A Georgia Getaway Great For SMERF Groups
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Providence Canyon State Park.
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Editor’s Note: With 2007 marking the 75th anniversary of the Georgia State Parks, ConventionSouth
Editorial Assistant Adrianne Bowen was invited on a familiarization trip of three Georgia State Parks. Earlier this year, I experienced three diverse Georgia State Parks, all located near each other in Southeast Georgia. And, while their attributes may vary, all three offer natural beauty and an array of activities, making each an enticing choice for SMERF (social, military, educational, religious and fraternal) events.
Situated on the shores of Lake Walter F. George, the 700-acre George T. Bagby State Park in Fort Gaines, Ga., draws many visitors—especially SMERF groups. “The park is one of the best kept secrets in Southwest Georgia, and we want groups to see what that secret is like,” said Deborah Mainor, conference coordinator, who added that the park attracts many military groups because of the town’s military history.
Accommodations are rustic yet comfortable within the 60-room lodge and within the five multi-room cottages and a cabin that sleeps 14.
The charm of simple, naturalistic design is revealed in the conference center that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The 169-seat Pilot House Grille overlooks the lake and includes terrace seating with a spectacular view of the water and a private dining room for 24 guests. And of the two covered outdoor pavilions, the largest has seating for 125.
Along with basking in the sun on a sandy beach or navigating the lake on a boat, attendees can cool down with a dip in the swimming pool.
Nearby, and also on the lake, the 173-acre Florence Marina State Park has 14 cabins offering multiple guest rooms. Here, the natural deep-water of Lake George is ideal for boating and fishing. Along with the lighted fishing pier, groups can venture the waters on a boat that immerses groups in a birding experience with a close-up view of herons, egrets and even bald eagles. On land, the mysterious history of Florence, a town that disbanded in the 1850s, is only known through recent archaeological discoveries.
Inside the Kirbo Interpretive Center, park rangers teach visitors local history and geography; Native Americans once dominated the area, and artifacts from the prehistoric Paleo-Indian period through the early 20th century are on exhibit.
Activities for all ages abound through the park’s nature trails, swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and miniature golf.
And a trip to Southeast Georgia would not be complete without visiting the chasm at Providence Canyon State Conservation Park in Lumpkin, Ga., known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” where groups can explore deep within the canyon. Formed due to poor farming practices in the 1800s and within a span of only 20 years, the canyon walls are illuminated by 43 documented colors due to diverse mineral content.
The 1,003-acre park also includes a visitor center, a group shelter that seats 100 and several campsites.
