Rome is the largest town in North West Georgia, attracting visitors from around the country. But did you know some of the most impressive towns surround it? Each one offers something unique and distinctively different from the other. All of the cities in this post are just a short drive from Rome. So…get out and explore these interesting towns near Rome, Georgia and discover what they offer!
Adairsville, Georgia
Adairsville is a small North West Georgia town, rich in history and charm. It is a charming and quaint town with one of the most unique histories around.
What Makes Adairsville Special
Barnsley Gardens is a popular destination for celebrities and locals alike. It was built in 1840 by Godfrey Barnsley, from England, for his wife. She died before the mansion was completed. 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. You can tour the house and gardens, have dinner in one of two restaurants, or grab a quick bite at the outdoor Beer Garden.
The Train Depot is located in the public square in the heart of Adairsville. 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 unique history of Adairsville. 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, which Northern spies commandeered and stopped before reaching the Tennessee Valley.
For more information, check out my post about Adairsville, Georgia.
Calhoun, Georgia
Located northeast of Rome and conveniently beside Interstate 75, Calhoun flows with history from the Cherokee People and Civil War. It also boasts some of the best outlet shopping around.
What Makes Calhoun Unique
Calhoun’s GEM Theater is one of Calhoun’s hidden “gems.” It was opened in 1927 and was the only theater in Calhoun until the ’70s. It was a theater for performing arts and cinema. In 2001 the theater was purchased by the King family. They worked on restoring it for the next ten years, and in August 2011, it was reopened. Today the theater showcases the performing arts, concerts, plays, and movies.
New Echota is a significant Cherokee Indian historical site. It is where the “Trail of Tears” officially began. It is a step back in history where you can tour the original town’s buildings and structures. The historical site also has a visitors center where you can learn more about the Cherokee Indians that occupied this area.
The Rock Garden is a collection of more than 50 spectacular miniature structures, winding paths, and unique plants on Highway 53 behind the Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is well worth the trip to see its beauty. Please read my full article about our visit to The Rock Garden.
Cartersville, Georgia
Located east of Rome is Cartersville. It is a vibrant city nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Georgia. It was established in 1850. Cartersville has an outstanding amount of history running through it.
What Makes Cartersville Remarkable
The Tellus Museum is a fantastic place that teaches visitors about the prehistoric ages and modern-day science. I went as a kid and an adult; it is incredible and educational for any age.
Red Top Mountain is a state park that gets its name from the rich red soil with a high iron ore content. It overlooks Lake Allatoona and offers swimming, boating, hiking, and fishing. You can camp or stay in a cottage. Red Top Mountain is a great place to enjoy nature and its beauty.
The Etowah Indian Mounds are an archaeological site dating back to 1000 AD. It is comprised of three prominent mounds that are situated on the banks of the Etowah River. The mounds have revealed a tremendous amount of information about the history and culture of the Native Americans that occupied the area. There is also a very informative museum and visitors center located at the site.
The Booth Western Art Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in Cartersville. It has exhibits that tell how the Western United States was settled. For more information, visit my post on the Booth Western Art Museum.
Also, check out Euharlee, Georgia. It is a small community between Rome and Cartersville. Here is my post on Euharlee Covered Bridge.
Cave Spring, Georgia
You are transported back to a simpler time when you enter the town of Cave Spring. This beautiful town is rich with history and, oh, the stories you can hear.
What Makes Cave Spring Extraordinary
When visiting Cave Spring, make sure to stop by the Cave Spring Welcome Center and Museum, where you can learn about the history of the community of Cave Spring. It is fascinating. A visit to Cave Spring is like taking a step back into the past when time stood still, and everything seemed simpler.
Cave Spring gets its name from the cave and spring in the town’s heart. It is located in Rolater Park, where you will find the purest water. You can also tour the cave, wade in the creek, or jump into the coldest water in a Georgia-shaped pool.
There are a lot of recreational activities available such as biking and hiking on the Pinhote Trail or accessing the nearby Silver Comet Trail, kayaking Cedar Creek, fishing, and zip-lining. There are also festivals and events happening there year-round. There is always something going on for everyone in Cave Spring.
For detailed information, please read my full article on Cave Spring.
Cedartown, Georgia
Cedartown is one of two towns located in Polk County. It is no surprise that the name Cedartown derives from the giant Red Wood Cedar trees that used to occupy the land. It has also been called the Valley of the Cedars. It is a charming town that has a close-knit community.
What Makes Cedartown Distinctive
The Coca-Cola Museum is a private collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia. It is housed in an old Coca-Cola building built in 1900 and located in downtown Cedartown.
The Cedartown Performing Arts Center is a hidden gem in Northwest Georgia. Some of the biggest names in country music, comedy, actors, and musicians have been known to appear at the Cedartown Performing Arts Center, as well as awesome local talent. You never know who you will see there.
Cedartown is also the birthplace of Sterling Holloway: the voice of Disney’s “Winnie The Pooh”!
Please read my full article on Discovering Cedartown, Georgia.
Rockmart, Georgia
Rockmart is another local town located in Polk County. Rockmart was named so because of the ample slate deposits in the area.
What Makes Rockmart Outstanding
The Silver Comet Trail was once part of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad System and has been converted to trails. It is a well-maintained trail that makes its way through Rockmart from Atlanta to Alabama. It is perfect for bicyclists, runners, hikers, skaters, and horseback riders.
The Rockmart History Museum is full of memories from the past that represent the history of Rockmart. After a visit to the museum, take a self-guided driving tour through the historical sites of Rockmart. Brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce.
Please read my full article on Rambling Through Rockmart, Georgia.
Summerville, Georgia
Summerville, Georgia, is a small town north of Rome in Chattooga County, named after a river that runs through the county called Chattooga by the Cherokee Indians.
What Makes Summerville Charming
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, one of Georgia’s most beautiful state parks, is in Summerville. It is a 561-acre park with two lakes, a waterfall, hiking, picnic areas, and camping with both primitive camping and lots of RV hookups. It also has cabins available for rent. This area is perfect for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a long, restful vacation. There is so much to do and enjoy. Read my article on James H “Sloppy” Floyd State Park for more details.
The Summerville Train Depot and Turntable in downtown Summerville is a step back in history. Its history dates back to 1889 when the railroads in Northwest GA were built. They connected to Lyerly, Summerville, and Trion. At Christmas time, you can still hop aboard the Summerville Santa Train Ride and take a whimsical ride from Summerville to Trion in a festively decorated train car to meet Santa and enjoy a few treats.
The Couey House is in the historic downtown area of Summerville. It is located at Dowdy Park. It was built in the early 1840s near Tidings, Georgia. It was relocated seven miles to its current location to facilitate the widening of Highway 27. It was one of the first homes built in Chattooga County by settlers. The city of Summerville has carefully restored and maintained the home.
For more information, check out my post about Summerville, Georgia.
Whether you live in Rome or are just visiting, I encourage you to visit the towns surrounding Rome and see what you can discover. Tell us about some of the local hidden gems you have found as you explore beautiful Northwest GA!
Thank you for this list. My daughter spent 4 years at Shorter and in my many visits, I never explored these neighboring cities, except outlet stores in Calhoun. Have added them to my list of places to visited.
Thank you for this list. My daughter spent 4 years at Shorter and in my many visits, I never explored these neighboring cities, except outlet stores in Calhoun. Have added them to my list of places to visited.