Family Weekender: Atlanta

Atlantans are familiar with boiling points, because every summer the temperature hits a point where it's just too hot to move. For outdoor lovers that's the time to head for"The Hootch": Grab yourself a boat and let the mighty river do its work.

The Hootch doesn't have scary rapids or technical whitewater. Even with names like Devil's Racecourse, the water and shoals are family friendly. If your crew isn't made up of salty sea dogs, try a more stable raft the first trip, and test a canoe on a later run. Pack up your picnic basket too. There are plenty of places to tie up for lunch.