Archaeology Day and Iron Pour - Red Top Mountain State Park

Note: We are reviving this Adventure Journal entry from this time last year because the annual Archaeology Day and Iron Pour at Red Top Mountain State Park is once again upon us. We feel compelled to draw attention to the event because it is one of our most cherished memories. If you are looking for an unusually fun and educational way to spend the weekend in North Georgia, this event is a no-brainer. The Tribe has since visited Red Top Mountain State Park numerous times, and we often camp at McKinney Campground located just around the bend on Lake Allatoona.  Archaeology Day this year falls on, May 7, 2011 10 AM to 8 PM.
 
Adventure Journal
Entry Date: May 2010
Prior to this visit, we had driven through Red Top Mountain State Park a couple of times just to check it out. There are many things that are appealing about the park. It's on Lake Allatoona, which means fishing and water sports. It is easily accessible, just a few minutes off Interstate 75 about 30 minutes North of Atlanta. It's convenient to a good number of restaurants, an exceptional movie theater, and two wonderful museums, the Tellus Science Museum, and the Booth Western Art Museum.

The attraction for making this the weekend to camp at Red Top? Archaeology Day. Saturday was filled with great activities. We started at 10am with a park archaeologist explaining how to recognize sites where artifacts might be found. Then we toured the old iron mine on Red Top via a hay ride wagon pulled by a tractor. The path we took was along an old narrow gauge railroad bed that was used to transport the iron ore. We had a nice view of the lake for some of the ride.

After lunch we got to dig for artifacts. Everyone got to keep an arrowhead, and yes, we know they are not real, but it was still fun to learn how it's done. Each of the kids also got a mold frame ($7 ea.) for carving things to cast in iron (which happened later in the day). That evening after Supper, we headed back over to the lodge to enjoy some Bluegrass music and watch them pour melted iron into our molds. It was a lot to do in a day, so we were tired when we got back to the camper (around 11pm). Click here for the rest of the story and lots more pictures and information about Red Top Mountain and their various events.



 

Lake Winnepesaukah - The South's Amusement Park - Since 1927

Lake Winnepesaukah is located in Rossville, Georgia near Chattanooga Tennessee. Affectionately known as Lake Winnie by the locals, this park has entertained multiple Southern generations since opening to the public in 1927.
 

During the Winter of 1926-1927, the park's founder built the "Boat Chute," a unique splash ride that still operates today. People came from Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, and all over North Georgia to chill in the cool spring water on hot Summer days. The Richardson Tribe enjoys hearing stories from Rebecca's Mom about visiting the park on a date with her father over 60 years ago.
 

As the years passed, rides were added, improved, expanded, and updated. A mini-scale train track was built around the park's perimeter, and a nice long antique car track was also added. Eventually, a substantial wooden roller coaster was added. The legendary Cannon-Ball roller coaster is named for the Civil War relics often found in is area around the turn of the century. Chickamauga, one of the most notorious Civil War battlefields, is located very near here, and many skirmishes took place all around North Georgia and Chattanooga.
 

Today, there are a good many rides for a wide variety of ages. We loved bringing the kids when they were very young, because there are lots of kiddy rides. 2011 is really the first year that we've been able to enjoy the big kid rides, and there are more than I thought. Click here for the links to the attractions, more about the park, and lots more pictures.

Chester Frost Park

Chattanooga's Best Kept Secret

Chester Frost is a beautiful municipal park located near Chattanooga on Lake Chickamauga and the Tennessee River. The greater portion of the park cradles Dallas Bay, a great little fishing hole with direct deep water access to the Tennessee River. Chester Frost Park features picnic shelters, an enormous beach, awesome playgrounds, incredible fishing, beautiful campgrounds, boat ramps (with adequate parking for boats and trailers), and unbeatable sunsets.

Sunsets. That's a subject in itself. I have to apologize in advance for the seemingly disproportionate number sunset photos on Chester Frost Park's PB&J page. Regardless where the day takes us, it's usually concluded with the sunset from Dallas Island. Every evening is like a brand new light show.

Chester Frost Park is very near Chattanooga and its many attractions. Chattanooga lies at the base of Lookout Mountain on the mighty Tennessee River. Lookout Mountain features numerous tourist attractions that are just cool enough to be "must sees". The Incline Railway, Ruby Falls, and Rock City are classic and historic tourist attractions, all located on the mountain. For a bit more natural experience, down the ridge is the Lula Lake Land Trust, and at the Chattanooga Nature Center is just up the ridge on Lookout Creek.

The city of Chattanooga also has many features that should be seen. The Chattanooga Choo Choo, of course, is a historical old train station with a hotel, restaurant, and sleeper cars. Just down the road is Ross's Landing, name for Cherokee Chief John Ross. Ross's landing hosts many events, and most are free. The Tennessee Aquarium is located at Ross' landing as are River boat and "Duck" rides. Museums, restaurants, theaters, parks, the river, a great zoo, outdoor concerts, and an awesome bike path also make this part of Chattanooga very very nice.

 

Also near Chattanooga is one of our favorite old amusement parks, Lake Winnepesaukah, AKA "Lake Winnie." This old park, founded in 1926, has a rich history. For people in the Tennessee Valley region, this is the place you take your kids. It's the place your parents took you. It's the place your grand parents took your parents. The park does not rely on tradition to bring people back though. They have managed to keep the fun atmosphere while honoring the tradition of their past.

So, why all this about Chattanooga on the Chester Frost page? Well, if you want to visit Chattanooga, and you want to stay in an RV, Chester Frost is the place. Before you book anywhere else, PLEASE send a message on the Feedback page. I'll tell you where NOT to stay in Chattanooga. More...

Chattanooga (and Chester Frost), here we come!

 

We'll be spending the next week or ten days near Chattanooga, Tennessee at Chester Frost, a beautiful county park on the Tennessee River.

Chattanooga has so many things to offer, writing about them will keep me busy for a long while. Besides spending time on the river in the boat and canoes, we'll probably visit Lookout Mountain and the incline, Rock City, Ruby Falls, maybe the Chattanooga Nature Center, certainly the downtown waterfront bike path. We visited the aquarium very recently, so we'll probably try to do some other things downtown. Oh, and there's the zoo! I wonder if there's free music this weekend! I want a Lupi's pizza!

We're so excited!

Chester Frost Park

pbandjadventures.com

James Island Park, Charleston, SC

One of the Tribe's Top 10 Destinations - More
When the Richardson Tribe first started documenting PB&J Adventures, someone we met said we needed to go to a place called James Island near Charleston, South Carolina.  Finally, 2.5 years later, we did just that, and boy were we pleasantly surprised. 

The idea for the trip started with Rebecca looking for cheap airfare so the younger papooses could get the experience of flying. She found a flight between Atlanta and Charleston for $39, so it was on. 

After dropping off the van at the Atlanta airport, we started our journey to Charleston in Homer II on Saturday, July 25. We arrived at the James Island County park around 6:30 pm, and were immediately impressed with the park's facilities. The kids were first to notice the "Splash Zone" water park located right across the street from our campground. The people staffing the campground office and store were very friendly and helpful. We located our site, which was very tropical. It had full hookups and no cable, but it's local to Charleston, so we got adequate reception. 

Sunday morning started with a pancake breakfast at the campground activity center, just a short walk around the pond from our site. The kids would need the carbs and sugar for the next six hours of play at the water park. 

We were waiting at the gate when the water park opened at 10am (tickets are $8 at the campground.) The place was immaculate, clean, fresh, like it was new (we learned later it was 13 years old). Everyone there was very friendly and professional (and there are a lot of people that work there). There is a large pool with a kiddy side and a deeper side (4') for swimming. There are two 200' water slides, a water-play ground, and a lazy river to relax on. We pretty much spent the whole day moving from one to another. I must emphasize the staff at this park. Each of the attractions had no less than 4-5 life guards. there were life guards on high seats and walking around the pool and play areas constantly. I have to commend the park's management for having found and trained such a professional staff. Not once did we feel that our children might be in any kind of danger.

That evening we rode our bikes on some of the many miles of paved bike trails that cover the park. The kids discovered the large playground and couldn't resist. Everyone slept very well that night.

Monday morning we decided to visit Charleston proper. We drove across the long bridge entering the city and were amazed at all the sail boats. The kids got to see a large freight ship pulling through.  We walked around the area admiring the architecture for a while before going to the Noisy Oyster (downtown market location) for lunch. from there, we walked through the open-air market and saw ladies making baskets. One lady spoke Gullah for the kids so they could hear the language.

After returning to the James Island campground, we decided to go back to the water park. They have a twilight rate of $6, so it was very affordable.

Tuesday was 2 for 1 day at the water park, and you know it, we had to go again. It was much more crowded, but still lots of fun. We rode our bikes some more, and played around the campsite.  I had to do a lot of packing, because, sadly, this was our last night.

Wednesday morning we got up early so I could take Rebecca and the kids to the airport for their flight home. I drove the Homer II back home where they were waiting for me when I arrived.

In summary, we didn't even start to do all the things there are to do at and near James Island. Wildlife viewing is incredible. There are miles of paved bike trails running through lowlands and marshes. There are organized activities and events or everyone like crabbing and fishing. Then, of course, there are all the historical things to do related to Charleston.  The verdict? Oh, we'll be back, but longer next time!  For lots more pictures and details, visit the James Island Park PB&J Page.

Visiting an Old Friend

Fort Mountain State Park

See Fort Mountain's PB&J Page

The Tribe gets around. We like to see new places and do new things. But sometimes, it's nice to visit an old friend. Sometimes a sure thing is better than a gamble. This is a very busy time of year for our family, so, to decompress, we decided a to visit an old friend, Fort Mountain. It's a mystery to me why more people don't take advantage of parks like this in the Winter and early Spring. We enjoyed 70 degree weather in paradise, practically by ourselves.

It was a little chilly first thing Saturday morning, so we decided to take a short ride in "Willie B" the Jeep. Fort Mountain is located adjacent the Cohutta Wilderness. We wanted to see if we could spot a bear, and maybe do a little rockhounding around the water falls. We founds lots of quartz of varying colors of blue and green, just the kind of stuff in which gold likes to hide.

When we got back to Fort Mountain State Park, we put the canoes in the lake and spent the rest of the day paddling around, fishing, and playing at the playground on the opposite end of the lake. We closed the day with a beautiful sunset, games, hot dogs for the kids, and a delicious grilled steaks with baked potatoes for Mommy and Daddy.

Altogether, it was just about as perfect a day as I can remember. Fort Mountain can get a little crowded in the Summer, especially the beach. But camping here this time of year is a no brainer. We can't wait to come back to see our old friend again soon.

When in Rome, just do...

You can pretend you're in Italy, Southern Italy that is. 

Rome is located in Northwest Georgia at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers, where the Coosa River begins. History is rich here, both native and immigrant. Although no Interstate highway passes near, Rome is still the largest town in the region. Rome was a key transportation and trading hub long before superhighways, trains, and even steam ships. Native Americans; Cherokee, Creek, and the people before them, the mound builders, used these rivers to transport food and other goods from village to village. Even today, many Cherokee come here for an annual homecoming called the Running Water Pow Wow. 

Rome's downtown Broad Street area is quaint with several notable restaurants and shops. The downtown architecture has a classic Southern charm, and the adjacent hills are covered with beautiful old Victorian homes and churches. 

One of the Tribe's favorite features of Rome is Ridge Ferry Park, a river-side park with two beautifully maintained playgrounds, lots of grass, and an amphitheater for musical events and festivals. A number of colorful events like the annual Chiaha Festival take place here. 

Ridge Ferry Park is also a great access point to the Heritage Park Trail, a very nice paved path that follows the Oostanaula River through the downtown area. The trek is scenic and educational. The library, located along the trail, is a fun interactive place to visit, as are some of the other stops along the way. There is a fountain area dedicated to the rivers that come together here forming the powerful Coosa, a memorial to local fallen heroes, and two beautiful bridges reserved just for bikes and pedestrians.

Rome has its own Class-A Minor League Baseball team, the Braves. As an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, it's not uncommon to see up-and-coming players here before they make the big-time. Attending a Rome Braves game in their new classic-style stadium is a lot of fun, and it's a short bike ride from Ridge Ferry Park along the Heritage park bike path.

Another place of interest in Rome is Berry College, a top-rated academic institution on a sprawling thirty- odd-thousand acre campus. Discovering the unique history of Berry College justifies a visit, but the incredibly scenic campus and its natural inhabitants are bonus. After a drive by the castle-like Ford buildings, and a visit to the "Mountain campus," make sure to catch the hundreds of deer that graze the fields near dusk.

Within a half-hour or so from Rome are many other incredible places to go and things to do. You can stay at a local hotel, or go camping and kayaking at Cedar Creek RV Park, go camping and boating at Rock Mountain Recreation area, go canoeing and kayaking on the Oostanaula, Etowah, and Coosa rivers, go rock hounding at nearby Taylors Ridge, and so much more. Rome has a lot to offer, and it is certainly off the radar if you are looking for a different kind of destination.

For more information and photos click here.