Hello Atlanta - Spring Break starts 4/4/09

**kurt** · 03-31-2009, 11:36 AM

Is anyone coming?

http://www.accessatlanta.com/wireles...n_atlanta.html

Most metro area schools will release kids Friday for a five-day break bookended by four weekend days. But this is a tough year for family getaways and out-of-town trips. If you’re looking for ways to have some fun nearby, it may be as close as your local library, a neighborhood volunteer project or a jaunt to a state park. Here are some other recommendations for staying busy during spring break without going far from home....

http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/tr...ast_cheap.html

Spring break may be forever associated with college students hitting the beaches for some sun and fun after a long winter. But nowadays, couples and families with schoolchildren have claimed March and April as prime time for a getaway holiday....

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/sha...u_plannin.html

Beach-bound - Let’s face it, spring break is usually your first chance each year to get out and enjoy the sand, surf and sun. Water temps may not be as warm as you might prefer for sea bathing, but you can usually wade in a little by early April. It’s also nice to sit on the beach and build your sand castles without that sweltering summer heat. It difficult to list all of the great family-friendly beaches within Atlantans’ easy reach, but check out Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Ala. or Myrtle Beach, SC (even though it also attracts college students) as options with plenty of family activities on and off the beach....

**Beach Runner** · 03-31-2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by kurt

Is anyone coming?

The question is how many thousands are coming?

We'll be coming down! See y'all in a few days.

**gardening1970** · 03-31-2009, 12:17 PM

I will be there with hubby and 3 teenagers Monday - Saturday. Visiting family in Port St. Joe for a few days first.

**kathydwells** · 03-31-2009, 12:26 PM

Beach-bound - Let’s face it, spring break is usually your first chance each year to get out and enjoy the sand, surf and sun. Water temps may not be as warm as you might prefer for sea bathing, but you can usually wade in a little by early April. It’s also nice to sit on the beach and build your sand castles without that sweltering summer heat. It difficult to list all of the great family-friendly beaches within Atlantans’ easy reach, but check out Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Ala. or Myrtle Beach, SC (even though it also attracts college students) as options with plenty of family activities on and off the beach....

Scooterbug will be glad they steered them away from SoWal.

**gardening1970** · 03-31-2009, 01:15 PM

We're not all bad!

Some of us are well-behaved, fill in our holes, don't leave junk on the beach, stay off the dunes, drive gently (after we arrive), take good care of our rented properties, and even spend a little money while we're there. A couple of us are even known to obey red flag warnings and turn out porch lights during turtle nesting season.

The segment of Atlantans I described is really comprised of wannabe-locals just trying to figure out how to make the move ...

**tsutcli** · 03-31-2009, 02:26 PM

Set up baricades at the border and send them all back Don't need rowdy, misbehaved, entitlement-fueled mini-tourists.

**tistheseason** · 03-31-2009, 02:31 PM

WATCH OUT - I know more than a few people headed your way next week, sadly we won't be among them!

**mot** · 03-31-2009, 03:21 PM

Better do your grocery shopping early. After 1 PM on Saturday the crowds arrive and you will wait in line.

**Franny** · 03-31-2009, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by gardening1970

We're not all bad!

Some of us are well-behaved, fill in our holes, don't leave junk on the beach, stay off the dunes, drive gently (after we arrive), take good care of our rented properties, and even spend a little money while we're there. A couple of us are even known to obey red flag warnings and turn out porch lights during turtle nesting season.

The segment of Atlantans I described is really comprised of wannabe-locals just trying to figure out how to make the move ...

Have a great week at the beach!!

**jodiFL** · 03-31-2009, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Set up baricades at the border and send them all back Don't need rowdy, misbehaved, entitlement-fueled mini-tourists.

I am afraid that alot of locals and local businesses would disagree. Its been a long winter season and most businesses in this area depend on this few weeks of spring break to get enough capital to carry them thru until the "hundred day" season hits.

jd · 03-31-2009, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by tsutcli

Set up baricades at the border and send them all back Don't need rowdy, misbehaved, entitlement-fueled mini-tourists.

That's not nice...and what is a mini-tourist?

jd · 03-31-2009, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by gardening1970

We're not all bad!

Some of us are well-behaved, fill in our holes, don't leave junk on the beach, stay off the dunes, drive gently (after we arrive), take good care of our rented properties, and even spend a little money while we're there. A couple of us are even known to obey red flag warnings and turn out porch lights during turtle nesting season.

The segment of Atlantans I described is really comprised of wannabe-locals just trying to figure out how to make the move ...

I fall into this category....and I'm headed that way (Seagrove) Friday! Can't wait!!!

**Lynnie** · 03-31-2009, 06:10 PM

Y'all have a groovy time~~~~~~~~~~

**Jdarg** · 03-31-2009, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by jd

I fall into this category....and I'm headed that way (Seagrove) Friday! Can't wait!!!

Do y'all have kids? There is an amazing Guitar Hero contest in Seaside on Friday 4/10. The first one a couple weeks ago was a big hit, and imagine this one during Atlanta break will be nuts!

See www.seasiderep.org to enter!

Original thread- http://www.sowal.com/bb/events-activ...nt-friday.html

**Miss Kitty** · 03-31-2009, 06:32 PM

Y'all have funn! Don't leave your good manners at home!

gttbm was telling us all about this here and there yesterday! We will see y'all on the tail end of your trip! Leave us some groceries!

**Teresa** · 03-31-2009, 06:59 PM

attention all you atlanta folks! welcome to SoWal and hope you have a most safe and memorable family vacation! enjoy.

**Beach Runner** · 03-31-2009, 07:47 PM

Atlantans, and others driving to SoWal on I-85 south of Atlanta, drive very carefully. The road construction from Exit 61 to Exit 35 is very hazardous. The speed limit is 60 mph for a reason. There are places where the road is surrounded by concrete barricades with no shoulders. I've learned to avoid driving next to an eighteen-wheeler because there's no wiggle room when a car and a truck are side-by-side.

Going southbound at Exits 47 and 41 in Newnan, the entrance ramps have no acceleration lanes. So move to the left to avoid hitting a vehicle darting out in front of you. The exit ramps at Exits 41 and 35 have no deceleration room, so watch out for someone slamming on the breaks in front of you to exit.

Going northbound at Exits 41 and 47 in Newnan, there are no deceleration lanes, so watch out for people exiting there.

I'm not advocating speeding

, but watch out for Union City police near Exit 64, Grantville police near Exit 35, and the Hogansville police near Exit 28. They are usually there.

And be prepared for long backups and waits between Exits 41 and 51 with stop-and-go traffic.

Drive carefully, and have a great Spring Break!

**Smiling JOe** · 04-01-2009, 10:46 AM

In addition to filling in holes, and disposing of your waste, I ask that you don't drive like maniacs all the way to 30A. Please slow down more, the closer you get. I've seen too many near misses. I can tell you that if you pass me on 331 bridge (double yellow) just because I am going 50-55mph, I WILL catch up with you at the traffic light at 331/98. There is no need to pass once you get to Freeport, because we all arrive at the same time unless you kill me on your mad rush to relax at the beach. Chill out. I know that it is tough to slow down after you have driven for 5 hours at speeds in excess of 70mph, but put on your beach hat when you leave your driveway. Relaxation is a state of mind and has nothing to do with arriving at the beach. Thank you in advance.

By the way, much of Hwy 331, south of Freeport, is a construction zone with slower than normal speedlimits, and winding, offsets on the temporary road (while they are four-laning). It can be dangerous. My guess is that since many of you Atlanta peeps are leaving ATL on Sat am, from around 1pm-3pm, traffic will be bumper to bumper from hwy 331/98 to the north side of the Clyde Wells (331) Bridge, so don't get any crazy ideas.

**Allifunn** · 04-02-2009, 08:24 AM

I have friends from Atlanta driving in Friday night

This is also Spring break for Kaiboo, she arrives Friday night as well

**Paula** · 04-03-2009, 07:08 AM

We won't get to SoWal until the following week (Michigan's spring break is one week later than Atlanta's).

As for tourists, all I can say is that most of the guests who rent our places have left them in great condition and appreciate SoWal and the beaches, restaurants, etc. very much. As someone who was not educated in beach manners (really, one doesn't understand about turtles, not walking on dunes, not using lights at night on the beach, and other things like that unless one is taught about it), I don't expect that other people will necessarily know these things. So, it's up to us to kindly provide that education. So, we leave this kind of information (including the beach flag information and turtle information) nicely framed in our cottages so that people can read them. Putting this information in the bathrooms, especially the kids' bathrooms, works well because people tend to read what's on the walls in bathrooms. And if the messages are in bathrooms the kids use, they can influence their parents as well. I think most people want to do the right things if they know what those things are. I think it's most helpful for those of us who know about SoWal to see ourselves as goodwilled teachers of those who are still learning (I'll be learning about SoWal and the environment/beaches for a long, long time).

When I call guests, I remind them to drive safely and of the flag system because I want them to be safe. Even if one follows the speed limit, some intersections/roads in the area can be dangerous.

Anyway, I have learned so much about beach life, beach safety, and the environment since joining SoWal.com and being a regular visitor to the area! It was amazing to see what happened to the beaches after Ivan (and a few other hurricanes in 2005) and then to watch the beaches evolve back. That has been an education in itself that makes me respect Mother Nature even more. Clearly, I'm still in awe of the area, especially the beaches, after 5 years.

Anyhooo, welcome tourists and enjoy the beach!

**kurt** · 04-03-2009, 07:18 AM

The invasion begins! I heard WaterColor is at 100% occupancy for the week.

**30abob** · 04-03-2009, 08:34 AM

Some of them arrived last night / early this morning at 4:00 AM!! I know this because they turned on the outdoor security lights which shine directly at my bedroom window and stood in the backyard (15' from my window) cussing at each other "loudly" for 20 to 30 minutes; then left the lights on when they finally went inside... it ought to be a fun week!

**Teresa** · 04-03-2009, 09:04 AM

my good friends working at WaterColor Publix warned me yesterday to get to the store early today or else!

**sweet** · 04-04-2009, 11:43 AM

Alpharetta, GA is on there way down to SO WAL BEACHES
We love the area. They will be arriving starting today-Tuesday
I own property in both destin and SO Walton.
Have fun see u all down there
Destin Florida luxury rental house & condo vacation

**30ARules** · 04-04-2009, 02:57 PM

We are here

I sent a memo out, but I think no one got it because the roads were pact with the rest of Atlanta's families getting in my way. We call WaterSound home for the next week. Time to go spend some money in SoWal!

**Teresa** · 04-05-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by 30ARules

We are here

I sent a memo out, but I think no one got it because the roads were pact with the rest of Atlanta's families getting in my way. We call WaterSound home for the next week. Time to go spend some money in SoWal!

you are staying in a gorgeous piece of SoWal! relax and enjoy!

**Jdarg** · 04-05-2009, 08:14 PM

First spring break story- we were at our friends' house in Watercolor, and our kids saw a big glass Jim Beam bottle fly out out of the neighbor's back door and into our friend's backyard. No parents around, and quite a few teens exited the house after that, who according to the teens we talked to that were staying at the house, were pretty much complete strangers that came over to "hang out".

We saw the a couple of the kids later with a mom - I really hope she didn't have a clue about the Jim beam. Stay tuned- this one could get interesting.

**DuneLaker** · 04-05-2009, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by 30ARules

We are here

I sent a memo out, but I think no one got it because the roads were pact with the rest of Atlanta's families getting in my way. We call WaterSound home for the next week. Time to go spend some money in SoWal!

Have a great visit. Hope you have a wonderful time and build new memories to bring you back time and again. Find time to just watch the stars. Orion's Belt was always fun to watch when we came down on our Spring Breaks when we didn't live here.

**Mermaid** · 04-05-2009, 09:58 PM

My brother is driving from Atlanta with his son, his kayaks, and his fishing gear. Do you think there will be any fish left in the lake with all the visitors to SoWal???

**Beach Runner** · 04-05-2009, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by Mermaid

My brother is driving from Atlanta with his son, his kayaks, and his fishing gear. Do you think there will be any fish left in the lake with all the visitors to SoWal???

Sure. This crowd is not fishing for fish -- they are fishing for, well, you know.

**Mermaid** · 04-05-2009, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

Sure. This crowd is not fishing for fish -- they are fishing for, well, you know.

Oh! Oh! Oh!

**Smiling JOe** · 04-06-2009, 08:04 AM

If you ever wanted to visit Atlanta, this would be a nice slow weekend to do so. Atlanta is empty, and it seems that they temporarily relocated it to South Walton.

**Sheila** · 04-06-2009, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

If you ever wanted to visit Atlanta, this would be a nice slow weekend to do so. Atlanta is empty, and it seems that they temporarily relocated it to South Walton.

Yes, it is quite nice maneuvering around town right now.

**Beach Runner** · 04-06-2009, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

If you ever wanted to visit Atlanta, this would be a nice slow weekend to do so. Atlanta is empty, and it seems that they temporarily relocated it to South Walton.

Daughter decided not to come to the beach with us for spring break.

She is at our place in Atlanta with her fianc� and spending her spring break shopping. I'll have to ask her if she notices any difference in the traffic.

Oh, the cat saga. Hubby caved and renewed the lease. He didn't want a cat in our house. They can deal with it when they get married June 19, 2010. Just hope fiancé decides to go to grad school at Georgia Tech instead of MIT or Stanford, his other two choices. He's already passed his Ph.D. qualifying exams at Georgia Tech.

**30ARules** · 04-06-2009, 01:13 PM

Spent a crapload of money at Cafe-30A for the wife and I's 12 year anniversary! She had an amazing Filet and I got the lobster in paradise! Had a great bottle of Pinot noir, and man the crab cake app was really good! Probably go back this week with the kids and g-parents. WaterSound beach club is taking great care of us! Kinda cold, but that can't stop the rulers!

**Beach Runner** · 04-06-2009, 09:32 PM

Daughter says that, relatively speaking, Atlanta is a ghost town, due to all of the spring breakers gone.

**scooterbug44** · 04-06-2009, 09:37 PM

I believe it - had to fight through the line of cars to get to my house and almost took out 2 bikers in the process (totally my fault BTW)!

**Teresa** · 04-07-2009, 09:04 PM

I have been extremely lucky this week (knock on wood) avoiding traffic and crowds. I've been in publix a few times with no crowds, and I drove to Destin and back this morning - no problem. the secret seems to be to get out and get back early in the day.

jd · 04-08-2009, 09:58 PM

I am home from a spring break in Sowal and even though it was a bit on the chilly side, it was just glorious! The beach: beautiful as always; the food: delicious; and the accomodations @ Dune Villas: very nice!!!

One thing I saw that I haven't seen before in the 10+ years I've been visiting the area, was a large herd of deer that showed up on the side of Hwy 98 after dark. Not just one time, but every time we drove down that stretch of 98...there they were! Around 6-7 of them. Fortunately they never seemed to stray too close to the highway.

Interesting!

Anyway I can't wait to come back in June!!!!!!

**Everytime** · 04-09-2009, 12:08 AM

I saw a few groups of them about this time last year, around 10:00 pm, along 98 between 331 and Seagrove. I hope to see them when I arrive tomorrow night.

I also saw what seemed to be hundreds of them last year on U.S. 278, between I-95 and Bluffton/Hilton Head, SC. It's a divided 4-lane hwy through the low country, and the deer are abundant along the parkway.

**kurt** · 04-09-2009, 07:26 AM

Some good greens growing on the roadside.

jd · 04-09-2009, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by kurt

Some good greens growing on the roadside.

yep...bet it's clover. The ones that live around my yard love the stuff...along with hostas, day lilies, new bean plants, etc....

Oh well, gotta love 'em anyway!!!

**Beach Runner** · 04-09-2009, 05:47 PM

The deer are really out in force in our neighborhood in GA. Last week as daughter was driving up our driveway, a huge buck jumped over the hood of her car. Scared the heck out of her.

jd · 04-09-2009, 08:19 PM

Yea, my father -in-law just hit one here in Fayetteville last week...messed up the car pretty badly. I'm glad the buck didn't hit her or cause her to have a wreck!

And soon you have to watch out for the babies that are being born now...they can run kind of crazy when they get out on the road and panic. Sadly, we hit a little fawn last spring when it couldn't figure out what to do and basically ran up under the car. It was awful!!!! I cried!!!

**Beach Runner** · 04-12-2009, 06:38 PM

OMC! Traffic on I-85 late this afternoon, south of Atlanta, and heading northbound was a parking lot!

Glad I was going southbound. And after my previous drive through there on April 1, they have changed the speed limit from 50 to 60. So even if you get a little space, you have to watch your speed due to the local fuzz. Argh!

**Bobby J** · 04-12-2009, 06:50 PM

Thanks Atlanta! It was quite a week and many of us appreciate you coming here to spend your money! See you next year or this summer!

**Sandcastle** · 04-12-2009, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Bobby J

Thanks Atlanta! It was quite a week and many of us appreciate you coming here to spend your money! See you next year or this summer!

All well and good, but last week within one block from my house in Old Seagrove, three events occurred that are worth noting. First, a kid totaled his car after hitting three large trees in the middle of the night on Forest Street. Second, a car parked in front of a house on Cypress Hill Street was stolen. Third, while two electricians were working in my house and I was working in my yard, a kid tried to steel a GPS unit out of the electricians' van that was parked in my driveway inside of my fence.

Welcome Atlanta?

**scooterbug44** · 04-12-2009, 09:41 PM

Odd season - I gained a chair and a bike lock instead of the usual beer cans, cups, and cigarette butts/cartons.

P.S. anyone missing (or wanting) a bike should take a stroll through Seagrove - apparently the new hobby is ditching rental bikes in the shrubbery.

**Bobby J** · 04-12-2009, 10:05 PM

I said many of us, not all of us appreciate you coming here.

**SHELLY** · 04-12-2009, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Sandcastle

All well and good, but last week within one block from my house in Old Seagrove, three events occurred that are worth noting. First, a kid totaled his car after hitting three large trees in the middle of the night on Forest Street. Second, a car parked in front of a house on Cypress Hill Street was stolen. Third, while two electricians were working in my house and I was working in my yard, a kid tried to steel a GPS unit out of the electricians' van that was parked in my driveway inside of my fence.

Welcome Atlanta?

You can take the kid out of Atlanta--but.....

.