Celebrate National Tourism Week at Weekend Events Across the State

ATLANTA, May 14, 2009 – Whether you hop in a hot air balloon, swap recipes at an annual peach festival or pack your squirt gun and head to the beach, be sure to celebrate some of Georgia's favorite pastimes May 15-17 as a part of the 26th annual National Tourism Week, which has as its theme, 'Discover Great American Traditions.' Discover Georgia's hot air balloon tradition at Menlo's annual Northwest Georgia Balloon Festival that takes place in the beautiful High Country region this weekend. Take a trip up in a tethered hot air balloon, or watch a brightly colored air show of 13 free-floating hot air balloons from the ground.  The three-day festival, which also includes food and entertainment, begins Friday, May 15.  If an aerial view of northwest Georgia sounds too daunting, experience the region closer to the ground, by train. About 8 miles east of the balloon festival, Summerville's historic train depot built in 1889 will set the mood for rail travel.  Although the Summerville depot is only serving travelers to-and- from Chattanooga, Tenn., in October and November, the train depot in nearby Blue Ridge offers summertime visitors a scenic tour of the mountains.  Train rides from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, a former copper mining town along the Toccoa River, leave daily. Weekend adventurers in southern Georgia can find a similar experience on the SAM Shortline Excursion train that offers day-long weekend train rides leaving from Cordele.  The Saturday, May 16, trip takes passengers through the historic town of Americus that features a bustling downtown with Victorian architecture; Plains, the current home of former President Jimmy Carter and Archery, the rural farm location where President Carter grew up.  About 75 miles south of Cordele, Morven will be celebrating Georgia's official fruit at the 22nd annual Peach Festival.  The Saturday, May 16, festival is expected to showcase more than 100 vendors who will have on hand arts, crafts and of course, a host of peach delicacies including ice-cream and cobblers. Arts and crafts will be headlining at other outdoor festivals held across the state this weekend, including the Mountain Flower Arts Festival, a celebration of mountain wild flowers and art to be held in Dahlonega on Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, the 47th annual Mountain Laurel Festival, which will feature an antique auto show, in nearby Clarkesville on Saturday, May 16, and the Spring Arts & Wine Festival in Young Harris on Saturday, May 16.  The Georgia Jugfest will also highlight the arts, although this Knoxville festival will focus on the southern pottery tradition of jug-making.  The festival begins the morning of Saturday, May 16, and includes a pottery auction, vendor booths and an antique tractor show.  Residents of Southwest Georgia in the Plantation Trace region of the state will also have their share of arts and crafts during Fort Gaines' Catfish Festival.  Held at the George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge, this Saturday, May 16, festival will serve up catfish plates, arts and crafts and lakeside festivities for visitors.   Travelers looking to get wet this weekend should take part in Tybee Island's Beach Bum Parade, where laid-back beach goers employ an arsenal of buckets, squirt guns and hoses in a water war procession that features beach-themed floats, friendly competition and a good time for all.  The parade is held the evening of Friday, May 15. The May 15-17 weekend also offers Georgians an opportunity to get outside and exercise.  On Saturday, May 16, Jekyll Island is hosting its annual Turtle Crawl, a triathlon and 5k run/walk that will benefit the island's Georgia Sea Turtle Center that is committed to sea turtle rehabilitation, research and education.  Head to Alpharetta for the 13th Annual Mayor's Challenge 5K and 10K; Baxley for the 1st annual Tree Fest Triathlon or Thomaston for the Thunderbolt Classic Bike Ride. Whether you prefer to be in the heat of a 10k race or in the window seat of a relaxing train ride, discover a great Georgia tradition this weekend that you can call your own!  Learn more about the above events at the related websites below, or find additional ways to experience Georgia at www.exploregeorgia.org. Resources:   Northwest Georgia Balloon Festival, Menlo   Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce: Train Depot in Summerville   Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge   SAM Shortline Excursion, Cordele   22nd Annual Peach Festival, Morven   Mountain Flower Art Festival, Dahlonega   47th Annual Mountain Laurel Festival, Clarkesville   Spring Arts & Wine Festival, Young Harris   Georgia JugFest, Knoxville   Catfish Festival, Fort Gaines   Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade   Jekyll Island Turtle Crawl   13th Annual Mayor's Challenge, Alpharetta   Tree Fest Triathlon, Baxley   Thunderbolt Classic Bike Ride, Thomaston