July 4th Pied Piper Parade, Concert & Fireworks In The City Of Decatur

Celebrate the 4th of July in the City of Decatur. Decorate your bicycle, skateboard, or wagon and join the Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner. The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.

For more info, visit City of Decatur.

July 4th Hotel Special At The University Inn At Emory

University Inn at Emory
July 4th Special!

4th of July - $65 (July 2-4)

Main Inn, 2 double beds, microwave/refrigerator, continental breakfast, wireless internet & freshly baked cookies. Pet friendly!

The University Inn at Emory is a convenient walk to Emory University's Campus & Hospital, Michael C. Carlos Museum, Donna & Marvin Schwartz Center for the Arts, and restaurants.

The hotel is near CDC, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, American Cancer Society and VA Hospital and conveniently located for easy access to Decatur, Downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, shopping, sporting events, theater and museums. Public transportation is just steps from their door. The University Inn at Emory is only 15 miles from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

For more information, visit University Inn at Emory.

Fernbank Tips the Scales with Lizards, Snakes And Turtles On Reptile Day

Fernbank Museum’s annual Reptile Day will give visitors an opportunity to get up-close with dozens of lizards, snake and turtles on Saturday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A variety of reptiles—both exotic and native to Georgia—will be on display in the Museum’s Great Hall. Members of the Georgia Herpetological Society will be on hand to answer questions and educate visitors about the importance of these exceptional animals. Some reptiles and amphibians will also be out with handlers for closer encounters.

Reptile Day coincides with Fernbank’s current special exhibition, Geckos: Tails to Toepads, where even more live animal encounters await. As visitors explore species from around the world, they can test their ability to spot some of these well-camouflaged lizards in their habitats. Geckos: Tails to Toepads is on view through Labor Day.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Decatur Community Concert With The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra On June 29, 2010

The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra will be performing a Decatur Community Concert with Joseph Conyers, double bass, on Tuesday June 29, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. The Orchestra will perform works by Koussevitsky, Borodin, Griffes and Grieg.

The concert will be held at the First Baptist Church of Decatur located at 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur. Admission is free.

For more information, call 678-891-3565 or visit DeKalb Symphony Orchestra.

The Story of Wild African Lions Roars Back into Fernbank Museum’s IMAX® Theatre by Popular Demand

Fernbank Museum’s IMAX® Theatre presents Roar: Lions of the Kalahari, returning by popular demand on July 30, 2010. Roar closely follows a lion pride in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert and will show daily through September 30, 2010.

Roar is an ambitious tale of a true lion king. Filmmaker Tim Liversedge enters the lions’ world unlike any other filmmaker and rarely misses an exciting moment in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert as he follows a king and his lionesses. From a heart racing giraffe chase to leisurely rolling around with the cubs, Roar: Lions of the Kalahari keeps audiences of all ages awe-inspiringly engaged.

With daring footage, Roar tells the invigorating story of the animal kingdom. In the vast and arid Kalahari Desert, a lion and his lionesses reign over the only water hole within 100 miles, until a young nomadic lion begins to challenge the king for his territory. With the dry season approaching, dominating the region near the water hole becomes increasingly important as other animals dare to quench their thirst in the heart of their predator’s land.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Free Reunion Planning Workshop on July 10, 2010

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free Family Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Select Perimeter to assist families in planning and organizing their reunions in DeKalb County.

DCVB offers a variety of free services to enhance family reunions, including providing free Welcome Bags for the entire family. Visit AtlantasDeKalb.org for more details.

The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Perimeter located at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. We hope to see you there!

The Atomic Rockets Live At The Earl On Wed. June 30, 2010

The Atomic Rockets were formed back in 2006 as an after school, basement band by Tyler, Kaleb & Adam after falling in love with Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, Carl Perkins & the like. After a good year spent writing the Rockets soon derived their own form of rock n' roll they've since titled "Rocketbilly".

With the addition of Hellcat Willy on doghouse bass, The Atomic Rockets have been playing tirelessly and have generated a fan base in a short period of time. Taking the boppy sounds of early charting, rockabilly and breaking the mold on 1-4-5 progressions, without neglecting the minor, dark side of Cramps-esque rockabilly, its no doubt why. After playing with non-stop, recording with rockabilly legend Roland Janes, and evolving their sound, The Atomic Rockets have definitely crafted a live show worth seeing and a sound worth hearing.

The Earl is located at 488 Flat Shoals Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30316-1900
For ticket info and directions, visit the Earl.

Click for a video preview of the Atomic Rockets

Chamblee Farmers Market Offers Healthy Locally-Produced Food To The Community

The Chamblee Farmers Market celebrated its debut on Saturday, June 19th with live music, chef demonstrations and raffle tickets.

The Market will be selling goods from a number of vendors on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from June through December, rain or shine.

According the their website, the Market's mission is "is to provide healthy, locally-produced food and products to our community; cultivating a sustainable connection between producers and consumers which will support the local economy and enhance the overall health of the local people and their environment."

Chamblee Farmers Market is located at The Frosty Caboose parking lot, 5435 Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 (Additional parking available at Vintage Pizzeria across the street)

For more info, visit Chamblee Farmers Market.

Celebrate the 4th of July At Stone Mountain Park

July 3 – 5
43rd Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration

Location: Stone Mountain Park
Address: Take Exit 39B off I-285 and Travel East on Hwy 78 to Exit 8

Celebrate in red, white and blue at the only place in Atlanta to see fireworks three nights in a row. Atlanta’s largest Fourth of July celebration explodes with excitement at Stone Mountain Park with the Fantastic Fourth Celebration.

The thrills begin with the Lasershow Spectacular™ and culminate with a breathtaking fireworks display. On the 4th of July, bursts of light will illuminate the sky as fireworks are shot from both the base and the top of Stone Mountain. Please come early and prepare for large crowds.

The Phantom Of The Opera At The Fox Theatre

With some of the most lavish sets, costumes and special effects ever to have been created for the stage, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, traces the tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer shamed by his physical appearance into a shadowy existence beneath the majestic Paris Opera House.

Tuesday, June 29 through Sunday, July 18
(Full Engagement)

Performances will be held at the Fox Theatre located at 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 in downtown Atlanta.

Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days At Centennial Olympic Park

Great Outdoors - Fourth Saturday Family Fun Days
Noon - 4 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of FREE, themed family fun once a month from spring to fall at Centennial Olympic Park's Fourth Saturday Family Fun Day! The event is full of interactive, entertaining and educational activities for children and each Saturday features a different theme.

Activities include educational programming, specialty workshops, touring shows, street performers, family-friendly performances, children’s crafts, life-size chess games, appearances by on-air personalities, local sports mascots, contests, prizes and more.

Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Avenue West, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
For more information, call 404.222.PARK or visit Centennial Olympic Park.

Click on the video below for a preview of Fourth Saturday Family Days

Upcoming Highlights during Fernbank’s 97 Days (and ways) to Play!

This summer, Fernbank Museum of Natural History invites you to turn your vacation, stay-cation or day-cation into a PLAYcation at during the summer-long 97 Days (and ways) to Play from June 1 through September 5, 2010.

Friday 6/25

· Naturalist Center Learning: Amazing Amphibians Lab

Saturday 6/26

· Show & Tail Weekend (Geckos theme!)

· Naturalist Center Learning: Weekend Wonders (Geckos theme!)

· Naturalist Center Learning: Live Animal Encounters

Sunday 6/27

· Show & Tail Weekend (Geckos theme!)

· Naturalist Center Learning: Weekend Wonders (Geckos theme!)

· Naturalist Center Learning: Live Animal Encounters

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Geckos: Tails to Toepads At Fernbank Museum Through September 5, 2010

Location: Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Address: 767 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
Web Site: www.fernbankmuseum.org

Explore the amazing world of geckos in this collection of more than 15 live gecko species, from shadowy nighttime hunters with unbelievable camouflage to neon-colored nectar eaters that scamper around in daylight.

Learn about their night vision, magnify gecko toepads, listen to gecko voices, watch video clips of geckos in action, try to spot camouflaged geckos and build a custom gecko for various environments.

Center Theatre Presents RENT - School Edition From July 27 Through August 1, 2010

Center Theatre at the MJCCA presents RENT - School Edition, an adaptation of Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer-prize winning Broadway musical, RENT, based loosely on Puccini's opera La Bohème, running July 27 – August 1, 2010.

The stage production is brought to life in Center Theatre’s beautiful Morris & Rae Frank Theatre (located at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody). RENT - School Edition is recommended for ages 13 to adult **.

Center Theatre’s Teen Summer Stock Production of RENT - School Edition follows a year in the lives of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York's East Village, living under the shadow of AIDS, with both its physical and emotional complications. RENT - School Edition is about a community of people, each with their own quirks and problems, finding a way to live together. They are individuals who support each other’s differences while striving to become successful members of society by doing something they believe in.

For show times and tickets, visit Center Theatre.

Capitol City Opera At Callanwolde On July 25, 2010

July 24
Capitol City Opera “On the Light Side”

Capitol City Opera singers presented in a themed night of lighter music has become a 20-year tradition for many Atlanta residents. Pack your dinner and beverages, a-la-Chastain style, and come enjoy live music at its best in the cool comfort of the beautiful Callanwolde surroundings.

Silent auction goods will be available to further support the Company's year-long commitment to performances by resident Atlanta artists, and bringing opera to children throughout the state of Georgia year-round.

Location: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
Address: 980 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Web Site: www.callanwolde.org

Planning A Family Reunion? Attend Our Free Workshop On July 10, 2010

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free Family Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Select Perimeter to assist families in planning and organizing their reunions in DeKalb County.

DCVB offers a variety of free services to enhance family reunions, including providing free Welcome Bags for the entire family. Visit AtlantasDeKalb.org for more details.

The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Select Perimeter located at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. We hope to see you there!

Summer At The Rock Continues Through August 8, 2010

It’s one adventure after another as Stone Mountain Park presents Summer at the Rock. The all-new Campfire at the Edge of the Universe live show is a highly interactive production that gets the whole audience involved in an outdoor adventure with a futuristic feeling of exploration.

Don’t miss the all-new show, Ritmo Blu, a dynamic world percussion trio that brings to the stage a performance that is both educational and entertaining. With up to 100 instruments on stage, gathered from all over the world, this accomplished ensemble presents international drumming and songs the whole family can enjoy.

Summer can get warm in Georgia so cool off in the new Foam Pit, full of fun bells and whistles and of course, foam! Conclude the day with a visit with Rockman as he slowly emerges from his igneous dwelling. The Rock-man metamorphoses between rock and man as he camouflages completely with his habitat.

Location: Stone Mountain Park
Address: Take Exit 39B off I-285 and Travel East on Hwy 78 to Exit 8
Web Site: www.stonemountainpark.com

July Concerts At Eddie's Attic In Decatur

Eddie's Attic is a popular live music venue for aspiring and accomplished performing songwriters and is located in Decatur, Georgia, a small, artist-friendly town within the metro Atlanta area.

A "listening room" with a superior sound system/acoustics, where customers are asked to silence cell phones and actually listen to the songs, has made the Attic's music room a hit with music enthusiasts. Eddie's Attic draws both fans and artists from all over the world, and continues to be one of the premier music venues in the South.

1 - The Pierre Anckaert Sextet featuring Will Scruggs
2 - Sam Baker, Natalia Zukerman, John Fullbright, & Jess Klein
3 - Frontier Ruckus & Angela Easterling
4 - Ashley Arrison
5 - Songwriter's Open Mic
8 - Seth Walker & Derek Stroker
9 - Beth Nielsen Chapman & Ward Davis
10 - Rebecca Loebe, Miss Tess and the Bon Ton Parade, & Alexa Woodward
11 - Malcolm Holcomb & Tommy Womack
12 - Songwriter's Open Mic
13 - Joe Pug
15 - Lexi Street & Lindsay Appel
16 - Peter Case
17 - Jennifer Daniels & Martha's Trouble
18 - Indigo Girls
19 - Indigo Girls
20 - Athens Songwriters Showcase
24 - Chatham County Line
25 - Will Kimbrough
28 - The Coal Men
29 - The Regulars Band
30 - Mat Kearney
31 - Joe Grandsen

For more info, visit Eddie's Attic.

Utrillo: The Magic of Montmartre On Display At The Oglethorpe University Museum Through Sept. 5, 2010

UTRILLO: THE MAGIC OF MONTMARTRE

Enjoy a collection of paintings by Maurice Utrillo (1888-1955); the prominent artist of the romantic and picturesque Sacre Coeur section of Paris. Utrillo is one of the few famous painters of Montmartre who were born there.

The artwork in this exhibition is compliments of a private collection and has never before been shown together. The collection is on display through September 5, 2010 at the Oglethorpe University Museum located at 4484 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319.

For more info, visit the Oglethorpe University Museum.

Georgia Shakespeare Presents Shrew: The Musical Through August 8, 2010

June 9 - August 8

A Georgia Shakespeare favorite returns! This musical adaptation of The Taming of The Shrew is set in 1930s Palm Beach, with Petruchio and Kate singing, dancing and matching wits like Fred and Ginger. It's fun for the whole family.

Here is a sneak preview video.



For info, visit Georgia Shakespeare.

Vibrant Photography Exhibition Reveals the Beautiful Side of Butterflies and Other Insects at Fernbank Museum

Now on view at Fernbank Museum of Natural History through September 6, 2010

Award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Bill Harbin of Rome, Ga. decorates Fernbank Museum’s walls with 33 astounding photos of bright flowers and fluttering insects in his exhibition Winged Beauty: Butterflies and Other Insects.

A variety of insect photos illuminate the entry level walls with vibrant, unbelievable colors. Delicate butterflies rest on sturdy flowers, buzzing dragonflies glide motionlessly through the air, and beetles feed on flowers covered in dew drops.

The crisp photos capture every microscopic detail, inviting viewers into a bug’s world. When met eye-to-eye, the delicate, tender butterfly suddenly becomes a dominant, aggressive creature, and tiny dew drops become heavy weights.

The exhibition is featured in conjunction with Geckos: Tails to Toepads, a live animal exhibition featuring 80 live geckos and 18 species. Visitors can experience the magnified world of more bugs by adding an IMAX® film during their visit. Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure, showing daily through September 30, follows the real-life adventure of a butterfly, a praying mantis and a variety of other rainforest insects.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Atlanta Fest At Stone Mountain Park This Week (June 16 - 19, 2010)

The Southeast’s largest Christian music fest rocks Stone Mountain Park for the third year in a row. Families and church youth groups enjoy four days of contemporary Christian Music, inspirational speakers, and much more.

Award-winning artists such as Skillet, Newsboys, Family Force 5, Brandon Heath, Matthew West, Red, and over 40 more will headline Atlanta Fest stages.

For more info, visit the Atlanta Fest website.

Little House On The Prairie: The Musical At The Fox Theatre

Little House on the Prairie, The Musical
with Melissa Gilbert as “Ma”
Event Dates: 6/15/2010 - 6/20/2010
At the Fox Theatre

Little House on the Prairie has remained one of the most popular and beloved celebrations of early Americana since the appearance of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic book series 75 years ago. Now the inspirational stories take on a brand new frontier in an uplifting new musical.

Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura for 10 years in the much loved television series, continues her legacy by playing “Ma.” Families will continue to fall in love with these life affirming stories about the Ingalls’ struggles and triumphs through the celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded – a spirit that still resonates within each of us today.

The Fox Theatre is located just outside of DeKalb County at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308.

For more info, visit the website.

Beach Party in Decatur on June 18, 2010

The City of Decatur is bringing in 60 tons of sand to turn its landlocked square into the Decatur Beach complete with a kid's boardwalk, live music, dancing, food court, and more.

This year the Beach Party celebrates its 25th year. Attendees can start with a visit to "Decatur Beach" set up on Ponce de Leon Avenue with 60 tons of sand and plenty of sand toys. On the Community Bandstand on the Square the Reputations will play beach music and more from 5 - 8 p.m. Then at 8 p.m. Terry Lee and the G.T.'s will play live from the mainstage on the MARTA Plaza. Beachgoers can enjoy "Dancing on the Plaza" until midnight.

Check out Terry Lee and the G.T.'s live in Decatur in this video.

Fernbank’s Dozer Day Celebrates Dads With Cool Trucks And Family Fun on June 20, 2010

As part of its 97 Days (and Ways) to Play, Fernbank Museum of Natural History will offer dads and families a unique opportunity to explore a variety of the big trucks and bulldozers that have triggered a giant “WOW!” out of kids and adults for generations.

Fernbank’s Dozer Day will be held June 20, 2010 from noon to 4 p.m. at Fernbank Museum in honor of Father’s Day. The first 500 children to arrive on June 20 will receive a commemorative “hard hat” with the purchase of Museum admission, and Radio Disney will be on-site from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with music, games and giveaways.

During the Museum’s construction of its new Children’s Exhibition, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2011, and throughout last year’s construction of the Dinosaur Entrance Plaza, a variety of bulldozers, lifts, dump trucks, and more have often been seen on Fernbank’s property. Visitors often stop to take a look at the equipment, prompting Fernbank to conclude Dozer Day would be a unique Father’s Day event.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Dr. Juanita Bynum II To Appear At The Mall at Stonecrest Live Performance - Book Signing Event on June 26, 2010

Dr. Juanita Bynum II will perform live music from her newly released EP, Soul Cry, at the Mall at Stonecrest on Saturday, June 26th at 3 p.m.

Following Dr. Bynum’s live performance, guests are invited to access the VIP meet and greet with purchase and receipt of her new book, No More Sheets II: Starting Over from Borders Stonecrest.

The Mall at Stonecrest is located off I-20, exit 75 Turner Hill Road in Lithonia, Georgia.

For more information, please visit The Mall at Stonecrest.

This Weekend: Free Family Reunion Planning Workshop (June 12, 2010)

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free Family Reunion Planning Workshop on this Saturday, June 12 at the Doubletree Atlanta North Druid Hills to assist families in planning and organizing their reunions in DeKalb County.

DCVB offers a variety of free services to enhance family reunions, including providing free Welcome Bags for the entire family. Visit AtlantasDeKalb.org for more details.

The workshop will be held at the Doubletree Atlanta North Druid Hills - 2061 N. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30329

Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure Now Playing At Fernbank's IMAX Theatre Through Sept. 30, 2010

Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure

Discover a world where blades of grass soar like sky scrapers, leaves weigh more than cars, and life is measured in hours in the popular IMAX® film, Bugs! A Rainforest Adventure.

Go on a live-action rainforest adventure with film “stars” Hierodula, a praying mantis and Papilio, a butterfly. The film follows their journey from birth to the inevitable encounter between predator and prey in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.

For more info, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Christmas In July: LandingStar Dance Performance At Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Choreographer Kate Holland’s performance ensemble LandingStar will join forces with other artists and performers to present a light-hearted contemporary dance performance and fun-filled fundraiser on July 11th at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Included in the evening of lively entertainment will be David Spencer’s dynamic ballroom dancers and vocalist John Martin with accompanist Mark Walsh, who will perform love songs from the 30’s and 40’s. After the performance, the audience is invited to dance the evening away in Callanwolde’s spacious indoor courtyard. Guests are invited to wear red, white, green or any other Christmas attire as everyone gets a jump on the holiday season and a sneak-peek at this year’s holiday events at Callanwolde.

For more info, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Log Cabin Storytelling At The DeKalb History Center

History comes to life at the DeKalb History Center with Log Cabin Storytelling.

Fran Frantz presents storytelling and frontier crafts "with a twist." Mrs. Franz is a local historian and storyteller who weaves tales of pioneer life with information about children's chores, science, entertainment, bartering and more.

Storytelling is held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Historic Biffle Cabin, located at 720 West Trinity Place in Decatur.

Upcoming Events include:

June 16 - Open Hearth Cooking
June 23 - Candle Making
June 30 - Butter Churning
July 7 - Pottery
July 21 - Weaving
July 28 - Ice Cream Making

For more info, visit the DeKalb History Center.

New Canopy Walk Offers Birds-Eye View Of The Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Canopy Walk at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, opened in May 2010, allows Garden visitors to tour one of the city's last remaining urban forests ­from 40 feet in the air lending a bird's-eye view to the beauty of a woodland below. The opening of the Canopy Walk, Edible Garden and Cascades Garden marks the completion an expansion project which nearly doubles the size of the Garden.

Extending 600 feet from a bluff in the Garden into the branches of oaks, hickories and poplars, the walk is considered the only tree canopy-level walkway of its kind in the United States. By linking the 15-acre existing Garden to the adjacent Storza Woods, the Canopy Walk doubles the visitor's experience, providing 30 acres of gardens to explore.

The attraction has been hailed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of its top 10 happenings not to be missed in 2010. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located in Midtown Atlanta near Piedmont Park, just outside of DeKalb County.

For more info, visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

4th of July Special Rate For University Inn At Emory

University Inn at Emory July 4th Special!

4th of July - $65
(July 2-4)

Main Inn, 2 double beds,
microwave/refrigerator, continental breakfast, wireless internet & freshly
baked cookies. Pet friendly!

The University Inn at Emory is a convenient walk to Emory University's Campus & Hospital, Michael C. Carlos Museum, Donna & Marvin Schwartz Center for the Arts, and restaurants.

The hotel is near CDC, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, American Cancer Society and VA Hospital and conveniently located for easy access to Decatur, Downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, shopping, sporting events, theater and museums. Public transportation is just steps from their door. The University Inn at Emory is only 15 miles from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

For more information, visit University Inn at Emory.

Stone Mountain Golf Club Offers Two Championship Courses

Nestled at the foot of Stone Mountain and just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Golf Club offers two championship courses that provide the perfect challenge for any skill level.

These two courses - Stonemont and Lakemont - wind through a forest of Georgia pines and around Stone Mountain Lake. They offer breathtaking views and wonderful, natural rock formations that will make your round of golf truly a memorable one.

Stone Mountain Golf Club is fully staffed with trained PGA professionals and a head golf instructor that provide top-flight instruction, precision club fitting, and expert guidance. The golf shop is professionally merchandised with everything a golfer would need, as well as those unique collectibles to remember your experience.

Annual Jr. Golf Camps are offered, as are first class practice and club fitting facilities. Annual golf pass program and Georgia resident discount cards are also available. See one of the golf professionals in the golf shop.

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Park.

Visit The Pandas At Zoo Atlanta

Just outside of DeKalb County is Zoo Atlanta, located in historic Grant Park, just minutes from Turner Field and downtown Atlanta.

Zoo Atlanta maintains a collection of more than 1,000 animals, representing more than 200 species from around the world, including the famous Panda Bears. A leader in building naturalistic habitats for animals, the Zoo’s landscape spans nearly 40 acres of lush greenery and shimmering forests.

Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E., Atlanta, GA 30315.

For more info, visit Zoo Atlanta.

Video Preview of "Loot" By Joe Orton At OnStage Atlanta

Here is a video preview of "Loot" by Joe Orton playing at OnStage Atlanta through June 26, 2010. For ticket and show information, visit OnStage Atlanta.

Grillin' In The Village BBQ Festival Coming June 19th To Stone Mountain Village

For nearly forty years, Stone Mountain Village has hosted a festival on Father’s Day weekend and this year is no exception.

The 2010 Grillin’ in the Village BBQ Festival all day on June 19th will be one of the biggest in the Village’s history and will include a professional and backyard BBQ competition, live music into the night, a classic car show and arts and crafts.

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Village.

Summer Coffeehouse Series - June 9, 2010 At Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Join amateur and professional poets alike as Callanwolde celebrates the art and performance of poetry with its Summer Coffeehouse Series and Open Mic Poetry Readings on Wednesday, June 9th.

Held in the unique setting of the Callanwolde Library, the evening begins at 7:30 with a musical performance.

For more info, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Celebrate The 4th Of July With A Parade, Concert & Fireworks In The City Of Decatur

Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.

For more info, visit the City of Decatur.

Visiting The Atlanta Area? Request A Visitor Guide To Help Plan Your Trip And Save Money

Explore Atlanta's DeKalb County!

DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau's free Visitors Guide features a listing of accommodations, attractions and shopping, including a 5-day suggested itinerary. This comprehensive brochure includes everything you need to plan your trip.

Included in the guide is a detailed Map of DeKalb County and hotel coupons to help save money on your next visit.

DeKalb County is home to Georgia's #1 Attraction, Stone Mountain Park and Georgia's best festivals and events.

Call 1-866-633-5252 ext. 3333 or request one online at DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Your DeKalb Farmers Market – A World Market Experience

Looking for grocery goods from around the world? Your DeKalb Farmers Market, located in the city of Decatur, offers an incredible variety of food from all over the world and a truly unique shopping experience.

The Dekalb Farmers Market began on June 2nd, 1977 as a small 7,500 sq. ft. produce stand in Decatur, Georgia. Since that humble beginning, they have grown into a 140,000 sq. ft. true world market serving up to 100,000 people per week.

Discover aisles of fruits and vegetables, an international array of cheeses, spices, meats, seafood and poultry, extensive selections of wine and beer, a deli, fresh flowers, fresh ground international coffees and grocery items ranging from gourmet to unusual. Take home treats from the bakery or sample freshly cooked international flavors at the cafeteria. Experience a taste of the world right here in DeKalb County.

For more info, visit Your DeKalb Farmers Market.

Last Chance To See "Beached Wails" By The Stage Door Players

Beached Wails by Topher Payne
Through June 6, 2010

This is your last chance to catch "Beached Wails" presented by the Stage Door Players. This lighthearted comedy by local playwright, Topher Payne, finds four sisters from Mississippi whose annual beach vacation getaway is interrupted by a mysterious neighbor, unanswered questions, and an impending storm.

Stage Door Players - 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338.

For show times and ticket info, visit Stage Door Players.

Video Overview of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Here is a new video overview of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center detailing its history and wide array of classes, events and programs. For more info, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

June Concerts At Eddie's Attic In Decatur

Upcoming June Concerts at Eddie's Attic in the city of Decatur (located just east of downtown Atlanta)

11 - Packway Handle Band featuring Lera Lynn & Karolyn Troupe of Venice is Striking (early show)
11 - Packway Handle Band (late show)
12 - Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen (early show)
12 - Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen (late show)
13 - Randall Bramblett and Geoff Achison Band featuring: Yonico Scott & Ted Pecchio (in-the-round) & very special guest!
14 - Songwriter's Open Mic
15 - Tom Russell
16 - Mare Wakefield, Jenny Reynolds, & Jeff Talmadge
17 - Caroline Aiken, Dede Vogt, & Caroline Herring
18 - Joe Firstman & Josh Hoge with special guest Marianne Keith
19 - Robbie Schaefer (early family show)
19 - Michelle Malone Banned & Jason Adamo
20 - Jessi Lynn & Sarah Peacock
21 - Songwriter's Open Mic
22 - Comedy Night
23 - Jackson County Line & Neilson Hubbard
24 - Aslyn & Toby Lightman (early show)
24 - Aslyn & Toby Lightman (late show)
25 - Mary Gauthier
26 - Mike Willis, Connor Rand, Clay Evans, & Dan Adams
27 - Ben Wakeman (afternoon show)
27 - Sid Selvidge & Amy Speace (evening show)
28 - Songwriter's Open Mic
29 - The Villains & Alan Shaeffer
30 - Noah Collins, Kurt Scobie, & Crystal Thomas

For more info, visit Eddie's Attic.

Braves Vs. Tampa Bay Rays June 15 - 17 At Turner Field

Upcoming Braves Games:

Atlanta Braves vs. Tampa Bay Rays
at Turner Field in Atlanta, GA
June 15 - 17, 2010

Click here to see a complete schedule of June games at Turner Field.

For accommodations, visit DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau for a listing of hotels.

Magnapop Live At The Earl On June 11, 2010

Local favorites, Magnapop, will be celebrating a record release concert at the Earl in East Atlanta on Friday June 11, 2010.

Magnapop are a four-piece pop-core band from Atlanta, GA. Singer Linda Hopper and Guitarist Ruthie Morris have been playing together for years. After a self imposed hiatus, and the addition of Scott Rowe on bass and Chad Williams on drums, the band is back, revitalized and ready to rock with a new album, "Mouthfeel".

Directions to the Earl:
From I-20: Take the MORELAND AVE. exit, exit number 60A. Head SE. Turn left onto GLENWOOD AVE. Turn left onto FLAT SHOALS AVE. The EARL is located on the right.

For more info, visit The Earl.

Visit The City Of Decatur For Shopping, Dining and Nightlife

The City of Decatur, located just east of downtown Atlanta and minutes west of Stone Mountain, offers many options for shopping, dining and nightlife.

Begin your visit to the Square, which is the center for many annual events, and continue around the Square to find more than 200 storefront shops, restaurants, galleries, services and performance venues set along tree-lined streets all around downtown and in Oakhurst village, just south of the square.

Getting to Decatur is easy, the MARTA rail station is right under the downtown square.

For more info, visit the City of Decatur.

Celebrate the 4th of July At Stone Mountain Park

Looking for a fireworks celebration this 4th of July in the Atlanta area? Stone Mountain Park is host to one of the best and biggest shows in town with their 43rd Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration from July 3 – 5.

Need accommodations? DeKalb County has hotels for every style and budget. For a complete listing, visit DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Celebrate in red, white and blue at the only place in Atlanta to see fireworks three nights in a row. Atlanta’s largest Fourth of July celebration explodes with excitement at Stone Mountain Park with the Fantastic Fourth Celebration. The thrills begin with the Lasershow Spectacular™ and culminate with a breathtaking fireworks display. On the 4th of July, bursts of light will illuminate the sky as fireworks are shot from both the base AND the top of Stone Mountain. Please come early and prepare for large crowds.

For more info, visit Stone Mountain Park.

Ride the Ducks™ As Featured On Undercover Boss TV Show

Joel Manby, President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, goes Undercover in his own company on 'Undercover Boss' on CBS for a journey on Ride The Ducks at Stone Mountain Park.

Video Preview Of Arabia Now Playing At Fernbank's IMAX Theatre

Here is a video preview of the Arabia IMAX film now playing at Fernbank Museum of Natural History's MAX Theatre through July 29, 2010.

University Inn At Emory Offers A Special Summer Hotel Rate

University Inn at Emory's
Summer DCVB
Special Hotel Rate - $89.00

Main Inn, 2 double beds, microwave/refrigerator, continental breakfast, wireless internet & freshly
baked cookies.

The University Inn at Emory is a convenient walk to Emory University's Campus & Hospital, Michael C. Carlos Museum, Donna & Marvin Schwartz Center for the Arts, and restaurants.

The hotel is near CDC, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, American Cancer Society and VA Hospital and conveniently located for easy access to Decatur, Downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park, shopping, sporting events, theater and museums. Public transportation is just steps from their door. The University Inn at Emory is only 15 miles from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Wine and beer on Monday through Friday. Up to 4 guests per room. Pet friendly!

For more information, visit University Inn at Emory.

Kodac Harrison Performs Jazz On The Lawn At Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

With a style distinctly his own, Kodac Harrison’s bluesy-jazz music reveals imaginative character studies and poetic tales of travel. Come enjoy an evening of live Jazz on June 18 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center for a special performance by Kodac Harrison under the stars.

Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn series presents special outdoor concerts featuring many of the area’s best musicians with a mix of classic and contemporary jazz, swing, fusion, blues and R&B.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Callanwolde’s lush grounds it’s a great way to unwind and enjoy live music performed by some of the finest jazz artists in the Southeast. Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy these special concerts under the stars.

For more info, visit Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Fernbank Museum Offers 97 Days (And Ways) To Enjoy Summer

This summer, Fernbank Museum of Natural History invites you to turn your vacation, stay-cation or day-cation into a PLAYcation at during the summer-long 97 Days (and ways) to Play from June 1 through September 5, 2010.

Just as you’d expect in the summer months, there will be plenty of lizards and lots of bugs, but at this party they won’t be trying to sneak off with your lunch. Fernbank has filled every day between Memorial Day and Labor Day with 97 ways to enjoy summer at the Museum—from spotting live geckos trying to blend in with the sand, leaves and plants, to seeing a bug grow five-stories tall on the giant IMAX® screen, to taking part in a colossal version of G-E-C-K-O Bingo!

Weekends will offer plenty of family days, festivals, and special programs, including the Geckos Family Celebration on June 6; special Big Machines Day filled with trucks, tractors and other cool machines to celebrate Father’s Day on June 20; the ever-popular Reptile Day with dozens of live lizards, snakes and turtles on July 10; a variety of Show & Tail Weekends with shows, tails (and tales) and more; Bug Out Festivals; and more ways to keep from zoning out in your living room on those hot summer days.

Even if you aren’t one to plan ahead, you’ll find plenty to enjoy on any day of the week, including the live lizard exhibition Geckos: Tails to Toepads, featuring 18 species and nearly 100 live geckos from around the world. In the IMAX® Theatre, Fernbank will be showing Bugs: A Rainforest Adventure, Arabia (through July 29), and Roar: Lions of the Kalahari (starting July 30).

For more information, visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Photos And Fun At The Decatur Arts Festival 2010

We had a wonderful time at the Decatur Arts Festival over Memorial Day Weekend. The weather held out for some beautiful sunshine and the art on display this year was truly spectacular. Lot's of great art, music and festival food on the Square in Decatur. Here are some
photos from this year's festival: