Visit Cartersville, Georgia, for one-of-a-kind experiences.
Make downtown Cartersville your first stop for a Wild West adventure in the sunny South. The Booth Western Art Museum is the only museum of its kind in the Southeast, and it houses the largest permanent exhibition space for Western American art in the nation. The museum’s award-winning film, “The American West,” provides guests with a foundation for understanding how the Western frontier began with the onset of the Civil War. Once primed to see America’s story, guests begin their journey through galleries featuring contemporary Western artists and modern masters. America’s canvas is completed by the James and Carolyn Millar Presidential Gallery, which uniquely displays a portrait and signed personal document from every American President.
Also in downtown, find the nation’s only known monument to friendship, erected by a debtor to his creditors. Mining mogul Mark Cooper established the Etowah Manufacturing and Mining Company in the 1840s along the Etowah River just outside modern-day Cartersville. When his partner bailed on Etowah Railroad Company, Cooper’s empire was auctioned. With the help of 38 friends who endorsed a $200,000 note, Cooper saved his companies and paid the note in just two years. Indebted in loyalty, he honored his 38 friends and creditors by commissioning the Friendship Monument in Etowah.
Another unique Cartersville find, drawing visitors from across the globe to Tennessee Street (US 411 north), is Old Car City USA. More than just the world’s largest known classic car junkyard, Old Car City USA has revived itself as a photographer’s paradise. Unique finds here include 4,000 rare and rusty classic cars displayed along six miles of trails, plus Elvis’ last automobile, a collection of original folk art, and an ever-growing display of owner Dean Lewis’ Styrofoam cup art. Stop in from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday to see this wonder for yourself.
While in town, Taste the Feeling outside of Young Brothers Pharmacy where you will find the world’s first Coca-Cola outdoor painted wall advertisement. A syrup salesman painted the downtown sign in 1894 on the side of the pharmacy; the sign was then restored and authenticated in 1994. This is a must-see site for photographers and Coca-Cola collectors. The pharmacy also carries a wide variety of Coke memorabilia and collectibles.
Between adventures, refuel at hometown favorite—4-Way Lunch—on Main Street. This iconic diner has been a mainstay since 1931 and, believe it or not, they’ve never installed a telephone. Specialties include chili or gravy-covered burgers and hot dogs. And slap a peach pie on the grill for dessert.
For more “Only in Cartersville” tips, call the information specialists at the Cartersville-Bartow Convention & Visitors Bureau 770-387-1357 or check out VisitCartersvilleGA.org.