BesT TrIps 4. CONNECT WITH CARTERSVILLE’S ART, CULTURE & HISTORY Historic Cartersville—northwest of Atlanta—isn’t loved only for its scenic beauty (of which it has a bounty). Visit for all the stories told through its vibrant museums, unique historical sites and renowned parks. Make time for Tellus Science Museum , an expansive local institution showcasing natural history via interactive experiences such as a Discovery Garden, planetarium and observatory, fossil gallery and more. Or visit the sprawling Booth Western Art Museum where you’ll see signed letters from every U.S. president (a visitor favorite), as well as paintings and sculptures celebrating cowboys and gals, fur trappers and mountain men, American Indians and much more. Keep things rolling at the Savoy Auto Museum , where rotating exhibitions feature automobiles around themes like “microcars” and “fabulous fins,” allowing visitors to appreciate their design and construction. Both Tellus Science Museum and Booth Western Art Museum are part of the Smithsonian Affiliates network. Discover the rich history of the area with a trip to the Bartow History Museum , housed downtown in an 1869 red-brick courthouse. This spot focuses on two centuries of regional history—from the area’s 1800s Cherokee residents right up to the people living in Cartersville today. Increase the amusement factor by asking the docent for a scavenger-hunt sheet—you’ll like searching for artifacts to check off among the photos, documents and interactive exhibits. When you’re done, stroll downtown for its assortment of restaurants, public art and antique shops. Tour the Noble Hill-Wheeler Memorial Center , a landmark of historical significance in nearby Cassville. It was constructed in 1923 from Rosenwald Schools funding (a crucial early-20th-century effort creating schools for Black children across the South). Restored, it now functions as a heritage museum reflecting Black life and culture from the late 1800s to the present via school relics, area antiques and a historical resource library. South of town, learn about another aspect of the area’s history at the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site . This special landscape honors the rich traditions, skills and craftsmanship of the Native Americans of the Mississippian culture, who populated the area along the rippling Etowah River. Six earthen mounds, a village site and more can be seen along its grassy trails. The mounds are thought to be the most well-preserved Mississippian culture site in the Southeastern U.S. and the area a cultural, political and religious hub for thousands of Native Americans from 1000 and 1500 A.D. Stop at the museum to see artifacts like carvings, jewelry, shells and tools. Soak up even more history with a stay on the grounds of a 19th-century Southern manor, now in scenic ruins. The sumptuous Barnsley Resort in nearby Adairsville features lovely cottages modeled after English country homes, a championship golf course with rugged mountain views and farm-to-table dining at Woodlands Grill and Rice House (you’ll sample fresh produce from the resort’s very own gardens!). TELLUS SCIENCE MUSEUM, CARTERSVILLE/BEN GALLAND EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG 11
Official State Travel Guide 2023 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 11
