ATLANTA, December 14, 2009 – Georgia’s State Park Lodges provide festive getaway packages for both families and couples alike seeking affordable staycation alternatives for the New Year’s weekend and long winter months ahead. From New Year’s Eve celebration packages and holiday buffets, to nightly winter “lodge-ical” rates starting at just $59, Georgia’s State Park Lodges offer a cozy and wallet-friendly vacation getaway in the great outdoors.

Ring In the New Year without Breaking the Bank in Georgia’s Outdoors
Bringing in the New Year at Georgia State Parks & Lodges is a peaceful alternative for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of holiday traffic and crowds. With diverse recreation opportunities and comfy hotel-style lodge rooms and restaurants, families can enjoy a secluded escape to the outdoors and maybe even start a new holiday tradition.

Below is a sampling of the New Year’s celebration packages and dining offerings currently available. For reservations contact www.GaLodges.com or call 1-800-864-PARK (7275):

• Unicoi State Park & Lodge, Helen. Located in the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, just two miles from the quaint Alpine Village of Helen, Unicoi State Park & Lodge is offering a “Holiday Early Bird” special valid through January 3, 2010. Guests booking a two-night stay get the third night free, as well as one complimentary New Year’s Eve dinner buffet with the purchase a buffet at $12.95. Nightly room rates start at $69 per room. For reservations, call (800) 573-9659.

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, Dawsonville. Home to the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, this secluded 56-room hideaway is ringing in the New Year in style with a traditional “New Year’s Eve Celebration” party. Priced at $75 per couple, the party includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner buffet, live music, snacks, party favors, gratuities and taxes. On New Year’s Day, football fans can hang out in comfort and watch their favorite bowl games shown on two big screens in the lodge lobby. Snacks and a cash bar are also available. Fans can enjoy a traditional Southern-style New Year’s Day lunch for $10.95 per person, with favorites including collard greens, black-eyed peas and baked ham. For reservations, call (800) 573-9656.

• Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, McRae. Surrounded by 1,277 acres of lush piedmont forest and overlooking a golf course, this 60-room lodge is celebrating the holidays all season long with its “Happy Holidays” getaway package. Available through January 3, 2010 at $95 per night, the package includes one double or single lodge room, breakfast and dinner for two, daily ParkPass, gratuities and taxes. For reservations, call (229) 868-7474.

• George T. Bagby State Park & Lodge, Fort Gaines. Located on a beautiful 48,000-acre lake and home to championship golf, this 60-room lodge offers a traditional New Year’s Day brunch buffet at $15.95 per person and $7.95 for children ages 5-11. Brunch includes traditional breakfast favorites including assorted muffins, fruit and eggs, as well as lunch salads, fried chicken, baked ham, roast beef, desserts, etc. For a full menu or to make reservations, call (229) 768-2571.

• Red Top Mountain State Park, Cartersville. A short, 45-minute drive from Atlanta, located on the banks of 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, the 33-room lodge offers a New Year’s Eve buffet at $18.95 per person and $8.95 for children ages 6-12. Buffet includes crab legs, roasted prime rib, salmon, chicken, traditional side dishes and desserts, etc. A New Year’s Day brunch is also available at $14.95 per person. For a full menu or to make reservations, call (770) 975-0055.

• Smithgall Woods, Helen. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on 5,600 acres of pristine forest and home to one of the premier trout streams in the Southeast, the Cottages at Smithgall Woods is perfect for intimate family gatherings. Five cottages, each with well-equipped kitchens and comfortable furnishings, are beautifully decorated with inviting stone fireplaces. Two one-bedroom cottages each have private decks with hot tubs. Through January 31, 2010, Smithgall Woods is featuring a “Winter Escape” package, which includes a 20 percent discount on all cottages, plus free firewood. Regularly priced cottages start at $149 per weekday and $179 per weekend. There is a two-night minimum on weekends. For reservations, call (706) 878-3087.

Cozy up to Savings all Winter Long with Lodge-ical Rates
Even after the holiday cheer is long gone, those looking for a quiet escape can warm up with great rates and take advantage of smaller crowds at Georgia State Parks & Lodges all winter long. Available through February 28, 2010, guests can experience an affordable overnight escape for as little as $59 and expanded continental breakfast for two at George T. Bagby State Park, Little Ocmulgee State Park and Red Top Mountain State Park. A new Lodge-ical rate of $69 is now available at Amicalola Falls State Park including expanded continental breakfast for two and Unicoi State Park including full breakfast for two. Guests can call 1-800-864-PARK (7275) to book their vacations with the new Lodge-ical rate.

About Georgia State Park Lodges
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources operates six state park lodges with meeting and banquet facilities, comfortable accommodations and affordable rates year-round. The state park lodges offer such diverse recreational activities as watersports, golf, fishing, hiking and nature trails. For more information on meeting facilities, contact the Regional Group Sales office at (770) 975-4291 or visit www.naturallybusiness.com.

Editor’s Notes:

Key Web Address: www.GaLodges.com and www.GeorgiaStateParks.org

Photography: High-resolution images of State Parks and Lodges are available by request.

Media Contacts:

Colleen Philbrick
TedCo Worldwide
(912) 604-1950
colleen@tedcoworldwide.com

Kim Hatcher
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
(404) 657-9855
kimh@dnr.state.ga.us