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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

Extreme weather conditions can lead to unsafe road hazards. While it is best to stay off the road during times of extreme weather, sometimes it cannot be avoided. These tips will help you stay safe when driving during extreme weather conditions. Prepare Your Vehicle Ahead of Time There are some vehicle preparations that can actually improve the safety of your drive. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, keep your tires filled to the proper level, and have your vehicle winter-serviced each year. Taking these safety precautions ahead of time reduces your chances of having vehicle trouble on top of poor road conditions. You don't want to get stranded in the middle of extreme weather. more Prepare an Emergency Road Kit Keeping an emergency road kit in your trunk is useful for driving emergencies. Your emergency kit should include items like blankets, an ice scraper, road flares, dry food, water, and a backup cell phone or phone charger. If you have a roadside service membership, make sure you have this information also stored in your vehicle somewhere. Keeping a bag of cat litter in the trunk can also help improve traction if you get stranded. Take Your Time Rushing in extreme weather conditions often leads to an even more dangerous situation. Driving too fast on poor roads can make it difficult to stop without causing an accident. Icy and slippery roads are not always easily visible. You could drive for many miles with good traction and then hit a patch of black ice and spin out of control. If the weather is poor, slow your speed to a 10 mph and then adjust accordingly, based on your comfort level. Avoid slamming on your breaks and give yourself plenty of space to come to a full stop. Keep a Large Distance between Other Cars Poor road conditions also affect other drivers on the road. Tailgating can result in an auto accident if the person in front of you has to stop quickly. It is best to leave a minimum of 100 yards between you and other drivers. Avoid a collision in the event either of you needs to stop quickly or are unable to come to a stop by keeping your distance.  If traffic is moving faster than you are comfortable with, switch lanes to a slower one and keep a large distance between the other drivers in the lane. Know When to Pull Off Just because you decided to drive despite poor road conditions, this does not mean that you have to stay on the road. If you find that the road conditions are much worse than expected, turn around and go home. If it is too dangerous to even drive home, pull off the road to a safe place. Even stopping in for a bite to eat can give the roads time to improve. Extreme weather conditions can make driving unsafe. These driving tips will help you gauge the weather and practice safe driving, regardless of the weather.   Photo " Rainy Drive " by Roman Lakoubtchik licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original

Dahlonega, Georgia, may not initially be known for its barbecue cuisine. However, it is home to some delicious local BBQ places that are worth giving a try. Smokin' Gold BBQ Smokin' Gold BBQ is a newer BBQ joint in Dahlonega, GA, but it has already become a favorite of the locals. Located in Dahlonega's main square, Smokin' Gold BBQ sits in a converted auto garage building. The menu is what you would expect from a traditional BBQ restaurant including pulled pork BBQ plates and brisket sandwiches. You will also find a Brunswick stew and peach cobbler on the menu that is worth giving a try. Request a table on the patio to enjoy your BBQ dinner, while overlooking the downtown city of Dahlonega, Georgia. more Farmhouse Produce and The BBQ Kitchen This unique destination combines a BBQ restaurant and a small produce market. The Farmhouse is a family owned small business, but it does not disappoint in food quality. Each of their menu and product market items are made with the freshest of ingredients, all from within Dahlonega. While the interior is quaint, the food is exceptional and will leave you wanting more. Some of the favorite items on the menu include the fried BBQ pickles, the fried green tomatoes, and the BBQ rib tips. Hickory Prime BBQ Hickory Prime BBQ came from owners who entered many BBQ contests. After winning several first place awards, they decided to serve their quality BBQ to the public. The menu is quite expansive, but consider items like the chopped beef brisket sandwich, the smoked pulled chicken plate, or the sweet and spicy BBQ grilled cheese. The restaurant also has a large to-go and catering menu, perfect for serving this delicious BBQ at your next event. The Jukebox Cafe The Jukebox Cafe is a favorite food and entertainment place in Dahlonega. The menu is simple boasting comfort BBQ foods like grilled cheese, grilled mac and cheese, and the pretzel Ruben. The entire menu is fresh daily and cooked using locally sourced ingredients. The Jukebox hosts many live events throughout the week with comedians, bagpipe performances, and southern musical artists. You will often find guests sticking around after dinner for a night of dancing. Jr's Roadkill BBQ & Ribs Jr's is a local favorite in Dahlonega. The menu is authentically BBQ inspired and includes pulled pork dishes, sweet potatoes fries, and BBQ ribs. The joint country store is a perfect stop after dinner to load up on local crafts and souvenirs. Stop by on a weekend night for dinner and live entertainment. Fridays are karaoke night from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and Saturdays host a live band. Before you leave, make sure you write your name on the outdoor deck table. It keeps track of the many satisfied customers of Jr's Roadkill BBQ history. Dahlonega, Georgia, has established a loyal BBQ following. With a couple of local restaurants dedicated to delicious BBQ and entertainment, it is worth visiting Dahlonega to meet your BBQ cravings. Photo by Southern Food Alliance licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original

The 2018 Ford Focus RS is a limited-edition vehicle. Entering its last year of production, this limited time Ford Focus will no longer be produced after 2018. Here are the most exciting features of the last version of the Ford Focus RS. Powerful Engine The 2018 Ford Focus RS definitely does not lack in power. With a 350 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it offers a satisfying sporty and powerful performance. The unique 6-speed manual transmission will also improve the overall drive. Drivability In addition to a consistently powerful engine, the performance is also enhanced with a 2.3L EcoBoost® system. This system uniquely controls how much torque goes to each wheel, improving control, traction, and overall drivability. Drivers can also manually switch between four different driving modes, with a new track and drift option. The Focus RS also gives drivers the ability to adjust suspension and stability control for ideal operating conditions. more Exterior Trim Almost as a dedication to the end of this sporty line, Ford has completely renovated the exterior of the 2018 Ford Focus RS. The exterior mirrors have black trim, the spoiler has an upgraded black accent, and the RS decal is completely changed from earlier models. Drivers can also choose a Race Red color in the 2018 model, which is an addition to the single color Nitrous Blue that was previously offered. The 19-inch forged painted wheels will also now come standard in both models. Although minimally changed, the aerodynamic design of the exterior will also improve drivability with efficient speed. The unique exterior trim of the 2018 model is sure to give you a unique vehicle that is easily recognized by Ford Focus enthusiasts. Interior The interior also saw a significant change in this year's final model. The seats come standard with RECARO® leather heated materials. The mirrors and steering wheel are also heated. The navigation system has upgraded voice activation and easier than ever to use. The Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system has a larger 8.0-inch monitor. Safety Features Not much has changed in terms of safety, but the 2018 Ford RS will still offer a solid safety package. Drivers can feel safe despite road conditions with the dual-sided airbags, safety canopy system, and belt minder feature. Passengers can also adjust their seatbelt based on height, for a more secure fit. The LATCH system and child-safety rear locks improve safety for families with young children. Finally, the rearview camera and tire pressure monitoring system are both standard on both models. Drivers can also rest easy knowing that their exclusive vehicle has protection built-in. Security features include a remote keyless entry, a passive anti-lock system, and a perimeter alarm system. The 2017 Ford Focus RS did not see any significant changes. The 2018 Ford Focus RS, however, is completely revamped for its last year in production. There will only be 1,000 of these exclusive RS vehicles made, so make sure you stop by your local dealer before this car is no longer available.   Photo via Ford.com

The Georgia mountain region is home to Dahlonega, GA. It's known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and vast wine trails. The locally grown wine makes it the perfect destination for a wine tasting tour. There are many wine tour options available in Dahlonega, GA. Here are just a few of them. Visit a Local Wine Tasting Room You will find many wine tasting rooms scattered throughout Dahlonega, GA. In fact, it was recently named the Wine Tasting Room Capital of Georgia. Just a few of the local wine tasting rooms include Crane Creek Dahlonega Tasting Room, Canvas & Cork, and the Georgia Winery of Dahlonega Tasting Room. Many of the rooms offer small tasting plate of fruits, crackers, and cheese to pair with your wine choices. If you plan to visit multiple rooms, make sure you stop by the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Visitors Center first. You can buy a signature wine glass for only $5. Bring the glass with you to the wine tasting rooms for special discounts. At the end of the tour, you are left with a souvenir of Dahlonega's premier wine country. more Visit a Wine Cellar Wine cellars are like wine tasting rooms, but often take place in a storage basement or room dedicated to wine storage. Wine cellar visits are great for tasting wines that are best when temperature controlled. When you try the wines in a temperature consistent room, you get a true taste for the wine flavor without the intrusions of the outside air. One wine cellar that is worth visiting is Frogtown Cellars. This cellar sits below a 57-acre vineyard estate. The vineyard has over 22,000 grape vines and over 25 grape varieties of wine. The wines served in the cellar come exclusively from the Frogtown Cellars vineyard. Stroll Through the Local Vineyards There is something exciting and beautiful about viewing the process of winemaking. Get a closer look at how the grapes are grown and stroll through the real grape vineyards of the Northeast Georgia Mountain area. The mountains are ideal for grape growing and are what leads to such exquisite wine flavors. The Dahlonega Wine Trail is a unique wine tour experience that is perfect for all wine enthusiasts. The entire scenic tour takes about one hour and 15 minutes and spans across 39 miles of the best grape growing vineyards. Attend a Wine Tasting Event With so many superior wineries in the Dahlonega area, it is no surprise that there are many wine tasting events to attend. Just a few of the upcoming wine festivals include the Dahlonega Literary Festival on March 24 and 25, the Bear on the Square Festival on April 21 and 22, and the Dahlonega Arts & Wine Festival on May 19 and 20. These events are the perfect opportunity to taste local wine, enjoy live music, and mingle with other wine enthusiasts. Dahlonega, GA, and wine are synonymous with one another. There are many ways to enjoy a glass of wine in the city, whether you prefer to drive, walk, or attend a wine inspired event.     Photo: " Monteluce Vineyard " by Maxim B. licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original