Truett Cathy, the revered founder of Chick-fil-A and Christian gentleman, received his final reward on September 8, 2014, the day he entered heaven. His work here continues — especially at the amazingly family-friendly Rock Ranch in Georgia’s Upson County, about an hour south of Atlanta (below Griffin, not far from Barnesville).
Even after a delightful day touring the Rock Ranch and spending a restful night afterward, I don’t have the words to describe it.
For starters, it’s a 1,500 acre cattle ranch. But not really.
The Rock Ranch is the perfect place for families, school groups and even businesses to achieve the goal set by Mr. Cathy: “Growing Healthy Families.” But it’s not a place where you simply go to get a pep talk or sermon about getting along.
It’s more than the totally cool, kids’ sized village they call “Tiny Town,” which is more like the world’s most fabulous hands-on playground for kids.
You can walk up to one of the ponds — where parents can watch their kids or fish themselves — grab a flexible cane pole, load it up with free bait and catch fish until your arms ache.
You’d probably go on one of the “not on your life” zip lines that they SAY won’t launch you into orbit. Just because no one gets hurt on them doesn’t mean that I’m going to suit up and trust my life to a little wheel on a steel cable hurtling over trees and ponds.
I’ll bet you’d like it though.
I liked the little train ride myself. Less death defying with a far slower view of the grounds — that are taken care of by a team of individuals who are hand-picked to serve the public at the Rock Ranch. The ranch hands are half Rowdy Yates (ask your grandfather) and half cruise-ship concierges.
Everything is manners and courtesy and cheerfulness … on what they call a cattle ranch. Pfft. There’s not a cowpoke anywhere who has to choose between paddle boat rides, hit-the-sky jumping pillows, scary zip lines or horseback rides.
Not to mention the food served on site that trail hands only dreamed of getting from a chuck wagon. Oh. You’re not going to believe this, but you can sleep in a cozy, comfy, conestoga-ish wagon with a campfire glowing outside that’s even good enough for snooty city folks.
I know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hear you. Zip lines, Tiny Town, fabulous little train, horseback riding, free fishing, jumping pillows and you can sleep in a comfy wagon. But … do they ever have hot-air balloons? Or corn mazes? Or fall festival stuff that my kids will like?”
Pffft. They sure do, pardner! And … they have a pumpkin cannon! How cool is that!! Huh??
On Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 10 AM until 8 pm, come to the Rock Ranch for the Fall Family Fun Days Hot Air Balloon Rally. They expect to have nearly 20 hot air balloons participate in competition flights.
After dark, you’ll love the Ferrell Gas balloon glow. For an additional fee, individual balloon pilots will offer tethered rides, as weather permits. The weather for the 18th looks perfect. Go up, up and away at the Rock Ranch.
Can’t mosey on down to the Rock Ranch on the 18th? Not a problem. You might enjoy the variety of outdoor family activities during Fall Family Fun Days on Saturday the 25th even more.
Kids and parents alike can enjoy a day in the country with acres of room to run and play. You already know some of what to expect, but on the 25th at 6:00 p.m., families can trick-or-treat for candy at different ranch stations around the farm including Tiny Town — the 14-building children’s playhouse village.
They’ll have pumpkin carving and pumpkin painting, along with a costume parade and costume contest. Bring your furry friends all dressed up to be entered into their own costume contest because this is the only day pets are allowed at The Rock Ranch!
Get hopelessly lost … and found … in the totally dark corn maze (flashlights only) from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. You’ll love the design of this year’s corn maze: the Land of Oz.
If you have any energy left, watch the super-fun balloon twisting with Tommy Johns, a professional magician, and music, games and contests with a professional DJ.
Be sure to wear comfy shoes and your best cowboy hat — and don’t forget the kids — when you visit the most fabulous family-friendly spot in Georgia that you’ve probably never heard of.
The Rock Ranch — growing healthy families — is a place you have to visit before you or your kids get too old to have fun.
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