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Many families may be facing the possibility of another year of not leaving town for summer vacation. However, a just-released vacation guide to DeKalb County suggests five days of outings that begin and/or end in DeKalb.

Published and distributed by the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, the guide is intended as a marketing piece to visitors at Georgia Welcome Centers throughout the state. But locals may find that many of the suggested points of interest are places that neither they nor their families have visited.

Spend the first day at one of Georgia’s top attractions, Stone Mountain Park—there are enough varied activities within the park to keep everyone entertained throughout the day. Attractions include SkyHike, a treetop exploration; the Scenic Railroad; adventure golf; Memorial Hall Museum; SkyRide tram that takes guests to the top of the mountain; riverboats and the seasonal laser show.

Begin day two by exploring historic Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s buildings and gardens. Just minutes away from Callanwolde is the Fernbank Museum of Natural History where visitors can come face to face with the world’s largest dinosaurs, explore the development of life on Earth, connect with cultures from around the world or participate in a variety of hands-on exhibitions. Finish the day by catching an IMAX film at Fernbank.

Day three’s suggested itinerary begins at the Michael C. Carlos Museum on the campus of Emory University and home of the Southeast’s largest exhibit of ancient art. Suggested activities for the afternoon include dining and shopping along DeKalb’s International Corridor, which includes parts of Chamblee and Doraville and is influenced by more than 30 different nationalities. Visitors to the area may choose from a variety of ethnic dining options as well as shopping for groceries, clothing, art, music and household items that are geared to the Asian and Hispanic markets. Another afternoon option is discovering Chamblee’s Antique Row where more than 150 dealers offer unique antiques and collectibles. In keeping with the historic flavor of the day, end day three in Stone Mountain Village exploring the many shops and restaurants or experience a theatrical performance at ART Station.

On the fourth day, explore the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, a county park where abundant and unique plant and wild life, thousands of years of human history and spectacular geological formations are waiting to be discovered. The park features 2,000 acres of exposed granite, wetlands, forests, streams and a lake.

While in the Lithonia area, visit the Flat Rock Archives, a research center containing records, artifacts and historical information about African-American slaves, former slaves, and their descendants who lived and still live in the community of Flat Rock.

End the evening listening to live music at Eddie’s Attic in downtown Decatur which draws fans and artists from around the world and according to its Web site is one of the premier music venues in the South. Another option for the evening is taking in a live performance at the Georgia Shakespeare Theater located on the campus of Oglethorpe University.

Day five could begin with outdoor activities at one of the many county parks, public golf courses or tennis centers. To unwind after the morning’s physical activities, come to downtown Decatur and have a relaxing outdoor lunch at one of the many restaurants that offer patio or sidewalk dining. Spend the afternoon at the DeKalb History Center located in the historic old courthouse on the square. Visitors will no doubt learn many things about the early years of DeKalb.