Welcome to Cartersville, GA., a charming town in Bartow County just north of Atlanta. There is plenty to learn, experience, and see on a trip to Cartersville. Popular destinations include the many museums, Lake Allatoona, the historic downtown area, and more. Let’s unpack your suitcases and explore these activities so that you can make the most of your time in this hidden gem of Georgia.
Attention all history buffs! The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site was once home to several thousand Native Americans during the Mississippian Period. Visitors can enjoy a nature trail along the Etowah River, where they can admire the six Earthen Mounds, plaza, and village sites. The site also offers picnic tables, riverside benches, and a gift shop. Admission prices are $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for ages 6-17, making it an affordable outing for the entire family.
Whether you are interested in a weekend getaway or a staycation, the Barnsley Resort offers everything you need for a chance to unwind in nature. Beyond the beautiful room accommodations at the cottages or the Inn, there are plenty of activities to keep you as relaxed or entertained as you wish. Many activities revolve around outdoor fun, allowing you to take in the beauty of the mountains. Activities include Berretta Shooting Grounds, hiking trails, horseback riding, archery, axe throwing, spa treatments, and more. At the resort, you can enjoy farm-to-table meals and s’mores by the fire for dessert.
Cartersville is known for its abundance of museums, making it a great place to visit and learn. While the internet offers a vast amount of information and educational videos, nothing can compare to experiencing the exhibits and artifacts in person. Whether you aim to spark your child’s interest in learning or have a passion for history and expanding your knowledge, Cartersville is a great place to engage your mind. Local museums in Cartersville include the Tellus Science Museum which features a planetarium and dinosaur fossils, the Savoy Automobile Museum where visitors can admire an impressive collection of cars, and the Booth Western Art Museum where attendees can view the highly acclaimed art firsthand.
It’s all fun and games at Lakepoint Station! It is an ideal spot for a birthday celebration or a fun-filled day with friends and family. This location offers climbing walls, bowling lanes, rollerblade lanes, mini golf, laser tag, virtual reality, arcade games, and more to keep everyone entertained. Also, if you need to refuel after all the excitement there is pizza and frozen yogurt on site to make Lakepoint the total package.
Lakepoint Sports hosts over 2.5 million visitors a year who come to participate in or spectate one of the 30+ sports available including baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, gymnastics, cheer, and wake sports. The facility has become a hotspot for athletes in the Atlanta area and beyond thanks to its impressive 170,000 square foot Champion Center. If you have an athlete in your household, you may find yourself attending many games and matches here, enthusiastically cheering on your favorite competitor.
Whether you choose to spend your time relaxing in nature or participating in outdoor activities, a day at the lake is good for the soul. Lake Allatoona offers about 12,000 acres of natural beauty and all the exciting outdoor activities that keep people coming back time and time again. Visitors often enjoy swimming, fishing, water sports, and camping in one of the several shoreline campsites. Also, you can bring your own boat or rent one from a local marina. If you are looking to reel in your next big catch, you can find more tips online, or try your luck in the local trout streams or fish for bass below the Allatoona dam.
Located in downtown Cartersville, the Grand Theatre hosts live performances such as concerts and theatrical productions. This beautiful building was originally constructed in 1910 and it continues to keep the arts alive to this day. Recent events at the theatre include auditions for Shrek the Musical and openings for spring acting classes. If you are interested in seeing a live performance, you can visit their website for information on upcoming shows and tickets.
With shops just steps away from each other, you can spend your day shopping until you drop. However, if you need a little break, there are delicious dining options to mix things up. Nothing complements a shopping day like a margarita and some chips and queso. Otherwise, Appalachian Grill and Olive Tree and Vine are just two other examples of highly-rated eateries to satisfy your hunger.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you won’t want to miss Red Top Mountain State Park. The park features a sandy beach, cottages available for rent, and picturesque trails to enjoy. Many visitors come to the park for boating or hiking, so if you are a fan of those activities, you are in for a treat.
Although the pharmacy has closed its doors after 130 years of service, it is still a sight to see. The Coca-Cola mural on the side of the building is the first advertisement sign of its sort for the company. Originally painted in 1894, it has been repainted 25 times, maintaining its original look. This iconic piece of history is a symbol recognized worldwide, and is located right here in Georgia. If you have the opportunity to see it in person, be sure to take a picture with it to preserve the memory.
I believe it is safe to say that there is no shortage of outdoor fun and entertainment to keep you busy in the charming southern town of Cartersville, Georgia. After discovering more about it, I hope you are enthusiastic and well-prepared for your trip. Who knows, after just one visit, you might fall in love. If you decide that you see yourself there indefinitely, we can explore making it your forever home.