Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites can fulfillseniors' and retirees' emotional, physical and philanthropic needs. In 2006, the "Baby Boomer" generation started hitting their sixties and many members of this influential group have begun to retire. According to a Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey, the top three interests for retirement activities are spending time with loved ones, exercising more, and volunteering.

An exponentially growing trend within this travel market is "Grandtravel," where grandparents and grandkids vacation together without the parents. At Georgia State Historic Sites, visitors can enjoy events and tours at presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, Revolutionary War forts, Civil War battlefields and stately plantations. From living history demonstrations to battle reenactments, these sites offer an enlightening look into the past, while providing lasting memories from the experience.

Another exciting option for "Grandtravel" is the SAM Shortline Excursion Train, where a day's itinerary may include stops where visitors can explore nearby attractions such as former President Jimmy Carter's boyhood home and campaign headquarters, The Rural Telephone Museum, Habitat for Humanity's Global Village and Georgia Veterans State Park.

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities for all fitness levels with activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, birding, hiking and even golf. Seniors who are 62 and older receive discount such as 50 % off an Annual ParkPass, 20 % off campsite rates, lodge rooms and golf green fees, and $20 off

historic sites Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites memberships.

Seniors at Tallulah Gorge State Park, in Tallulah Falls, experience the great outdoors, learn about our state's rich history, and participate in recreational activities as they work toward earning a Senior Ranger badge. After attending three classes on history, wildlife, wildflowers/plants and then joining the park for an excursion, such as canoeing, visitors will receive a merit badge and hat. There is no fee for this program and the next classes are expected to begin in the fall

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Golden Years Hiking Club at Sweetwater Creek State Park, in Lithia Springs. The group meets each Wednesday at 7 a.m. for a moderate ranger-led hike along a wooded trail to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that burned during the Civil War. The cost is two dollars.

Georgia state park camping facilities provide a complete "outdoor resort" experience with campsite amenities such as hot showers, electrical outlets, grills and picnic tables. Guests can enjoy the great outdoors in their home away from home in some of the state's most scenic locales from the mountains to the coast.

Some retirees are also looking to give back to the community through volunteerism. Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites offer many opportunities for seniors to get involved, allowing them to keep their minds sharp, improve their health by staying active, and interact with others. In fact, a majority of the current park volunteer force is comprised of those over the age of 55.