive Fuel Economy Some of the most popular vehicles from Ford are those that help drivers save at the pump. The 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid returns an estimated 42 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, making it a great option for your daily commute or your next road trip. Beneath the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter hybrid electric powertrain and a 1.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. The 2018 Fusion is also available with a hybrid engine, with estimates coming in at 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. This powertrain uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. Ford released an all-electric version of its popular compact sedan, the Focus, which goes up to 118 miles in the city and 96 mpg on the highway. This model has a one-speed automatic transmission, along with a 107-kWh motor and a 35-kWh lithium-ion battery. more High-End Features When you choose an electric or hybrid vehicle from Ford, you don't have to skimp on the latest comfort and convenience features. The C-MAX Hybrid comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an overhead storage console, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Tech features include a six-speaker sound system with advanced voice recognition, while Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system and navigation are available as upgrades. Within the Fusion Hybrid, features include manually adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker audio system, a 4.2-inch central display screen, active noise control, and rear air vents. The Ford Focus tacks on Ford's MyKey system, which allows parents to set controls on speed and audio system volume for their teen drivers, as well as track the vehicle location and set fences. It's also available with high-end tech options, such as a Sony audio system, smart USB charging ports, and an 8-inch touch screen. Sleek Exterior Styling When you think of a hybrid vehicle, you might imagine a clunky, dated-looking model, but that's certainly not the case when it comes to these options from Ford. In fact, most people can't immediately tell that these vehicles are hybrid or electric-powered. From the outside, you'll spot eye-catching features like chrome accents, LED lighting, exhausts, fog lights, tinted glass, and rear spoilers. The front end of the Focus Hybrid shows off a unique front grille in piano black, while the other models have their own unique features as well. Visit Chestatee Ford to test drive one of these Ford hybrid or electric models, and see how it stacks up against other environmentally friendly vehicles. We'll show you the latest features and help you as you make the decision about which model is right for you.   Photo via ford.com

The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion are two brand favorites battling it out in the sedan segment this year. As you shop for your next vehicle, consider this comparison guide to help you decide which of the two — the Ford Taurus or Ford Fusion — works best for you. Trim Variety The Ford Taurus is available in four trims: the SE, SEL, Limited, and SHO. The 2018 Ford Fusion triples that amount with an astounding 12-trim lineup, which includes a mix of standard trims, plus Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid variants. Both models start for less than $30,000, but the Ford Fusion's base comes in at $5,475 less than the Ford Taurus SE, making it a likelier choice for buyers on a budget. more Exterior Accents The Taurus and Fusion are undeniably attractive in appearance. They both feature similar elements, such as body-color door handles, LED taillamps, an Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, and an optional power moonroof. On the other hand, the Fusion adds an additional paint option to its lineup (Lightning Blue), giving you one extra color choice to consider. Performance Specs The Taurus offers a quieter ride thanks to its cabin and engine insulation, but the Fusion has a shorter turning radius that handles corners and tight spaces like a pro. Fuel efficiency also varies between models. In short, the Taurus SE, SEL, and Limited offer the best model rating at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the Fusion Energi trims reach an MPGe of 104 city and 91 highway, a driving range that's hard to beat. Interior Space These sedans both accommodate up to five passengers, though the Fusion's added head and legroom provide a slightly more comfortable fit than the compact Taurus. However, the latter's 20.1-cubic-foot trunk ranks among the largest in its class for cargo capacity, while the Fusion offers 4.1 cubic feet less. Technology Features You don't have to settle for basic tech amenities in these two sedans. Ford's signature MyKey system, for example, offers advanced functions such as allowing you to set speed and audio volume limits for young drivers, reminding you to buckle up before taking off, and alerting you of a nearly empty fuel tank. A SYNC 3 infotainment system is also available with the 2018 Ford Taurus and Fusion. This interactive hardware features a touch screen that's highly responsive and user-friendly. You can easily access features such as smartphone integration for Android and Apple devices, turn-by-turn navigation, satellite radio, and a variety of voice-activated functions. Safety Systems The 2018 Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion both received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. That says a lot about these two models, but so do the many driver-assist features they offer. These include adaptive cruise control, individual tire pressure monitoring, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control. Where we see a difference in advanced safety measures is with the Fusion's available inflatable rear seat belts, a first for the mid-size sedan segment. They reduce the amount of crash force to the head and neck following a collision. Whether you're shopping for your first sedan or upgrading from a previous model, we hope this guide has helped you decide which of these two Fords, the Taurus or Fusion, is right for you.   Photo: " Fusion " by Shawn Nystrand licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Georgia's wine country is up along the northern part of the state, not too far from Atlanta. There are also a few further south, but either way, you won't have to travel very far if you want to go on a winery tour in Atlanta. If that sounds appealing and you want to spend a weekend or a whole week's vacation touring the vineyards of the South, you should do yourself a favor and make some time to visit at least one of the wineries on the following list. Chateau Elan Winery and Resort Chateau Elan has the advantage of being a resort hotel on top of being a winery, and since it's halfway between downtown Atlanta and Georgia's wine country over on I-85 it's the perfect place to sleep between trips. On most afternoons you can go on a free guided tour of the Elan Winery whether or not you've booked a room, although you will have to pay if you want to taste what they create. They also regularly host special events that teach you things like the basics of winemaking and wine tasting. more Wolf Mountain Vineyards Wolf Mountain Vineyards is up along US-19 north of Dahlonega. It's nestled along the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, and the vineyards sit on the hillsides and use a clever gravity-based irrigation system that keeps the vines hydrated. Wolf Mountain planted its first crop in 2000, but they make a point of doing everything by hand and so their production is always limited compared to some of their neighbors. The winery offers guided tours with tastings at noon on weekends, but you can stop by the cafe on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch and a tasting. Georgia Winery Georgia Winery is right near Chattanooga on I-75. This winery dates back to 1983, making it one of the oldest vineyards of Georgia's modern wine country. Tours of the winery take place on Saturday, The tasting room is open throughout the week and offers flights of Georgia Winery's 20 wine varieties, and while they don't have a cafe they do have a gift shop where you can buy branded products, wines, and several desserts and pastries made on location using Georgia Winery wines. Frogtown It's an unusual name for a winery, but Frogtown is an award-winning winery deep in Georgia's wine country and east of Wolf Mountain. The main vineyard estate is near Dahlonega, but they also have tasting rooms up in Helen and all the way down south near Valdosta. The tasting room at the vineyard is open every day of the week, but come on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon and you'll get to enjoy a panini or cheese plate with your wine. Georgia's wine country is young and growing, with new brands and new flavors popping up every year. If you live in Atlanta you don't have to cross the country to get a Napa Valley experience, you just have to drive north less than 100 miles and tour some of the best wineries on the East Coast.   Photo: " Cheers! " by Marlon E licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2018 Ford Taurus is a strong contender in this year's auto market. Reviews rave about its affordable base price, performance hardware, cargo space, user-friendly infotainment system, and cutting-edge safety. Here's your guide to the 2018 Ford Taurus' impressive features. Starting MSRP Budget-conscious buyers gravitate toward this sedan for its modest MSRP. The base SE trim starts at $27,690, one of the lowest you'll find in this segment. However, if your budget allows for some wiggle room, consider stepping up to the next-level SEL, which starts at $30,120 and adds a few tech upgrades you won't find with the base. Either way, the Ford Taurus is ideal for those who want comfortable amenities without making a deep dent in their wallet. more SHO Performance Package Available for the top-level SHO trim, this performance package adds advanced specs that border on bold and brilliant. If you're able to splurge on this package, expect to drive away with enhanced road power. This performance boost is courtesy of a fine-tuned suspension system and improved coil springs and stabilizer bars, plus larger brake rotors and adjusted brake pads. You can also enjoy greater responsiveness with electric power steering and greater control over uneven terrain with AdvancTrac electronic stability control, which lets you switch between True Off and Track Mode. Finally, the SHO's tires offer peak performance in the summer. They're paired with a handy inflator for optimal air levels and a sealant kit for seamless tread wear repair. Trunk Volume Need a vehicle with ample cargo room? The 2018 Ford Taurus has you covered. This sedan jumps on the market with a cargo capacity that rivals most in its class. Exactly how much? You'll find 20.1 cubic feet of trunk space, perfect for a large grocery haul, all your road-trip luggage, and bulky possessions. On top of that, fold down the 60/40 rear seatbacks to reach even more cargo storage potential. SYNC 3 Infotainment System A worthy upgrade to this sedan's standard display, the 8-inch touchscreen and available SYNC 3 infotainment system brings user convenience right to your fingertips. Even if you aren't tech-savvy, this touchscreen is highly responsive and easy to operate. It lets you manage audio settings, remote services, and smartphone features, to name a few. Specifically, this interactive suite offers SiriusXM satellite radio, 911 emergency assistance, smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Siri Eyes Free for hands-free calling on your iPhone. Additional perks include voice-activated navigation and Travel Link for real-time weather updates, fuel rates, and sports scores. Safety All vehicles boast their own set of safety features, but not every model receives a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2018 Ford Taurus earned this status with its sturdy body frame and top-notch air bags. It also impresses with several driver-assist features designed to boost road safety and awareness. These include a safety-belt reminder, parallel and rear parking assistance, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep technology, and adaptive cruise control with four preset distances. The 2018 Ford Taurus is a practical sedan in today's market, and it's clear to see why it has earned positive reviews in these five areas.   Photo via Ford.com

Summer camps can be a fun way for kids to learn about outdoor skills, science, music, or any other activities they might be interested in. At the same time, they'll get to spend time with other kids their age they would never have met otherwise. It's a unique growing experience, or at least it can be if it doesn't become a major disaster instead. Summer camp is a great idea, but you should be sure you and your child are prepared for it before you drop them off. How Long Does the Camp Last? Day camps like Zoo Atlanta's summer sessions are a better choice for younger kids, especially if they aren't used to spending nights away from home or away from their parents. All you have to do is drop them off at the start of the day and pick them up in the early evening, just like how daycare works. Overnight camps have your kids staying on location from start to finish, whether that means a weekend, a week, a month, or the entire summer. Like with day camps, longer stays are more appropriate for older kids. more What Does Your Child Want to Do? Different camps focus on different topics. Some of them are camps in the classic sense: pitching tents in campgrounds, learning how to forage for food and set fires, and otherwise spending time away from civilization. Other camps focus on things like science, math, acting, sports, or music. A dedicated camp like the Spruill Center Summer Camp can be a good way for a child to get into a new hobby or learn a new skill, but if it's something they don't like then spending all day for a week on it can feel like torture. That's why you should make sure your kid knows what kind of camp they're going to and that they're interested in the camp's subject. You could even offer a few different options so your child will have some say in where they go. What's Your Budget? Summer camps can be expensive, even if they only last for one week. They tend to start at hundreds of dollars and go up from there, and some specialty camps can cost $1,000 per week or more. On the bright side, this cost covers just about everything the camp uses, including equipment, supplies, food, shelter, and anything else a specialty camp might need. Still, you shouldn't plan on sending your child to any summer camp unless you know for sure you have enough room in your budget for it. A summer camp can be a fun time and an important event in a child's life, and if you can afford the tuition fees for even one week of sessions it can end up being an important experience for your kid. Just make sure that you've planned everything out, your child knows what kind of camp they're going to, and you're aware of the costs involved whether it's tuition or the extra supplies you're expected to bring.   Photo: " Summer 2017 Moment " by Gem Webb licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Plan a summer getaway in Georgia this year. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone no matter where in the state you decide to go. Check out these summer vacation destinations in Georgia and get started on planning your fun-filled getaway. Alpharetta Alpharetta is a vibrant city located between Atlanta and the mountains of northern Georgia. There is so much to do in this area with hundreds of shopping and dining options and a growing music scene. The downtown area has a small-town, charming atmosphere where there is always live entertainment or a festival going on. You can also head outside to Cashin's Sculpture Garden or ride or walk along the Big Creek Greenway. If your idea of a perfect summer vacation includes a spa treatment, there are several to choose from right in Alpharetta. more Lakemont Lakemont, situated in northeastern Georgia is home to Lake Rabun. This area is just an hour and a half drive from Chestatee and offers a quiet place for the whole family to relax. You can rent a cabin along the shore of the lake and enjoy swimming and boating during your vacation, or take advantage of the nearby mountains if you want to spend the day hiking and exploring. There is also whitewater rafting in the area if you prefer to get your adrenaline pumping, or for something more relaxing, you can drop a line in the lake waters and try your luck with the fish. FDR State Park FDR State Park offers a variety of different activities making it the perfect place for a summer vacation. It is the largest state park in Georgia and sits just over an hour's drive southwest of Atlanta. With over 9,000 acres, the park has so much to offer; you'll need to spend your whole vacation exploring all the fun. There is hiking with beautiful views, boating and fishing, swimming, and historical sights to visit. You can rent a cabin, or choose from several types of camping experiences including backcountry sites, lakeside sites, and even one huge site with room for 75 people. Cloudland Canyon Visit Cloudland Canyon State Park to explore 1000-foot canyons carved out by years of running water. This park features over 64 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of horseback riding trails. If you are an experienced wild caver, you can explore the caves in the park, or you can take a guided Wild Cave Tour with G3 Adventures. Make sure you take some time to hike up to see the waterfalls that are unlike any others in the state. Spend your vacation in a fully-equipped cottage in the park, or you can even rent a yurt if you want to try something new. If you have your own accommodations, there are also several different types of camping and backpacking sites available. The state of Georgia has many beautiful vacation spots. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or want to spend your time off shopping and trying new restaurants, you can do it in Georgia. Photo via Flickr by StephenGA CC0 1.0

After missing in action for over two decades, the Ford Bronco is finally poised to make a comeback in 2020. Known as a multi-purpose vehicle, the Bronco was a popular alternative to other SUVs on the market during its production. The new Ford Bronco will be the first version of this bold 4x4 since 1996. Here are a few reasons that adventure seekers will love the new model. Redesigned for Adventure Ford has stated that the latest incarnation of the Bronco will sport a bold new look that respects the rugged roots of its heritage. There's some speculation as to exactly what this might look like. Some industry insiders have guessed that it will be based on Ford's own Everest SUV, which is itself an offshoot of the Ford Ranger. more An anonymous Ford employee let slip that the new Bronco might resemble the Troller T4, a vehicle that Ford manufactures for the Brazilian market. If these early reports are any indication, the new Bronco will be designed from the ground-up to compete with the most distinctive SUVs on the market. Performance and Power It's a safe bet that the new Bronco will live up to its name by providing drivers with high-end, adventurous performance. There are likely to be several trims of the new Bronco available when it arrives in 2020. The entry-level configurations are expected to have a 2.3-liter or 2.7-liter V6 engine capable of generating around 250 horsepower. The higher levels of trim may have an engine as big as 5.0 liters, which could deliver about 435 horsepower. Ford has also recently incorporated EcoBoost technology into most of its engines, so the Bronco's engine will probably be turbocharged and utilize a direct injection system. Classic Design Elements You probably remember the Bronco as a two-door vehicle, but the modern incarnation of the vehicle is expected to only be available as a four-door version. Despite this design change, the new Bronco will retain many of the classic elements that have made it the perfect vehicle for adventure seekers for years. All prior versions of the Bronco have had a removable top, and reports indicate that this feature will carry over to the new Bronco. And like Broncos of the past, the new version is expected to be fully capable of tackling rough terrain in four-wheel drive mode. The difference is that the new Bronco may only be available as a four-wheel drive model. Versatile Driving Ability The Ford Bronco was always famous for its ability to deliver a smooth highway drive just as easily as it could crawl over rocks and through thick mud. With four-wheel drive capabilities and a powerful engine, it seems like the new Bronco will carry forth that legacy. If you're an adventurous driver, you're sure to appreciate the new Bronco's ability to transition between paved road and dirt track without missing a beat. There are lots of questions about the upcoming Bronco, but it's safe to say that Ford has piqued our interest. We're eagerly keeping our eyes on any details about the new Bronco, but it's shaping up to be a comeback to remember.   Photo: " Ford Bronco concept " by dave_7 licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

Craft beer is becoming more and more popular, and with new breweries popping up all the time you can always get your fill. In the Atlanta area, there are several breweries to choose from where you can taste locally made brews, special seasonal beers, and quite often some delicious food to go along with it. Here are some of the craft breweries to check out in Atlanta. Scofflaw Brewing Co. Situated in the northwest neighborhood of Bolton, the Scofflaw Brewing Co has a huge production facility and a tasting room where you can sample some of everything from their IPAs to a barrel-aged stout. Scofflaw even offers tours Thursday through Sunday. The tour starts in the brewhouse and goes through the whole process from fermentation to kegging and bottling, and then ends in the tasting room. more Second Self Beer Co. Visit Second Self Beer Company on the west side of Atlanta and check out their canning room and the tasting room. You can take a tour of the brewery and get some samples of their limited-release brews along with the seasonal releases. Saturday is one of the best days to visit because it is always Taco Saturday at this brewery. Real Mexican Vittles supplies the tacos, and the brewery supplies the beer. Make sure to check in often to find out what new and unique beers this place has on tap. The staff is always trying new things and creating new variations for their customers. Monday Night Brewing Monday Night Brewing is one of the oldest craft breweries in Atlanta. The goal of this company is to brew flavorful beer that pairs well with a weeknight dinner. They offer a few different collections of brews including the Black Tie Series and the Garage Series, and there are also some seasonal and year-round brews. You can rent the taproom or the garage for a private event for up to 100 people, or you can just visit during their open hours and get a flight with four beers of your choice. Orpheus Brewing Check out Orpheus Brewing for creative new beers. The tasting room has decks overlooking Piedmont Park, and you can also go on a tour of the brewery. Try some samples of the brews in the regular rotation along with some samples of their limited releases and the barrel-aged beers that you can only get right at the brewery. The tasting room opens up on Thursday and Friday nights from 6 to 9 and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5. Torched Hop Brewing Company Torched Hop Brewing Company operates both as a brewery and a restaurant. Stop in here to taste the microbrews and have a bite to eat. The restaurant features small plates and a selection of sandwiches, while the brewery has a rotating selection of the beers brewed right on-site. There are many more craft breweries in and around the Atlanta area, but these are some of the local favorites. Stop by any of these breweries to taste the delicious beer and enjoy the atmosphere in the tap or tasting room.   Photo: " Beer Flight " by Nan Palmero licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original