Sunday, Apr. 05, 2009

Options abound if you'd rather take day trips during spring break

For many folks, vacations generally involve at least two long travel days. But that doesn’t have to be the case. If what the family needs is a change of scenery, an afternoon at Callaway Gardens or a day at Atlanta’s museums can be as satisfying as a trip across the country.

Taking shorter, less expensive day trips frees up those two days solely devoted to travel and brings variety to the spring-break schedule. Here are some options within a 1-2 hour drive from Columbus:

Ÿ Looking for that perfect Easter outfit? The Mall of Georgia, located just north of Atlanta at 3333 Buford Drive, Buford, Ga., has stores for every age and taste, including Nordstroms, dELiAs, H&M, Gymboree, Banana Republic, J. Crew and many more. Look for great deals at Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx HomeGoods.

Ÿ The Atlanta Braves will host the Washington Nationals April 10-12 at Turner Field. The 7:30 p.m. Friday game features fireworks. Magnetic schedules will be given out at the 7 p.m. Saturday game and kids can run the bases on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6-$80, depending on seating. This is the Braves’ home opener series.

Ÿ Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain is hosting the Coca-Cola Space Science Center’s Astronomy Night at 9 p.m. on April 11. The free program features viewing of the night sky. For more information, call 706-649-1470.

Ÿ Spend the Easter weekend at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain. From 2-5 p.m. April 11 people of all ages can participate in the Easter Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt around Robin Lake Beach. The hunt is free with admission to the Gardens.

An Easter Sunrise Service will be held at 7 a.m. on April 12 at the Robin Lake Ski Pavilion, followed by Easter Brunch at the Mountain Creek Inn Ballrooms (reservations required) and Plant Room Restaurant (reservations not accepted) from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Brunch is $28; no admission is charged before 8 a.m.

Callaway Gardens is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $15; $7.50 for children 6-12; $10 for military; $5 for military child dependent; free for children 5 and younger. Call 1-800-225-5292 for more information.

Ÿ A trip to Atlanta offers many educational experiences as well. The Georgia Aquarium is currently featuring the “Titanic Aquatic” exhibit, along with its biggest stars, the whale sharks and belugas. The Aquarium is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. April 5 and April 7-11 and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. April 6. General admission tickets are $26; $19.50 for children 3-12; and $21.50 for seniors 65 and older. They can be purchased in advance at 404-581-4000.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission starts at $15 for adults; $14 for students and seniors with ID; $13 for children 3-12; free for children 2 and younger and museum members. Family memberships start at $85. Tickets can be purchased at 404-929-6400.

The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8; $7 for seniors; $6 for children 6-12; and free for children 5 and younger. For more information, call 404-658-7625.

Ÿ Stone Mountain Park, located in Stone Mountain, Ga., will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. April 5-11 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 12. Events at the theme park include Spring FUN Break, the 65th Annual Easter Sunrise Service and a Lasershow Spectacular. Check the Web site at stonemountainpark.com for what attractions will be open each day. Tickets are $26; $21 for children 3-11; and $23 for seniors and military.

Ÿ For the outdoors-loving family, state parks surround the Columbus area. FDR State Park in Pine Mountain offers camping, hiking, picnic areas, fishing, boating and horseback riding. For more information, call 706-663-4858.

Florence Marina State Park in Omaha, Ga., offers boating, fishing, birding and miniature golf. For more information, call 229-838-6870.

Providence Canyon State Park, Lumpkin, Ga., has three hiking trails, a 7-mile backpacking trail and features the “Little Grand Canyon.” For more information, call 229-838-6202. State parks require a $3 parking pass. Some charges may apply for organized activities.