Georgia State Parks offers the perfect present for holiday season
Holiday gift buying has the potential to be a tedious experience. Finding the perfect present can be stressful and time consuming, but this season shoppers can turn to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites for distinctive and unique options. There is something for everyone on the list. For the philanthropic co-worker? Give a Friends Membership - a gift that gives back to the environment. For active grandparents? Try an Annual ParkPass that provides extensive access to outdoor recreation. For dad? What father wouldn't love a custom golf escape? As for everyone else, choose from a variety of collectable commemorative merchandise. Annual ParkPass
Perfect for frequent park visitors, the Annual ParkPass provides users with unlimited access to all 48 state parks including Providence Canyon, Amicalola Falls and Skidaway Island. Normally parking fees are $3-$4 at all Georgia State Parks. An excellent bargain, the pass costs $30, $15 for seniors 62 and older. To purchase, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit www.gastateparks.org. Historic Site Annual Pass
History buffs can step back in time to visit Georgia's Civil War battlefields, picturesque plantations, ancient Indian mounds, Revolutionary War forts, and Native American and presidential homes. The pass gives unlimited admission to all of Georgia's 15 state historic sites. (Some events may not be included.) The pass is $35 per family, $20 per adult and $15 per child. Passes can only be purchased at the historic sites (www.gastateparks.org for a complete list). Membership to Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
A "Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites" membership is the perfect gift for nature lovers. In addition to enjoying the benefits of a free Annual ParkPass, Historic Site passes, a free night of camping or round of golf and many additional perks, a Friends' membership helps to protect Georgia's natural and historic resources. Membership levels begin at $40, just $10 more than the price of an annual parking pass. Also, for just this year, Georgia State Parks is offering a 75th Anniversary Membership that includes a DVD or VHS copy of the Georgia Public Broadcasting documentary, "Sites to Behold: The History of Georgia's State Parks." Friends members support state parks and historic sites in a variety of avenues, including volunteering, contributing financially or seeking legislative support. To join, visit www.friendsofgastateparks.org or call 1-888-948-2092. Golf Escapes
Links lovers will appreciate the various golf getaway packages available. Packages include greens fees, carts and accommodations in hotelstyle lodges or quaint cottages and prices start at $40 per person, depending upon the location and season. With uncrowded, beautifully maintained courses surrounded by nature, Georgia's state park courses offer a quality experience for an excellent value. For information or to order packages, visit www.golfgeorgia.org or call 1-800- 434-0982. Wine Getaway
Treat that someone special to a weekend of wine and culinary pleasures amidst the serene setting of The Lodge at Smithgall Woods, an elegantly rustic retreat tucked away on a 5,600-acre Heritage Preserve in the North Georgia Mountains. Now in its fourth year, the "Wine Weekend in the Woods," which will be held February 9-10, February 16-17 and February 23-24, 2007, features elaborate multi-course dinners, prepared by Smithgall Woods' exclusive Executive Chef Mac Parks with wine pairings presented by some of Georgia's leading wine experts each night. Rates for the weekend are an exceptional value at $699 per couple ($749 for a private one bedroom cottage with hot tub) and include all meals, tastings and on-site activities. For reservations, please contact The Lodge at Smithgall Woods at (800) 318-5248 or (706) 878-3087 or visit www.SmithgallWoods.com for more information. Commemorative Merchandise
Choose from a wide variety of items such as golf accessories, compasses and embroidered clothing. With items offered at an array of price ranges, there is something for every budget. This is also the last chance to purchase merchandise with the Georgia State Parks 75th Anniversary custom logo, such as a pewter ornament, sure to be collectors' items. While several park gift shops will carry merchandise for purchase onsite, the largest selection will only be available online at www.GeorgiaTradingPost.org.
While everything else changes, Georgia State Parks remain true to nature. During 2006, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will celebrate 75 years of protecting Georgia's natural, cultural and recreational resources for a happy and healthy Georgia. To join this celebration, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75th.







