Table of Contents - Explore Georgia...Table of Contents The Land of Sights & Legends Welcomes you to discover, explore, and enjoy, the many treasures of the past & present cultures

Table of Contents

The Land of Sights & Legends Welcomes you to discover, explore,and enjoy, the many treasures of the past & present cultures of our region.

Sights and Attractions .............................. 4National and State Parks ........................... 8Adventure Areas ..................................... 12Regional Map ......................................... 16Driving Trails ......................................... 21 Civil War .............................................. 24Destinations .......................................... 26Legendary Festivals and Events ................... 28Visitor Information Centers ........................ 30

Rustic SettingsMountain towns and Main Street Cities, legendary

attractions, luxurious resorts, charming B&Bs, waterside cottages and cabins, the adventure sites of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Civil War battlefields and prehistoric American Indian dwellings,

southern farms, grist mills and covered bridges await your visit to “The Enchanted Land,” so named by the

Cherokee Indians.

Patchwork StoriesFrom the oral histories of early Native tribes to the

creation of the Cherokee alphabet, this region of Georgia inspired many colorful stories. The journals of early pioneers and Civil War soldiers combined with individual life histories tell of ahistory unique to northwest Georgia. A visit here

will introduce you to industrious women, writers, film stars, musicians and artists.

Timeless SeasonsWinters mild, kissed with frost and the occasional snowflake.

Springtime sparkling with dew-dampened blossoms and wildlife renewed. Summers green with sheltering shade. Autumn colors as bright and vivid as the patches of Grandmother’s quilt. Northwest Georgia is the perfect setting to make legendary memories in any season.

Close to homeIn less than one hour from Atlanta Ga., Birmingham

Ala., and Chattanooga Tenn., you could begin your memorable getaway: relax by fire, have tea on

an antique square, raft thrilling rapids, walk in historic footsteps, climb pristine mountains, shop designer sales, pick apples and drink fresh dairy milk, dine on world-class cuisine, resort to luxury, tee off on a championship

course, ride a roller coaster or antique carousel, and

see seven states. Your fun awaits in the 17 beautiful counties

of Northwest Georgia!

Photo credit: Thanks to all Historic High Country Travel association members for full usage rights of all images located throughout this book.

Copyright © 2017 Historic High Country Travel AssociationDesign by Templeton Design Group

3GeorgiaHighCountry.org

Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith, developed the Cherokee syllabary, making reading and writing in Cherokee possible.

Northwest Georgia Counties

For more information call 706-937-4211

Dade

Walker

Catoosa

WhitfieldMurray

Fannin

Gilmer

Chattooga Gordon Pickens

Floyd Bartow Cherokee

Polk

Carroll

Haralson

Paulding

Dade

Walker

Catoosa

WhitfieldMurray

Fannin

Gilmer

Chattooga Gordon Pickens

Floyd Bartow Cherokee

Polk

Carroll

Haralson

Paulding

AtlantaH

Sights & Attractions

5GeorgiaHighCountry.org

6th Cavalry Museum 6 Barnhardt Circle • Fort Oglethorpe GA 30742 706-861-2860 • 6thCavalryMuseum.comExperience our country’s history and military heritage from the Civil War to WW2 at the 6th Cavalry Museum located on the former Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe (1902-1947).

Bartow History Museum 4 E Church Street • Cartersville GA 30120 770-387-2774 • BartowHistoryMuseum.orgBartow History Museum takes visitors on a journey through over 200 years of history from the time of the Cherokee through the present.

Big Door Vineyards125 Clearwater Trail • White GA 30184BigDoorVineyards.comWe are opening our winery in the Fall of 2017. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Booth Western Art Museum 501 Museum Drive • Cartersville GA 30120 770-387-1300 • BoothMuseum.orgExplore the West without leaving the South at Booth Museum – Smithsonian Affiliate, 2016 Southeast Travel Attraction of the Year and Best Western Museum in America!

Cashin’s Sculpture Garden1005 Little River Way • Alpharetta, GA 30004678-899-0509 • ChukkarFarmPoloClub.ComCashin’s Sculpture Garden in Alpharetta, GA offers a beautiful stroll through “Nature’s Cathedral” on existing horse trail with 26 large sculptures.

Cyra’s Range & Garden Restaurant234 North Hamilton Street • Dalton, GA 30720706-370-7305 • Facebook.Com/Cyras.Simple.GoodnessA unique meeting place and a natural, chemical free restaurant, serving fare prepared with the freshest & finest ingredients available. Located in downtown Dalton.

Dalton Distillery109 East Morris Street • Dalton, GA 30720706-483-2790 • DaltonDistillery.comA distillery in the Northwest Georgia that is producing the world’s first sunflower spirits. TazaRay is a distinct spirit with undertones of roasted sunflower seed.

New Echota Historic Site, Friends of1211 GA 225 • Calhoun, GA 30701706-624-1321 • GaStateParks.Org/NewEchotaNew Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 to their forced removal in the 1830s. Located just north of Calhoun, Georgia.

Funk Heritage Center (Reinhardt College)7300 Reinhardt College Circle • Waleska GA 30183 770-720-5970 • Reinhardt.edu/funk.htmThe Funk Heritage Center is located on the campus of Reinhardt University campus in Waleska. The museum is Georgia’s Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center.

G3 Adventures, LLCPost Office Box 825 • Trenton, GA 30752706-913-7170 • G3Adventures.comG3 Adventures is an outdoor guiding service offering wild cave tours, guided hikes, and environmental programs in the Northwest Georgia Mountains. No Destination, Just Exploration!

Gibbs Gardens1987 Gibbs Drive • Ball Ground, GA 30107770-893-1881 • GibbsGardens.comGibbs Gardens – 220 acres of spectacular gardens. Open March to mid-December. 20 Million daffodils, 2,000 Japanese maples, waterlilies Japanese Gardens, Monet Bridge and more.

Hilton Garden Inn-Cartersville24 Liberty Drive • Cartersville, GA 30121770-382-9787 • HiltonGardenInn3.Hilton.comLocated one mile from downtown Cartersville in the main business and entertainment district, our modern hotel is ideal for business or leisure travel!

Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding7201 Scenic Highway • Rising Fawn, GA 30738706-398-3541• Hanglide.comAmerica’s #1 Hang Gliding School and Resort since 1978. No experience necessary. Come see why more people than anywhere else have come to FLY LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN.

Mercier Orchards8660 Blue Ridge Drive • Blue Ridge, GA 30513706-632-3411 • Mercier-Orchards.com“Mercier Orchards, a family owned and operated apple orchard Started back in 1943. Mercier Orchards offers it’s visitors a fun filled experience for the whole family!”

Sights & Attractions

GeorgiaHighCountry.org

Oak Hill & Martha Berry Museum24 Veterans Memorial Highway NE • Mount Berry GA 30161706-368-6789 • Berry.edu/OakHillA historic house and history museum, whose mission is to tell the story of Martha Berry and Berry College through exhibitions, events and educational programming.

Praters Mill Historic Site 5845 Highway 2 • Dalton GA 30721706-694-6455 • PratersMill.orgHistoric grist mill built in 1855 and park. Grounds open daily to enjoy fishing, picnicking, walking the nature trails. Hosts annual Country Fair each October.

Reformation Brewery500 Arnold Mill Way • Woodstock, GA 30188678-341-0828 • ReformationBrewery.comReformation Brewery believes communities have an innate desire to liberate the good gift of beer from institutional taste, intolerable trends, and social extremes.

See Rock City 1400 Patten Road • Lookout Mountain GA 30750 706-820-2531 / 800-854-0675 • SeeRockCity.comExplore botanical and geological wonders and see the legendary 7 states view. Open daily at 8:30 a.m., with seasonal closing times. Limited handicap accessibility.

Tellus Science Museum 100 Tellus Drive • Cartersville GA 30120 770-606-5700 • TellusMuseum.orgTellus Science Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum in Cartersville, GA. See full-size dinosaurs, Apollo capsule, and Wright flyer, in addition to Georgia gold!

The Ragsdale Inn Bed & Breakfast and Event Facility103 Ragsdale Place • Dallas, GA 30132770-443-3440 • TheRagsdaleInn.comThe Ragsdale Inn occupies a lovely 1905 home. Conveniently located near Silver Comet Trail, Pickett’s Mill Battlefield, and historic Dallas hosting weddings, civic meetings, private parties and public events.

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State Parks, Historic Sites & National Parks


www.gastateparks.org • 800-864-7275(* has lodging)*Cloudland Canyon State Park 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn GA706-657-4050 • GaStateParks.org/info/cloudland Lookout Mountain, rugged geology, scenic vistas, Elevation 800 - 1,980 ft., cottages, campsites, group lodge, pioneer campsite, picnic, hiking, tennis, disc golf.*Fort Mountain State Park 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth GA706-422-1932 • GaStateParks.org/info/fortmtIn Chattahoochee National Forest: cottages, campsites, lake with swimming beach, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, pedal boat rentals and miniature golf.*James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park 2800 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road, Summerville GA706-857-0826 • GaStateParks.org/info/sloppy1.6 mile hike to Pinhoti Trail, cottages, campsites, two stocked lakes, pedal boats, playgrounds, Pioneer campground, picnic shelters.*Red Top Mountain State Park 50 Lodge Road, Cartersville GA770-975-4226 • GaStateParks.org/info/redtop 18 cottages, 92 campsites,one Yurt, picnic/group shelters, 2 Pioneer Campgrounds, boat rentals, 12 miles of hiking trails, reconstructed 1860’s log cabin, 3/4 mlle paved trail suitable for wheelchairs & strollers on Lake Allatoona.Chattahoochee National Forestfs.usda.gov/confThe Chattahoochee National Forest contains about 750,000 acres in North Georgia, offering hundreds of developed campsites, picnic sites, trails, lakes and streams. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the National Forest (unless posted otherwise) and a permit is not needed for a campfire. Contact the appropriate ranger district office below for specific information.Armuchee-Cohutta Ranger District - Chatsworth, 706-695-6736Toccoa Ranger District - Blue Ridge, 706-632-3031

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Continued

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe GA706-866-9241 • nps.gov/chch The U.S. first and largest NMP features Visitor Center film, 7-mile self-guided auto-tour, 1,000+ monuments, historical tablets, scenic vistas, hiking trails and horse trails. Daily 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Handicapped Accessible.Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site 813 Indian Mounds Road S.W., Cartersville GA770-387-3747 • GaStateParks.org/info/etowahThe “Ancient Indian City,” home to thousands of Native Americans between 1000-1560 A.D., Most intact Mississippian Culture site in SE, museum, 6 mounds, riverside plaza. Tues.- Sat. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Admission Charged New Echota Historic Site I-75 Exit 317, Hwy 225, Calhoun GA706-624-1321 • GaStateParks.org/info/echota Beginning of the infamous “Trail of Tears”, Capital of the Cherokee Nation - Visitor Center, exhibits/film, 12 historic/reconstructed build-ings, walking tour, one-mile nature trail. Wed.-Sat. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Admission Charged Handicapped accessible.Pickett’s Mill Battlefield Historic Site 4432 Mt. Tabor Church Road, Dallas GA770-443-7850 • GaStateParks.org/info/picketts One of the Nation’s best-preserved battlefields; Interpretive museum, original earthworks, Four miles of hiking trails. Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Admission ChargedHandicapped accessible.Chief Vann House Historic Site82 Ga. Highway 225 N, Chatsworth GA706-695-2598 • GaStateParks.org/chiefvannhouse Cherokee plantation home built by Chief Joseph Vann. Open Thur – Sun 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Admission Charged Handicapped accessible.

State Parks, Historic Sites & National Parks

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Land of Adventure

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OUTDOOR RECREATIONAppalachian Trail The People’s Path, and America’s First National Scenic Trail. A public footpath across 2,155 miles of Appalachian Mountain from Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, GA. A vision of regional planner Benton MacKaye, this trail winds through scenic wooded lands offering a treat for many wishing to escape urban life. Primarily used for day hikes, nature enthusiasts have been known to pack the entire route. 304-535-6331, AppalachianTrail.orgBenton MacKaye Trail The trail is named for the man who proposed the Appalachian Trail. While the Appalachian Trail follows the eastern crest of the Appalachian Mountains, the Benton MacKaye follows the western crest. Approximately 50 miles Cities: Blue Ridge-Dahlonega-Ellijay, bmta.org Pinhoti Trail This multistate, multipurpose trail connects Alabama to the west with the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, GA. This route uses the Benton MacKaye Trail to connect to the Appalachian Trail. Forest trails, woods roads, county roads, and limited segments of highways comprise these trails. Much of the Pinhoti Trail (outside the Armuchee Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest) is still under development. Road walks do not currently have Pinhoti Trail marking since the route along roads is considered interim. 706-766-3800, GeorgiaPinhoti.orgSilver Comet Trail Imagine gliding along on your bike through the north Georgia country-side, crossing a 500-foot-long trestle over a rushing river below, winding between rock cliffs and weaving among tall stately pines. The 60 miles of the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia is closed to motor vehicles.The trail begins near the intersection of Mt. Paran Road and Northside Parkway in Cobb County, and runs west through Rockmart and Cedartown to the Alabama border. From there, it will join the Chief Ladiga trail being built in Alabama Sixty miles of paved trail for non-motorized recreation in the countryside of west Georgia. SilverCometGa.com Keown Falls in LaFayette is open seasonally and features unique rock bluffs, and a high-elevation swamp formed from natural springs. Sightseers will enjoy an abundance of wildflowers and shrubs. 706-695-6736, GeorgiaTrails.com/trails/keown.html

Land of Adventure Continued


Pigeon Mountain, also in LaFayette, boasts the deepest cave in the world - Ellison Cave - plus horseback riding trails, hiking, and primitive camping. Open year-round. 706-295-6041 Trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=BGD041-069Hidden Creek area of the Chattahoochee National Forest is an easily accessible area for camping, hiking and picnics. 706-695-6736, fs.usda.gov.confMarshall Forest Preserve is a national natural preserve that features a Braille trail. 800-444-1834, Horseleg Creek Road, Rome GA 30161Jackson Hill Confederate SiteHistoric Confederate Fort during the Civil War; original trenches remain in tact throughout the site. Five miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Several historic sites including Civil War markers and cannons. 706-295-5576, 402 Civic Center Drive, Rome GA 30161The McIntosh Reserve in Whitesburg, near Carrollton, comprises 487 acres adjacent to the Chattahoochee River offering miles of hiking and horse trails, fishing, picnic area and weekend camping. 770-830-5879 CarrollCountyGa.com/home/mcintosh.htm Lookout Mountain Flight Park is the largest and most popular full-time hang gliding school and resort in the United States. Each year, the school teaches, certifies and solos five times as many pilots as any other school. Hang gliders launch from 1,340-foot McCarty’s Bluff, and the flight park includes a 110-acre mountain resort with camping and lodging conveniently located in it landing zone.When the park is open, morning classes are offered (weather permitting) every day of the year (except Christmas Day). Hang gliding lessons and tandem flights are given by certified instructors. There are also special events and clinics, and lesson package discounts for groups of five or more. Lodging is available for members and persons using the flight park. Group Guided ActivitiesMost communities in the Historic High Country offer a variety of group activities and can provide everything from quality accommodations to outdoor adventure recommendations. In addition, G3 Adventures can provide private guided tours for groups, families, and teams. Services include Wild Caving Adventures, Explorative and Nature Hikes, and Educational Programming in many North Georgia Communities. Their above and below ground adventures through the Historic High Country will leave you with memories for years to come.

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Atlanta

Dalton

Rome

Calhoun

Cartersville

Ringgold

Blue Ridge

Ellijay

Chickamauga

LaFayette

Summerville

Woodstock

Rockmart

Canton

Ball Ground

Carrollton

Trenton

Jasper

Chatsworth

Bremen

Buchanan

Tallapoosa

Whitesburg

Cedartown

Cave Spring

Dallas

Adairsville

Waleska

Villa Rica

Temple

Resaca

Tunnel Hill

Waco

Fort Oglethorpe

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Land of Sights & Legends

575

AtlantaH

i

i

i - Georgia Visitor Information Center

Emerson

Rossville

Look

out

Mtn

ChattahoocheeNationalForest

ChattahoocheeNationalForest

Blue Ridge Lake

Carters Lake

Allatoona Lake

Chattanooga


Land of Adventure Continued

SMALL TOWN.BIG VIEWS.

The

ELLIJAYS of North Georgia

www.exploretheellijays.com | 706.635.7400 19

LAKES, RIVERS, FISHING, AND BOATINGLake Allatoona offers many boat launch ramps, public beaches, fishing areas, full-service marinas, boat rentals, lakeside campsites, and picnic shelters in Cartersville, Canton, and Acworth. The Lake Allatoona Visitor Center is open daily in Cartersville (I-75 Exit 290, right on Spur 20, 4 miles) and is the first resource for information. 678-721-6700, Recreation.govLake Blue Ridge offers boating, fishing, swimming, camping and picnic sites with full pool water levels Spring-Fall. A full-service marina is open Tuesday-Sunday. The Toccoa River, also in Blue Ridge, offers guided trout fishing trips daily, plus tubing and canoeing year-round. Nearby companies offer whitewater rafting trips. 800-899-MTNS, BlueRidgeMountains.comCarters Lake between Chatsworth and Ellijay is the deepest lake east of the Mississippi and offers swimming, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, cabins & marina. 706-334-2248, Recreation.govLake Conasauga is Georgia’s highest elevated lake 3150 ft above sea level and allows swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking. 706-695-6060, fs.usda.gov/confThe Etowah River Water Trail is a 163-mile long water trail and provides a course through one of the nation’s most biologically diverse rivers. For an interactive map of launch sites, take outs, rapids, dams and points of interest, plan your adventure at EtowahWaterTrail.org.Rocky Mountain Recreation Area features two lakes with fishing jetties, boat ramp, beach, picnic shelters, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, tent & RV camping, group primitive camping, and group picnic area. North on US Highway 27 for 10.4 miles, left on Sike Storey Road 0.4 miles, left on Big Texas Valley Road 5.4 miles to entrance. 706-802-5087, GeorgiaWildlife.com

GOLFFine courses await your A-game in almost every community in the 17-county area of the Historic High Country area. For complete details visit GeorgiaHighCountry.org

Driving Trails

GeorgiaHighCountry.org 21

Blue and Gray Trail Follow Civil War history through 100 miles of High Country. Revisit the campaign that brought the Civil War to an end, experiencing nationally recognized battle sites and poignant chapters in our nation’s history. This trail is nationally recognized on the Civil War Discovery Trail. BlueAndGrayTrail.com/Chickamauga Campaign Heritage Trail It marks the route of the Union and Confederate soldiers through Northwest Georgia counties, ending at the location of the great Battle of Chickamauga. Approximately 75 miles (in Georgia) Cities: Chickamauga, Lafayette, Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe, Summerville, Trenton ChickamaugaCampaign.org Chieftain’s Trail The Chieftain’s Trail is a 150-mile loop driving tour which interprets the native civilizations of the region. Discover the Cherokee and earlier Indian cultures and the suspenseful events that led up to the tragic “Trail of Tears.” ChieftainsTrail.comCohutta Chattahoochee Scenic Bywayis 54 miles of natural beauty and historic discovery in the rural communities surrounding the cities of Dalton and Chatsworth in northwest Georgia. Built into the very fabric and heritage of the land and its people are the scenic, cultural, recreational, archeological, historic and natural treasures often missed on the routes most traveled. 706-694-6455 GaScenicByway.OrgDixie Highway Drive through history along “the granddaddy of I-75”, the first interstate to reach into the south connecting Michigan to Florida. Explore battlefields and Peacock Alley. Route passes through Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face, Dalton, Resaca, Calhoun, Adairsville, Cassville, Cartersville, Emerson, and Acworth. Facebook.com/DixieHighway90MileYardSale

North Georgia Garden TrailSouthern Appalachia is known for its abundance of history, culture and natural beauty. North Georgia lies in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains and dotted throughout this region are formal, butterfly, herb and native plant gardens, just to name a few. From whimsical to well-planned, each garden has its own story to tell. GeorgiaGardenTrails.org

Driving Trails


Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails, Inc Interprets Georgia’s Civil War era along its historic routes, while leading visitors on an experience back in time. gcwht.orgLookout Mountain Parkway This tri-state driving route along 100-mile long, scenic Lookout Mountain cuts through the northwestern corner of Georgia. Attractions along the route include well-known Rock City and Cloudland Canyon State Park. 706-657-4488LookoutMountainParkway.orgNorth Georgia Farm TrailVisit northwest Georgia’s agritourism sites in Blue Ridge, Ellijay and beyond. From farm tours, u-picks and farm-to-table dining to wine tasting, farm markets and more, your agricultural adventure is awaiting discovery along the North Georgia Farm Trail. GaFarmTrail.comOld Federal Road Welcome to the route of the old Federal Road. In 1805, the United States and the Cherokee Nation agreed in the Treaty of Tellico to establish the Federal Road through Cherokee territory. Approximately 144 miles Cities: Flowery Branch-Rossville Scenic Hometown Highway 27Take an enjoyable alternate route to I-75 in West Georgia along the Scenic Hometown Highway - US Hwy 27Approximately 365 miles Cities: Ringgold- Bainbridge GeorgiaUSHighway27.com Southern Highroads A multi-state scenic loop tour through beautiful rural mountain communities. Visitors will enjoy beautiful scenery, rivers and lakes, National Forests, quaint small towns with many antique shops. 706-633-6706SouthernHighRoads.org

Civil War Show and SaleFirst weekend in FebruaryDalton Convention Center2211 Dug gap Battle Road, Dalton GA800-824-7469 VisitDaltonGa.comOver 400 tables with thousands of Civil War artifacts on display and for sale. Free lecture program.

Civil War Comes AliveLast Saturday in AprilBooth Western Art Museum501 Museum Drive, Cartersville GA770-387-1300BoothMuseum.orgA day-long event to commemorate Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Visitors can experience what life was like on the home front, listen to authentic music, chat with soldiers from the Union and Confederate armies, view Civil War art and artifacts, watch cannon demonstrations, and so much more!Battle of Resaca Civil War ReenactmentThird weekend in MayChitwood Road, Resaca GA706-625-3200GeorgiaDivision.org/bor_reenact-ment.htmlRe-live the first major battle of the Atlanta Campaign of 1864 held on 650 acres of the original battlefield. Nearby sites include Fort Wayne, Confederate Cemetery and the Resaca Battlefield Park.

War Between the States DaysThird Weekend in September217 Cove Road, Chickamauga GA800-487-4728CityOfChickamauga.orgReenactors come from all over the country outfitted in authentic union and confederate uniforms and set up camp in front of the Gordon Lee Mansion. Visitors get a glimpse of what the area was like when the Civil War came to this part of the country.Battle of Allatoona Pass RememberedFirst Saturday-Sunday in October50 Lodge Rd SE, Cartersville GA 770-975-0055GaStateParks.org/RedTopMountainOne of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and the inspiration for the song “Hold the Fort,” the Battle of Allatoona Pass was fought on October 5, 1864. Two original earthen forts and trench works remain, making it one of the most pristine battlefields in the nation. Monuments commemorate both armies.Battle of Ringgold Gap Civil War ReenactmentOctoberRobin Road, Ringgold GARinggoldGap.webs.comReenactment of the astonishing Confederate victory led by General Patrick Cleburne at Ringgold Gap.Old Cassville Cemetery LuminariesFirst Saturday in November 678-800-3214CassvilleHistoricalSociety.comBeginning at dusk at the Cassville Confederate Cemetery, the historical society remembers the burning of Cassville during the Civil War. Only three houses and churches escaped the flames.


Civil War Events

VisitRomeGA.org800-444-1834

GeorgiasRome

‘

Where the rivers meet & the mountains begin!

Discover Henry Ford’s Georgia castle

Paddle America’s most diverse ecosystem

Shop & dine in the largest Victorian Era District in the state

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DestinationsBLUE RIDGEFannin County Chamber152 Orvin Lance DriveBlue Ridge, GA 30513706-632-5680 • BlueRidgeMountains.comGeorgia’s favorite mountain town, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575, but a million miles away from it all. Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia.

CALHOUNGordon County Visitors Bureau300 South Wall StreetCalhoun, GA 30701706-625-3200 • ExploreGordonCounty.comGordon County is home to Civil War and Cherokee Indian history, outlet and bou-tique shopping, a whimsical rock village, farm fun, and festivals.

CANTONCherokee County Chamber3605 Marietta HighwayCanton, GA 30114770-345-0400 • CherokeeChamber.comEXPLORE gardens, museums and heritage centers; EXPERIENCE lake, river and trail adventure; and ENJOY shopping and dining in historic downtowns and outlet shoppes!

CARROLLTON Carrollton Area Visitors Bureau102 North Lakeshore DriveCarrollton, GA 30117770-830-1765 • VisitCarrollton.comVisit the Carrollton Area and Downtown Carrollton for shoppes, galleries and restaurants. Attend one of our events and book a night in your favorite hotel

CARTERSVILLE Cartersville Downtown Development1 Friendship PlazaCartersville, GA 30120770-607-3480 • DowntownCartersville.orgHistoric Downtown Cartersville has some-thing for everyone including delicious res-taurants, fashionable boutiques, specialty gift stores, fine museums, galleries, and theatres – plus frequent special events.

Cartersville-Bartow Visitors Bureau5450 GA Highway 20Cartersville, GA 30121770-387-1357 • VisitCartersvilleGa.orgJust slightly north of Atlanta on Interstate 75, is Cartersville, a convenient vacation destination that you’ll quickly discover is one of Georgia’s gems!

CHATSWORTHMurray County Chamber126 North 3rd AvenueChatsworth, GA 30705706-695-6060 • MurrayCountyChamber.orgThe Gateway to the Appalachians has lakes, streams and a wonderland of outdoor adventure. Native American heritage from prehistoric times to the “Trail of Tears.”

CHATTANOOGAChattanooga Area Visitors Bureau215 Broad StreetChattanooga, TN 37402423-756-8687 • ChattanoogaFun.comChattanooga is the gateway to Northwest Georgia via I-75. This scenic city includes Rock City and Lookout Mountain as well as Civil War and Native American history.

CHICKAMAUGACity of Chickamauga103 Crittenden AvenueChickamauga, GA 30707706-375-4728 • CityOfChickamauga.orgChickamauga has a historical beauty and a small Southern town appeal for those who are looking for a day out trip away from everyday life.

DALTONDalton Visitors Bureau305 South Depot StreetDalton, GA 30720706-270-9960 • VisitDaltonGa.comOutstanding outdoor adventures! A growing arts community! Weekly downtown concerts! Abundant historic sites! Unique craft beer breweries! Moonshine distillery! Dalton – put it on your list!


Downtown Dalton Development Authority305 South Depot StreetDalton, GA 30720706-278-3332 • DowntownDalton.comAn eclectic and impressive array of one-of-a-kind shops and dining choices, attractions from the Civil War era, and the perfect setting to play and live.

ELLIJAYGilmber Chamber696 1st AvenueEast Ellijay, GA 30540706-635-7400 • GilmerChamber.comVisit Ellijay in the North Georgia Moun-tains. Experience our acclaimed trails, heirloom orchards, delightful vineyards, tranquil rivers, & charming cabins.

FORT OGLETHORPEFort Oglethorpe Tourism Association6 Barnhardt CircleFort Oglethorpe, GA 30742706-861-2860 • 6thCavalryMuseum.orgExperience our country’s history and military heritage from the Civil War to WW2 at the 6th Cavalry Museum located on the former Army Post at Fort Oglethorpe (1902-1947).

JASPERPickens County Chamber500 Stegall DriveJasper, GA 30143706-692-5600 • PickensChamber.comA welcoming getaway to the North Georgia Mountains that’s surrounded by nature, rich in history, and offers endless opportunities to explore!

LAFAYETTEWalker County Chamber10052 North Highway 27Rock Spring, GA 30739706-375-7702 • WalkerCoChamber.comNestled in the mountains of Northwest Georgia, just minutes from Chattanooga, Tennessee, visit an area filled with scenic beauty, hospitality and history!

ROMEGeorgia’s Rome Office of Tourism402 Civic Center Drive & 300 W 1st Street Rome, GA 30161706-295-5576 • RomeGeorgia.orgPlan the perfect getaway to a vibrant city on seven hills surrounded by three peaceful rivers that meet in the center of the historic, downtown area.

SUMMERVILLESummerville Main Street120 Georgia AvenueSummerville, GA 30747706-859-0900 • SummervilleGa.orgOur charming downtown is home to many events & festivities in Dowdy Park. Home to folk artist Howard Finster’s Paradise Gardens & James Floyd State Park.

VILLA RICAVilla Rica Visitors Bureau106 Temple StreetVilla Rica, GA 30180770-459-7000 • VillaRica.orgVilla Rica is where art, culture and history are at the heart and soul of the community. Home of the first Gold Rush in Georgia.

WACOGreater Haralson County Tourism70 Murphy Campus BlvdWaco, GA 30182770-630-8946 • VisitHaralson.orgLookin’ for...paddlin’ the ‘Poosa, biking, walking, touring historical landmarks or screamin’ at the top of your lungs at our concert venue? It’s happening here!

WOODSTOCKWoodstock Area Visitors Bureau8588 Main StreetWoodstock, GA 30188770-924-0406 • VisitWoodstockGa.comWoodstock is home to a great downtown, The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, world class mountain bike trails, historic Dixie Speedway, and award winning Reformation Brewery.

Legendary Festivals & Events


AUGUSTWorld’s Longest Yard Sale, Lookout Mountain ParkwayFree Concert Series, Villa Rica

SEPTEMBERArts Festival at Rose Lawn, Cartersville Pine Log Arts & Crafts Fair, RydalBeautiful Backroads Century Bike Ride, CartersvilleHarvest Time at the Homestead & Iron Pour, CartersvilleFESTIVAL! Fine Arts Festival, DaltonGold Rush Festival and 5K Run, Villa RicaRiverFest Arts and Crafts, last weekend, CantonA Taste of Carrollton, CarrolltonRiverFest, CantonPickin in the Park, Summerville

OCTOBERAntique Engine Show, CalhounBlack Bear Festival, ChatsworthChiaha Harvest Fair, RomeEtowah Valley Indian Festival, CartersvilleGeorgia Apple Festival, EllijayGeorgia Marble Festival, JasperGreat Locomotive Chase Festival, AdairsvilleHaunted Depot, RinggoldHeritage Days Festival, Talking Rock“MeccaFest” Arts Festival Fine Art Festival, CarrolltonNative American Pow Wow, CedartownNew Salem Mountain Festival, TrentonPrater’s Mill Country Fair, Dalton area (Varnell)

Rock City Enchanted Maize Maze, Lookout MountainSoutheastern Cowboy Symposium, CartersvilleFiddlin’ Fest Between the Rivers, Rome

Rock City’s Rocktoberfest, Lookout MountainSteam Into Summerville Railroad Days, SummervilleSteamin’ Hot Stew and Chili Cook-off, SummervilleSumNelly Autumn Festival, SummervilleTorchlight Tour of the Ancient Indian City, CartersvilleCherokee Pignic, CantonRemembering Our Heroes, Fort OglethorpeWings Over North Georgia Airshow, Rome

NOVEMBERStilesboro Chrysanthemum Show (since 1912), southwest of CartersvilleGrand Theatre Entertainment Series, CartersvilleLight Up Blue Ridge, Blue RidgeSteam into Summerville Railroad Days, SummervilleRattling Gourd Art Festival, SummervilleFestival of Trees, CalhounNative American Heritage DayRome International Film Festival, RomeNative American Heritage Day, New Echota, Calhoun

DECEMBER – Various holiday celebrations and parades throughout the region1902 Stock Exchange Holiday Dinner Theatre, CartersvilleRock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights, Lookout MountainGordon Lee Mansion Candlelight TourVann House Moravian ChristmasOak Hill Victorian Christmas, Rome

For more updated information on Legendary Festivals and Events ExploreGeorgia.org

JANUARYWinter Wine Series at Barnsley Resort, AdairsvilleGrand Theatre Entertainment Series, CartersvilleSnake Creek Gap Mountain Bike Time Trial, DaltonFloat the Etowah in the 3rd Annual Polar Bear Paddle, Rome

FEBRUARY1902 Stock Exchange Dinner Theatre, AdairsvilleWinter Wine Series at Barnsley Resort, AdairsvilleSnake Creek Gap Mountain Bike Time Trial, Dalton

MARCHSoutheastern Cowboy Gathering, CartersvilleWinter Wine Series at Barnsley Gardens Resort, AdairsvilleSnake Creek Gap Mountain Bike Time Trial, DaltonShamrock City at Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain

APRILBlue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, Blue RidgeMountain Music Series at Red Top Mountain State Park, CartersvilleKingston Confederate Memorial Day Observance, KingstonSpringtime at the Homestead, Red Top Mountain State Park, CartersvilleCedar Valley Arts Festival, Cedartown – last full weekend in Peek Park

MAYDiscover Cherokee, CantonMayfest, CarrolltonS.O.R.B.A Mountain Bike Festival, Fort MountainMountain Music Series at Red Top Mountain State Park, CartersvilleArts in the Park, Blue RidgeBBQ Boogie & Blues, CalhounConcert in the Park, CalhounRome International Festival, Rome1890’s Days, RinggoldUS 11 Antique Alley, TrentonCagle’s Dairy Family Farm Days & Dixieland Master Cup Stock Dog Trials, CantonPowWow. Canton Great Locomotive Chase, Adairsville

JUNECave Spring Arts Festival, Cave SpringDixie Highway Yard Sale, Ringgold to MariettaThomas A. Dorsey Music Festival, Villa RicaGeorgia Barbecue Classic, CartersvilleMountain Music Series at Red Top Mountain State Park, CartersvilleRome Shakespeare Festival, Rome Free Concert Series, Villa RicaRock City’s Fairytale Festival, Lookout MountainHandcycle Race, CedartownWing & RockFest, Woodstock

JULY – Various Independence Day Celebrations & RodeosHomespun Festival, RockmartOld Timers Day, Blue RidgeMountain Music Series at Red Top Mountain State Park, CartersvilleFree Concert Series, Villa Rica

Visitor Information


Carrollton Area CVB 102 North Lakeshore Drive Carrollton GA 30117 770-214-9746 800-292-0871 VisitCarrollton.comCartersville-Bartow County CVB 5450 Highway 20 Cartersville GA 30120 770-387-1357 800-733-2280 VisitCartersvilleGA.orgChattanooga Area CVB215 Broad StreetChattanooga TN 37402 423-756-8687 800-322-3344 ChattanoogaFun.comChattooga County Chamber PO Box 217 Summerville GA 30747 706-857-4033 ChattoogaChamber.orgCherokee County Chamber 3605 Marietta Highway Canton GA 30114 770-345-0400 CherokeeChamber.comChickamauga Tourism & Events 217 Cove Road Chickamauga GA 30707 706-375-4728 800-487-4728 VisitChickamauga.orgDalton Area CVB 305 S. Depot Street Dalton GA 30720 706-281-1289, 800-331-3258 VisitDaltongGa.comFannin County Chamber 152 Orvin Lance DriveBlue Ridge GA 30513 706-632-5680 800-899-MTNS BlueRidgeMountains.comGilmer County Chamber 696 First Avenue East Ellijay GA 30540 706-635-7400 ExploreTheMountains.comGordon County CVB 300 South Wall Street Calhoun GA 30701 706-625-3200 800-887-3811 ExploreGordonCounty.com

Greater Rome CVB 402 Civic Center Drive & W 1st Street Rome GA 30161 706-295-5576 800-444-1834 RomeGeorgia.orgHaralson County Chamber 70 Murphy Campus Blvd. Waco GA 30182 770-537-5595 VisitHaralson.orgPaulding County Chamber455 Jimmy Campbell Pkwy Dallas, GA 30132770-443-3299PauldingChamber.orgPickens County Chamber 500 Stegall Drive Jasper GA 30143 706-692-5600 PickensChamber.comVilla Rica Board of Tourism, Inc 571 West Bankhead Highway Villa Rica GA 30180 678-785-1014 VillaRicaTourism.orgWalker County Chamber 10052 N Hwy 27 Rock Spring GA 30739 706-375-7702 WalkerCoChamber.comWoodstock Visitor Center Dean’s Store, 8588 Main StWoodstock, GA 30188770-924-0406 WhatsUpWoodstock.com

Georgia Visitor CentersGeorgia Visitor Center – I 75 South2726 Interstate 75 SouthRinggold, GA 30736706-937-4211ExploreGeorgia.OrgGeorgia Visitor Center – I 20 EastInterstate 20 East, GA/AL LineTallapoosa, GA 30176770-574-2621ExploreGeorgia.Org

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Table of Contents - Explore Georgia...Table of Contents The Land of Sights & Legends Welcomes you to discover, explore, and enjoy, the many treasures of the past & present cultures

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