Everyone needs a little time away from the typical day-to-day routine. A mini-vacation or a long weekend may be the perfect solution. Let my guide help you plan the ultimate weekend escape to Rome, Georgia. There is so much to see and do in Rome that you can add a few days to your trip. Whether you are taking a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a girls trip, Rome has something to offer everyone.
One of the reasons I love Rome, Georgia is that there is just so much to do. From special events to sports tournaments, the farmer’s market to enjoying dining al fresco, it’s just a wonderful town.
One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to spend time in historic Downtown Rome, Ga. There are boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, and bars. On Friday and Saturday nights, the downtown area is a popular place to be. You can eat at one of Rome’s great locally-owned restaurants, listen to live music or enjoy outdoor dining at several establishments. You can stroll down Broad Street, stop for ice cream at Mountains Ice Cream, or try a craft beer at one of Rome’s locally-owned bars.
The evening is also great for walking across Rome’s iconic Robert Redden Footbridge. It’s just one of Rome’s perfect photo spots. There is so much to do within walking distance to make for the perfect evening.
If you are taking a walk with your honey or taking a walk with the kids, make sure you visit the Town Green. It is located just behind Broad Street and is another excellent spot for a stroll. It overlooks the Oostinaula River, one of Rome’s three rivers, and provides terrific views, swings, and checkerboard tables. The fountain is active during the warmer months and provides a perfect spot for kids to splash, or you can enjoy the fantastic view of the water. Nearby, the John Ross Bridge offers easy access to the nearby Courtyard Riverwalk by Marriott. You can join in on one of their regularly scheduled activities at the Courtyard or grab a meal or a quick drink.
You can find one of the best breakfasts in town at Honeymoon Bakery. They have large portions and several delicious options. If you want a truly unique experience, head to the East Rome McDonalds for the Saturday Morning Gospel Singing, where you will find a group of men and women singing old-fashioned gospel music while you eat. Anyone can join in or sit back and enjoy their music. Swift and Finch on Broad Street has you covered if you are more of a grab-a-quick-coffee-and-go person. Of course, I can’t go without mentioning the best doughnuts ever at the Sweet Bar.
For daytime activities, I recommend visiting Berry College. It is one of the largest and most beautiful campuses in the world. There are hiking trails and lots of beautiful scenery to take pictures of. I can almost promise that you will see some wildlife as well. You can also visit Oak Hill, the home of Martha Berry, who started Berry College as a school for the local children in her childhood playhouse.
Check out some of the museums in Rome, including The Chieftains Museum, The Rome Area History Museum, and the Museum of Flight. Each museum has something distinctly different to offer.
Don’t forget to take the time to go to the Clock Tower. Even if there are no tours available when you visit, you can still enjoy its beauty and take some great photos of the tower and views overlooking downtown Rome.
If you are looking for outdoor activities and fun for the whole family, I recommend one of the many walking trails in Rome. You can walk or bike on the trails. Many of the trails go directly through the downtown area.
Suppose you would rather spend the day in the Historic Downtown area. In that case, you can take the Historical Tour of Broad Street and learn the history of Rome by walking from one end of Broad Street to the other and back. It is one of my favorite tours. At the end of Broad Street, you can visit Myrtle Hill Cemetery and climb to the top for spectacular views. Don’t forget to stop by the Rome Area History Museum; they offer a Clock Tower Tour on certain weekends.
After a busy day of activity in Rome, there is no better way to wind down than by enjoying a relaxing dinner downtown or checking out one of the local brew houses. Rome has many places to catch some live music and enjoy outdoor dining.
If you are planning to visit Rome, I hope this post has given you some ideas on how to get the most authentic Rome experience in a short amount of time. If you live near Rome, get out and enjoy everything Rome has to offer. If you have any other suggestions I may have overlooked, leave a comment below, and help others plan a great weekend in Rome.
Let me help you plan your next trip! I am a certified travel agent with Enchanted Memories Travel. I can help you book accommodations and plan out the perfect trip. Whether you want to visit Rome, Georgia, or anywhere else, I can create the ideal travel experience. Please email me for more information at eclay@enchantedmem.com.
WOW! Such gorgeous architectures. I’m an architect and this is definitely worth noting! Hopefully after all the pandemic has done to us, I hope we can all travel very soon!
Enjoyed this post. My daughter spent 4 years in Rome and I spent many days visiting the city and many of its sites. I haven’t seen any of the museums, but will definitely add those to my list. I definitely have spent my share and more of time at Honeymoon bakery. The people I’ve met and friends I’ve made are second to none. Will be checking out your other posts. I hosted an international event there in 2017 and one of the highlights of their “tour time” was the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday Riverboat Picnic Cruise. I didn’t travel with the teams, but hope to go one day.
Wow I didn’t know that Rome is so beautiful. So many places to visit. I’ve never been there. Definitely, I will add to my list. Thank you for recommendations.