A favorite with the children, the Panola Mountain State Conservation Park will easily take a day to explore. There are excellent hiking trails, and the top of the granite mountain is both open and windy—perfect for kite-flying, so be sure to bring one along. There is a playground for younger children and a nature center as well as bicycle trails. Take one of the excellent ranger-guided tours or classes for a real understanding of the spectacular natural surroundings. For some indoor fun, check out Pin Strikes, a family-oriented activity emporium that offers bowling, laser tag and a large arcade gaming area. In the evenings it tends to be more adult—alcohol is available—so be sure to take your kids during the day.
It is time to head outdoors again, and what could be more fun than spending quality time with family and friends at a picnic under the Georgia sun? Set one up at Memorial Park, fully equipped with grills and shaded pavilions. The basketball courts and playgrounds will keep the kids busy for hours. And if you have a bike on hand, hop on and start pedaling at the Reeves Creek Trail. Easily accessed through Memorial Park, this three-mile trail zips through the woods and along Reeves Creek, with the concrete path making for an easy ride. Once you have refreshed yourself at the park, head to nearby Decatur for a round of golf at the Little Mountain Golf Course—which is actually nestled into a mountain. The atmosphere is relaxed, but the courses are challenging, and the 18-hole course is extremely hilly, as might be expected given the setting. While you may not consider a monastery precisely a vacation attraction, the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in nearby Conyers is sure to change your mind. It is home to Trappist monks but is also open to the public, with 2,300 acres of space including a large lake where you can walk, think, contemplate and enjoy. The recently built Monastic Heritage Center is a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art museum. A bonsai garden, café and store round out your visit. The latter is a great place to buy gifts for the hardest-to-please people on your holiday list: the monks make and sell biscotti, fruitcake and fudge. Take a moment to sit quietly in the Norman Gothic architecture of the abbey church before you leave: the building is infused with peace.
While you may think of it as merely a place to stay while visiting or doing business in the Atlanta area, the town itself is a charming destination and affords a nice change from the hectic pace of the city. The next time you plan on heading to Stockbridge, GA, book with Choice Hotels and let the friendly staff make sure you get the hospitality and guidance you need to make most out of your stay!