Spring Break
Seven ways to alternative fall break
BRIE BRITZIUS
Issue date: 10/29/08 Section: Out & About
In keeping with tradition, the University is giving students a long weekend at the end of October to attend the Georgia-Florida game - or perhaps not.
For those who have decided to forgo a trek to the World's Largest Cocktail Party, don't fret!
Stefanie Paupeck, communications specialist for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, noted plenty of travel opportunities in the fall for football-wary types.
"There are events in the mountains like Oktoberfest in Helen, and the leaves are changing," she said. "People [also] appreciate the cool temperatures."
So load up the back seat with a few close friends, and check out the following fall trip options as suggested by Paupeck and Web sites dedicated to Georgia and Southeast travel.
In addition to a unique downtown area, nearby attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and Chimney Rock Park are just a short drive away.
You also can hop onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive.
More info: www.exploreasheville.com
More info: www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/ohv/town.shtml
There is no fee to enter the village. One can browse the unique shops during the day. However, entry to the Festhalle, where a lot of activities are held, is $7 on weekdays, $9 on Saturdays and free on Sundays.
Helen also is close to natural attractions such as Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls.
More info: www.helenchamber.com
According to the organization's Web site, the combination drag show and costume contest is part of Boybutante's work to fund AIDS support services.
There will also be a DJ and live music upstairs from Holy Liars, Music Hates You and Lazer/Wülf.
More info: www.boybutante.org
More info: www.441heritagehighway.org
Afterward, one can browse The Wine Market where Château Élan sells its own vintages and other gifts. The estate also offers golf, dining and spa services.
More info: www.chateauelan.com
All ages are welcome on this casual ride through town. The event is held to support alternative and safe transportation for everyone on the road. The ride starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall. According to the BikeAthens' Web site, the ride is about six miles long and will take about an hour and a half to complete.
More info: www.bikeathens.com
For those who have decided to forgo a trek to the World's Largest Cocktail Party, don't fret!
Stefanie Paupeck, communications specialist for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, noted plenty of travel opportunities in the fall for football-wary types.
"There are events in the mountains like Oktoberfest in Helen, and the leaves are changing," she said. "People [also] appreciate the cool temperatures."
So load up the back seat with a few close friends, and check out the following fall trip options as suggested by Paupeck and Web sites dedicated to Georgia and Southeast travel.
Asheville, N.C.
Located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, this small city offers activities such as golf, shopping and day trips into the mountains. The city prides itself on its eclectic mix of arts, culture and dining.In addition to a unique downtown area, nearby attractions such as the Biltmore Estate and Chimney Rock Park are just a short drive away.
You also can hop onto the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive.
More info: www.exploreasheville.com
Town Creek OHV Trail
If you have access to a mountain bike, dirt bike or ATV, head to Town Creek trail in nearby Eatonton for a vigorous ride. There is a $5 operator fee to access the 15-mile trail. The trail splits into two loops which caters to different vehicle types, so be sure to pay attention to which loop you ride. Loop A serves motorcycles while Loop B serves mountain bikes and ATVs.More info: www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/ohv/town.shtml
Helen
Oktoberfest winds down over Fall Break in this north Georgia town built to replicate an Alpine village. The festival mimics the German celebration of the same name by featuring German food, a beer garden and live music.There is no fee to enter the village. One can browse the unique shops during the day. However, entry to the Festhalle, where a lot of activities are held, is $7 on weekdays, $9 on Saturdays and free on Sundays.
Helen also is close to natural attractions such as Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls.
More info: www.helenchamber.com
"Boobutante Ball"
The Boybutante AIDS Foundation will hold its Halloween bash at Tasty World.According to the organization's Web site, the combination drag show and costume contest is part of Boybutante's work to fund AIDS support services.
There will also be a DJ and live music upstairs from Holy Liars, Music Hates You and Lazer/Wülf.
More info: www.boybutante.org
Georgia's Heritage Highway 441
If you're itching to hit the open road, consider heading north on Highway 441. The highway not only offers stunning views of northeast Georgia, but one can also access attractions such as Tallulah Gorge, horseback riding and wineries.More info: www.441heritagehighway.org
Château Élan
The winery at this estate provides reasonably priced tours and tastings every day. Friday and Sunday tours are $5 per person, and Saturdays cost $10. The benefit of going on the weekend is that there are more tour times to choose from.Afterward, one can browse The Wine Market where Château Élan sells its own vintages and other gifts. The estate also offers golf, dining and spa services.
More info: www.chateauelan.com
BikeAthens' Halloween Courteous Mass
BikeAthens will host a bicycle ride dubbed "A Nightmare on Broad Street: Halloween Courteous Mass" in honor of the spooky holiday. As a twist on its typical Courteous Mass rides, the organization encourages riders to wear a creepy costume.All ages are welcome on this casual ride through town. The event is held to support alternative and safe transportation for everyone on the road. The ride starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall. According to the BikeAthens' Web site, the ride is about six miles long and will take about an hour and a half to complete.
More info: www.bikeathens.com
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