By Deborah Presley and Sally Treadwell

Forget Hawaii and Europe—most families we know are planning to stick to a "staycation" this summer. A “staycation" means vacationing in your home or near it, of course, but for me, staying anywhere close to my laundry room and weed-ridden flower beds isn’t much of a vacation. We at Just 4 Families say, hey, take a "staycation" Southern-style! We’ll give you ideas for day trips and overnighters within a half day of driving. But first…

Staying Home—Nix housework. Make your staycation memorable by putting on the kind of travel-adventure party you wouldn’t normally have time for. What about a Masked Venetian Ball? A Roaring Twenties do? Or why not Rock the Casbah, or go to Bollywood, or Voyage down the Nile? Have older kids do the research (don’t tell them it’s educational) and make a list of props to find, scrounge, and buy. As always, it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money; it is necessary to use imagination and a sense of fun.

Day Trips
Kangaroo Conservation Center—Crikey, ‘roos in Georgia! Who could resist? “America’s Aussie Adventure” aims to preserve kangaroo species through captive breeding and a fun version of education, and currently hosts nine species with 300 very live specimens of the little bounders. 222 Bailey-Waters Rd. Dawsonville, GA 30534 706-265-6100 or www.kangaroocenter.com

Paradise Gardens—“I took the pieces you threw away/ and put them together night and day/ washed by rain, dried by sun/ a million pieces all in one.” A four-acre masterpiece by folk artist, preacher and ultimate recycler, the Rev. Howard Finster. A gallery also showcases other folk artists’ work. Open Saturdays $3-$5. 84 Knox St., Summerville 706-857-5791. www.finster.com/paradisegardens.org

Goats on the Roof—A fabulous new contender in Pure Americana category of “Tacky Roadside Attractions You MUST Visit.” Yep, Goats on the Roof really does have goats—real goats!—on the roof. The owners explain that the goats don’t have Reindeer Envy; they’re just an alien species scanning the skies for the Mothership of the Goat Universe. Kids can placate (i.e. feed and pet) the alien goats, become Junior Goat Rangers, and troll for gems in the mine. Check the site for a variety of local happenings. 3026 Hwy 441 South, Clayton 706-782-2784 www.tigergoats.com

Amicalola Falls—Amicalola sure earned its Cherokee name (“tumbling waters”); at 729 feet it’s the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Follow an 8.5 mile trail to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the Appalachian Trail, or glory in any number of shorter trails, some suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Extend your stay in the campground, a cottage, or the lodge. $3 parking fee. 240 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville. 706-265-4703: www.gastateparks.org/info/amicalola

Fort Discovery—Want to walk on the moon, get chased by a dinosaur or fly a simulated jet? Then, by golly, you MUST visit this science center. Cheapskate hint: The cost is only $6-$8 but Fort Discovery, like Fernbank, is part of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. With membership at Fernbank you get free general admission to any member center at least 90 miles from your home—which is way cooler than walking on the moon, if you’re the one paying. 1 Seventh St., Augusta. 706-821-0200, 1-800-325-5445. www.nscdiscovery.org

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park—During the Late Unpleasantness Chattanooga was the gateway to the south, and boy did those Civil War armies battle over it. The last major Confederate victory was on the 5,500 acre Chickamauga Battlefield; trails, markers, monuments, displays and exhibits will bring it all home to you. The Lookout Mountain battlefield has a heck of a view and is home to a great James Walker painting and over 300 antique weapons. 423-752-5215 or www.nps.gov/chch/

Chattanooga—If you’re going to the Military Park…See Rock City—seriously! We laughed hysterically but it was FABULOUS. Ruby Falls is dramatic and beautiful, and the Incline Railway is a hoot. Cool off at the wonderment-filled Tennessee Aquarium.
Georgia Music Hall of Fame—Arguing over B52s versus REM? Allman Brothers versus Johnny Mercer? Oh, go fight it out at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, where you’ll find fantastic exhibits and info to reinforce (or change) your viewpoint. And you’ll also be close to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Tubman African American Museum, the Douglass Theatre and Macon’s downtown retail and restaurant district. Admission to each museum is is $6-$8. 200 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Macon. 912-750-8555 or www.gamusichall.com

Etowah Indian Mounds—Flintknapping. How cool is THAT? And your kids can learn how to do it here (selected days) plus learn about archaeology and ancient rituals. Several thousand Native Americans lived in this area (the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast) between 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D. Explore six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, borrow pits and defensive ditch. $2.50-$4. 813 Indian Mounds Road S.E., Cartersville. 770-387-3747 www.ngeorgia.com/parks/etowah

Helen, GA—Go German in this Bavarian-themed village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Browse specialty shops teeming with handmade wares and holiday decorations, and pig out in German-style beer gardens and eateries—yum! 800-858-8027. www.helenga.org

Atlanta Botanical Garden—Orchids and woodlands and haikus, oh my! Plus roses and herbs and rock gardens and a world-beating children’s garden, all in an Eden that’s just a few miles from home. If you’re a real garden freak, do not, I repeat, do not, miss the Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour May 9 – 10. Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. 404-876-5859 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Zoo Atlanta—Think you know ZooAtlanta? Not any more you don’t—not unless you’ve hand-fed the 500 bright and gregarious parakeets in the zoo’s newest exhibit and tried out the Wild Like Me interactive kidspace. Membership gives you year-round access plus 50-100 percent off visits to zoos and aquariums across the country. www.zooatlanta.org

Atlanta Cyclorama—Music, art and sound effects will put you right in the middle of the 1864 Battle of Atlanta. It’s the world's largest painting and diorama, next door to the Atlanta Zoo. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. 404-658-7625 www.webguide.com/cyclorama.html
CNN Studio Tours—A surprisingly fascinating 40-minute tour that might include a stint as a weatherperson and broadcast-writer. In 40 minutes you'll take in CNN special-effects studios, Headline News and International News studios. Reservations suggested. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 1 CNN Center www.cnn.com/studiotour 404-827-2300

Herndon Home—Alonzo F. Herndon went from slavery to sharecropping, and finally to riches and achievement as the founder of Atlanta Life Insurance Co. His 1910 mansion is crammed with furnishings, artwork, Roman and Venetian glass and family photographs.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday. 587 University Place N.W. www.herndonhome.org

Jimmy Carter Library & Museum—You may never weasel your way into the Oval Office, but you can see a perfect replica of it here. You’ll also be able to see tons of exhibits dealing with issues such as the Iran hostage crisis and human rights negotiations. 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday -Saturday; noon - 4:45 p.m. Sunday. 441 Freedom Parkway. 404-865-7131 www.jimmycarterlibrary.org

Stone Mountain Park—The 3,200 acre Stone Mountain Park is a very full day out, what with the adventure course, a summit skyride, a scenic railroad, a museum, and many interactive children’s attractions. And if you haven’t seen the long-running and thoroughly spectacular laser show, well, are you SURE you live in Georgia? $8 per car U.S. 78, Stone Mountain 770-498-5690 www.stonemountainpark.com

Georgia Aquarium—You probably think your kids are pure piranhas when they find your secret stash of cookies, but here you can try comparing their teeth to the real thing. From rivers to reefs to ponds made for petting horseshoe crabs and stingrays (so smooth!) the Georgia Aquarium is mesmerizing and un-missable. 225 Baker St. NW (404) 581-4000 www.georgiaaquarium.org

Callaway Gardens—17 miles of trails, a butterfly house, a birds of prey show and activities like horseback riding might be enough to get you to the incredibly lovely Calloway Gardens. But special events like the Surf and Sun Spectacular and hot air ballooning are icing on the cake. 17800 US Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, Georgia, 706-663-2281, callawaygardens.com

Family vacations just a half day's drive from Atlanta
Steinhatchee Landing Resort, FL—Charming Cracker cottages and Victorian romances, hidden among moss-draped live oaks along the Steinhatchee River, evoke the best of Old Florida. You’re also just three miles downstream from the Gulf of Mexico, so your vacation could include fly-fishing, bay scalloping, birding, hiking, canoeing or boating; your kids will relish archery or badminton, or even just exploring the tidal creek. www.steinhatcheelanding.com or 352-498-3513

Amelia Island, SC—Maybe riding a horse along a perfect beach at sunset is a bit of a cliché, but me, I say bring on the clichés. It’s fantastic! Helping out nesting sea turtles, trying to spot the rare Jaeger marsh pelican, and going on history walks are also good reasons to visit this one-of-a-kind barrier island, blessed with 13 miles of beaches and lapped by pristine waters. Amelia Island was voted #6 among Top 10 North American Islands by Condé Nast Traveler's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards. www.ameliaisland.com

Charleston, SC—Nothing beats a witty and informative guide on a carriage ride or ghost walk through a historic district, and they’re sure not in short supply in Charleston. A tour will give you a terrific introduction to a city that’s the epitome of Southern charm and renowned for its preservation of history. But you’ll also find a vibrant arts scene and beautiful beaches (and unbeatable, long-lived marketing baskets that have served me well as errand baskets and at farmers’ markets!). http://www.charleston.com/

Tybee Island, GA—If you’re looking for a laid-back, family-oriented vacation, Tybee is perfect. Dolphin-watching, building sandcastles, seeking woodstorks and egrets in the salt marshes, and visiting the authentically-restored lighthouse will leave you relaxed and refreshed. Camp, or choose from cabins, cottages, condos, and homes. www.tybeeisland.com/

Boone/Blowing Rock, NC—A five-hour drive will take you high into the cool breezes of the Appalachians for some Last-of-the-Mohicans hikes to stunning views or waterfalls—oh, and kayaking, and mountain climbing. But unlike the deprived Daniel Boone, you’ll also get to enjoy the region’s superlative crafts, and some world-class entertainment at bargain prices during the Appalachian Summer Festival. The steam-train-centered Tweetsie Railroad theme park and the zoo on Grandfather Mountain (check out mountain panthers, called painters locally) are musts for children. www.highcountryhost.com

Savannah, GA—Love “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” or “Forrest Gump”? Then you’ll really enjoy the Hollywood in Savannah tour. Or maybe you have older kids, who’ll want to ghost-hunt, or perhaps a streak of gardening fanaticism will send you off to tour the gardens, parks and squares that abound. Savannah is complex, atmospheric, and wonderful. www.savannahvisit.com/

Hints for Cheap Travel
The ultimate cheap hotel room is a tent—pitch ‘em at state parks and even some beaches for a tiny fee (and bathroom facilities!). Bring your own bikes, hammocks, hiking boots, nature guides, plus food that needs minimal preparation; and prepare to star-watch.

Consider sharing a house at the beach or a wilderness cabin with another family. Many houses are huge, and you’ll have built-in baby sitters, co-cooks, and companionship for all of you, plus you’ll be able to cook healthy, inexpensive food. Or take a multi-generational trip to build lasting family memories.

Also, I cannot sufficiently emphasize the extent to which I adore Priceline. Ignore the regular booking page that pops up and go to ‘Name Your Own Price.’ Once you get the hang of the strategies—go for 3* or 4* hotels, and if your bid is turned down, get a free “rebid” by adding an area that doesn’t have either—it can be an amazingly good deal. However, the deal isn’t refundable, so be sure you’re really going. Airline tickets are trickier, especially for a short stay where timing is crucial, but I recently slashed the cost of a 2-day business trip by two thirds when I added a night in a hotel and Pricelined it all.

Happy Trails to You
So get totally groovy and throw a glam British Austin Powers party, or re-discover our hometown, or venture further afield (to Augusta, infinity or beyond!). Just have a fantastic time. You’ve earned it.