This weekend in Georgia, Aug. 5-7, 2011

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This Weekend in Georgia
August 5 - August 7, 2011

In This Issue This Weekend Friday Night Events Don't Break the Bank
Friday Night Events

Welcome to Georgia Tourism's weekly newsletter! Our "This Weekend in Georgia" newsletter offers ideas for quick getaways or extended vacations. Visit www.ExploreGeorgia.org to learn more about happenings around the state.
Dillard BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
Dillard, GA Friday, August 5th - Saturday, August 6th Listen to real Bluegrass music played by a variety of bands and savor the mouth watering smells and sights of smoking meats. There will plenty for the whole family to do and see at this wonderful event.

Keep reading to find out about some of the events that are happening this Friday night.
Georgia State Parks

Gold Fever at Smithgall Woods
Helen, GA Saturday, August 6th Hear the history of local gold mining and geology. The morning begins with a presentation depicting cultural influences that lead up to the 1828 Georgia "gold rush." Local historians will answer questions, and you can hike on the Martin Mine trail.

Check the Georgia State Parks' Last
Minute Availability
page to see which lodge rooms, cottages, yurts, campsites, picnic shelters and group shelters are available for the upcoming weekend.

Paddle with a Ranger
Sandy Springs, GA Saturday, August 6th Bring your own canoe or kayak and join a park ranger for a relaxed float down the Chattahoochee River. You will see the diversity along the river, from the extraordinary array of wildlife and wildflowers to steep ridges rising to more than 1,000 feet.
Folklife Festival
Sautee, GA Saturday, August 6th See living history demonstrations of traditional folk life skills such as basket making, corn shelling and blacksmithing. Georgia is one of two states that can boast a 200-year unbroken tradition of folk pottery passed down through families, and this will be a major theme of the festival.

Tomato Sandwich and Watermelon Day
Blairsville, GA Saturday, August 6th Homegrown and handmade tomatoes and melons abound! Come enjoy the harvest as Blairsville brings the best they have to offer from local growers and artisans.

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
Conyers, GA Saturday, August 6th - Sunday, August 7th In its 27th year, the nation's only traveling black rodeo returns to the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.
Friday Night Events
First Fridays in Downtown Milledgeville
Milledgeville, GA Friday, August 5th
FDR Night Hike
Pine Mountain, GA Friday, August 5th
First Friday
Augusta, GA Friday, August 5th
Downtown Nights in Thomasville
Thomasville, GA Friday, August 5th
Friday Night Concert Series
Blairsville, GA Friday, August 5th
First Friday Fest
Clayton, GA Friday, August 5th

First Friday Music Pickin' on the Porch
Sautee, GA Friday, August 5th
Friday Night Drags at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA Friday, August 5th
Friday Night Live "Summer of Love"
Woodstock, GA Friday, August 5th
First Friday at Yonah Mountain Vineyards Tasting Room
Sautee-Nacoochee, GA Friday, August 5th
Sign Up for 80 Days of Georgia Giveaways!
Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, has launched 80 Days of Georgia Giveaways. Celebrate the best of Georgia by entering to win dozens of great prizes, including admission to Georgia's most popular attractions and special events, overnight getaways, vacation packages and other Georgia adventures. Facebook fans and Twitter followers will have access to more than 100 prizes from across the state over the next 80 days. New prizes will be announced every weekday through August 23, 2011 on www.facebook. com/exploregeorgia and @GeorgiaTourism on Twitter.

Don't Break the Bank
This year we will feature ideas from the article "100 Ways to Woo Your Special Someone Without Breaking the Bank," featured in the 2011 Georgia Travel Guide. If you can't wait for next weekend's newsletter to get more ideas, download your copy of the Travel Guide today. #5 Visit Lake Acworth. This 90-acre lake is a favorite fishing spot known for no crowds and a low key vibe, perfect for a relaxing day away. It also includes a man-made beach, walking trails and a park.
For more things to do this weekend, check out ExploreGeorgia.org!
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