ATLANTA, January 28, 2010 – Georgia’s State Parks & Lodges blend romance and nature with special “Valentine’s Day” lodge packages and “Carefree Cottage” getaways. Lakes, mountains and forests in secluded settings are perfect for couples interested in rekindling the romance with a cozy escape to the outdoors. From Valentine’s Day lodge packages starting at $165 per couple, to 25 percent discounts on select cottage rentals, Georgia’s State Parks & Lodges offer couples romantic staycations at practical prices.

Below is a sampling of the Valentine’s Day packages and special winter cottage rates available at Georgia’s State Parks & Lodges through March 31, 2010. For lodge reservations contact www.GaLodges.com or call 1-800-864-PARK (7275). For more information on Georgia State Parks and cottage accommodations, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

• “Valentine’s Day” Weekend Lodge Package
Georgia State Park Lodges combine nature with romance by offering an affordable alternative for couples interested in getting away. From an intimate picnic lunch for two by picturesque Lake Walter F. George to a heart-healthy hike through unspoiled forests, Georgia State Parks offer the perfect natural setting for romance. There are even well manicured golf courses at Little Ocmulgee and George T. Bagby for golf lovers. Couples can enjoy the serenity of the outdoors by day with the comfort of hotel-style amenities and restaurants by night. Available February 12 -14 with a two-night minimum stay, the “Valentine’s Day” weekend lodge package includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts, two glasses of wine, and a long stemmed red rose with gourmet chocolates upon arrival. The “Valentine’s Day” package is priced at $165 per couple at George T. Bagby State Park, Little Ocmulgee State Park and Red Top Mountain State Park and $175 per couple at Unicoi State Park. Guests can call 1-800-864-PARK (7275) to book their vacations.

• “Made For Two” Lodge Romance Package
Couples interested in a romantic escape after the Valentine’s Day rush, can still take advantage of savings at Georgia State Park Lodges with a special “Made for Two” package. Available February 15 through March 31, the package includes two nights lodging, two breakfasts and two glasses of wine, based on any two nights minimum stay. The “Made for Two” package is priced at $165 per couple at George T. Bagby State Park, Little Ocmulgee State Park and Red Top Mountain State Park and $175 at Unicoi State Park. Guests can call 1-800-864-PARK (7275) to book their vacations.

• “Carefree Cottage” State Park Getaways
Couples or families looking for a quiet escape can warm up with great rates and take advantage of smaller crowds at Georgia State Parks all winter long. Available through February 28, vacationers can experience a cozy cottage escape with a 25 percent discount on regular rates at F.D. Roosevelt State Park near Callaway Gardens, Florence Marina State Park on Lake Walter F. George, Seminole State Park on Lake Seminole, Hard Labor Creek State Park just east of Atlanta and Indian Spring State Park south of Atlanta. Visitors must call the park office directly and mention the “Carefree Cottage” special to be eligible for the discount. For phone numbers and details, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

• “Winter Escape” at Smithgall Woods in Helen
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on 5,600 acres of pristine forest, the Cottages at Smithgall Woods is perfect for intimate escapes or family gatherings. Five cottages, each with well-equipped kitchens, are beautifully decorated. Two one-bedroom cottages each have private decks with hot tubs. A private trail leads to popular Duke’s Creek Falls. Through February 28, 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.

About Georgia State Parks
For help in planning a winter staycation, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. Georgia’s 48 state parks and 15 historic sites are operated by the Department of Natural Resources and offer 2,478 campsites, 400 lodge rooms, 382 cottages and 12 yurts to overnight guests.

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