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

Climb the mound. The one at Etowah Indian Mounds opens onto the river valley below, and the climb up is short enough that anyone at all can do it. The state park north of town runs over 15 miles of trail with Lake Allatoona down below it. Spring and fall are the seasons when the walking pays. Summer belongs to the lake and to the museums with air conditioning.

Are you planning a trip to Cartersville, Georgia and wondering what the stronger things to do and places to visit are? You are on the right page. Cartersville, just north of Atlanta, is a charming city filled with history, culture and outdoor adventures. Travelling with family, friends or solo, you will find plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

The Joy of Downtown Cartersville. One of the highlights of Cartersville is its charming downtown area. Take a stroll down Main Street and work through the unusual shops, art galleries and restaurants. Check out the Booth Western Art Museum, one of the largest collections of Western art in the country, or catch a show at the historic Grand Theatre. Do not forget to snap a photo with the iconic Coca-Cola wall sign, one of the oldest and largest in the world.

Museum Madness. Cartersville is home to several museums that are worth a visit. The Bartow History Museum shows the history of the county, while the Tellus Science Museum carries exhibits on geology, fossils and space. The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site gives you a glimpse into Native American culture and history. For an unusual experience, visit the Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site, which preserves the site of a Civil War battle.

Key Takeaways

• Downtown Cartersville is a must-visit for unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
• Museums in Cartersville are worth a visit, including the Bartow History Museum, Tellus Science Museum, and Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site.
• Cartersville offers a range of historical and outdoor activities for all ages.

The Joy of Downtown Cartersville

If you are after a fun and exciting place to spend your day, downtown Cartersville is the answer. With a variety of shops, restaurants and historic sites, downtown Cartersville carries a version for everyone.

Shopping Spree

Get ready to shop ’til you drop in downtown Cartersville. Trendy boutiques through to antique shops, there is no end of places to find unusual and one-of-a-kind items. Need a new outfit for a night out on the town? Check out the trendy clothing stores on Main Street. Looking for a special gift for a loved one? Stop by one of the many gift shops and find the right present. And do not forget to check out the antique stores for some genuinely strong finds.

Dining Delights

After a long day of shopping, you are sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, downtown Cartersville runs some of the stronger restaurants around. Casual cafes through to fine dining establishments, every taste and budget is covered. Grab a quick bite at a sandwich shop or settle into a leisurely meal at one of the many sit-down restaurants. And do not forget to try some of the local favorites, like barbecue and sweet tea.

Historic Downtown Cartersville

In addition to shopping and dining, downtown Cartersville is also home to many historic sites. Take a stroll down Main Street and admire the fine architecture of the historic buildings. Stop by the Bartow History Museum to pick up the long history of the area. And do not forget to pick up a map and take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district.

With so much to see and do, downtown Cartersville suits a fun day out that stays with you exactly. So grab your friends and family and head on down to downtown Cartersville today.

Museum Madness

If you are a museum buff, Cartersville, Georgia suits you exactly. With a long list of museums to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the stronger museums in town:

Booth Western Art Museum

Are you a fan of the Wild West? Then you will love the Booth Western Art Museum. With over 120,000 square feet of space, this museum is the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the entire country. The museum carries a range of galleries dedicated to the American West, cowboy art, Native American art and contemporary Western art included. The museum is also home to the Presidential Gallery, which carries portraits of all the U.S. Presidents.

Tellus Science Museum

If you’re more interested in science than art, then the Tellus Science Museum is the place for you. This Smithsonian-affiliate museum has four galleries, including the Weinman Mineral Gallery, which has one of the largest displays of minerals in the Southeast. The museum also has a fossil gallery, a science and motion gallery, and a digital planetarium that offers shows throughout the day.

Bartow History Museum

The Bartow History Museum sits in a red brick Italianate building that used to be the Bartow County Courthouse. The museum carries a range of exhibits showing the history of the county, the Civil War and the Cherokee Nation included. The museum also runs a rotating exhibit space that carries different topics across the year.

Rose Lawn Museum

If you are interested in historic sites, then the Rose Lawn Museum belongs on any list. The museum sits in the historic home of Sam Jones, a famous evangelist who was known as “the Methodist St. Paul.” The home has been preserved and is now a museum showing the life and work of Sam Jones. The museum also carries a range of exhibits showing life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Savoy Automobile Museum

If you are a car enthusiast, then the Savoy Automobile Museum belongs on any list. The museum carries a range of vintage cars and motorcycles on display, a 1908 Harley-Davidson and a 1929 Ford Model A included. The museum also carries a range of exhibits showing the history of the automobile, the development of the assembly line and the rise of the automobile industry included.

Cartersville, Georgia is genuinely a museum city, with a version for everyone. Art, science, history or cars, there is a museum in town that will pique your interest.

Parks and Recreation

Cartersville is home to some of the stronger parks and outdoor recreation areas you can find in Georgia. Outdoor enthusiast or simply after a place to settle in and have fun, Cartersville carries something for you.

Red Top Mountain State Park

If you are after a place to camp, hike, fish, or simply settle into nature, Red Top Mountain State Park suits you exactly. With over 15 miles of trails winding through the forested park, you can work through the beauty of the park while getting some exercise. And if you are feeling adventurous, you can even rent a yurt and spend the night in the park.

Pine Mountain Recreation Area

Pine Mountain Recreation Area is another strong spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With its fine scenery and well-maintained trails, it suits hiking, biking and horseback riding exactly. There are also plenty of picnic areas where you can settle into a meal with friends and family.

Dellinger Park

Dellinger Park is a strong place to bring the kids. With its playgrounds, splash pad and sports fields, there is a version for everyone. You can also take a stroll around the lake or have a picnic in one of the many shaded areas.

Friendship Plaza

If you are after a place to settle in and take in some live music, Friendship Plaza is the place to be. With its fine fountain and outdoor stage, it is a strong spot to catch a concert or simply hang out with friends. And if you are lucky, you might even catch one of the many festivals that take place here across the year.

No matter what kind of outdoor experience you are after, Cartersville has got you covered. So pack your bags, grab your friends and family, and get ready for an adventure that stays with you.

Historical Highlights

If you are a history buff, Cartersville runs plenty of options to keep you entertained. Here are some of the historical highlights you will not want to miss:

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

Step back in time and work through the ancient Mississippian culture at the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. You can climb to the top of the largest mound and take in the long views of the surrounding area. Do not forget to check out the museum and visitor center to pick up more about the Native American people who once called this area home.

Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center

The Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center belongs on any list for anyone interested in African American history. This site was once home to the Noble Hill Rosenwald School, which was built in the early 1920s to provide education for African American children. Today, the center honors the legacy of the school and the people who made it possible.

Historic Adairsville

Take a stroll through Historic Adairsville and you will feel like you have stepped back in time. This charming town is home to several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1847 Railroad Depot and the 1870 Old Jail included. Be sure to check out the Adairsville Rail Depot Age of Steam Museum to pick up more about the area’s railroad history.

Historic Kingston

Another town carrying a long history is Historic Kingston. This town was once an important stop on the Western and Atlantic Railroad and played a significant role in the Civil War. Today, you can visit the Kingston Woman’s History Museum to pick up the important contributions that women made during the war.

Euharlee Covered Bridge and History Museum

Last but not least, don’t miss the Euharlee Covered Bridge and History Museum. This beautiful bridge was built in 1886 and is one of only four remaining covered bridges in Georgia. The museum is housed in a restored 1920s-era cotton warehouse and features exhibits on the history of the area, including the Civil War and the American West.

There you have it, history lovers. These are just a few of the many historical highlights you will find in Cartersville. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to step back in time.

Museums first, hills after. Tellus Science Museum holds the children with the fossils and the digital planetarium, and those shows run right through the whole day. Booth Western Art Museum carries 120,000 square feet of it, so give the place more time than you think. Dellinger Park has the splash pad and the playgrounds ready for afterwards. Pettit Creek Farms takes the animal end of it, camels and zebras included.

Adventurous Activities

Are you after some adrenaline-pumping activities in Cartersville? You are on the right page. Here are some of the more thrilling things to do in the area.

Hiking Trails

Cartersville is home to some of the more scenic hiking trails in Georgia. Lace up your boots and hit the trails at Red Top Mountain State Park, where you can work through over 15 miles of trails winding through the rolling hills and forests. Do not forget to bring your camera to capture the striking views of Lake Allatoona from the mountaintop.

Lake Allatoona

Lake Allatoona is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a boat, jet ski or paddleboard and work through the 12,000-acre lake. If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of picnic areas and hiking trails around the lake.

Terminus Wake Park

If you are a fan of wakeboarding, head to Terminus Wake Park, where you can test your skills on the cable wakeboarding course. Do not worry if you are a beginner, because the park runs lessons for all levels.

LakePoint Sports

LakePoint Sports is a massive sports complex hosting tournaments and events across the year. Catch a soccer game or cheer on your favorite team at the baseball or softball fields. There is always something exciting happening at LakePoint.

Golf and Disc Golf

Cartersville runs no end of golf courses, the fine Woodland Hills Golf Club and the challenging Cobblestone Golf Course included. If you are after something a little different, try your hand at disc golf at Dellinger Park. The 18-hole course suits beginners and experienced players alike.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun.

Local Love

Looking for some local love in Cartersville? These unusual and quirky attractions are the answer, and they are sure to make your visit one to remember.

Old Car City USA

If you’re a fan of vintage cars, you’ll love Old Car City USA. This outdoor museum is home to over 4,000 classic cars and trucks that have been left to rust and decay in the Georgia sun. Take a stroll through the overgrown pathways and discover hidden gems like a car covered in vines or a rusted out truck that’s been transformed into a planter. Admission is only $25 per person, making this a budget-friendly option for car enthusiasts.

Pettit Creek Farms

For a fun and free family outing, head to Pettit Creek Farms. This working farm is home to a variety of animals, cows, pigs, goats and even exotic animals like camels and zebras included. Take a hayride around the farm, feed the animals, or visit during October for their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze. Getting into the farm is free, but some activities like the hayride and animal feedings require a small fee.

World’s First Coca-Cola Outdoor Wall Advertisement

Did you know that Cartersville is home to the world’s first Coca-Cola outdoor wall advertisement? This historic landmark was painted in 1894 and has been restored to its original glory. Take a stroll through downtown Cartersville and snap a photo in front of this iconic piece of advertising history. It is the perfect Instagram-worthy spot for soda lovers.

Quirky, family-friendly or historic, Cartersville carries a version for everyone. Do not miss out on these local favorites during your visit.

Accommodations

If you’re planning a trip to Cartersville, you’re going to need a place to stay. Luckily, there are plenty of options in the area. Here are three accommodations that are sure to make your stay in Cartersville a memorable one:

Barnsley Resort

Looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway? Barnsley Resort is the answer. This striking resort runs a variety of accommodations, rooms, suites and cottages included. You will feel like royalty as you stroll through the fine gardens, play a round of golf, or indulge in a spa treatment. And if you are after adventure, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, horseback riding through to clay shooting.

Courtyard by Marriott

If you are after a more budget-friendly option, the Courtyard by Marriott is a strong choice. This hotel runs comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, a fitness center, a pool and an on-site restaurant included. Plus, it sits conveniently just a short drive from many of Cartersville’s stronger attractions.

Pine Acres Retreat

For an unusual and rustic experience, consider staying at Pine Acres Retreat. This charming property runs a variety of accommodations, cabins and camping sites included. You will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere as you settle in by the fire pit or take a stroll through the woods. And if you are looking to work through the area, there are plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities nearby.

No matter where you choose to stay in Cartersville, you are sure to have a strong time. So pack your bags, book your accommodations, and get ready for a trip to Georgia that stays with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most romantic spot in Cartersville for couples?

If you are after a romantic spot in Cartersville, you cannot go wrong with a visit to the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Take a stroll through the fine grounds and admire the striking views of the nearby river. It suits a picnic with your loved one exactly.

What’s the one restaurant you absolutely have to try in Cartersville?

If you are after a delicious meal in Cartersville, you have to try the BBQ at Sam’s BBQ-1. This local institution has been serving serious BBQ for over 20 years. Be sure to try the brisket, because it is out of this world.

Where’s the best place to shop until you drop in Cartersville?

If you are in the mood for some shopping, head over to the Cartersville Outlet Mall. With over 50 stores to choose from, you are sure to find something you love. Be sure to stop by the Nike store for some strong deals on athletic gear.

What are the top-rated eateries in Cartersville?

If you love your food, you are in luck. Cartersville runs plenty of well-rated eateries to choose from. Check out Appalachian Grill for some delicious Southern comfort food, or head over to Table 20 for some upscale dining.

What’s the craziest thing to do in Kennesaw, GA that’s still legal?

If you are feeling adventurous, head over to the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for some hiking and long views. Just be sure to watch out for the occasional snake or deer that you might come across on the trail.

What are the must-see attractions in Rome, GA?

If you are in Rome, GA, be sure to check out the fine Berry College campus. It is the largest college campus in the world and carries striking architecture and scenic views. You can also take a stroll through the historic downtown area and admire the fine architecture.

Frequently asked questions about Cartersville, Georgia

Which museum in Cartersville covers Western art?

Booth Western Art Museum, comfortably enough. It runs over 120,000 square feet and it holds the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art anywhere in the country. I gave it an hour and that was nowhere near enough, so plan your whole day around it properly. Tellus Science Museum is the Smithsonian affiliate instead, with the minerals and the planetarium. Bartow History Museum sits inside the old county courthouse instead of any of that, over on the other side of town.

Which park near Cartersville has the trails?

Red Top Mountain State Park, easily. Over 15 miles of them wind through the forest here, and Lake Allatoona keeps showing up below you along much of the way. I walked a section of it without planning to and stayed out well past when I had meant to. Pine Mountain Recreation Area takes the bikes and the horses instead of that. You can rent a yurt up there and stay out the night.

Which bridge near Cartersville is worth seeing?

Euharlee, from 1886. It is one of the few left standing anywhere in Georgia, and the museum beside it sits in a restored cotton warehouse. I stopped there briefly and stayed for a whole hour, which is how that bridge tends to work on you. Historic Adairsville carries the 1847 Railroad Depot and the 1870 Old Jail besides that. Kingston has the Woman’s History Museum from the Civil War years instead.

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