Cartersville, Georgia, is known for its small-town appeal; but, with its sophisticated and unique attractions visitors might think they’ve ventured into the big city. Just 45 miles north of downtown Atlanta via I-75, discover the unexpected metropolitan offerings of two Smithsonian-affiliated museums where art and science come alive. Plan an overnight stay to explore the delightful cuisine, awesome architecture, antiques and other attractions that make Cartersville and Bartow County a don’t-miss experience in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.
Immerse yourself in America’s story at the Smithsonian-affiliated Booth Western Art Museum in downtown. This 120,000-square-foot space houses the largest permanent exhibition of Western art in the country, as well as continuous new exhibits. Don’t miss “Treasures from the Frederic Remington Art Museum & Beyond” September 8, 2018-January 13, 2019, the largest and most important Remington show in the Southeast to date.
Saddle up for legendary experiences at the Cowboy Festival and Symposium October 25-28, 2018, with three stages featuring Western music, gunfight re-enactments, Native American dance, living history encampments and plenty of kids’ activities. Riders in the Sky is the featured performer this year. In March 2019, head out again to the Southeastern Cowboy Gathering and Southeastern Chuck Wagon Invitational, which includes a Cowboy Concert at The Grand Theatre, children’s activities, entertainment, cowboy music, poetry and Cowboy Church. And, as if you need another reason to visit, an Andy Warhol exhibit is planned for fall 2019.
Mingle shoulder-to-shoulder with today’s top artists the last weekend each February for the Booth Western Art Museum’s “For the Love of Art” Gala Weekend and Art Auction. At the 2019 gala the Booth Museum will honor sculptor and painter John Coleman with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Coleman, one of America’s leading contemporary Western American artists, has won many awards for his evocative works.
Nearby, the Smithsonian-affiliated Tellus Science Museum offers an out-of-this-world experience. Enjoy hands-on exhibits, get up close to a 70-foot-long dinosaur fossil and be dazzled by sparkling minerals, one of the largest, most comprehensive collections in the Southeast, with more than 4,000 rocks, gems and minerals on display. The museum is also home to a 120-seat planetarium and boasts the Tellus Observatory. The Observatory gives visitors a view of the night sky through a 20-inch state-of-the-art telescope. Hands-on science experiences and gem- and fossil-finding fun make this a great inter-generational attraction.
Check the calendar for events and exhibits, such as “Gem & Mineral Treasures from The Southeast” through December 4, 2018. The Tellus Lecture Series features special guests every month with topics ranging from the construction of the museum’s dinosaurs to history of space travel.
In 2020, a major new Cartersville attraction will be unveiled to much fanfare. For now, the hint is: Wild West to Wild Rides…from Stirrups to Steering Wheels…from Horses to Horsepower…from Cowboys to Cars. Stay tuned for more information that will have you revving your engine for a trip to Cartersville.
Cultural creativity also abounds at the 14 chef-owned-and-operated restaurants in historic downtown Cartersville. Regional favorites include Table 20, Appalachian Grill. Swheat Market and Maine Street Coastal Cuisine have recently been tapped by Georgia Eats as “100 Plates Locals Love.” Rest easy between adventures at any of Cartersville’s upscale accommodations or relax in luxury at beautiful Barnsley Resort, a storybook setting whose pages reveal a compelling true love story that reads like fiction. For a change of pace, world-class sporting pursuits, including shooting clays and fly-fishing, as well as watersports and an indoor mega-games complex at LakePoint Sporting Community, provide endless opportunities for multigenerational active fun.
Whether you’re looking to journey back in time or explore the discoveries of tomorrow, Cartersville, Georgia, is packed with cultural charms that create the perfect escape.
For more Cartersville cultural explorations, call the information specialists at the Cartersville-Bartow Convention & Visitors Bureau 770-387-1357 or check out VisitCartersvilleGA.org.