Getaway to Cartersville
Chances are you’re missing out on this secret gem of Georgia. Only 45 minutes outside Atlanta, Cartersville is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway if you’re looking for something easy, close, and tons of fun. From unique museums, beautiful natural scenery, rich local history, to a bustling downtown area equipped with shopping, dinner, and drinks, Cartersville has something for everyone. Check out any (or all!) of these amazing attractions the city has to offer and explore more at VisitCartersvilleGA.org.
MUSEUMS
Bartow History Museum
4 E. Church Street BartowHistoryMuseum.org
Immerse yourself in the history of Bartow County, from Cherokee habitation in the early 19th century to events shaping the area today. The museum is housed in the refurbished 1869 Courthouse building. Explore exhibits in the feature exhibition gallery; Dellinger Family Gallery; and “The Nook,” a hands-on interactive exhibit complete with an authentic 1940s telephone booth, general store items, and old-fashioned school desk. Tickets are $7 for adults.
The Booth Western Art Museum
501 N. Museum Drive BoothMuseum.org
At 120,000 square feet, this gem is the world’s largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the world and the only of its kind in the Southeast. The Booth’s permanent collection features Western art, Presidential portraits and letters, and Civil War art, allowing visitors to “See America’s Story” with paintings, sculpture, photography, and artifacts. The current exhibits include CAPTIVATED: Rossin’s Southwest and BEYOND (through September 26), Booth Photography Guild Annual Exhibition
(through November 7), and Graham Hobart: Out of Africa and Into the West (through January 23). Tickets are $13 for adults.
Savoy Automobile Museum
3 Savoy Lane
SavoyMuseum.org
Savoy is a car lover’s dream! Explore the history of automobiles in this brand-new museum including 65,000+ square feet of four exhibition galleries, presentation theater, and on-site café, plus a 30,000+ square-foot storage garage and outdoor pavilion fit for car shows, concerts, cruise-ins, swap meets, and more. Opening soon.
Tellus Science Museum
100 Tellus Drive
TellusMuseum.org
Tellus is a world-class natural history and science museum spanning over 120,000 square feet. The museum features four main galleries — the Weinman Mineral Gallery, the Fossil Gallery, Science in Motion, and the Collins Family My Big Backyard — along with a 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope. Tickets are $17 for adults.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
813 Indian Mounds Road
GaStateParks.org/ EtowahIndianMounds This major Mississippian Period Cultural Center was home to several thousand Native Americans from 1000 to 1500 A.D. and is now one of Cartersville’s most popular attractions. Explore the Etowah Archaeological Museum before taking in the sights atop the site’s largest mounds, which stand at 63 feet tall and cover three acres. Admission is $6 for adults.
Old Car City USA
3098 U.S. Route 411 OldCarCityUSA.com
Old Car City is a 34-acre classic car junkyard, the largest known in the world. Find more than 4,000 rusted cars, including Elvis Presley’s last automobile, and the owner’s extensive Styrofoam cup folk art collection along six miles of walking trails. Admission without a camera is $20 and with a camera is $30, cash only.
SHOPPING AND FOOD
4 Way Lunch
Corner of Main Street and Gilmer Street Exploring the history of Cartersville doesn’t have to be limited to museums; visit 4 Way Lunch to experience Georgia’s oldest restaurant without a telephone. This simple diner opened way back in 1931 and continues to please customers with its delicious burgers and hot dogs.
Downtown Cartersville Entertainment District
Church, Main, Erwin, and Tennessee streets Looking for a fun weekend out while you’re visiting? The Entertainment District is the place to be! Grab yourself an adult beverage to go from one of the district’s chef-owned eateries and bars to enjoy while you stroll and shop. Open container is only available Thursdays–Saturdays and restricted to drinks served in Entertainment Districtapproved cups — no BYOB!
Largos
214 E. Cherokee Avenue Largos214.com
This brand-new farm-to-table dining experience brings the fresh tastes of Northern California wine country to Cartersville. Savor a menu that includes Confit Duck Leg, Grilled Watermelon and Salmon Salad, Pulled Pork and Goat Cheese Crostini, and Soy Togarashi Trout.
Reservations are accepted.