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Calhoun, Georgia: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do!

The capital of the Cherokee Nation stood just outside Calhoun. New Echota is a state historic site now, covering the Cherokee government and way of life before the forced removal on the Trail of Tears. The Chief Vann Historic Site keeps the restored mansion of a Cherokee leader from the early 1800s. Resaca Battlefield is south. The rest of Calhoun is outlets, a dirt track, a drag strip and a rock garden with over 50 mini castles in it.

You have landed in Calhoun, Georgia and you are ready to explore. Historical sites and art through to outdoor time and family activities, this town covers a broad range. Local looking for something new or a visitor passing through, Calhoun carries plenty.

History readers should work through Calhoun’s historical sites. The New Echota Historic Site through to the Roland Hayes Museum, there is plenty on the town’s past. For art, the Rock Garden is the one to find. The garden holds over 50 mini castles, historic buildings and churches, which makes it a photographer’s afternoon.

For outdoor time, Calhoun holds up. Take a hike at the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site or spend a day fishing at the Calhoun Reservoir. For shopping and entertainment, there are plenty of options too. The Calhoun Premium Outlets through to the GEM Theatre, the range is here. Sports enthusiast or a family, both are covered.

Key Takeaways

• Calhoun, Georgia offers a wide range of activities, from historical sites to outdoor adventures.
• The Rock Garden is a must-see for those seeking artistic adventures.
• Calhoun offers something for everyone, including shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Historical Sites in Calhoun

History readers have plenty to work through in Calhoun. These are the historical sites to visit:

New Echota State Historic Site

New Echota was once the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It is a state historic site now. It shows how the Cherokee people lived before their forced removal on the Trail of Tears. Guided tours run through the site and cover the Cherokee Nation’s government, its culture and its way of life.

Resaca Battlefield Historic Site

The Resaca Battlefield Historic Site is where the first major battle of the Atlanta Campaign was fought during the Civil War. The battle took place on May 14-15, 1864. It ended in a Confederate victory. A self-guided tour runs the battlefield and covers what happened there.

Chief Vann Historic Site

The Chief Vann Historic Site is the former home of James Vann, a Cherokee leader who played a significant role in the early history of the Cherokee Nation. The site holds a restored mansion showing how the Cherokee elite lived in the early 1800s. Guided tours run through the mansion and cover the Vann family’s history.

Calhoun carries a great deal of history and these sites are only part of it. For more on the Cherokee Nation, check the Cherokee Council House and the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American newspaper. And Civil War readers should note the Battle of Resaca reenactment, held annually in May.

Artistic Adventures

Art lovers have a couple of places in Calhoun worth the time. These are the two to check out:

Harris Arts Center

The Harris Arts Center is where gallery people should start. The center shows the work of local artists across exhibits that change through the year. Paintings through to sculptures, the range is broad. With luck you catch a live performance while you are there.

Gordon Calhoun Arts Council

For somewhere to make something, the Gordon Calhoun Arts Council. The council runs classes in everything from painting to pottery, so you can pick up a skill while you are in town. And if you would rather not, the galleries and exhibits are there anyway.

Seasoned art lover or someone trying it for the first time, Calhoun has the options. Take a break from the routine and work through the artistic side of this town.

Outdoor Activities

On outdoor activities in Calhoun, the options run long. A leisurely stroll through a park or a race around a speedway, this town covers both.

North Georgia Speedway

For high-speed thrills, the North Georgia Speedway. The dirt track has been running for over 60 years and puts on some of the strongest racing in the state. Grab a cold drink and a hot dog and settle in for the evening.

Copper Creek Farm

For a family outdoor day, Copper Creek Farm. The working farm runs a corn maze, hayrides and pumpkin picking in the fall. You can also visit the farm animals or eat at the farm’s restaurant.

Calhoun City of Recreation Dept

For a more traditional outdoor day, the Calhoun City of Recreation Dept has plenty. With over 100 acres of parks and recreational facilities, something will suit. Take a stroll along one of the many walking trails, challenge whoever came with you to basketball or tennis, or take the bike path.

Whatever your outdoor interests, Calhoun has the ground for them. Pack the sunscreen, lace up the sneakers and go.

Shopping and Entertainment

For retail therapy, Calhoun Outlet Marketplace is where to go. The shopping center holds over 50 stores, popular brands like Nike, Levi’s and Coach among them. Clothing and shoes through to home goods and accessories, the range is broad. With discounts of up to 70% off, the deals are real.

Calhoun Outlet Marketplace

At Calhoun Outlet Marketplace the stores cover most needs. New workout gear, the Nike Factory Store. A new handbag, the Coach outlet. New jeans, the Levi’s outlet. With that many options, something will land.

Dalton Falls Fun Center

For family entertainment, Dalton Falls Fun Center is the place. The indoor amusement park runs laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars and arcade games. For something braver, the ropes course or the zip line. It handles a rainy day or a hot summer afternoon equally.

Paradise Drag Strip

For speed, Paradise Drag Strip. The quarter-mile strip hosts races and events through the year, the popular Southeastern Gassers Association races among them. Classic muscle cars or modern dragsters, both run there.

For a movie, head to the Carmike 12 theater. Comfortable seating and the latest blockbusters cover the evening. Shopping, entertainment or high-speed thrills, Calhoun handles all three.

Calhoun sits in northwest Georgia. The historic sites are the cheap part: New Echota, Resaca Battlefield and the Chief Vann House are all a short drive from the middle of town. The parks cost nothing. The Calhoun City of Recreation Dept runs over 100 acres of them, with walking trails, courts and a bike path. The Calhoun Outlet Marketplace is out by the highway, with over 50 stores and discounts running to 70% off.

Sports in Calhoun

Calhoun is a hub for sports, with plenty of ways to get active. These are the top spots to check out:

Calhoun Practice Field

Football and soccer players should not miss the Calhoun Practice Field. The well-maintained field works for practice or a friendly scrimmage. Seasoned player or someone starting out, the atmosphere and the facilities cover both.

Calhoun Gordon County Bowling Association

For a lower-key sport, the Calhoun Gordon County Bowling Association. With plenty of lanes, comfortable seating and a lively room, the bowling center handles an afternoon or an evening with friends. Regular tournaments and competitions run there too, with prizes.

Whatever your sport, Calhoun has somewhere to play it. Grab the gear, round up the team and go.

Family-Friendly Activities

For family activities in Calhoun, Georgia, this town carries plenty. These are the ones that will keep everyone occupied.

Kangaroo Jake’s

For something unusual, head over to Kangaroo Jake’s. The indoor playground works for children of any age. Bounce houses, obstacle courses and slides keep them busy while you sit down. And for something braver, the mechanical bull.

Miracles Cosmic Bowling

For a family night out, head over to Miracles Cosmic Bowling. The bowling alley runs neon lights, music and the bowling itself. Check their family night specials for the extra.

A playground, a picnic area or a night out, Calhoun covers all three. Grab the family and head out.

Where to Eat in Calhoun

One of the better parts of traveling is the food. Calhoun carries strong options for it. These are our picks for eating in Calhoun:

• Thatcher’s Barbeque and Grill: If you’re in the mood for some finger-licking good BBQ, Thatcher’s is the place to be. With their mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, you’ll be in hog heaven. And don’t forget to try their famous banana pudding for dessert!

• Christian and Jake’s Bistro: Looking for something a little more upscale? Christian and Jake’s is the perfect spot for a fancy night out. Their menu features American cuisine with a twist, and their wine selection is top-notch. Plus, the cozy atmosphere will make you feel right at home.

• LongHorn Steakhouse: When you’re in the mood for a juicy steak, LongHorn is the place to go. Their steaks are cooked to perfection and come with a variety of delicious sides. And if steak isn’t your thing, they have plenty of other options to choose from as well.

Those are a few of the many options in Calhoun. Pizza, Mexican food or anything between, something here will land. Go ahead and indulge.

Where to Stay in Calhoun

Planning a trip to Calhoun raises the question of where to sleep. Calhoun has plenty of options covering most styles and budgets.

For a luxurious stay, check out the Hilton Garden Inn Calhoun. The indoor pool, the fitness center and the on-site restaurant between them mean you never have to leave. It also sits near the Calhoun Premium Outlets, so the shopping is a short walk away.

On a budget, there are plenty of affordable options in Calhoun. The Econo Lodge is the choice for saving money. It is clean, comfortable and sits near the Rock Garden, so the sights are close without the cost.

For something more unusual, check out the Claremont House Bed & Breakfast. The historic home has been restored properly and the room is a comfortable one. The homemade breakfast each morning is the other reason to book it.

Traveling with a pet, Calhoun has a few pet-friendly options. The Motel 6 Calhoun is the one to book. It also sits near the Calhoun Premium Outlets, so the shopping works with the dog in tow.

Wherever you stay in Calhoun, the trip works. Happy travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun things to do with kids in Calhoun, GA?

For children, Calhoun has it covered. Take them to Froggy’s for the arcade games, or head over to Crayon Panda for the art activities. The historic Rock Garden is the other option, along with the New Echota historic site.

What are the best free activities to do in Calhoun, GA?

In Calhoun, plenty costs nothing. Take a stroll through the parks and trails, Salacoa Creek Park or the Pinhoti Trail among them. Visit the Placer County Courthouse museum for the town’s history, or take a self-guided tour of the historic downtown district.

What are some unique places to visit in Calhoun, GA?

Calhoun carries some genuinely unusual places. Check out the Calhoun Premium Outlets for the shopping, or the Oostanaula River for the quiet. The Gordon County Historical Society Museum is the other stop, along with the nearby Fort Mountain State Park for hiking and camping.

What’s the best way to spend a weekend in Calhoun, GA?

The way to spend a weekend in Calhoun is to work through its parks and trails. Take a hike in the Fort Mountain State Park, or go kayaking on the Oostanaula River. Visit the historic downtown district for the town’s history, or take a trip to the nearby Rock Garden.

Where can I find the most delicious food in Calhoun, GA?

Calhoun carries strong food options. For Southern comfort food, head over to the long-standing BBQ Shack. For pizza, the local favorite, Mellow Mushroom. And for farm-to-table cooking, the Harvest Moon Cafe.

Are there any hidden waterfalls near Calhoun, GA?

There are no waterfalls in Calhoun itself, and there are strong ones nearby. Take a trip to Amicalola Falls State Park, or visit Tallulah Gorge State Park for the views over the gorge.

Frequently asked questions about Calhoun, Georgia

What exactly is New Echota State Historic Site in Calhoun, Georgia?

The former capital of the Cherokee Nation, kept as it was. Guided tours run through the site and cover the Cherokee Nation’s government, its culture and its way of life before the forced removal on the Trail of Tears. Go slowly and read what is there.

What actually happened at the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site?

The first major battle of the Atlanta Campaign was fought there on May 14-15, 1864. The Confederates won it. A self-guided tour runs the ground, and a reenactment takes place there every May.

Is the Calhoun Outlet Marketplace worth the stop off the highway?

Over 50 stores in it, with discounts running up to 70% off. Nike, Levi’s and Coach are the anchors, and the range runs clothing and shoes through to home goods and accessories on the same afternoon. It sits right by the highway, which is the whole point of it.

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