Mini vacations are manageable ways to spend time with grandchildren

Several regional destinations offer a change of scenery and are within an easy drive.

Tired of taking the grandchildren to Disney World, Sea World or any other kind of world? Wanting to be with them under less stimulating circumstances? Finding you'd like for them to see you as regular persons, rather than as doling-out-money-for-entertainment persons? Needing to confine this activity to a weekend?

There are some great answers to these questions - all in south Georgia - all within four and a half hours from Savannah.

Now that fall is approaching your thoughts may be turning to some easy, inexpensive outings - with or without your grandchildren. Some of the places you are probably already familiar with, others may be new destinations. These excursions can include camping or you can go the less strenuous route and stay in a motel.

The closest one is the well-known Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The two nearest entrances are on U.S. 1 out from Waycross, a more commercial facility, or the other entrance near Folkston, Suwannee Canal Recreation Area on State Highways 23/121.

Okefenokee Swamp Park was formally opened in 1946 where the wonders of the "Land of the Trembling Earth" were made accessible for the enjoyment of the public and new scenic beauty was unfolded for those who delight in nature's master creations.

It has become increasingly popular and is now one of the outstanding tourist attractions in the United States. General admission includes the railroad tour to visit the wetlands and tour Pioneer Island; "Eye on Nature," a live learning program about snakes and alligators; Okefenokee Bear Revue, an animatronic bear musical show; swamp creature area with alligators, otters, bears and turtles in habitats; the boardwalk with observation areas - a one-half mile round walk into the wetlands; a nature center with information about the swamp; and Pogo/Walt Kelly Museum, where you get a personal glimpse of the famous cartoonist and his characters.

There are also boat tours of varying length taking different directions. The Okefenokee Swamp Park is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

For more information you may call (912) 283-0583 or write 5700 O.S.P. Road, Waycross, GA 31501. They can also be reached on the Web at www.okeswamp.com. Laura Walker State Park, also on US Hwy. 1, is very close by - where full camping is available. If camping isn't your style, check out the generous number of motels scattered along the same highway.

The Suwannee Canal near Folkston offers guided boat tours, rental motor boats or canoes, a museum, a board walk and an observation tower, and a look at what farm living on the edge of the swamp at the turn of the century at the Chesser Homestead was like.

It's a quiet, laid-back area where you can really absorb the environment. There are special event days all during the year and each season offers its own particular enchantment.

Nearby Folkston has a bed-and- breakfast, three motels and two campgrounds. Detailed information is available by writing Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 756, Folkston, GA 31437; by phone (912) 496-2536, or by internet www.folkston.com.

Further southwest, near Valdosta ,is Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, located on U.S. Hwy. 221, between Valdosta and Lakeland.

Here is a swamp equal in scenic beauty and variety of plants and animals to the Okefenokee but without the crowds, since the refuge hasn't been available to the public for very long.

There is a boardwalk and an observation tower. On weekends the gate is open from 6 am, until 9 p.m. Here camping is permitted, with showers and restrooms available. Canoes and boats are not provided and outboard motors are limited to 10 mph, a necessary limitation so as not disturb the serenity of the place and to protect the wildlife.

The tranquility and beauty here will make you want to linger. For further information, call the Wild Life Resources Offices at (912) 426-5267. Valdosta provides plenty of places to stay (37 motels to be exact) and three campgrounds and RV parks.

Going still farther west, seven miles west of Lumpkin in Stewart County on Hwy. 39 is Providence Canyon State Conservation Park, better known as Georgia's Little Grand Canyon.

Visitors can gain a splendid panorama of the canyon from the rim trail, finding the gradation in colors from red and purple and pink to orange and rust a superlative view. The interpretive center explains how the massve erosion that resulted in these deep gulches was created by the poor farming practices of the 1800s.

In spring, wild flowers add to its beauty and in the fall there is a splendid display of fall foliage. For the energetic, there is a trail all the way to the bottom of the canyon.

When you go into Lumpkin, the nearest town, you'll find locals flocking to Michelle's Restaurant.

Accommodations can be had also at Michelle's (912)838-9991, or 11 miles away in Richland at the Day's Inn, (912) 887-9000.

For those who want to camp, Florence Marina State Park, 9 miles away, (912) 838-4244, is situated on deep water with a dock for fishing, a deep water marina and a boat ramp.

The Kirbo Interpretive Center teaches visitors about Native Americans, nature and local history, and it displays artifacts from the prehistoric Paleo-Indian period through the early 20th century. Tours of the Rood Creek Indian Mounds and Fort McCreary are available.

All of these natural attractions in our beautiful south Georgia are out there waiting for you, so pack your bags and take off.