Excellent spot for sightseeing. Great for adults; mildly ok for kids, as its light on interaction…read more Lovely, knowledgeable Docents waiting to share the story. Nice home, small for its era of plantation homes. It was nice seeing the true story of the impact of African Americans - without them there is no Roswell. Without black free labor there is no America in the way we see it now. Free labor fueled the wealth of many dynasties. A nice one hour or 1.5 hr is enough time to see everything. You may want to read up on the house and area before you arrive to ground you in the founding of Roswell. If you love antiques, there's tons to see! Lots of pics on wall. This specific founder wasn't ostentatious so its the opposite of gold, lavish, etc. Its humble wealth! They were devout Presbyterians who were conflicted on owning slaves; private/ secret abolitionist who taught their slaves to write. Telling other locals it was for God so his slaves could read the Bible. But truly it was so they had a skill and could be more than slaves! Remarkable! Fun visit. There are two more grand homes, larger, more lavish by 2 other Roswell early founders, about a mile away. So if you have more time, do it all in 2 to 3 hours. We sat on the porch for 30 min just rocking, nice chairs! We may not ever go back but it was worth seeing!

The city of Roswell has 3 preserved antebellum houses open for public tours. We stopped by all 3…read moreone Saturday afternoon in February. All are located within a 1/2-mile radius, and 2 are literally within about 200 yards of each other. Our third stop was at Smith Plantation. It is located close to the Roswell business / restaurant district, and is adjacent to the city hall (with which it shares a parking lot). Like the others, there is no fee here. We entered via the front door and interacted with the welcoming docent, who asked for our zip code and how we'd heard about the venue. You are then free to wander the house via whatever route you like. Most rooms have a sign with a 4-digit code. You call a phone number (the same one used at the other 2 houses) and enter successive codes as you proceed. For each code, there is an accompanying description of the room's historical context and of its furnishings. These mansions all seemed to follow the same basic floorplan - a central linear hallway with 2 or 3 rooms off each side and a staircase at the end. This home had been upgraded / modernized in the 1940s, so some parts have a different feel than the other 2 open homes. For instance, this one has a kitchen that is more relatable, and there is an actual master bath added upstairs. This also seemed to be the smallest of the 3 homes. There is a bit more information about the last people who lived in the house, as they were there until the 1980s. There are also a few outbuildings here. If you only had time to tour one house of the 3, I'd still begin with Bulloch Hall. However, this place was nice to visit if you have another 30 - 45 minutes.

What a jewel nestled in the small town of Cartersville, Georgia! I'm a fan of western art and was…read morethrilled to visit a world class museum dedicated to the great art and artists of the American West. Our tour guide was very informative as she shared her knowledge of the collections on display. There is so much to see and absorb. Allow plenty of time to join the 60-90 minute afternoon tour and also go back on your own to see more than can be covered in a "short" 90 minutes.The museum building itself is a lovely architectural design. Definitely a "must visit" for anyone whose love of history includes stories and images of America's Western Heritage.

It had been over 4.5 years since we last visited the Booth Western Art Museum. It is a bit far for…read moreus to drive (on a regular basis) and there hadn't seemed to be much difference in the exhibits at that time versus our visit prior to that. We were staying overnight nearby so we opted to revisit on a weekend when our bank sponsors free admission. We parked in a large shared lot across the street that was about 90% full due to a local farmers' market. We arrived around 10:30 a.m. on a Saturday (they open at 10). My assumption was that we'd spent at most a couple of hours here. However, I was mistaken. My impression is that they have added / exchanged a significant percentage of the works on display over the last few years. There were definitely a lot of works I recalled seeing, but there were also many that were unfamiliar. All have associated plaques with notes (some about the context and some about the artists). I read many of these as I browsed. The artwork is probably 75% paintings and 25% sculptures (percentages vary based on the room / wing you are in). Over the 2 main floors, the galleries included: - a room showing examples of how works depicting the west evolved decade by decade for ~ 2 centuries. - rooms of general western works - themed rooms with subjects like 'cowboys' or 'native peoples' - a room devoted to new acquisitions - a separate 'gallery of the U.S. presidents' that is permanent - a room devoted to traveling exhibits - this one was an artist who painted western scenes (including national parks) with about 90% realism and 10% spiritual / fantasy elements. - a long hallway devoted to sculptures of a wide array of native tribes - a large gallery devoted to modern interpretations - including things like a Van Gogh inspired painting of a bull rider, some pop-art by Warhol, etc. - a room devoted mostly to military work - the burning of Atlanta, the battle of the Alamo, etc. We spent over 3.5 hours here and left mostly as we were getting tired. I think I covered most of the museum, but there were parts near the end where I spent less time. The museum also had a temporary photo exhibit in the basement area, as well as a cafe and gift shop. There grounds feature an array of larger sculptures, but it was in the upper 90s that day so we didn't linger outside. I recall liking this museum when I came here previously, but I enjoyed it even more on this most recent visit. I'll definitely try to return again.

Having arrived during the holiday season when the visitor center was closed, I started my visit to…read moreCartersville at the Bartow history Museum. It's the perfect way to get an overview of the surrounding areas from many perspectives, including historic, economic, civic, etc. The staff, Pat and Rebecca, took the time to show me around on the ground level and later answered many of my questions. I would highly recommend people start their first visit to Cartersville at the Bartow history museum. Cheers

What can I say, not only did the history archived here overwhelm me, but so did the staff! It was…read moreso much more than I expected!!! [ THE SCENE ] I began my journey to Bartow History Museum with a desire to visit important sites for Black History Month. My plan was to post one review per day highlighting either places with significant Black History or Black Owned Businesses, so I got started visiting such places early January. Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center was heavy on my heart because it was thee first Rosenwald School building constructed in Bartow County specifically designed for the education of black children (1924). Well, after about 2 weeks of calling the listed number and getting no live answer I began calling other historic sites on the Cartersville-Bartow Visitors Bureau website. One of those led me to call the museum and that was when I was introduced to sweet Mrs. Pat! It was not at all her responsibility, but she contacted the curator of the Memorial Center who decided to meet me there later in the day, despite not being open due to family tragedy. I insisted she not worry about it, but she was even more insistent that I come for a visit considering I had made the journey. Truly, all the historians and curators blew me away in this small unassuming town. *** [ THE EXPERIENCE ] During my conversation with Mrs. Pat, she insisted I come to the Bartow History Museum first! I'd called her about 45 minutes before arriving because I decided drive to Cartersville on a wing and a prayer, UNDETERRED BY being unsure if anything would be open. God seems to always have a way of rewarding my blind faith efforts. The museum was not on my radar or in my plans, but Pat was highly convincing that it would be well worth my time... and boy was she right! She was the first to greet me and immediately began to give me a tour. Shortly after my arrival Trey, the Museum Director, arrived with a thick stack of archive materials for me to review! He'd heard from Pat that I was wanting Black History information and brought a plethora of files. DID I MENTION HOW OVERWHELEMED I WAS WITH THEIR HOSPITALITY? Trey and Mrs. Pat treated me as if I were an important visiting professor, despite just how many times I told them I am a lowly blogger that had an idea to highlight some Black History Sites for the month. It didn't matter, because it was clear I was important to them! The first floor highlighted the women important to the county history while the second floor covered everything else, including artifacts, displays and powerful videos of timelines and living human history. *** [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] I came to find at least one story to write about, but the archives were vast and full of so many historic importance's that I decided I would do this place absolutely no justice in the limited words yelp allows for a review. So I will simply say, if you are desiring to teach yourself or your children important local history (ESPECIALLY BLACK HISTORY), consider this museum to be the Fort Knox of county information. Cartersville is TRULY impressive with an extravagant wealth of documents, photos and INCLUSIVE American history. But beyond all the information available, my most treasured memory will be how the staff made me feel. I felt totally unworthy of their lavish attention as Pat walked with me and pointed out things I might not have noticed on my own and Trey gave me access to files not within public areas of the museum. Dare I say I felt loved and highly welcomed! As Maya Angelou once famously said: "At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." I walked away from Bartow County Museum with one overwhelming feeling that doesn't come often or easily - I felt IMPORTANT. God bless you all! 2021 / 29 BlackHISTORYSeries

History of the heritage in indian artifacts n the staff give personal tours n education!read more

Leave your wallet at home…read more... Its a blast from the past. It's Woodstock's Welcome center and a museum all in one. Dean's store was opened in 1906 by Dr. W. H. Dean-one of the original settlers of Woodstock, GA and it serves as a testament to a by gone era. There is a little of everything at this mini museum from medical equipment used on actual Civil soldiers to old bus tickets schedules to old calculators. One of my favorite is an old licence to sell opium....Fun fact: they were the first in Woodstock to sell Coca Cola.... It's located in the old part of downtown Woodstock across from the restaurant Freight Kitchen & tap. You can park up front or turn on Town Lake pkwy and park in the back. It's a cool little place to check out if you have some time.....

The 57th Annual Great Locomotive Chase Festival typically celebrates the historic Civil War event…read moreknown as the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862, where Union spies attempted to sabotage Confederate railroads. The festival usually features a variety of activities, including parades, reenactments, live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly events. Attendees can expect to enjoy historical exhibits that provide context about the original chase, along with activities aimed at engaging the community. Food vendors often play a significant role, offering local cuisine and festival favorites. Community participation is a highlight, with locals often dressing in period costumes and taking part in reenactments. The festival serves not only as an educational experience but also as a way to foster community spirit and celebrate local heritage. If you're looking for specifics about this year's events, attendance numbers, or standout moments, those details might depend on local news or festival updates.

IT'S FALL FESTIVAL SEASON!…read more Festival season is now underway and this year I have decided that we will attend a new crop of festivals that we have never attended. Our first fall festival happened to be the The Great Locomotive Chase Festival in Adairsville. The festival commemorates the great chase of "The General" after it was stolen, (by a group of Union soldiers), during a layover at the Kennesaw Depot. It traveled through Adairsville before being abandoned near Tunnel Hill. This festival features carnival rides, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, entertainment on a couple of stages, a parade and fireworks. It takes place over three days, (full days Friday and Saturday and half of a day on Sunday). Saturdays are always the biggest days and have the greatest amount of attendees so this is obviously the best day to attend. Admission is only $3 and allows you to attend all three days. Parking was only $3 and less than a block away from the festival. Festival day is very important so you start preparing the night before. Get that uniform ready, get a good night's sleep, have a plan for breakfast and make sure you have all of the pertinent information regarding time, place and weather. You want to leave early so that you can get there early because the vendors will. Many of the items such as jewelry and art are "one of a kind" so you definitely want first choice. This is the ultimate Yelping opportunity because it allows you to "shine the light" on small businesses that otherwise go unnoticed. Many of the vendors will offer unique items and this is the perfect time to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Adairsville was the perfect town to host this festival because of its historic roots, small town status and community spirit. Small towns really make the best festivals because of the "warm" people, family friendly atmosphere and great parking. Also, you not only get to experience the festival, you also get to explore the town, its history and local shops. This festival while not as large as other festivals was perfect for us. It was held at the center of Town along the Public Square with the town's historic buildings as the backdrop. The vendors were nicely spaced and there was a separate food court that including picnic tables for sitting and eating. During many festivals, you have to either stand and eat and find your own limited seating. We actually ate before arriving so did not purchase food from the court. When you travel to the smaller towns, you always encounter interesting groups like SOC, (Sons of the Confederacy,) and Georgia Carry, (Second amendment restoration). Don't presume to know what these groups are about. Step up to the table and ask them about their group or cause because they don't bite. These guys have always been very courteous and very informative while providing plenty of written information. Whenever possible, go to the source for your information instead of allowing others to interpret it for you. You will definitely be enlightened. I was happy that they started the music at the start of the festival (instead of hours later like some festivals). Browning Automatic was the group that performed this morning and they were great. I loved the classic rock tunes and was surprised at how talented these guys are, they really surprised me. We were able to sit on the bleachers to listen to them and enjoyed hearing them while we walked around the square. Today's festival included a parade which was the typical small town parade. It included the local sheriff and local community based sport teams and their little cheerleaders. It was cute to see all of these little athletes following along behind the high school football players. The parade route went right through the square, (no barriers) so it not only allowed everyone a close view, but made for great photos as well. The biggest surprise of the day was the local high school band which obviously spends a great deal of time practicing with a talented director because they could compete with any college band! They were great!

I visited the amphitheater for their outdoor concert series and had a great time! There were lots…read moreof food and drink vendors lined up along the street. My favorites were Huckadoo Pizza and P&P Catering Sweet Treats. The pepperoni pizza was so delicious and freshly made while you wait. The lines were long but the pizza only took about 10 minutes. The carrot cake from P&P Catering was the best I've had! If you're coming for the concert, definitely arrive early and bring your chairs!

Built in 1908 by the Nashville, Chattanooga & St Louis Railway Company (interestingly L&N or…read moreLouisville & Nashville Railroad Company-the company that build the train depot in the neighboring city of Woodstock, GA owned 55% of NC&StL in 1908.) The railroad tracks that the depot sits on is known as The Western & Atlantic Railroad which was built by the state of Georgia in 1836 at a reportedly cost of 5 million dollars (125 million in today's money.) It is the building of this 138 miles rail tracks that really put Atlanta on the map... If you're a Walking Dead Fan then you know about Terminus...well that was the name originally given to the city of Atlanta. Terminus means "the end point" which was what Atlanta was at the time. The "end of the line" for W&A railroad. Most historians believe that the "end point" probably is where the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot is in downtown Atlanta. (if you're feeling extra history-ish you can go see the stone marker that marked the spot of "the end" at Underground Atlanta. It's known as The Atlanta Zero Mile post.) The Kennesaw Train Depot was restored to its former glory in 2001 at a cost of $150,000 according of their website. It now is a museum and an event venue. There is also a small park next to it known as Depot Park with a small play ground, an outdoor museum narrating the great locomotive chase of the civil war and a pedestrian underpass. In front of the museum there is a tall lamp clock dedicated to city council member Jerry Worthan for his 20 years of service to the city of Kennesaw. Across the street there is the Southern Museum of Civil WAr Locomotive History Museum that houses the famous locomotive "The General". It's a great place to visit for any Civil war history buff....hope you'll check it out.

This is a very historical museum for everyone to enjoy. It focuses on the race tracks and drivers…read morefrom Georgia but it includes so many that started car racing and moonshine bootlegging. It has virtual racing and cars, trophies and videos exhibits. It's wheelchair and family friendly at very reasonable prices. Gift shop and souvenirs prices are steep but closely comparable to other shops. The GRHOF hosts about 10 car shows a year including the Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival in October. Great job Elliotts and Dawsonville community members.

Bill Elliott, champion NASCAR driver, retired to Dawsonville and where else would the Georgia…read moreRacing Hall of Fame be located? And his son Chase Elliott, who is also a racing champion, lives here. So yeah, out here in Dawsonville is the perfect place for this history museum. It starts with a video of racing highlights and some explanation of Dawsonville's importance and after that, you're treated to a collection of racing memorabilia including trophies, posters, race uniforms and helmets and yes, a number of cars from different race categories. Plenty to see. We lucked out today with a car show in the front and a barbecue out back. There is a gift shop with shirts and hats and such. There are some "Bill Elliott" fridge magnets, too. [Review 20352 overall - 687 in Georgia - 1330 of 2023.]