Television

This Independence Day weekend there's lots to do in see in Georgia. Here are some of the highlights!

The Stone Mountain Laser Show Spectacular has been an Atlanta tradition for years, and this year's show is better than ever. The show features spectacular laser graphics, musical favorites like "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," and fireworks! It's all part of Stone Mountain's 42nd annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration, which runs from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5. The park opens daily at 10 AM, with the laser and fireworks show each evening. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Admission is free with the purchase of a parking permit. For more information visit Stone Mountain's Fantastic Fourth Celebration website.


The Fourth of July always means great music, and this year internationally renowned trumpeter Phil Driscoll is presenting "Blast!," a fireworks and music extravaganza. Phil is teaming up with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra to perform memorable, toe-tapping, soul-stirring music that everyone can enjoy. It's all happening Friday, July 3 at 8 PM at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro. Visit the Oconee Performing Arts Society website for more information and tickets.


For those of you who are unable to travel or are just planning on spending the Fourth of July weekend at home with friends and family, never fear! There's still plenty to see and hear. Georgia Public Broadcasting Television will again be broadcasting "A Capitol Fourth" live from Washington, DC. This annual program will be hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jimmy Smits, and will feature such musical greats as the National Symphony Orchestra, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, the Jersey Boys, classical pianist Andrew von Oeyen, and Michael Feinstein. The Sesame Street Muppets will also be on-hand to perform and sing! The live HD broadcast will begin at 8 PM on Saturday, July 4. It's available for free to every television viewer in the State of Georgia over GPB's network of nine television stations. For more information visit GPB's A Capitol Fourth website.

"On the road most everyday..."
If you do happen to be traveling this Fourth of July weekend, you've got something in common with the Georgia Traveler team! Crews will be visiting two events on Saturday, July 4: the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, and the Sunflower Festival in Rutledge. If you see us around, don't forget to say hello! And please remember to travel safely this weekend.

And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're "Coasting Along the Atlantic", exploring U.S. 17 from Savannah to Darien. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors' Information Center just outside Savannah and sets off. Phil finds fantastic food at the famous Lady and Sons while David discovers local legends and haunting fun on Savannah’s Ghosts and Gravestones tour. Keely tries a new outdoor activity on Tybee Island with the help of the High Tide Surf Shop and later joins Phil on a getaway to the community of Hog Hammock on Sapelo Island. Our last stop: family fun at the Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Darien.

Georgia Traveler 201: Coasting Along the Atlantic airs this Friday, July 3 at 9 PM, Saturday, July 4 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, July 8 at 7:30 PM on GPB. For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV-DT/8; Albany - WABW-DT/14, Augusta - WCES-DT/20, Chatsworth - WNGH-DT/18, Columbus - WJSP-DT/28, Dawson - WACS-DT/25, Macon - WMUM-DT/29, Savannah - WVAN-DT/9, Waycross - WXGA-DT/8.

Music lovers, this weekend the Madison Chamber Music Festival will be wrapping up its seventh season with exciting programs that feature the famed Julliard String Quartet and other notable musicians. On Friday, June 26, the Julliard String Quartet will be performing a concert of works by Beethoven, Haydn, and Mendelssohn at 8 PM. French composer Camille Saint-Saens will be featured in a concert on Saturday, June 27 at 5 PM. Finally, the Atlanta Wind Quintet will be finishing off the season on Sunday, June 28 with a concert called "The Color of Wind." The concert begins at 5 PM, with a pre-concert lecture at 4. For locations and ticket information, visit the Madison Chamber Music Festival's website. Georgia Traveler was shooting in Madison this week, and had a chance to witness one of these concerts; we don't think you'll be disappointed!


Continuing with our musical theme, Summer Music Weekends at Rock
City in Lookout Mountain, Georgia continues with toe-tapping music and barbecue with a view! The old-time band, the New Binkley Brothers, will be strumming and picking, and some great food will be served. After listening to the music, visitors can also take an opportunity to "See Rock City"! It's all happening from 12 to 4 every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. Visit seerockcity.com for details.



Cowboys and cowgirls, it's time once again for the Annual Mountain Top Rodeo at the R-Ranch in Dahlonega. This world-class event is doubly exciting because it's held in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. It's all going on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27 beginning at 8 PM both nights. There'll be good food, hilarious fun, and rip-roarin' rodeo action!




And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, we’re on a “Mid-Georgia Meander” exploring U.S. 280 from Plains to Vidalia. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Plains and sets off for the country cooking at Mom’s Kitchen. Keely explores the local Americus legend Koinonia Farms while David experiences a great getaway to the Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge in McRae. Phil paddles part of the Altamaha Canoe Trail and joins David at the Vidalia Onion Festival in- you guessed it- Vidalia!

Georgia Traveler 207: Mid-Georgia Meander airs this Friday, June 26 at 9 PM, Saturday, June 27 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch Saturday, June 27 at 8 PM, and Sunday, June 28 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge.

For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV-DT/8; Albany - WABW-DT/14, Augusta - WCES-DT/20, Chatsworth - WNGH-DT/18, Columbus - WJSP-DT/28, Dawson - WACS-DT/25, Macon - WMUM-DT/29, Savannah - WVAN-DT/9, Waycross - WXGA-DT/8.

The summer season is here, and the kids are out of school; it's a great time to get out and see Georgia!

This Saturday, June 20, in Homer, the ninth annual Folk Potter's Festival will feature the best potters in the Southeast and beyond. The goal of the North Georgia Folk Potter's Festival is to promote the arts in Banks County, help support the art department in the local school, and to have on of the best pottery festivals in the state of Georgia. Dozens of potters will be present with examples of their work to show and sell. The Folk Potter's Festival runs from 8 AM until 2 PM, and parking is free! Visit their website for more information.


Beautiful Jackson, Georgia not only boasts a charming small town
flair, but it also home to High Falls State Park, and this Saturday, June 20, it's the Turtle Tour! From 10 AM to 12 PM, rangers will rove around campsites answering questions about the Eastern Box Turtle and other wildlife. This will be a great opportunity for an outdoors educational activity with the kids! For details, call 478-993-3053, or visit High Falls State Park's website. There is a small parking fee.



Also this Saturday, the first annual Grillin' in the Village Barbecue Festival in Stone Mountain Village. Fifteen professional barbecue cook teams will be competing for prize money and an entry to the Memphis Barbecue Network National Championship. The main stage will be buzzing with activity all day with Ponce Soul Faction and Java Monkey playing. There will also be a Backyard Barbecue competition and a "peoples' choice" category so the public can weigh in on the winner. A Classic Car Show and the 37th Annual Arts and Crafts Show will also be featured right on Main Street. It's all happening from 9 AM to 10 PM. For more information, call 770-498-7334, or visit stonemountainvillage.com.

And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're off on a "European Tour" of Georgia, featuring Athens, Brunswick, Dublin, Rome and Vienna. Join Tour Guides David Zelski, Keely Walker Muse, Philip Proctor and Gerald Bryant in exploring these Georgia cities that bear names of European derivation.




Georgia Traveler 112: European Tour of Georgia airs this Friday, June 19 at 9 PM, Saturday, June 20 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, June 24 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch Saturday, June 20 at 8 PM, and Sunday, June 21 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge. For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV-DT/8; Albany - WABW-DT/14, Augusta - WCES-DT/20, Chatsworth - WNGH-DT/18, Columbus - WJSP-DT/28, Dawson - WACS-DT/25, Macon - WMUM-DT/29, Savannah - WVAN-DT/9, Waycross - WXGA-DT/8.

Golfers from near and far compete in the Towns County Chamber of Commerce Annual Lake Chatuge Golf Classic this Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 in Young Harris, Georgia. A portion of the proceeds, from this two-day golf event, will be awarded to a high school age athlete from Towns County. Each year's golf teams do their best to win a number of prizes including money and gifts. Enjoy golf in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains while helping a young athlete. The event begins at 7:30 AM on Saturday. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 706-896-4966 or visit mountaintopga.com for more information.


For a great evening's entertainment, this Saturday, June 13, watch the Red Top furnace crew in action at the Red Top Mountain Evening Iron Pour. See cast iron skillets in the making and make your own piece of unique iron artwork by purchasing a "scratch block mold" before the pour. Blocks will be available starting at 2 PM, and the pour starts at about 9 PM. Come early and hear live Blue Grass music! For more information call 770-975-4226, or visit the Red Top Mountain State Park website. To see Georgia Traveler's David Zelski participate in the Iron Pour at Red Top Mountain, visit the Georgia Traveler website.


The timeless Mark Twain story of a mischievious little boy and his friend, a runaway slave, comes to life before your eyes. Big River - the Musical is an adaptation of the Adventures of Huckbleberry Finn by Roger Miller and William Hauptman, and is opening the season at the Peach State Summer Theatre in Valdosta. Performances this weekend are Friday, June 12 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, June 13 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, June 14 at 5:30 PM. This is one for the whole family! For tickets and information call 229-259-7770, or visit the Peach State Summer Theatre's website.

And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore the Metro Atlanta area. Discover the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. Find beauty and history at Dunaway Gardens in Newnan. Go for a bicycle ride on the Silver Comet Trail in Smyrna. Visit with the animals at the Yellow River Game Ranch in Lilburn, including famous groundhog General Beau Lee, and find fantastic fare in Lawrenceville at Medieval Times, and that's no joust!
Georgia Traveler 110: Metro Atlanta airs this Friday, June 12 at 9 PM, Saturday, June 13 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch Saturday, June 13 at 8 PM, and Sunday, June 14 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge. For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV-DT/8; Albany - WABW-DT/14, Augusta - WCES-DT/20, Chatsworth - WNGH-DT/18, Columbus - WJSP-DT/28, Dawson - WACS-DT/25, Macon - WMUM-DT/29, Savannah - WVAN-DT/9, Waycross - WXGA-DT/8.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're exploring U.S. 84, the Wiregrass Highway from Valdosta to Bainbridge. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Valdosta and sets off in search of family fun at the Wild Adventures Theme Park. David discovers the local legend of the Carolina Bays and gets a taste of hte farm life at the Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville. Keely explores the Plantation Parkway and Phil goes fishing at Lake Seminole with professional angler and Bainbridge native Pam Martin-Wells. Georgia Traveler's Wiregrass Highway episode airs on GPB Knowledge this Saturday, June 6 at 8 PM and Sunday, June 7 at 8 AM. You can also see this episode of Georgia Traveler on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 PM on GPB. For more information, check out our website at www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler

It's the Mountain Music Series! This Saturday, May 30, head up to Red Top Mountain State Park in Cartersville and enjoy a summer evening at the Vaughn Cabin, listening to the sounds of live mountain and bluegrass music. Bring a lawnchair or blanket and have fun with the whole family. The music starts at 8 PM. Call the park for the band of the week: 770-975-4226. There is a small parking fee; more information is available at friendsofredtop.org. To see Georgia Traveler's David Zelski participate in the Iron Pour at Red Top Mountain, visit the Georgia Traveler website.


Continuing in the music vein...Dulcimer music lovers, on Saturday, May 30, there will be a hands-on introduction to the mountain dulcimer at Mistletoe State Park in Appling! Don't miss this chance to learn the king of old-time mountain music. Folks who own their own dulcimers are encouraged to bring them along for tuning and playing tips. The class runs from 10 AM til 12 PM. For more information call 706-541-0321, or visit the Mistletoe State Park website.


Chili and stew enthusiasts, you won't dare to miss "Fire in the Mountains" in Hiawassee. It's a chili/stew cook-off from 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday, May 30. Professional judges will be on hand to judge entries by community cook-teams. There will also be fire-safety demonstrations, bluegrass music, and fun! This is one for the whole family. For more information, visit www.townscountyfirecorps.org, or call 706-896-6472.




And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore some of the sites in Georgia's capital city of Atlanta. We find fine art at the High Museum and discover fun at Turner Field, Home of the Braves. We visit with the animals above and below the water's surface at Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. We explore the history of the Cyclorama, and what would any trip to Atlanta be without a chili cheese dog and onion rings at the Varsity?

Georgia Traveler 109: Metro Atlanta airs this Saturday, May 30 at 8 PM, and Sunday, May 31 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge.

Please note Georgia Traveler will not be seen in its regular Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday time slots on GPB this week.

For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV-DT/Channel 8; Albany - WABW-DT/14, Augusta - WCES-DT/20, Chatsworth - WNGH-DT/18, Columbus - WJSP-DT/28, Dawson - WACS-DT/25, Macon - WMUM-DT/29, Savannah - WVAN-DT/9, Waycross - WXGA-DT/8.

On this Memorial Day Weekend, there's lots to do and see in Georgia!

Remember the "Gay '90s"? No, not the 1990s, but what our great-grandparents called the '90s! The Gay '90s are alive and well in Ringgold this weekend at the 1890s Day Jamboree! This Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23, come on out to Ringgold and have the most fun anybody's had in over a century. There'll be an old-time fiddle contest, Gospel singing, 1890s cars, fireworks, and even a beauty pageant. For more information visit the 1890s Day Jamboree website.






If you'll be in the Helen area this weekend, why not stop by Unicoi State Park for their Memorial Day Blast! Join in on relay races, field day activities, a campfire, music concert, and hoedown! It's all happening Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25. There is a small parking fee. You can get further details by calling 1-800-573-9659 ext. 305, or by visiting the Memorial Day Blast website.




From the mountains to the coast...This Saturday, May 23, join the garrison for a Memorial Day Celebration at Fort King George in Darien. It will be a day of artillery drills, musket firings and soldier's life activities. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations will be presented throughout the day. Events occur from 10 AM 'til 4 PM, and there is a small admission fee. Call 912-437-4770, or visit georgiastateparks.org for details. To see Georgia Traveler's visit to Fort King George, click here.




And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, it's off to Georgia's Southern Rivers region. Albany is our destination city, where we visit the Riverfront Park, the Riverquarium and the Parks at Chehaw. We enjoy a performance of Swamp Gravy, the famous folk life play in Colquitt. David Zelski explores Mule Day in Calvary. We survey the largest swamp in North America and experience a trip back in time at the Agrirama in Tifton. And Phil Proctor discovers down home delights at Nothin' Fancy.


Georgia Traveler 108: Souther Rivers South (Albany) airs this Friday, May 22 at 9 PM, Saturday, May 23 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch Saturday, May 23 at 8 PM, and Sunday, May 24 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge. For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV-DT/Channel 8; Albany - WABW-DT/14, Augusta - WCES-DT/20, Chatsworth - WNGH-DT/18, Columbus - WJSP-DT/28, Dawson - WACS-DT/25, Macon - WMUM-DT/29, Savannah - WVAN-DT/9, Waycross - WXGA-DT/8.

It's the third weekend of May and there are many things to do and see in the Empire State of the South!


Now, this first one isn't really a tourism event, but, we wanted to be sure that you knew about the Macon- Middle Georgia Job Fair and Career Expo. For more information, check out this website. On Sunday, May 17 from 1-5 p.m. at the Macon Centreplex located at 200 Coliseum Dr. over 100 employers and exhibitors will partner with the Georgia Department of Labor to assist job seekers. If you can't physically go to Macon to visit the Expo event, we invite you to watch a live television broadcast on GPB Television and simulcast on partnership stations WMAZ/Channel 13 in Macon and WALB/ Channel 10 in Albany. That's Job Fair 2009 this Sunday, May 17 from 2-4 PM. You can also watch online and chat live with Job Specialists from the Department of Labor on the GPB website at www.gpb.org/jobfair.


On Friday, May 15 the annual Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade might surprise the unsuspecting visitor. Like most parades, there are floats pulled behind cars and trucks. Unlike most parades, however, the floats, often trailers or boats, are filled with water-throwing paraphernalia. Spectators, lined up along the parade route on Butler Avenue, are armed with buckets, squirt guns and hoses. What results is an all-out water war for fun loving beach bums of all ages. For more information, check out their website.



Saturday, May 16 is the day for the Traditional Singing Convention in Blairsville. The event, which will be held at 2 PM at the Historic Court House will feature Shape Note Singing. Organizers tell us that the key is audience participation. Different singing masters, or leaders, will choose a song from one of the shaped-note songbooks and lead the congregation in the singing. The music is like any music except each note has a particular shape, and the music is performed by reading and singing the notes. Those in attendance who cannot read the shaped notes simply listen and enjoy the music. To learn more about the Convention, check out their website. To learn more about Shape Note Singing and see our own Phil Proctor in action at the Chattahoochee Sacred Harp Convention, click here to watch the Georgia Traveler segment!


And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're on a "Rabun Gap Ramble", exploring the Rabun Gap Loop in the northeast mountains. After an appropriate safety course, Phil is experiencing the outdoors on a motorcycle. The famed Dillard House is our getaway and David finds family fun at Lake Burton. Keely and the guys learn to ride the rapids on the Chattooga River and Phil discovers food with a view at Isabelle’s on the Gorge in Tallulah Falls.

Georgia Traveler 204: Rabun Gap Ramble airs this Friday, May 15 at 9 PM, Saturday, May 16 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch Saturday, May 16 at 8 PM, and Sunday, May 17 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge.
For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV/Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth - WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8.

River Town Days in Bainbridge is bigger and better for 2009. The festival, held annually on the second weekend in May, beings on Friday night, May 8, with a concert by Atlanta Rhythm Section. The fun continues the following day, Saturday, May 9, with activities for all ages. Browse through the Great River Rummage to find great deals! There will be activities for kids, and ATV and Boat show and the Flint River Raft Race. Make sure you get your rubber ducky at the festival, because later in the afternoon, Bainbridge will have it's first Rubber Ducky Derby - you don't want to miss it! For more information, visit the official River Town Days website.


The Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University presents Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs features over 130 extraordinary objects including many from the reign of Tutankhamun, as well as treasures from the the most significant pharaohs who ruled the Nile throughout 2,000 years of history. This exhibition places Tutankhamun in the context of ancient Egyptian culture and focuses on the splendor of the Egyptian pharaohs, the significance of kingship to the ancient Egyptian people, and the intricate and symbolic ceremonies related to life and death in the palace. Viewers will get a sense of how life and art evolved over many generations in ancient Egypt. For more information, check out the website. Don't miss one of the final weekends of this exhibit!


If you're a musical buff or just love to laugh, you won't want to miss the Metro Atlanta Premiere of the Broadway Smash Hit Mel Brooks Musical "The Producers" right here in Georgia at the Rosewater Theatre in Roswell. Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks’ classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly “boffo” hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. Performances are being held this weekend on Friday and Saturday night. For tickets and more information, check out the Rosewater Theatre's website.

And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, it's off to Georgia's Southern Rivers region. Columbus is our destination city, where we visit the Chattahoochee River Walk, the Columbus Museum, and the Wild Animal Safari in nearby Pine Mountain. We enjoy the delights of Georgia's Official Barbecue Cooking Contest at the Big Pig Jig in Vienna. Gerald Bryant explores the sometimes ghostly Springer Opera House and the National Civil War Naval Museum. David Zelski takes a ride on the SAM Shortline through Cordele, Leslie, Plains, Archery and Americus. And Phil Proctor finds a Columbus food favorite, Lieutenant's Scrambled Dog..

Georgia Traveler 107: Southern Rivers North (Columbus) airs this Friday, May 8 at 9 PM, Saturday, May 9 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch Saturday, May 9 at 8 PM, and Sunday, May 10 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge. For more information, check out our website at: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler/

Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.

Georgia Public Broadcasting is Television, Radio and Education: your PBS station serving all of Georgia; your source for great music and NPR news; and Georgia's source for top-quality multiple media educational products and services.

Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - WGTV/Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth - WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8.

Madison in May Bicentennial Tour of Homes in Madison, Georgia
Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 3
We continue our trend of being "on the road most every day" again this weekend. Our Traveler crew will be in Historic Madison, Georgia this Friday, May 1 for the kickoff of the Madison in May Bicentennial Tour of Homes. Hosted by our new friends at the Madison Morgan Cultural Center, the tour is self-guided and features a mix of new and antebellum homes. As you may know, Madison is the town that was spared by the armies of Major General William Sherman on his March to the Sea in 1864. We'll be featuring Madison as our getaway for the "Historic Tour of Georgia", part of Georgia Traveler's 3rd season, set to premiere this fall.



Southeast Electric Flight Festival in Andersonville, Georgia
April 30- May 3, 2009
Down in Southwest Georgia, the Fayette Flyers of Atlanta are hosting America's premiere electric flight festival. Mac Hodges' field is the location and features a full service, air conditioned hobby shop right off the flight line. The field has a flat 1,700 ft. bermuda grass runway and wide open skies. Organizers tell us that the pit area and parking are abundant for all. You can expect to see all aspects of electric flight: sport planes, hotliners, parkflyers, 3D, giant scale, slowflyers, gliders, pylon, ducted fan jets, helicopters, scale, F5B, etc. The event is primarily open flying. There will be some flying demonstrations by accomplished e-flight enthusiasts/sponsors and show teams. Vendors will be exhibiting their products, conducting demo flights and releasing new models. For more information, check out the ExploreGeorgia.org website or the Fayette Fliers website.


Mama Mia!: Cabbage Patch Kids Collectors' Club Spring Event in Cleveland, Georgia
Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1
If you're a collector, hopefully you've already registered for the Mama Mia event. If not, check out the event website for details. And remember, you can visit the birthplace of Cabbage Patch Kids year-round at the BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland. Or you can call 706-865-2171 for more information, or write to 73 West Underwood St, Cleveland, Georgia 30528. You can find BabyLand General Hospital 75 miles northeast of Atlanta off of U.S. 129 in Cleveland, Georgia. Admission is free.



And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

On this week’s episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore U.S. 41 from Macon to Cordele. The nation’s first planned highway, U.S. 41 is often referred to as the “Old Dixie Highway”. The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Macon and David sets off for fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café in Juliette. Phil celebrates the state fruit at the Peach Festival in Fort Valley while Keely shoots skeet on her getaway to Henderson Village in Perry. Everyone joins in the outdoor activity of golfing at Lake Blackshear in Cordele and David dives into the local legend of the Grit in Warwick.

Food Find: Whistle Stop Café (Juliette)
Georgia’s own little taste of Hollywood is in Juliette, home of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. Converted from an old country store into the now famous restaurant for the movie, the Whistle Stop Café attracts folks from all over anxious to try the fabled Fried Green Tomatoes. While visiting, David gets behind the counter and takes a stab at being a short order cook, but he decides to leave it to the professionals. The next time you’re walking along the tracks, stop off in Juliette and the Whistle Stop Café. And remember, the secret’s in the sauce!

Family Fun: Peach Festival (Fort Valley)
Georgia may be the Peach State, but there’s one place where the Peach is really king, it’s in Peach County, home of the Peach Festival! Phil takes the opportunity of a visit from the state’s greatest tourism show to the state’s greatest fruit to find great things to eat. And in a festival devoted to peaches, he didn’t have to look far: the Peach Festival is home to the world’s largest peach cobbler! Measuring five feet by eleven feet, and eight inches deep, this confection feeds Phil with just enough left over for the rest of the fair patrons! From the Peach Festival, visitors can take the free shuttle out to the Lane Packing Company, and see just how peaches are grown and turned into, among other things, delicious peach ice cream. If you’re like Phil, the experience will leave you debating the age-old question: peach or peach ice cream???
Link: http://www.gapeachfestival.com/

Getaway: Henderson Village (Perry)
Keely takes a step back in time when she visits Henderson Village, a bed and breakfast resort made up of an array of historic 19th Century buildings. Situated on 19 acres, Henderson Village features cozy rooms, fine dining, beautiful gardens, and a 3200-acre hunting preserve. Keely shoulders her firearm and snags a few clays before deciding she’s more into the quiet and peaceful side of Henderson Village. Whatever your interest, Henderson Village has got it.
Link: http://www.hendersonvillage.com/

Outdoor Activity: Golf at Lake Blackshear (Cordele)
When our Traveler crew pulled up at Lake Blackshear Golf Course at Georgia Veterans State Park, some thought the Three Stooges had arrived. Instead of Larry, Moe, and Curly, it was Keely, Phil, and David, but the hilarious hijinks were on a roll. Join the Traveler Trio as they show their golf skills, or lack thereof, and have a great time putting around at Lake Blackshear Golf Course.
Links: http://www.lakeblackshearresort.com/ http://www.gastateparks.org/info/georgiavet/
Local Legend: Grits Festival (Warwick)
“You can eat it with butter, you can eat it with cheese, you can eat it any time with any old thing you please. As long as it’s grits, baby!” Every year in Warwick, the Grits Capital of the World, grits lovers from all over come down to take part in the Grits Festival. Our David Zelski meets up with such local notables as Granny Grits, Mike McDaniel, who came in first place in the Grits Eating Contest, and even the Grits Queen. By the end of the day, David finds himself submerged in a vat of grits. The only things that were missing were the butter and cheese!
Links: http://www.gritsfest.com/
Georgia Traveler's "Old Dixie Highway," airs this Friday, May 1 at 9 PM, Saturday, May 2 at 7 PM, and Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 PM on GPB. You can also watch this episode on Saturday, May 2 at 8 PM, and Sunday, May 3 at 8 AM on GPB Knowledge.

"On the road most every day..." The Traveler Crew will be visiting the Gainesville Spring Chicken Festival on Saturday, April 25th. This segment will air in the third season, which we hope to premiere in fall 2009. The Gainesville Spring Chicken Festival will feature a unique ChickEkiden race, the Sweet Tea Challenge, Chicken Cook-offs, and live music. There's also lots to do for the kids! Things get started at 8:30 AM and wrap up at 4 PM. It's a whole day of fun with chicken! For more information, visit the festival's website.



For our cycle fans out there, the 30th Annual Athens Twilight is being held this weekend in Athens. Athens, the Classic City, is known for music and food, and Twilight takes advantage of the best that Athens has to offer. With dozens of downtown restaurants and music provided by the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music, there's lots for everybody to do! The Athens Twilight Criterium has over eight separate race classes, and 150 cyclists competing in the main event. Qualifying takes place Friday night, April 24, and the big event is on Saturday, April 25! Visit the Athens Twilight website for details.



Located just minutes north of Kingsland, the Annual Woodbine Crawfish Festival is being held on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25. The crawfish, sort of a minature cousin to the lobster, has managed to achieve its own celebration in Woodbine. The two-day event is held at the Waterfront Park and Riverwalk in Downtown Woodbine. It includes food (with lots of tasty crawfish etoufee!), free all-day entertainment, arts and crafts, children's activities, and much more. If you crave crawfish, Contact Woodbine City Hall at 576-3211 or www.WoodbineGeorgia.net.


And those are just a few of the great ways to explore Georgia this weekend. For more information, check out the Explore Georgia website operated by Georgia Traveler's production partners at the Georgia Department of Economic Development.