Adairsville, Georgia is a small town just outside of Rome, Georgia that is rich in history and charm. It is a charming and quaint town with one of the most unique histories around. It was named Adairsville to honor a Cherokee Indian named Chief John Adair. He was the son of a Scottish trader and a Cherokee Princess. I love my hometown of Rome, but if I had to choose another local town, it would be Adairsville. Every time I visit, I think, “I could live here.”
The downtown area has a row of shops and a train depot that has been turned into a museum. The museum has many items that tell the history of the town. We visited during the summer when the kids were out of school. They enjoyed looking at all the antiques. In the center of the room is a replica of the town with a model train. The museum guide was highly knowledgeable and friendly.
Every year in October, the whole town of Adairsville comes together to reenact The Great Locomotive Chase that happened on April 12, 1862, during the Civil War. It honors the brave men who pursued a Southern train hijacked by Northern spies and stopped it before it reached the Tennessee Valley. The Museum guide recommended watching Disney’s The Great Locomotive Chase. She said it is a very accurate interpretation of the events.
The antique fire truck sitting on the Public Square adds to the charm of the downtown area.
Adairsville was the first town listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Once a year, you can tour the homes and hear stories from the homeowners. Adairsville is proud of its heritage and history.
There is something about the area of Adairsville that has always attracted interesting people. Just a few miles outside of Adairsville is one of the most fascinating places I have ever been to. Barnsley Gardens! Barnsley Gardens is a truly remarkable place. I remember visiting it for the first time as a kid and being amazed by its beauty and story. The home was built in 1840 by Godfrey Barnsley, from England, for his wife. However, his wife died before the house was finished. Sometime later, Barnsley felt the presence of his wife urging him to complete the house for himself and his kids.
The Civil War came, and Union Soldiers ransacked the house. Barnsley moved to New Orleans until his death. His descendants continued to live in the manor. In 1906 the roof was blown off by a tornado, and the main house fell into ruins.
In 1988 Prince Hubertus Fugger purchased the estate and began to stabilize the ruins and restore the gardens. Today the estate is a luxury resort that offers many outdoor activities. It has two restaurants and an outdoor Beer Garden.
Wintertime at Barnsley Gardens is magical. There are fire pits and heaters outside in front of the Beer Garden. You can sip hot cocoa or coffee or have a beer and enjoy the warmth of the fire. It is pretty romantic. At Christmas time, the house ruins are beautifully lit and festive.
If the quaint town isn’t enough to attract you, I should mention that Adairsville is ideally located just off HWY 75 between Cartersville and Calhoun. It even has its very own Cracker Barrell! It is just minutes from the Tellus Museum, The Calhoun Outlets, The Garden, and New Echota Historic Site. There is so much to see and do in and around Adairsville.
To purchase the movie The Great Locomotive Chase by Disney, click here. After visiting Adairsville, I bought this movie. It is a great Disney movie and is a pretty accurate interpretation of the events.
For more places to visit in Bartow County, check out 10 Best Things To Do In Cartersville, Georgia.
