Cartersville, Georgia, Offers New Accommodations and Adventures this Spring and Summer
A trip to Cartersville this season rewards travelers with beautiful views of the North Georgia mountains sporting new shades of spring green, along with new accommodations, things to do and see in this cosmopolitan city with small-town Southern charm. Conveniently located 45 miles north of downtown Atlanta via I-75, visitors can get outside, get wet and see some of America’s most-admired Western art in a never-before-seen collection.
Get Wet, Get Active
LakePoint Sporting Community, the largest sports and adventure hub in the Southeast, offers sports fanatics multiple “fields of dreams,” with 15+ indoor and 20 outdoor sports activities for individual and tournament play. Next-door Terminus Wake Park brings cable-guided wakeboarding, kneeboarding and wakeskating fun to all ages and skill levels. Enthusiasm is all that’s needed–rental gear, wakeboarding instruction, snacks and even dining are available onsite. Now, Aqua Park opens a giant-inflatables water playground full of slides, climbing and diving challenges for ages five to adult. New watersports summer camps are opening for registration, and, for spectators, plenty of wakeboarding and other contests go on all spring and summer. (171 LakePoint Pkwy, off Old Allatoona Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121; 470-315-0155)
Situated on the storybook site of an 1840s estate, Barnsley Resort magically entwines history, outdoor adventure and Southern luxury. This 3,000-acre, dog-friendly resort-meets-village playground offers cottage accommodations, fine dining and English house-party pursuits. Hunting, sport-shooting, horseback wilderness and picnic rides, fly-fishing and other outdoor activities are some of the endless activities available. In 2018, Barnsley opens a new three-story, 55-room Inn at Barnsley Resort, inspired by the British architect of English country homes at the turn of the 20th century, Edwin Lutyens. The resort also is opening 15,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space at its Georgian Hall Conference Center, overlooking Antebellum gardens and ruins of the stately manor house. (597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville, Georgia 30103; 877-773-2447 or 770-773-7480)
Eye Candy at World-Class Museums
From September 8, 2018-January 13, 2019, the Smithsonian-affiliated Booth Western Art Museum will showcase 50+ pieces from the Frederic Remington Art Museum and beyond, the largest and most important Remington show in the Southeast to date. Best known for his iconic bronze statues, Remington became the country’s leading interpreter of the West as a painter, illustrator and writer. Remington’s first bronze “Bronco Buster” is considered one of the most enduring images of the American West. Given to Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt (a close associate of Remington) by his Rough Riders, an original casting was also donated to the Carter administration, where it resided in the Oval Office. (501 Museum Drive P.O. Box 3070 Cartersville, Georgia 30120; 770-387-1300)
The Weinman Mineral Gallery at Tellus Science Museum showcases one of the largest, most comprehensive collections in the Southeast, with more than 4,000 rocks, gems and minerals on display. The new “Gem & Mineral Treasures from The Southeast” is a special display through December 4, 2018. In addition, the Smithsonian-affiliated Tellus features an advanced Planetarium and telescope, hands-on science experiences and gem- and fossil-finding fun. (100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville GA 30120; 770-606-5700)
After Dark: Where the Wild Things Are
“Parks After Dark” is a new series of programs from Georgia State Parks that enables visitors to enjoy mysterious, romantic and educational adventures when nocturnal wildlife are active and stars and moon give their glow. Twilight paddles of Lake Allatoona start May 5, 2018, and continue on various dates at Red Top Mountain State Park. $30 plus $5 parking. (50 Lodge Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102; 770-975-0055)
Step back in time–in the dark–at the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site. On Saturday, April 14, 2018, and again in November, follow staff and volunteers raising torches for a nighttime tour of the mounds. Listen to campfire stories near the river before heading back to the museum. $5 parking. (813 Indian Mounds Road SW, Cartersville, GA 30120; 770-387-3747)
Spring and summer are perfect for a short drive to Cartersville for these and even more memorable vacation experiences, accommodations from budget to luxury, and delicious dining. For more ideas, go to VisitCartersvilleGA.org