Shortcuts April 11 2001
KINGSTON, GA.
For the 36th year, Kingston Downs hosts the The Atlanta Steeplechase, a day filled with little jockeys and powerful purebreds. In addition to thundering hooves, there will be terrier races, a parade of Shamrock hounds and an air show and skydiving demonstration. April 14. Gates open at 9 a.m. $20-$400. Kingston Downs, Kingston. 404-237-7436 or www.atlantasteeplechase.org.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.:
Love the look of wildflowers, but don’t know how to use them to decorate your home? Through April 30, the Tennessee Aquarium is offering Wildflower Activities. The 11 a.m. program, held in the Cove Forest Overlook inside the aquarium, focuses on folklore and uses for native wildflowers. At 3 p.m., participants can learn even more about the flora at the Discovery Station in the Cove Forest Overlook. Daily. Free with aquarium admission: $12.95 adults, $6.95 children ages 3-12. One Broad St. 423-265-0695 or www.tnaqua.org.
STOCKBRIDGE, GA.
Chattanooga is a mere two-hour drive, but if you can’t bear to travel that far, take a look at wildflowers a little closer to home. Department of Natural Resources natural heritage biologist Jim Allison will lead Spring Wildflower Hike I to explore the plant life at its peak on the trek to the top of Panola Mountain. April 14. Participants should meet at the nature center at 9 a.m. Free with $2 parking pass. Panola Mountain State Conservation Park, 2600 Highway 155. 770-389-7801.
MONTGOMERY, ALA.
If Atlanta just doesn’t have enough Shakespeare fests for you, head two hours south. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents Noel Coward’s Relative Values, a tale of a countess who attempts to prevent her son from marrying a film star. Also as part of the 2001 Repertory Season, the players present Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s drama revolving around Caesar’s assassination plot in Rome. Both plays run through July 14. Performance times and locations vary. $10-$40. 800-841-4273 or www.asf.net.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.
3-2-1, lift-off! The STS-102 will launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. on its 11-day mission to deliver and install the new Canadian robot arm to the space station as well as an Italian-made re-supply Logistics Module nicknamed Raffaello. The seven astronauts who will be aboard have three spacewalks planned; Chris Hadfield will be the first Canadian to float freely in space. $28.53-$38.07. Kennedy Space Center, 45 minutes east of Orlando. 321-452-2121.??