Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life - Conyers Rockdale Georgia 2017 | Page 44

The Rockdale South River Trail project
enhances the quality of life in Rockdale
County by providing a mixture of cultural,
historical, environmental and recreational
opportunities.This project calls for the
development of a 13-mile greenway/multiuse trail in Rockdale County that follows
the South River from the Monastery of the
Holy Spirit to a connection with the Arabia
Mountain Trail in DeKalb County through the
Panola Mountain State Conservation Park.
The South River Trail forms the backbone of
the Arabia Mountain Heritage greenway and
trail network.
During the summer months, swimming
is a popular activity in the community. Local
neighborhoods participate in the Rockdale
County Swim League, which culminates
in the annual County Swim Meet to
determine the winning team. Swimming is
available year round at the Johnson Park
Recreation Center’s indoor pool.
Looking for outdoor festivals
and arts activities
Parades and festivals provide more
opportunities for outdoor entertainment.
The largest annual celebration is the
Cherry Blossom Festival hosted by the
City of Conyers. For over 35 years, artisans
throughout the Southeast have come to
display and sell their varied crafts while local

citizens and groups provide musical
performances.
Everyone is Irish for the day when they
visit Olde Town Conyers on March 17 to
join in the festivities of the World’s Fastest
Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Led by
the Conyers mayor, friends and neighbors
can become a part of the parade or simply
watch from the sidelines.
When the weather starts to cool down
and the leaves begin changing colors, enjoy
the Olde Town Fall Festival during the month
of October featuring more arts and crafts
displays. Local crafters and restaurateurs offer
their specialties.
The winter holiday season brings with it
a visit from that jolly old elf – Santa Claus.
A visit from the man in red culminates the
annual City of Conyers Hometown Holiday
Parade. After the parade, Santa waves a
greeting to children of all ages at the annual
Rockdale County Tree Lighting Program with
performances from local choral and dance
groups. It’s a great outing for the entire family.
Finding something
new and exciting
Known as Olde Town Conyers, this
downtown area serves as the city’s central
attraction. Most recently, the quaint area
has become a popular location for film
production. Locals and tourists alike enjoy

shopping in the unique gift shops and eating
at the distinctive dining locations.The Lewis
Vaughn Botanical Garden, located beside
the Olde Town pavilion, offers a peaceful
rest stop for visitors who want to relax.
Throughout the year, a variety of activities are
held at the pavilion.Visitors and citizens alike
can take pleasure in ice skating in the winter,
concerts in the spring and festivals in the fall.
The Old Jail is a rare treasure. Now a
museum and home to the Rockdale County
Historical Society, it was erected in 1897.The
building’s exterior walls are three bricks thick
and the interior walls are two bricks thick.
Long ago, this historic site housed the Sheriff,
his family and the jailer.
Olde Town’s most colorful attraction is the
yellow Conyers Depot. Originally the railroad
station, it has been converted to the City
of Conyers Welcome Center. On the other
side of the street is the “Dinky,” a circa -1905
Rogers steam locomotive that is one of only
three of its type left in the world.
For a glimpse of simpler times, a trip to
the Haralson Mill Covered Bridge is well
worth the short scenic drive. Surrounded
by the Haralson Mill House, a general store,
the old mill site and blacksmith shop, the
bridge emulates the covered bridge design
of the 1820s-era Town Lattice Truss and was
constructed from Georgia wood products.
The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, started
in 1944 by a group of Trappist monks, offers
tranquility and serenity to all who visit,
regardless of religious preference. Located
on an old 2,000-acre cotton plantation,
the monastery includes a man-made lake
surrounded by beautiful landscaping and
scenery. Locals, enjoying the hospitality
provided by the monks, relax by the lake,
feed the ducks and bask in the solitude.
The Abbey Church is open for daily masses,
tours or religious retreats.The Abbey Store,
featuring a bakery, is filled with religious
books, Bibles, home decor items such
as paintings and statues, food items, and
wearable art pieces that are for sale to the
public.The Monastic heritage Center is a
17,000 square-foot complex integrating
elements of learning and hands-on activities
that tell the story of monasticism.
From exciting sports activities to engaging
walks in the park, the Conyers/Rockdale
community is sure to please every member
of the family.
So…Relax.Take time to enjoy.

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Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce • 770.483.7049 • conyers-rockdale.com