Fun & Recreation
Coweta and Fayette counties offer a wide range of recreation and entertainment choices for the whole family. There’s something for everyone, from golfers and horseback riders to fairgoers and theatre buffs.  

In addition to an array of golf courses and top-rated tennis and aquatic facilities, the wide range of sports fields and parks also include a BMX bike track, skateboard park, nature walks, playgrounds and fishing spots, to name a few.

The Fred

With its beautifully intimate, open-air setting, the Frederick Brown Jr Amphitheater, also known as ‘The Fred,’ has drawn talented performers and enthusiastic audiences for over 30 years. The Fred has over 2,500 seats, including picnic areas, lawn seating and a special Gold Section directly in front of the stage. The Summer Concert series brings such notable acts to Peachtree City as Styx, Rick Springfield and REO Speedwagon.

Villages Amphitheater

Since 2002, the Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville’s 55-foot stage has been graced by many top draw acts, like Kenny Rogers and the Coaster/Platters, as well as community programs, such as the annual God & Country Night and Memorial Day concert. The 2008 line-up includes Little Anthony & The Imperials, Rita Coolidge and Atlanta Rhythm Section. Nearly 2,000 people can enjoy the shows on tiered seating areas of natural grass.

Centre for Performing & Visual Arts

Another is the Centre for Performing & Visual Arts, in Newnan. The Centre includes a 1,000-seat state-of-the-art performance hall, rehearsal and lecture halls, and visual arts galleries. It serves as a performance and exhibition space for all Coweta County Schools and as the hub of the Coweta school system’s growing fine arts programs in theatre, visual arts, chorale and strings. In addition to student performances and professional-grade performances for students and the community, the Centre also offers academic programs and professionally-led master classes for students. The Centre’s visual arts gallery was named in honor of renowned French artist Francoise Gilot in 2006, following Madame Gilot’s visit to the gallery and a donation of her work.

The Legacy Theater

A visit to The Legacy Theatre, conveniently located in Tyrone, is something you have to experience. From the lush décor to the world-class shows, it’s an unforgettable evening.

First-rate actors give incredible performances in beloved classics, modern productions and children’s shows. Shows scheduled for 2008 include Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, The Spitfire Grille and The Wizard of Oz. The 2008 Children’s Series features quality shows for the younger set, including The Cay and Junie B. Jones & A Little Monkey Business.

Dragon Boat Racing in Peachtree City

An exciting sport that’s gaining in popularity, Dragon Boat racing is a main focus of Peachtree City’s International Festival. The Rotary Club of Peachtree City organizes the event, which takes place in September at Lake Peachtree.

Dragon boats are about 41 feet long and weigh more than 700 pounds, but are very stable. Teams of 22 people—20 paddlers, a steer person and a drummer—fill the boats. Groups of four boats compete with one another in quick, 200-meter races.

Everyone is invited to sponsor a boat and take part in the fun. No experience is needed, and people of all ages and physical abilities can participate. The races are more than an adventure; they’re also great team-building exercise and a test of strategy.

For more information, visit www.PeachtreeCityDragonBoats.org.

Kiwanis Events and Fairs

Local Kiwanis Clubs organize several special events throughout the year. In January, the Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City serves up breakfast at Kiwanis Pancake Saturday. The group also co-sponsors the Great Georgia Air Show in October. Fayetteville Kiwanis members are involved in the Fayette County Fair.

In fact, both counties have annual fairs in September and both are Kiwanis Club events. The Coweta County Fair is a project of the Kiwanis Club of Newnan. From the September event, the group raises funds to sponsor and support many local organizations and charities throughout the year.

Dixie Wing Brings History to Life

The CAF Dixie Wing is the Georgia chapter of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), an educational non-profit organization founded in 1957 with the mission to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition vintage military aircraft flown by the United States for present and future generations of Americans. For 50 years, the CAF has maintained the largest collection of flying World War II aircraft in the world. About 1,000,000 people see CAF aircraft at air shows every year. The International Headquarters of the CAF is located in Midland, Texas; however, members can be found in every state and 28 foreign countries. Members donate time, talent and treasure to maintain a fleet of 157 historic airplanes, making the CAF the eighth largest air force in the world.

Located at Falcon Field in Peachtree City, the CAF Dixie Wing was established in 1987. Today, the CAF Dixie Wing regularly flies five vintage aircraft from the Historical Airpower Facility, the organization’s flying museum. The unit also works with the schools, youth groups and civic organizations to help teach World War II history by conducting tours and public history programs, including “WWII Heritage Days,” “Keep ‘em Flying” annual hangar dance and WWII reenactments. The public can recreate history by purchasing a ride in a P-51 Mustang or rare SBD Dauntless dive bomber, one of only three flying today. Tours are free and scheduled by appointment.

For more information visit www.dixiewing.org.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

In 2008, the Georgia Renaissance Festival will bring family fun to everyone April 12 to June 1. You’ll enjoy the most fun that history has to offer—jousting and juggling, animal shows and craft demonstrations, games and rides—along with tasty treats like turkey legges and fryed pickles. Your celebration will have a unique backdrop when you book your wedding, private party or corporate event at the Georgia Renaissance Festival’s Wedding Garden or Corporate Area. A brand new attraction this year is The Royal Pizzan Stallions, featuring Arabian, Andalusion and the Royal Lipizzan Stallions dancing to music of the Great Masters.

Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Center

Conveniently located in Newnan, the Coweta County Fairgrounds & Conference Center has everything you could need for your event—a conference center with access to a full commercial kitchen, the Winfred C. Adamson Horse Arena, the James M. McGuffey Nature Center and the Walker Horne Open Air Theater, all set on 80 acres off Exit 41 on I-85. The Fairgrounds hosts the Newnan Kiwanis Club’s Coweta County Fair and a wide range of other events every year.

Poplar Grove

The ‘Popular’ place for events, Poplar Grove in Sharpsburg offers a 2000 square foot ballroom, dramatic balcony and private, fenced garden courtyard with ponds and bridges. Their full kitchen with three refrigerators can easily accommodate a reception with up to 300 guests.

The Dinner A’Fare

The perfect way to blend good food and a good time is spending some time at The Dinner A’Fare. You’ll enjoy putting together healthful, delicious meals that your family can enjoy for weeks. According to Jana Tillman, co-owner of The Dinner A’Fare Peachtree City kitchen, you can put together about 12 meals in two hours. “We prepare fresh ingredients and have them ready for you in our gourmet studio kitchen. Using our recipes and utensils, you assemble the entrees you choose, wrap them, take them home and freeze them. For as little as $3.40 per serving, The Dinner A’Fare is an economical way to feed your family homemade meals of which you can be proud.”

 It’s wonderful to know that after a day of work, you can serve a tasty, nutritious meal in no time. The Dinner A’Fare specializes in hand-cut pork chops and pork tenderloins, Black Angus aged beef, fresh, all-natural, boneless skinless chicken breasts and delicious pastas. Tillman explains that customers simply choose 12 dishes from the wide variety in their monthly menu and schedule a two-hour session to prepare your selected meals. “People often come with friends and visit while they prepare the meals. Of course, The Dinner A’Fare’s friendly staff is always ready to help.”

Plumyumi Day Spa

It’s all about you at Plumyumi Day Spa. Whether you’re dropping in for an hour or spending the day, the staff is devoted to giving you the thoughtful attention you deserve. Enjoy the chance for personal renewal and relaxation with a spa body treatment or massage. Other services available include facials, skin care and nail care. Plumyumi will wrap you in luxury with soothing music, elegant décor and candlelit treatment rooms. Make an appointment to pamper yourself at our new location beside ‘The Avenue’ at Park Place.

Fayette Family YMCA

Fayette Family YMCA’s Camp Deer Point campus sits on 29 acres and includes hiking trails, lake frontage for canoeing, sand volleyball courts, sports field and outdoor pools. Day camp, holiday camp, Pioneer Guides, Y-Leaders Club, home-schooled activities, youth soccer and swim lessons are available. The Chimneys Lodge is available on a rental reservation request, and a unique 13,000 square foot wood castle play park is open to the public throughout the year.

Summit Family YMCA

The Summit Family YMCA, located in the Summit Healthplex in Newnan, offers both on- and off-site programs. Activities include tennis, adult volleyball, and lacrosse. There’s also youth basketball, adult volleyball leagues, teen volleyball, adult basketball leagues, tennis programs at Canongate Golf Clubs, 2V2 soccer, summer camp, fitness classes, and much more.