During this spookiest time of the year, we went looking for the Georgia cities, towns and counties with names that conjure up fearsome or frightful feelings. Following is our unofficial list of those Georgia locations, with a short explanation of why the names creep us out:
Clinch County
This just sounds like a bad place to get into a tight spot. Before you get your underwear in a bunch, know that the county takes its name from General Duncan Lamont Clinch (1784–1849), a hero of the War of 1812 and a U.S. Congressman. The sparsely populated county along the Florida border has a population of 6,725 with its 809 square mile territory.
Crisp County
For fear factor, consider proceeding this with “burnt to a.” Things got a little heated in the county earlier this year when commissioners voted to remove a Confederate statue. If you’ve driven down I-75 to Florida, you’ve likely seen four exit signs that reference the county seat of Cordele.
Meansville
If one of Taylor Swift’s hit songs had a hometown, this would be it. Things must not be so bad in this Pike County town named for homesteader John Means, as the town recorded a population increase of nearly 50% from 2010 to 2020.
If there is a portal in Portal, GA, where does it lead? Another dimension? Another time?
Portal
Wouldn’t this be the perfect place to rebuild the Georgia Guide Stones? Located in rural east Georgia’s Bulloch County, one wonders just what kind of portal exists here. To another dimension? Another time? The fact that the population here in 2020 was exactly the same as 2010 creates some suspicions.
Ray City
If aliens live in Georgia, you’d expect to find them here, with their right to carry vaporizing ray guns protected by state law. (Hey, this is humor! Please don’t post mean comments unless you are from Meansville.)
Rest Haven
One of two Georgia towns that sounds like a cemetery name, Rest Haven actually is the center of a political and property rights drama. Bigger Buford is attempting to annex Rest Haven. A long series of legal battles has left Rest Haven with a population of a mere 45 residents, according to the 2020 US Census.
Roswell
Just the name affiliation with the more famous town in New Mexico raises the specter of aliens running wild through the square. While there are no (known!) space aliens, there is an Area 51 here.
Roswell, GA, shares a name but not the alien encounter history of its more famous New Mexico namesake.
Shady Dale
Another Georgia city sharing a perfect cemetery name, Shady Dale becomes action-packed each year when the professional rodeo comes to town on the first weekend each June. According to the rodeo’s website, the Shady Dale Rodeo is put on by an all volunteer crew of local Masons and Shriners – both among history’s most secret societies, according to History.com.
Sparks
We wish we could say there was heated debate about something in this city that caused sparks to fly. Despite our best efforts, the story line flamed out. The town was named after a former railroad president. It’s on Exit 41 of I-75 in South Georgia.
Talking Rock
‘Nuff said. As if the Bible story of the burning bush didn’t put enough fear of God into a person, just imagine if Moses had come down from the mount carrying talking rocks instead of a carved stone tablet. Located between Jasper and Ellijay, it takes its name from a nearby peaceful creek.
Thunderbolt
Now here’s a town name that inspires visions of hellfire and brimstone, or the frightening sound that follows an angry Zeus throwing his lightning bolts. The naming story runs along those line. According to the 1906 Georgia Cyclopedia, “The place received its name from an account of General Oglethorpe, to the effect that a thunderbolt fell there and opened a spring, which still has a sulfurous odor.”
In Thunderbolt, GA, a thunderclap opened a spring with a sulfurous odor, according to the 1906 Georgia Cyclopedia.
Toombs County
Our lives, and our Georgia list, end in tombs. Of course, the spelling is different, but we love the serendipitous coincidence. One of the most famous tombs in Toombs County: Olympic and world weightlifting champion, Paul Anderson. His tombstone includes an artist rendering of a weightlifter.
Our lives and our list end in Toombs. Yes, the spelling is different, but we love the serendipitous coincidence.
Marietta’s Gone with the Wind Museum and the Marietta History Center are two of the city’s best known downtown attractions. They draw movie buffs, history fanatics and other visitors from far and near. But hidden off the beaten path within an easy walk of the historic square, several other Marietta museums offer different perspectives on the city’s history and its place in the art world.
We discovered some of these hidden Marietta museums on a meandering weekday museum walk, navigating around the historic city square with a list of destinations, neighborly curiosity and Google maps as our guide. As usual when relying on Google, not everything went exactly as planned. But we did enjoy this journey of discovery as much as the intended destinations.
Now, before you set off on a similar museum walk, check the operating hours of the city’s museums. Many have limited days and hours of operations. We’ve included links to make that easier for you. While we did walk to all these in one morning, it’s not practical to visit all of them in one day if you plan to explore. Instead, pick two for a one day visit. In between, enjoy a relaxing lunch or snack at one of the fabulous restaurants around the square. And one more tip: while there’s plenty of parking around Marietta’s downtown, much of it is limited to two hours. Be aware of your time!
After parking at Mill Street and North Marietta Parkway, here’s the meandering route we traveled on our marvelous Marietta museum walk:
Built circa 1845, the Root House was relocated to the present location in 1990. The neighboring log cabin houses the visitor center and gift shop. It built circa 1830 and also moved to this location. Restored to its 1845 appearance, house tours peer into the daily life of the owners and enslaved people who worked and lived on the property. The museum complex is owned and operated by the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society.
William Root House Museum and Garden
Old Zion Church Heritage Museum
Founded in 1866 by 88 former slaves, the existing building was constructed 1888. Placed on the National Historic Registry in 1990 and then restored in 1997, the building became a museum in 2003. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a website with operating hours. A sign outside indicates the museum is open for limited hours on Friday. A video on one of the City of Marietta’s visitors’ pages tells more about the church, its history, restoration and place in the community.
Marietta Fire Museum
This compact fire museum houses multiple historic fire engines plus a Silsby Steamer horse-drawn fire fighting wagon — one of only six remaining in the US. We did a blog post about a previous visit. If you’re lucky, you may get to see present-day equipment parked at the adjacent fire station.
Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
Occupying a renovated historic classic revival building originally built as a post office, the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art houses a permanent exhibit plus changing exhibits. The museum’s website also offers peaks at prior exhibits, plus more history on the building and art contents.
Marietta History Center
Located in the historic Kennesaw House, the building has been a warehouse, hotel, hospital, and morgue before transforming to a museum. A second-floor exhibit highlights the building’s connection to the historic “Great Locomotive Chase.” It also features an array of other galleries that focus on local, military, home life and other historic topics.
And Then, We Drove
While our original museum walk plan was to stroll to our next stop, humidity, temperature and time convinced us otherwise. So, instead, we drove to:
Gone With the Wind Museum
It’s possible to walk here from downtown, and stroll through the Marietta City and Confederate cemetery. We have before, but didn’t on this walk. Regardless of how you go, if you’re a fan of the 1939 movie classic or just a fan of movies, don’t miss this stop. Now housed in historic Brumby Hall, the museum of chock-full of collectibles, costumes and other movie memorabilia. We did a blog post about one of our visits. Also, check Groupon for discounts as the museum offers periodic promotions there.
Gone, But Not with the Wind
As mentioned, our reliance on Google for planning and routing information was not precise. Our original museum walk route included a stop at the Kasimir Musuem on Roswell Street, across from the Marietta National Cemetery. The museum was operated by a prolific family of printmakers and painters, and displayed the works of Luigi, Tanna and Robert Kasimir. The Kasimirs produced a large stream of work depicting scenes from Austria, England, Germany, France and the United States during the early 20th.
We arrived just at opening time, but couldn’t find the museum at the assigned address. Instead, we wandered into Avery Gallery, which now occupies the location. A helpful staff member explained that the museum closed when the former museum proprietor (a Kasimir family member) passed away. Now, Avery Gallery exhibits and sells the work of local artists and more, while focusing on art restoration. Working with the Kasimir family, there are still a few of the Kasimir works on display and available for purchase.
After walking over 1/2 mile from the Marietta Fire Museum, we invested a few minutes looking at the featured artwork on display (and for sale) in the gallery. The large gallery features one room displaying the work of local and contemporary artists. A second blends in more historic works. Among our modern favorites were Victor Zihunov’s “Etruscan Vase,” Gerard Negelspach’s “Women in Spain,” and Davide Puma’s “Fiorito 2019.” On the historic and classical side, we were drawn to an antique sanctioned copy of “The Coronation of the Virgin.” The incredible details on the angelic faces were astounding. We pledged to buy if for our favorite priest when we win the lottery — and you can relay that to Father Mark Starr!
A Somber Stop
Wandering around generally leads us to new discoveries, and this day was no different. While looking for the non-existent Kasimir Museum, we found Joe Mack Wilson Park, home to the Forever Remember memorial. Dedicated in 2010, a bronze casting of a young girl represents the families of first responders and military personnel who sacrifice daily while their loved ones serve, protect and defend us.
When we read that Atlanta’s Canoe Restaurant was celebrating an anniversary in August, we decided it would be a great spot to celebrate our own August wedding anniversary. But since Covid, we’ve been avoiding crowds in tight spaces.
So instead of heading to Canoe for dinner, we planned an anniversary afternoon lunch-and-a-movie celebration day. That way, we could enjoy the restaurant’s fabulous culinary creations, miss the crowds, and get a great date-day bargain in the process.
We were prepared for our riverfront dining experience, fully equipped with a paddle, thanks to our extra-spicy Bloody Mary.
For those not familiar with this Atlanta dining institution, Canoe is located just off Paces Ferry Road in historic Vinings, with a scenic spot directly on the Chattahoochee River. The restaurant features a display kitchen, elegant dining room, an outdoor patio, and — during limited periods — an outdoor bar on the river bank. Atlanta restaurant pioneers Gerry Klaskala, George McKerrow and Ron San Martin opened Canoe in 1995, and it’s been a high-end favorite just inside the Northeast perimeter ever since.
No Reservations, No Wait
Even without reservations, we were seated right away for our anniversary lunch on a weekday afternoon. However, reservations here always are recommended for evening dining, and also are useful at lunchtime for larger groups or special seating requests.
The delicate, moist cod flaked easily to the touch of a fork, while the panko bread crumbs added the right amount of texture.
The lunch menu is a condensed version of the more extensive upscale New American options available in the evening. Still, with appetizer, salad, sandwich, main course and dessert options, we had plenty of choices with a wide range of tempting items and creative preparations. Plus, the fabulous baking team also delivers up fresh bread for the table, including on our visit a crispy, chili-rubbed flatbread that was a perfect accompaniment for salads.
Since we were celebrating, we ordered adult beverages from the extensive drink menu to start. When I ordered an extra spicy bloody Mary with Tito’s vodka, the bartender sent back a wonderful recommendation for a spiced vodka instead. Who was I to argue with an expert? His recommendation was spot-on, adding an additional kick to a wonderfully-seasoned tomato juice base, and all topped by olives and a pepper.
Our Luncheon Dining Choices
We started with shrimp spring rolls, which included a cilantro seasoning and the Asian citrus, yuzu. The lightly-fried exterior perfectly encased with a crisp bite the soft, flavorful interior. It was served on a bed of greens and accompanied with a creamy yuzu dressing.
A large crab cake served over Napa cabbage with pickled onion and a Creole – honey aioli, which hinted at a New Orleans remoulade.
For main courses, we selected a crab cake entrée and a panko-breaded cod served over whipped potatoes and sautéed spinach. The large crab cake featured lots of sweet lump crab inside a slightly-crispy exterior. This was served over a small salad of Napa cabbage with pickled onion and a Creole – honey aioli, which added a simultaneously cool and spicy bite hinting at a New Orleans remoulade.
The delicate, moist cod flaked easily to the touch of a fork, while the panko bread crumbs added just the right amount of texture. A brown caper butter served over the dish delivered a slight salty earthiness, an excellent accompaniment to the light white fish. I couldn’t help myself, and scooped up tasty bites that included the potatoes, spinach and that caper butter, all in one.
And, of Course, Dessert
We didn’t NEED more food, but we WANTED this dessert: Canoe’s famous popcorn ice cream sundae.
By this time, we didn’t need more food, but we certainly wanted more once we checked out the dessert menu. And since this was an anniversary celebration, we gave in to one of the house favorites — Canoe’s famous popcorn ice cream sundae. At first, the idea of popcorn and ice cream weren’t an appealing combination. But once our waiter described Canoe’s Peanut Cracker Jack and home made ice cream, resistance was futile. We shared a single sundae, and didn’t leave even a spoonful of it in the dish.
While we were eating, we watched the Chattahoochee flow gently by. We even saw a lone fishermen, floating down the slow-moving river while fly casting from his — well, it was a boat, though describing it as a canoe would have been a perfect fit for the story. Afterwards, we took a short walk to the riverbank before departing.
From our table, we watched a lone fishermen, floating down the slow-moving river while fly casting.
The BOGO Benefits of Lunch
Beyond enjoying the outstanding lunch, we appreciated the lunch pricing as compared to a comparable evening outing. Two of us had cocktails, appetizers, entrees and a shared dessert, all for under $100 before gratuity. After gratuities for the waiter and the valet, we still had a hefty amount from our anniversary budget for some local retail therapy before finally heading to the nearby AMC Theatre for a late afternoon movie. Before the movie started, we reflected on our prior-year’s $300 anniversary dinner at a high-end chain steakhouse, then toasted our choice of Canoe with an over-priced adult beverage and soft drink from the theater’s bar.
And we vowed to return to Canoe in the fall, to enjoy the outdoor dining during cooler weather.
Wandering down to the river, we vowed to return for a fall lunch to enjoy cooler weather with outdoor dining.
When I mapped our 1,200 mile, 7 day circle tour-plus around Lake Michigan, Great Lakes lighthouses were not a major feature on our route plan. Beginning in Chicago and heading east, some of our planned stops included Indiana Dunes National Park, farms and small towns in West Michigan, Mackinac Island and eventually Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior.
But stopping for lunch in St. Joseph, MI on day one, we checked Google and Roadtrippers for close-by suggestions. The historic St. Joseph Lighthouse — featuring iconic wintertime pictures of the frozen lake wrapping the small structure — topped the list. So we took a short detour, found easy lake-front parking at Tiscornia Park, and walked out on North Pier for a quick peek.
A wind surfer enjoys a great day on the protected side of the St. Joseph Lighthouse
Ducks and a Wind Surfer
The wind howled around us and an angry lake pounded the pier. But we leaned forward for more than a casual stroll. A family of ducks paddled effortlessly in the four-foot swells. A wind surfer successfully caught the strong wind to ride and jump the waves. Nearby at Tiscornia beach, determined beachgoers weighted and tied down belongings to “enjoy” their Lake Michigan beach day.
It was then and there that the history, stories and scenic settings of the Great Lakes lighthouses took control. Searching Google and blog sites, we then took detours to more of these iconic structures while exploring some historic small towns in the process.
Lighthouse and channel light at the South Pierhead in Muskegon, as seen from the Coast Guard station.
We photographed and video-captured 15 Great Lakes lighthouses on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. We skipped many others due to our route, preplanned activities and time limitations. Oh, well, now we have reason for another trip.
Check Out the Video
We created a 4-minute video for our YouTube channel that features images from all the Great Lakes lighthouses we explored. Following is the list of the lighthouses we visited, in the order we visited. All are included in the Newsbreak video:
St. Joseph Lighthouse, St. Joseph, MI. They say you never forget your first, and that howling wind make that believable. Do check out all the pictures of this lighthouse frozen over in winter.
Big Red Lighthouse, Holland, MI. We walked through the marina and to the lighthouse as storm clouds surrounded the area. The setting sun and clouds put on an incredible light show, with a guest appearance by a rising full moon.
South Pierhead Lighthouse, Muskegon, MI. The classic-designed neighboring Coast Guard station and moored rescue boats add to the visit interest here.
Breakwater Lighthouse, Ludington, MI. While here, drive along the lakefront park. If you have time, also head up to Ludington State Park and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Unfortunately, we had to skip this one because we didn’t have time for the 4-mile round-trip hike required. But we did have time for lunch at Keeper’s Fish Shack, and we highly recommend it.
North Pierhead Lighthouse, Manistee, MI. A nice family-oriented beach with a snack bar and clean restrooms was a perfect afternoon stop, for the view and relief from lunch-time beverages.
Mission Point Lighthouse, Traverse City, MI. Located at the tip of Mission peninsula, the lighthouse is open limited hours for tours. We arrived after closing time and enjoyed walking the grounds and beach.
The Mission Point Lighthouse, as seen from the beach. We walked the grounds and beach as the lighthouse was closed due to a shortage of volunteers.
South Pierhead Lighthouse, Charlevoix, MI. You can’t miss this bright red lighthouse. We parked at the beachside park and snapped some photos. Then, we headed up the hill to see some of the town’s famous mushroom houses. Local tours are available, but we used this online resource as our walking guide.
Wawatam Lighthouse, St. Ignace, MI. Not on Lake Michigan, and not really historic based on its young age, this one guides the ferries to Mackinac Island back into St. Ignace harbor.
Round Island Lighthouse, Mackinac Island, MI. Again, not on Lake Michigan but on Lake Huron.
Sand Point Lighthouse, Escanaba, MI. On the western side of Lake Michigan, this small lighthouse is located in a nice park and marina area.
Grassy Island Lighthouses, Green Bay, WI. These two lighthouses were decommissioned in 1966, then moved from their original locations to Green Bay Yacht Club in 1967 for historical preservation.
Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse, Kewaunee, WI. Rumors spread in the early 1890s that Kewaunee contained gold, and Kewaunee’s chances of becoming a major port on Lake Michigan were high. A pair of range lights were installed in 1891 that helped guide people in from the fog. Gold was never found. The lighthouses remain.
The Rawley Point Lighthouse is located in a lakefront state forest. The lighthouse is not open to the public.
Rawley Point Lighthouse, Two Rivers, WI. Located in a lakefront state forest, park admission is required. The lighthouse can be seen and photographed from the park and public beach. But there is no admission to the lighthouse or grounds.
North Pierhead Lighthouse, Two Rivers, WI. Moved from its original lake location, this small lighthouse now is part of the Rogers Street Fishing Village, itself worthy of a visit.
Breakwater Lighthouse, Manitowoc, WI. The first lighthouse entered service here in 1839. While in Manitowoc, be sure to stop at the nearby Wisconsin Maritime Museum. It features a WW2-era sub built in the area.
Just when you think it’s safe, you have to spell Kewaunee to name this Wisconsin lighthouse.
More Lake Michigan Circle Tour
Here are links to a few more short NewsBreak videos about stops on our summer circle tour around Lake Michigan and beyond. We’re producing more, so be sure to follow subscribe here, or at our YouTube channel:
There’s nothing like a sugar cone filled with flavored rich creamy goodness to cool even the hottest Georgia summer day. And since July is National Ice Cream Month, declared such in 1984 by then-President Ronald Reagan, that got us to thinking about some of our favorite ice cream stops around West Cobb County.
Now, we’re not saying this is a comprehensive list of ALL the best ice cream stops in West Cobb, but rather, a list of some of the favorites we frequent for frozen favors. And, though not technically ice cream, we’re going to include frozen custard and yogurt, too. If you can’t handle that inclusion, please stop reading now and go eat something sour to match your attitude.
There’s nothing like flavored rich creamy goodness to cool even the hottest Georgia summer day. We share some of our West Cobb ice cream stops — and a few from even farther away.
We don’t proclaim to be ice cream experts, or to have sampled all the ice creams in West Cobb. So, we invite you to leave your favorites in the comments section so we can try them out, if not in July, then perhaps later in the summer.
Our West Cobb Favorites
As to our West Cobb favorites, here’s a list, in random order of my memory rather than ranked by preference:
Four Fat Cows, Marietta. If we had to pick a favorite, this might be it. Let’s start with the broad flavor choice of hand-dipped goodness. Operated by a mother and son duo from a family familiar with celiac disease, the store offers traditional flavors, some exotic options, and a variety of gluten free and diary free treats – all allergen free and perfect when your family includes lactose, gluten and (maybe!) fun-intolerant members!
All allergen free, Four Fat Cows in Marietta’s Market Square Food Hall is perfect when your family includes lactose, gluten and (maybe!) fun-intolerant members.
Sarah Jean’s Ice Cream, Marietta. On Marietta Square, this family shop features 45 flavors, all available in an incredible array of frozen concoctions like shakes, malts, banana splits, sundaes, slushes, and more. We love eating in because we’re suckers for an establishment with an operating model train. But, we often carry-out because it gets just too crowded with discriminating ice cream aficionados.
Frozen Cow Creamery, Kennesaw. Just off Main Street near the Locomotive Museum, this hidden gem has served handmade, nitrogen-frozen ice cream since 2016. We’re often frozen in our decision making by the array of choices. Or, conversely, we get wildly cold-creative. For the less adventuresome, let the 32 “standard” options on the “classic” menu, be your starting point. Our favorite: bananas foster, with a touch of chocolate and coconut added.
Unfrozen from our indecision, we ordered up some custom-made treats at Frozen Cow Creamery in Kennesaw and enjoyed them on the front porch.
Culvers, various locations. We discovered this Wisconsin-based frozen custard on trips to America’s dairy land when working for a Manitowoc, WI, based company named The Manitowoc Company. We celebrated when Culver’s opened outposts in Georgia. Here’s a little secret: $2 Tuesday! They pack some of their best flavors into pint servings, and you can take those home at a big discount.
Bruster’s, various locations. Yes, it’s a chain, but their hand-dipped flavors retain the freshness we love at local creameries. Bruster’s stores are franchised and locally operated, and each generally features at least two dozen flavors. A few standards are always available, then they rotate others in from 150+ options in the chain’s flavor freezer.
Dairy Queen, various locations. Tom Hanks was quoted famously that he gained lots of weight when filming the movie classic, “A League of Their Own,” because of trips to Dairy Queen. Over the years, the chain has narrowed its list of the mix-in Blizzard offer. But, when the line is short or we have a long-experienced worker, we still sometimes order — and provide instructions for making — the French Silk Pie Blizzard since all the original ingredients remain in-store for use in other treats.
Mt. Desert in downtown Bar Harbor was a perfect stop after Acadia National Park. Flavor sampling and people watching were great fun.
Favorites Elsewhere
It’s hard to remember all the places we’ve enjoyed ice cream during our travels. But here are a few we’d recommend:
Goats on the Roof, Tiger, GA. Yes, there are actual goats on the roof. And their nitro ice cream was an unexpected treat.
Mt. Desert Ice Cream, Bar Harbor, ME. There are several around, but downtown Bar Harbor was the best for flavors, service and local scenery.
Mickey Mouse Bars, Disney World, FL. It’s a family tradition for our kids and grandkids, so it had to make the list.
No way was Eli sharing a bite of his Mickey Mouse Bar while at Magic Kingdom.
Mr. B’s Ice Cream, Branson, MO. We probably could have listed lots of other choices here, but we only tried this one, old-fashioned location.
Georgia’s U-Pick Farms, various locations. Whenever we’re down on one of these farms, if ice cream is available, we get it. Strawberry at Southern Belle and peach at Lane are among our favs.
Ice cream with local ingredients is often available at Georgia’s U-pick farms. Southern Belle, Lane, and Jaemor are among our favorites.
Gelato, Anywhere in Italy. Or, anywhere in Europe. Perfect for a quick cool-down on in virtually any European city.
Vivoli Il Gelato, Disney Springs, FL. This was a close copy of the authentic Euro experience.
We get our gelato stops wherever we can, especially when in Europe. We also enjoy Volga in Atlanta.
The Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops, St. Augustine, FL. Not really ice cream, but ice pops in a variety of unique flavors. Remember our statement about inclusiveness?
Check out the flavor bomb options at Hyppo Gourmet Ice Pops in St. Augustine, FL
Summer is a great time for early morning and late afternoon hikes, when the Georgia heat is less intense. And when we’re doing morning and afternoon hikes, we always keep our eyes peeled wildlife watching along the trails — even when we’re hiking or walking in more urban settings.
Apparently, we’re not the only one’s keeping an eye out for nearby wildlife. Interest in wildlife watching continues to climb according to the latest National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. More than 86 million US residents participated in at least one type of wildlife-watching activity. That includes observing, feeding, or photographing fish and other wildlife in the United States, states the most recent survey published by the group. Wildlife watching opportunities vary greatly based on season, location, personal interests and access. But it’s possible for virtually every Atlanta and NW Georgia resident to participate in some type of wildlife observation.
Are we watching wildlife, or is it watching us? More than 86 million US residents participated in at least one type of wildlife-watching activity.
Here are five favorite wildlife watching location ideas near the greater Atlanta area:
Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. The 21 locations of the Chattahoochee NRA offer prime riverside and wooded locations near Atlanta for wildlife watching. Waterfowl like geese and ducks and other forest dwellers are plentiful. As many as 198 bird species and more than 40 mammal species are known to exist in the park, according to a 2022 environmental assessment published by the National Park Service.
As many as 198 bird species and more than 40 mammal species are known to exist in the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, including wood ducks.
Georgia State Parks. There are six Georgia State Parks within an easy one hour drive of the Greater Atlanta Area. Wildlife including a variety of native birds and mammals are present at all of the parks, including around the lakesides at Stone Mountain. Nearby Panola Mountain is a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain. But it’s smaller and much more pristine. Visitors can make reservations for ranger-led hikes that teach about both plants and animals found in this unique, pristine ecosystem. The extensive lake front at Red Top Mountain State Park and Allatoona Battlefield Park are great for observing ospreys, other birds, and forest mammals.
We’ve been watching a pair of mating ospreys at Lake Allatoona near Allatoona Battlefield Park for several years. Due to their size and white heads, they are often confused for eagles.We did a video about our Spring 2022 visit.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. While its rare to encounter forest mammals on the highly-trafficked main trails, many hawks and other birds reside on the mountaintop. Along the more remote Brumby Camp Loop, Noses Creek Trails and the trails of the southern section, we often spot deer in the woods.
The deer at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park seem unperturbed by nearby humans. We got this shot on the Brumby Camp Loop.
Botanical Gardens. These lush gardens are often home to smaller mammals like squirrels, rabbits, chimp munks and other ground-dwelling mammals. We visit Butterfly Exhibit at Kennesaw’s Smith-Gilbert Gardens during summer months to experience native species up close. You’ll also spot a variety of butterflies at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens locations near downtown and in Gainesville.
Local Lakes and Streams. Even if you don’t have a national or state park nearby, many Atlanta are neighborhoods have easy access to local lakes and streams. These are prime spots for wildlife viewing, especially in early morning and sunset feeding times.
For a different animal viewing experience, stop by Goats on the Roof in Tiger. There’s even a story that the goats have alien origins, but we’re doubtful.
A Different Version of Wildlife Encounters
While the above-listed spots focus on watching wild animals in nature, here are two places we’ve really enjoyed watching different animals in captivity:
Goats on the Roof, Tiger, GA.This quirky roadside attraction is perfectly described by its name. A heard of goats hangs out, waiting to be fed, on the roof of this combination store, restaurant, ice cream shop and more. Our friends at Florida Family Insiders stopped there recently and did this great video.
Safari Park, Pine Mountain, GA. African animals roam the Georgia savannah in a drive-through setting. Animal food is available for purchase, and the animals expect it. So, here’s our big tip: use the rental vehicles rather than your own car to maximize your enjoyment and avoid potential scratches on your own car. Frankly, we went primarily to entertain our littles. But our adults had a blast, too, and laughed throughout the ride.
Other Offbeat Stops on Georgia Byways
We often stop when we find intriguing or odd attractions along Georgia byways and elsewhere. (For example, we have marked on an upcoming road trip a stop to see the world’s largest cherry pie pan.) Check out this post of some of our previous finds.
Just a short walk from Marietta’s historic square and hidden in plain site inside Fire Station No. 1, the Marietta Fire Museum holds a treasure trove of artifacts certain to please both the history lover and “wanna-be” or “shoulda-been” firefighters.
If you’re familiar with the children’s story “The Little Engine That Could” and its positive-thinking locomotive, you might apply that same thinking to this fire museum and the various fire engines contained within. Just think you can, and you will enjoy a short visit to this small museum which packs lots of Marietta’s history into a relatively small space.
Located at 112 Haynes St NE in Marietta, the Fire Museum is co-located with Fire Station No. 1. Parking is available across the street.
Before you consider a visit, know that the Marietta Fire Museum is open only on weekdays, from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission is free, though you’ll likely pay a small fee to park across the street at the Marietta East Square parking deck. Weekend visits require an appointment, but we can’t honestly tell you how to arrange for one. Brochures are available online and onsite, but plan on reading the placards to get the most out of your visit.
Our visit was a grandfather and grandson outing during a school break. As usual, I didn’t disclose in advance our destination in advance. That was a good thing given the short attention span of a 9-year-old who doesn’t like to read. As you can imagine, that wide-eyed excitement for fire equipment that fills youngsters took over. Before long, he was tugging at me, eager to move on to the next display.
Four historic vehicles are displayed near the entry, though I might swear the number was triple that given the number of excited yells.
Bright Red with Shining Chrome
We both were drawn immediately to the bright red antique cars, rescue vehicle and fire trucks that fill the first level. A total of four historic vehicles are displayed here. But I might swear the number was triple given the number of excited yells resonating through the exhibit.
For the record, grandson Cooper’s favorite here was the 1949 Pirish Ladder Truck. Designated Ladder #1, its inaugural service was 1949 and retirement in 1984. I was drawn to the historic Chief’s Car, a 1960s vintage Ford Falcon hardtop. It featured enough reflective chrome to light a city block when parked near a blazing inferno.
I was drawn to the historic Chief’s Car, featuring enough bright reflective chrome to light a city block when parked near a blazing inferno.
I attempted to read the historic placards, newspapers and information postings for the fire apparatus and various other artifacts. But there was no containing the grandson’s enthusiasm once he spotted another floor below. Especially since that floor exhibited the brightest and shiniest fire apparatus of all — the nickel-plated 1879 Silsby Steamer.
Marietta’s Horse-Drawn Silsby Steamer
Purchased by the City of Marietta in 1879, this horse-drawn firefighting miracle remained in active use until 1921. Today, it’s believed to be only one of five still in existence.
Firefighting historians generally acknowledge that the Silsby Steamer was the innovation that created modern fire departments. Prior to its development, fire departments depended on bucket brigades and hand pumps to fight blazes. Neither method was particularly effective in dousing any burning infernos. They were most effective in stopping the spread of an active fire to neighboring structures.
In 1878, the City of Marietta purchased the 65th unit built by the Seneca, New York-based Silsby Company. It’s believed to be one of five remaining in existence.
The Silsby’s breakthrough was a steam powered pump. Capable of pumping 600 gallons of water a minute, it could shoot a stream reaching over 200 feet. That made those hand-pumps look like squirt guns. With the new pumpers in high demand, the City of Marietta purchased the 65th unit built by the Seneca, New York-based Silsby Company.
The irony of the Silsby Steamer was that an active fire was required to fight fires. To generate the steam pressure necessary for the pump, one of the fire crew shoveled coal into a fire box on the unit. There, it burned to heat the water until the steam pressure was sufficient to project water onto an active fire.
The advanced steam technology and powerful pump on the Silsby unit made hand pumps look as effective as squirt guns for firefighting.
How Dalmatians Became Fire Dogs
I was able to impart some of that background to Cooper. But he quickly bored with the grandfatherly blabbering, ready to move on to the next bright, shiny object. I did manage to hold his interest for one more minute by talking about how Dalmatians were critical parts of the Silsby’s fire-fighting team.
Now admit, you want to know the story, too. But only because you asked!
I managed to hold Cooper’s interest for one more minute by talking about how Dalmatians were critical parts of the Silsby’s fire-fighting team.
Imagine a frantic fire crew, racing down a narrow city street — likely a dirt or cobblestone road — to an 1880s fire. A team of three horses pulled the Silsby unit. An active fire burned in the firebox and steam poured from the stack. The wagon clattered noisily down the street, rattling loudly over every bump. A driver guided the team of racing horses. A crew of two or three firemen hung on for dear life during the ride. And out front or alongside ran a Dalmatian.
Dalmatians served since the 1700s as fire carriage dogs, accompanying carriages and guarding their contents. Whether factual or fanciful, Dalmatians reputedly possessed a special affinity for horses, and their presence helped to guide and calm horses. And according to the American Kennel Club, “In 1910, the Westminster Dog Show developed a category for Fire Department Dalmatians. The inaugural winner was a Dal named Mike from New York’s Engine Company 8 on 51st Street. The tradition lasted for the next 30 years until being discontinued.”
Just the Artifacts, Please
As mentioned, the museum is filled with other artifacts. Those include vintage fire fighting protective gear; a variety of nozzles, gauges, hoses, helmets and more; newspaper articles recounting famous Marietta fires; and photos from ceremonies and parades featuring the Marietta Fire Department. But with a 9-year-old along, we quickly bypassed most of those with time only for a photo or two.
The museum is filled with protective equipment, gauges, hoses, nozzles and other firefighting tools.
One “don’t miss” artifact on the lower level is a steel I-beam cut from the rubble of the World Trade Center. It was given to the Marietta Fire Department by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and commemorates the firefighters and other first responders who lost their lives in rescue efforts at the Twin Towers.
After-Visit Treats
Naturally, this kind of outing requires a sweet ending. Fortunately, with Marietta Square a few blocks away, it’s relatively easy to source some sugary substance to soothe intrepid history explorers. With a movie filming on the Square, our first choice of Sarah Jean’s wasn’t available. But that necessitated a choice among the remaining options of Sweet Treats Marietta, Rocket Fizz candy store, Snow on the Square and the other outlets at the Marietta Square Marketplace. Ruling out “all of the above” as a choice, we successfully navigated our path to a satisfactory sugar purveyor for our homeward-bound treat.
Nearby Marietta Square Market offers a variety of dining and treat options for your pre-or-post visit pleasure.
More Nearby Family-Friendly Options
Depending on your party size and ages, the Marietta Fire Museum will require 30 minutes to two hours for a visit. If you want to combine this with other nearby activities, here are a few of our favorites, listed in order of proximity:
It’s Saturday morning and a group of approximately 30 people are gathering in the parking lot of a public park near Woodstock, GA, north of Atlanta. As they pull gear from car trunks and truck beds, muddy boots and tall waders drop on the asphalt. Shovel handles bounce off the hard surface. It quickly becomes clear that these are not members of area softball teams meeting up for a friendly game.
These are gold seekers, members of the Allatoona Gold Panners setting out for a day of panning in a local creek located on public lands managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Over the next few hours, they hope to find golden flakes or small nuggets hidden in the creek, once one of Georgia’s gold rich mining areas. While the discovered veins were exhausted in the early 1800s, this eclectic group of determined hobbyists, professional geologists, curious first-timers and experienced panners WILL find placer gold. The only questions are who will find it first, and how much will be recovered before they leave.
An eclectic group of determined hobbyists, professional geologists, curious first-timers and experienced panners WILL find gold. The only questions are who will find it first, and how much will be recovered before they leave.
A Family Legacy
Walking on a winding wooded trail following the creek, experienced gold hunters share tidbits with the newcomers. Robert, who began tagging along with his dad more than 30 years ago, drops to the back with four slower walkers. Robert says he’s out in the streams every weekend, “Unless it’s really cold.”
He remembers days when he and his dad picked up small nuggets from the creek beds with their bare hands. Now, he explains, finding nuggets is rare. “It’s not likely you’ll get a big score on any one trip. But if you keep at it, the gold adds up over time,” he says.
As we approach a bridge, Robert points right. “There’s an old mine right there. They covered up the opening, and built a house right above it.”
Even if Robert’s mine-shaft knowledge isn’t spot on, one thing is certain. We’re in the general area where multiple gold mines operated in the midst of the Georgia Gold Rush. Shafts were dug and blasted into bedrock, seeking gold veins hidden in the rolling hills. Stream beds, their banks and the surrounding hills were dug out by hand by prospectors drawn to this area.
Today, that kind of mining isn’t allowed on public property managed by the Corps. Instead, this group of intrepid gold hunters carries only shovels and gold pans, closely following the gold hunting guidelines for public lands.
Hiking in on public property, this group of intrepid gold hunters carries only shovels and gold pans, closely following the gold hunting guidelines for public lands.
After hiking approximately .75 miles, the group stops for a brief huddle. Steve, the organizer of today’s event, confirms we’ve reached the designated location and tells they group they can commence their searches.
Several of the experienced panners climb down into the stream, walk a hundred yards further and start their solo efforts. A few of the newcomers stick with Steve, who has brought along extra gear for them to use. He offers a few practical tips, does a quick panning demonstration, then watches as the newbies try their luck.
Help for the First-Timers
Two first-timers, Huan and Michael, are using equipment borrowed from Steve. They don’t have boots like the experienced panners, and stand in the swift, cold water in athletic shoes and bare feet. Michael dumps a shovel-full of bottom material into a pan.
On the third pan, Michael sees some shiny flakes in the bottom of the pan. He asks Steve’s opinion, who smiles and says, “That’s gold!’
On the third pan, Michael sees some shiny flakes. ‘That’s gold,’ confirms Steve.
Panners often wish for good luck by saying, “Heavy pans.” But this pan is too heavy — with rocks — for Huan to handle. Steve steps in, smiling, and throws out some of the large rocks. He then shows Michael and Huan how to hold the pan at a proper angle, working the water and small material to expose any gold. This pan has none, and neither does the next.
But on the third pan, Michael sees some shiny flakes in the bottom of the pan. He asks Steve’s opinion, who smiles and says, “That’s gold!’
Steve takes the pan for a minute, and gives more instruction, demonstrating how to move all the material to one side, then gently shaking the pan to move the sediment away. More gold flakes are now visible at the top of the pan.
“When you do this right, if it moves, it’s not gold,” Steve says. Michael and Huan have been panning for less than 15 minutes and they’ve found their first gold.
Watching the groups work, their posture and facial expressions often foretell their gold finding success with individual pans. Experienced panners often stop to offer advice to the newbies.
How Much Did You Find?
This same scene is repeated up and down the creek. Tom is a geologist by trade and also has several working mines in other locations. He’s ankle deep in the creek giving a family of newcomers similar instruction. John, who says he’s been hunting gold for nearly all of his 60 years, comes from a family of geologists. He’s happily offering advice when asked, which is frequently.
Watching the groups work, their posture and facial expressions often foretell their gold finding success with individual pans. And when an accumulator bottle is stuck into one of the pans, it’s a sure sign that there’s definitely gold in that pan.
After about 90 minutes, the first group member calls it a day. Several others start taking the trail back over the next hour. As a newcomer myself, I make a rookie mistake and ask several panners how much gold they’ve recovered. I’ve broken an unspoken rule, but the experienced panners let me off easy. They simply smile and reply, “We had a good day.” Or, “Enough to come back again.”
And that’s the final lesson from this group. No one here is planning to get rich. Over time, the luckiest may pay for their equipment, gasoline, a few sandwiches and maybe have a few dollars to spare. But the adventure, the thrill of finding gold and the camaraderie will bring them back again. Because there’s definitely more gold in these North Georgia streams!
How much did you find? Over time, the luckiest may pay for their equipment, gasoline, a few sandwiches and maybe have a few dollars to spare.
(Updated March 2022. Originally published October 2020)
As the most visited national recreation area in the country, many Cobb County and Atlanta area residents are familiar with the climb and view at Kennesaw Mountain. For those wanting a change in scenery, northerly neighbor Pine Mountain offers a panoramic view coupled with excellent hiking.
Rising to 1,562 feet at its summit, Cartersville’s Pine Mountain offers a 180+ degree view looking South toward Atlanta from the David Archer Lookout. But what exactly do you see when making the two mile and 650-plus foot vertical ascent to one of the taller mountains nearest to Atlanta?
The 1,562-foot summit of Pine Mountain is marked by this survey marker. Standing on the rocks nearest the marker provides a spectacular 180-degree panoramic view to the South.
After hiking at Pine Mountain on several occasions, our curiosity was piqued. So we went back up again on an overcast day when the ozone and humidity were relatively low. Our goal: spot, photograph and identify the key landmarks visible to the naked eye.
For the unfamiliar, this Pine Mountain is adjacent to the Army Corps of Engineers-managed area that includes Allatoona Dam, Lake Allatoona, 13,000 acres formerly owned by antebellum iron magnate Mark Anthony Cooper, and the 270 miles of shoreline created by the jagged waterline of the flood control lake. We clarify here because Georgia is home to several Pine Mountains, including the most well-known near Warm Springs, GA, home to FDR State Park, the Little White House and Calloway Gardens.
Except at non-peak times, it’s not routine to spot the native forest animals like chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, racoons, the occasional deer, and a sampling of Georgia snakes. But careful and observant hikers will spot many birds, insects and forest floor dwellers.
The trails at Cartersville’s Pine Mountain are well-traveled and well-marked dirt paths. Each features approximately 700 feet of upward elevation change, though once you descend and climb over the hilly route, an activity tracker will record more. Along the way, hikers enjoy mountainside streams; forests with towering trees, ferns, native wildflowers and other flora; and small animals including chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, racoons, the occasional deer, a sampling of Georgia snakes and lots of insects.
West Trail, for Convenience
The easiest, most convenient access to Pine Mountain trails is the West Trailhead, located on Komatsu Drive and just off I-75. But with convenience comes crowding. The large parking lot can be at or near capacity on busy weekends.
The West Trail departs the trailhead off Komatsu Drive, then heads downward to a creek, the lowest point on the hike. From there, the nearly-700 foot climb to the summit begins, up the West Loop Trail.
Hiking the West Trail to the summit and using the loop route covers approximately 2.4 miles. From the lot, the trail heads down toward Hurricane Hollow and a bridge over the creek at the lowest point on the hike. Now, the 678-foot climb to the summit begins. For the shortest (and steepest!) route up, take a right turn at the West Loop trail intersection, navigating a series of switchbacks and following the markers for the one-mile journey.
At the lowest points and along streams, the forest floor is filled with ferns. As you climb, large fields of granite rocks and huge outcroppings line the path.
Along the way under the canopy, you’ll pass patches of forest floor ferns in the wetter areas, large granite rock fields and outcroppings, and (on crowded days) potentially lots of other trail users. On the descent, follow the opposite branch of the West Loop trail for a slightly longer, but less-steep walk.
Concrete trail makers along with the blaze marks on trees along each route make navigation easy. Here, the West Loop meets the entry/exit trail to the Komatsu Drive trailhead parking lot. Don’t worry, the well-traveled paths are easy to follow.
East Trail, for Solitude, Somedays
We prefer the less-trafficked East Trail, though beware that mountain bikes are allowed here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The trail begins at a small parking lot off Georgia Spur 20, a wooded backroad that follows the shore of Lake Allatoona to its terminus at the Corps of Engineers offices and the Allatoona Dam overlook.
We prefer hiking the East Trail, as it is more isolated and less crowded most days. But beware, it’s open to mountain bikes on Wednesday and Saturday. The trail starts with a quick 40-foot climb before intersecting with the loop point. This also is the joining point to the Cooper’s Mountain Connector, if you want to extend your trip.
This loop hike begins with a quick 40-foot climb. Reaching an emergency call box, we prefer taking the left branch and heading up the steepest and shortest route (approximately 1.3 miles) to the summit. The longer return route (approximately 1.8 miles) slopes more gently, includes several switch backs, and takes a deep-dive down to follow a small stream before a short climb back to the starting point. Generally, the terrain, flora and geologic features are similar here to the West Trail.
Both West and East trails feature several switch backs. After a few of these, it can feel like you meet yourself coming and going.
Cooper’s Furnace Connector
For those looking for longer routes, the Pine Mountain trail system can be reached from Cooper’s Furnace. Just follow the (NAME) trail toward the summit, looking for a well-marked connector trail to the East Loop trail. Taking this route adds approximately 2.6 miles to the East Trail.
Since all Pine Mountain trails feature loop routes, the most common midpoint includes an extended stop at the 1,562-foot David Archer overlook. Archer Overlook features a nearly 180-degree view. facing roughly South Southeast. You can see Atlanta on a clear day, though on our visits, weather, humidity, and haze has often made spotting the city building impossible.
We were curious about what we saw at the peak, so we did a little research. The labelled picture below and the descriptions that follow should help you. (Hint: for best results, enlarge your browser settings to 150% or 200% to see the picture labels with the text below. Or, to see the picture and labels best, right click on the photo and select: Open in new tab, then enlarge that to 150%. We’re working on a rotating panorama, but so far, it’s beyond our capabilities.)
Standing on any rock near the brass US Coast and Geodetic Survey marker at the peak, your view will include, from left to right:
To see the picture and labels best, right click on the photo and select: Open in new tab, then enlarge that to 150% or greater. Items in green are closest to Pine Mountain.
Sweat Mountain, distant beyond the lakes and just over 18 miles away. Sweat Mountain rises to approximately 1,600 feet and is located between Woodstock and Alpharetta.
Red Top Mountain, in the nearby state park that bears its name, the 961-foot peak is visible behind the white boat shed roofs of Park Marina on Lake Allatoona. The question here: does Red Top really qualify as a mountain?
Buckhead and Uptown Atlanta. When humidity, ozone or air pollution don’t hide them, some of Atlanta’s tallest buildings appear next in the counter-clockwise rotation. Buildings in Buckhead are farther left, with the Bank of America Building appearing approximately 37 miles in the distance just before Kennesaw Mountain rises to block the view of downtown.
On a clear day without haze, humidity or air pollution, Atlanta’s tallest buildings are visible from Buckhead to Midtown. Just look directly over the communications tower on Vineyard Mountain to find them. At far right, the Bank of America Building, approximately 37 miles away.
Vineyard Mountain, just under 1.5 miles away, Vineyard Mountain forms the southern anchor wall of the Allatoona Dam. You’ll may spot a communication tower rising from near the 1,348-foot peak of Vineyard Mountain, which also is home to several strenuous hiking trails.
Kennesaw Mountain, approximately 17 miles in the distance, and to the right of Vineyard Mountain. Hikers and history buffs will recognize the higher peak of Kennesaw Mountain at 1,801 feet, and the lower, 1,624-ft peak of Little Kennesaw, both of which housed dominating cannon placements during the Civil War battle.
Signal Mountain tops out at 1,178 feet, the slightly-tallest and center of three closely-grouped, nearby peaks.
Cartersville Mining District, including the currently-operating New Riverside Ochre Company. Including the nearby area defined by the US Bureau of Land Management, the Cartersville Mining District lists 347 registered mines, including 130 producing locations and several registered as prospecting for gold and titanium.
Etowah Historical Site. Featuring mounds built by Etowah tribes between 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., this state historical site is located four miles away on the Etowah River.
Georgia Power’s Plant Bowen. A large complex 10.5 miles away, Plant Bowen is sometimes confused for a nuclear plant because cooling towers shapes. The four-unit Bowen Steam Plant is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the US. Often, white condensation clouds rise upwards from the towers.
City of Cartersville. Just before the tree line resumes, the City of Cartersville spreads out below. Look closely and you may spot the golden dome of the historic Bartow County Courthouse reflecting sunbeams.
Who Was David Archer?
Our curiosity was piqued by the name of the overlook at Pine Mountain. If yours is, too, here’s a short bit of the backstory.
Our Garmin Activity Stats
As usual, we tracked our activity with our trusty Garmin Vivoactive HR watch, which includes GPS, altitude, pace, and heart rate information. We’ve posted it below for the West and East Trails. Remember when looking at exertion data that the device was attached to a 63-year-old man.
We’ve added labels (in orange) to our maps. Plus, the colors on the trails indicate our relative traveling speeds:
Blue/Green: Stop and slowest
Yellow, Orange, Burnt Orange, Red: Accelerating to fastest
West Trail, July 2020, at 81F
Hiking with our daughter and two grandsons, aged seven and five, and a small, curious dog on a leash, we meandered up the left fork to the summit in 41 minutes, taking the left fork of the loop trail first.
East Trail, October 2020, 61F
My wife, Glenda, and I hiked this alone, taking the left and shortest route up first.
Don’t Miss Nearby
Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area. Great river views, family-friendly hiking trails, a playground plus ruins of an old manufacturing site. A parking pass is required, but free with a National Park pass.
Allatoona Dam. Enter Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area and follow the access road to the end. Park, and walk along the paved path for great views of the dam.
Red Top Mountain State Park. Across Lake Allatoona from Pine Mountain, the Red Top Mountain State Park offers lakefront hiking, boat rentals at the marina, and lots of picnic areas.
Etowah State Historical Site. One of Georgia’s state historical site, it features a small museum full of artifacts plus walking access to the three tallest mounds.
Cartersville Lunch Spots. We’re always hungry after our morning hikes. Some of our favorite post-hike stops in Cartersville include Ross Diner, a tiny joint at 17 N. Wall St. with no website, Moore’s Gourmet Market, and Appalachian Grill, the most upscale of the bunch.
Other Fun Family Fare
We have lots of other local, Georgia and regional adventures on the menu, too. Just head to our home page at OurTravelCafe.com and browse the nearly 60 options for family fun.
Deciding to broaden our travel experiences, we rented an RV for a long weekend trip. Our reasoning: we could enjoy fall weather at a nearby location and test-drive the RV trip experience. Then we could decide about a week-long rental to Disney World and other RV trips beyond.
Our destination: FD Roosevelt State Park, located near Pine Mountain, GA. It’s Georgia’s largest state park featuring camping, hiking, fishing, boating and more.
Here are a few things we learned about renting and having fun on RV trips:
Choose carefully. For a first-time renter, selection can be a daunting task. We found peer-to-peer sites RVShare.com and Outdoorsy.com to be excellent sources to compare RV options, amenities, prices and availability. Extended resources (like blogs and user reviews) offer excellent tips and insights, both on what to expect and specific experiences with the rental units and owners. Carefully consider the number, ages and sizes of your travelers and potential sleeping arrangements. Think about bed times (early for young children, but not others), personal habits (who takes forever in the bathroom!), any physical requirements (frequent nighttime bathroom needs?) and your meal plans (cook and carry, campfire cooking or other). Don’t forget to evaluate included (or excluded!) amenities, like extras sheets, towels, cookware and a coffee pot – or you’ll need to bring them along from home
Peer-to-Peer rental sites were helpful sources to compare RV options, amenities, prices and availability.
Understand your bathroom expectations. Most larger RVs include bathrooms, but don’t expect them to match up with an ensuite in an HGTV luxury home. They often are functional, basic and cramped. Hot water is in limited supply, shower space is tight, toilets can be complicated, and every drop of water that is used must later be drained. For us, the bathroom was used in limited fashion by the younger travelers and for less-odiferous bodily functions. For two days, our girls of all ages preferred the camper shower rather than using the camp ground bath house, but by day 3 sought out the space and luxurious hot water supply of the bath house.
Communicate with the owner. Rental sites make this relatively easy. And you should consider the timeliness, thoroughness, and attentiveness of your unit owner in the pre-rental decision period. While not a guarantee, a timely, responsive pre-rental owner likely will be a helpful, flexible and considerate owner throughout the experience. After much consideration, we selected a Coachman Freelander 31BH, rated to sleep 8 people, offering two slide-outs for extra space and a bunk-house configuration that could have accommodated a few more kids. The unit owner, Ken, was very helpful during the consideration process, answering questions by e-mail quickly and offering practical advice. He worked personally with us to overcome some schedule and coordination issues that made the pick-up, familiarization and return process super-easy. And when we discovered we left a few personal items behind, he mailed them back to us.
After much consideration, we selected a Coachman Freelander 31BH, rated to sleep 8 people, offering two slide-outs for extra space and a bunk-house configuration.
Make a packing list. We do this no matter where we’re traveling. But since this was a first camping and RV excursion, we took extra care to create our packing list. Multiple clothing types, extra socks and shoes, rain gear, pre-cooked refrigerated foods for quick warming, beverages and snacks, fresh fruit and more all made the list, as did the Vitamix blender which travels with us on almost all non-airline trips. We included bicycles, fishing gear, play toys for the little boys, our favorite electronic devices for communication, reading, entertainment and pictures, and all the requisite charging devices. We were confident we had it all.
We took extra care to create a packing list. We were confident we had it all. As soon as we hit the road, we realized what we left behind. Avoid this rookie mistake by comparing to an RV veteran’s list.
Double-check an experienced RVer’s packing list. When we compared our list with the voice and lists of the experienced, we realized everything we had forgotten. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t do this until AFTER we were confidently and distantly on the road. To avoid our rookie mistake, check the rental sites, RV blogs and Pinterest boards at least a week in advance of your departure.
Bring your little red wagon. Even if it feels like you’ve packed everything but the kitchen sink, go back to your garage and take along your little red wagon. Seriously, do it! Thinking about this in advance cuts down on the loading process, trips and personal carrying weight. If you’re doing RV trips with kids and grand kids, having the wagon along provides some easy activities and much-needed respite from carrying tired, crying young ones.
Bring your little red wagon. It provides some easy activities and much-needed respite from carrying tired, crying young ones.
Tools, bungee cords and rope are your friends. Thankfully, on my final home lock-up check before departure, I grabbed this short list of last-minute items. Maybe my dad was whispering in my ear from four states away, or maybe it was my years of Boy Scout experience. Whatever the source of inspiration, the trip was made immensely easier with these handy and much-used items. Tools were essential for some quick gear adjustment. Bungee cords made it much easier to carry fishing rods and extra gear.
Consider your excursion requirements. Class A and Class C RVs are great for RV trips — once you get to the campground. But you don’t want to depend on them as your daily transportation. Thus, if you plan side trips, local excursions or other essential travel, have a backup transportation plan. For us, that was a second vehicle.
If you’re going to take excursions or side trips, you’ll need a second vehicle. We brought our own van, then also used one of these rental vans at Wildlife Safari Park near Pine Mountain, GA.
Don’t expect to save money. If you want a budget trip, RV rental is not a good option. In addition to the nightly rental fee and any campground space rental, you’ll likely have to arrange for extra insurance and some incidental costs (LP gas, extra mileage or generator use fees, cleaning fees, etc.) charged with some rentals. Fuel costs can also be expensive, depending on the unit you choose and your travel distance. Plus, depending on amenities provided or excluded, you may find yourself making some extra purchases.
As mentioned at the start, this was a test-drive for a potential week-long, longer-distance trip to Disney World. That’s out – we’re going to rent a home that accommodates additional family members and provides a few more luxuries for the long days at theme parks.
We’ve decided that we enjoyed the RV experience and are looking forward to future adventures in a rented RV — but not for the week-long Disney World Trip. We’re going to rent a house that comfortably accommodates more family members.
Still, after the weekend, we’ve decided that we enjoyed the RV experience and are looking forward to future adventures in a rented RV. Those likely will be similar to this most recent trip – long weekends, or close-by journeys that may include two or three stops of multiple days in “natural” settings. Additional Georgia state parks, trips to the Smokey Mountains or maybe a beach excursion to the Golden Isles of the South Georgia coast are all considerations. Renting a unit in Denver or another Western city, flying in for the pickup, and then RV-journeying for a National Park adventure is another possibility. We might consider doing something similar to explore the natural wonders of the upper Northeast US and Novia Scotia.
And, we have marked our calendars for an upcoming regional RV and camping show to explore more options. Who knows where that will lead!
After the weekend, we’ve decided that we enjoyed the RV experience and are looking forward to future adventures in a rented RV. Those likely will be long weekends, or close-by journeys that include two or three stops of multiple days in “natural” settings.
Helpful RV Planning Resources:
As always, there’s a wealth of information available from experienced travelers, first-timers, and other sources. Here are a few we found helpful:
RVShare.com: We used this peer-to-peer site to location units, compare and price options, communicate with owners and, ultimately, complete our rental transaction. The filter and search features simplify the process. And if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the home page, you’ll find a footer link to a valuable blog site. RVShare.com includes roadside assistance with each rental, and offers a rewards program.
Outdoorsy.com: We discovered this site later in our search and found that many of the units we considered are listed on both sites with similar or same transaction terms. Overall, we think Outdoorsy.Com is more user friendly, especially in the trip planning and travel tips. When we rent again, we’ll definitely come here.
19 Things You Should Know. We read this and several other posts by Erin and Josh Bender. The writing was fun and the insights useful.
RV Blogs: Just do a google search and you’ll discover many. We avoided those that focused on full-time RV living, and instead gravitated to blogs that focused on destinations and tips. Some we liked best included Everything About RVing, and GO RVing. We also checked out a variety of dealership sites — mostly to check out future ideas for remote rentals. We liked Lazy Days among the best.
Campgrounds: While we choose F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, GA, as our first destination, the options are endless. If you’re considering a US National Park, you’ll want to visit Recreation.Gov for reservations and planning tips. For commercial options, check out GoodSamClub.Com and KOA.Com
I’ve traveled to Chicago each May for over 30 years for the National Restaurant Association trade show. Plus, working for large companies with major customers and events near Chicago, I’m a regular traveler to Chi-town. And now, we have two kids and grandkids who live there. While I didn’t always travel through Midway Airport, it is my airport of choice when Chicago is my destination.
Now, picking Midway Airport over O’Hare is about the same as choosing between dentists for a root canal. No matter your choice, you’re going to hate being there for at least 90 minutes. But, once you leave, hopefully it will be better.
The sign reads, “We’re Glad You’re Here!” But picking Midway over O’Hare is about the same as choosing between dentists for a root canal.
If you get the impression that Midway Airport is not my favorite airport and you’re prepared to endure a bit of teenage-style whining from a 65+-year-old experienced airport traveler, read on. Otherwise, I encourage you to select our BLOG option and find something else.
Midway’s short runways require a final dive like a hungry bird of prey in pursuit of a tasty snack. Before the wheels touch the ground, give your seat belt a firm tug and lock your hands to your armrests.
Here are the best things I can say about traveling through Midway Airport. First, it’s closer to downtown Chicago than it’s big sister O’Hare. That makes it faster and cheaper to access the lakefront and Miracle Mile locations we generally associate with the Windy City. Second, Midway has a sort of rough, chip-on-its-shoulder functionality that is perfect for Chicago’s reputation as “The Second City.” And third is Southwest Airlines, the primary carrier at Midway.
For pre-flight exercise, we walk down the hidden concourse to gates 4A and 4B, enjoying the solitude and Chicago photos.
Then there are the worst things about Midway Airport. First is Southwest Airlines, which once kept airfares low and flight announcements fun. But here, the “fun” of Southwest’s cattle-car chic simply amplifies all the airport’s sardine-can characteristics.
Second, is everything else, and that includes:
Bone-jarring, tire-squealing, nail-biting landings. Midway’s short runways require pilots to glide on a long path, then make a final dive like a hungry bird of prey in pursuit of a tasty snack. Before the wheels touch the ground, give your seatbelt a firm tug and lock your hands to your armrests otherwise the reverse thrusters and full brakes may give your face a fast introduction to the seat back in front of you.
Close calls in crowded airspace. No one will tell you this officially, but nearby O’Hare – the nation’s second busiest airport – seems to get all the good air routings. Thus, Midway flights often make twists and turns around that other traffic, resulting in some interesting routes, sightseeing and opportunities to make new friends. I’m sure it was my imagination, but one flight seemed so close to a larger plane that I could have reached out and shared the much-better in-flight snack from the equally-shocked international first-class passenger.
The Orange Line. The walk from Midway Airport terminal to the Orange Line station is a long and winding path, mostly through a parking garage. Then you experience the joy of the Chicago L, with it’s aging, noisy, rickety cars and uncomfortable seats. Experienced Orange Line travelers often take the 20-minute ride to Roosevelt Station, then get a taxi to avoid the northbound turn and slow clockwise travel around the elevated loop from which the L gets its name. And if you want to join the local argument about L versus EL to refer to the train system, the CTA provided the definitive (or debateable) answer.
Now, if you’re feeling a bit stressed out about having extra time at Midway, here are five things you can do to kill time (rather than yourself!) and enjoy some relative quiet if you’re stuck in this purgatory between the city and your origination or destination:
Experience the Battle of Midway. No, it’s not a scuffle among passengers about line position at the Dunkin’ Donuts kiosk, though that is a thing, too! Midway Airport’s name memorializes the World War II Battle of Midway, which occurred June 4-7, 1942 in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. A well-conceived and informative display on the walk over to the A Concourse commemorates the battle. The multi-media display provides some little-known information about Chicago’s role in the naval preparations for the Pacific campaigns. If you thought Navy Pier was just a catchy name for a lakefront entertainment complex, stop here to learn how it once was home to Lake Michigan aircraft carriers where farm and city boys trained to become heroic pilots. The display is easy to find, next to the Douglass SBD Dauntless dive bomber, now suspended from the ceiling after being pulled from the bottom of Lake Michigan, the result of a training flight crash.
Down Concourse C and away from the main gate traffic of Southwest Airlines, you’ll find peace, solitude, the USO, and mother’s lounge, the airport chapel and even a yoga room.
2. Peace, Solitude and Yoga. TSA Pre-Check users exit security on Concourse C, and nearly all make an immediate left turn toward the hectic hubbub of Concourse B and Southwest departures. But turn right and it’s like escaping to an archipelago of near-deserted islands on this lesser-used concourse. If it seems as quiet as a church, you may have found the airport chapel, which indeed is located here, too. Ditto the Yoga Room, part of a 2014 airport upgrade that keyed in on a growing interest in fitness travel. Next door, a Mother’s Room offers privacy for nursing moms. And a few steps further down, a USO lounge is a home away from home for traveling military and their families. I once used Concourse C as my near-private traveling office, but now Frontier uses these gates.
Kayaking in Lincoln Park, the Garfield Park Conservatory and a south-side view of the Museum of Science and Industry from Jackson Park are featured in the collection of Chicago photos on Concourse A. If you’ve never visited these locations, I highly recommend all of them.
3. “In Case You Missed It” Photo Tour. Over on Concourse A, beyond the Battle of Midway exhibit and hidden off to the left just beyond the restaurants is a small hallway that leads to the almost-secret gates 4A and 4B. Along the way is a great photographic collection of Chicago city landmarks, attractions and scenes, some of which I had never seen until walking this concourse. With a few extra minutes to flight time, you also may discover some of hidden Chicago to put on your visit list for a return trip.
4. Chicago Food Scene Refresh. A Covid-time restaurant refresh brought new options to Midway. Hometown McDonald’s is gone. Harry Cary’s occupies a mid-concourse space in Concourse A. Updated hometown offers include Cafe L’Appetito, imported from downtown and Lakeview. There’s Southside-based Home Run Inn Pizza. James Beard award winner and former Michelin-starred restaurant owner Takashi Yagihashi is the force behind Tabo Sushi, where you can watch your order be prepared. My favorite remaining option is Reilly’s Daughter, a sit-down Irish pub in the center food court area which doubled its size during the airport refresh. Plus, we usually get our carry-on popcorn at either Garrett’s or Nuts on Clark, where the lines are shorter than in-town stores. I also find the mid-concourse counter service locations to be both convenient and — well, ok, just convenient. But those locations also squeezed concourse traffic more, which affects the following activity.
For our onboard dining pleasure on Southwest, we usually grab some carry-on popcorn at either Garrett’s or Nuts on Clark
5. Terminal Walking. Before we get on flights, we like to work off our energy with a brisk walk. Since Midway is a small and often-crowded airport beyond security, walking takes some ingenuity and determination. Our favorite walk avoids the most-crowded Concourse B. Instead, we walk up Concourse C, then track back to Concourse A. We turn left and walk down the hidden concourse to gates 4A and 4B, then return to the main Concourse A, and turn left to the end. One round-trip is just over one mile, according to my Garmin activity watch. If you add a circle of the crowded concourse B, that tacks on an extra ½ mile, but you better have the peripheral vision and cutback moves of a first-rate NFL running back if you want to move through the slow-moving leisure-travel crowds faster than a mobility scooter.
If you must have a sit-down meal in Midway, opt for Reilly’s Daughter, an Irish Pub near the airport center. With two bar areas and a large window seating area, it’s the best of bad dining options.
More on Midway Meals
While I’ve noted the food refresh, just be aware: Midway is not a food destination. Making a decision on any food outlet simply is hoping you choose the best of the bad options. While the outlets all have different names, they are all managed by a single catering company which seems to specialize in hiring grumpy people and then converting them to full-blown angry through bad practices and horrible management.
Chicago once was the home of the now-closed Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s themed restaurant where eternally-insulting waitstaff was part of the shtick. And along the Chicago River near downtown, Dick’s Last Resort remains as a themed dive where similarly-grumpy staff entertains with their attitude. By contrast, the attitude of Midway waitstaff at the sit-down restaurants isn’t an act – they genuinely hate their jobs and will let everyone in the restaurant know about it loudly and continually in the running exchanges they have among themselves and at your table.
Since Chicago is a great food city, if you can, eat before you leave the city or wait until you arrive there to avoid the long wait-monsters of Midway.
Curious about restaurant food and amenities? The QI-coded signs are a huge help, as is the order-ahead option for food.This was current in February 2023.
Chicago is a great food city. Eat before you leave the city or wait until you arrive there and avoid the wait-monsters of Midway.
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Chicago’s Midway memorial at Midway Airport commemorates Chicago’s roles in WWII.
If you’re inspired by the Winter Olympics, now is the time to get outside and enjoy winter activities. Though Georgia doesn’t offer most Olympic sports like skiing, bobsledding or luge, winter is a great time to reconnect with Georgia outdoors by hiking or walking.
We love driving to the North Georgia mountains for remote hikes. But pressed for time, many locations closer-in to Atlanta, Marietta, and Cobb and neighboring counties offer convenient access. And you’ll find diverse terrain and nature or urban walks sure to please experienced and new outdoors people.
Hiking doesn’t require a long drive from Atlanta or its suburbs. Many locations close-in to Atlanta, Marietta, and Cobb and neighboring counties offer convenient access, diverse terrain and great views, like this one at East Palisades.
With mild temperatures and sunny days, winter is a great time of year for Georgia hikes and walks. As you explore outdoor ideas, some of the included links may contain advertising where the website or author may receive payments.
Dedicated and novice hikers agree on the many reasons to love winter hiking in Georgia. Here are a few examples of nearby hiking spots for those craving a winter outdoors experience:
Kennesaw Mountain
The most-visited national battlefield park in the US, the locals consider KeMo a premier hiking spot for mountain-top views, wildlife sightings and trail variety. Sunrise and sunset hikes feature colorful panoramas. Our favorite loop hike travels up KeMo’s backside, through “the big zig,” over the saddle and back down to the visitor center.
In addition to views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the city of Atlanta, winter sunrises and sunsets at Kennesaw Mountain often are haze-free.
Marietta Mountain-to-River Trail
A multi-use recreation trail, we often bike this route. Around Marietta Square, walking is best, plus there’s lots of history and easy access to shopping and dining. Stop in at the Gone With the Wind Museum along the way for a break and some entertainment nostalgia. Plus, the on-trend food hall, Marietta Square Market, is adjacent to the trail, great for meals and snacks.
The on-trend food hall, Marietta Square Market, is a perfect drop-in for a quick snack or liquid refreshment when walking the Mountain-to-River trail.
Allatoona Pass Battlefield
If you’re looking for a flat trail through the woods, this is it. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed, passing through a deep mountain cut and alongside Lake Allatoona. And, if you want some elevation, side trails climb the bluffs with lots of historical markers along the way. In addition to history, there are great views and some access to Lake Allatoona to cool your feet. Just across the water, you can enjoy winding walks in the woods at Red Top Mountain State Park.
The main trail at Allatoona Pass Battlefield is a flat, abandoned railroad. Side trails climb the bluffs, while others offer lakeside access. In the spring, be sure to look for the nesting ospreys on the nearby platform.
Walking in Woodstock
No, not THAT Woodstock, but, rather Woodstock, GA. Located just up I-575, park downtown and enjoy the Noonday Creek greenway trail, a three-mile round-trip out-and-back walk. Or drop in at the Woodstock visitor’s center on Main Street in the historic Dean’s Store and pick up the map for a 1.7-mile self-guided history hike. If you choose to do both, you’ll want to leave time for refreshments in the wonderful downtown.
East and West Palisades
Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, these forested preserves straddle Interstates 75 and 275 in Cobb County. Paths at both East and West Palisades follow the Chattahoochee River, offering frequent views at riverside and from high above on the neighboring hills. Away from the riverbanks, hardwood forests and small streams are home to a variety of wildlife. A bamboo forest also is a hidden surprise at East Palisades.
Lullwater Preserve
Inside the Perimeter and tucked quietly between Emory University and the Atlanta VA Medical Center, nature blends with abandoned infrastructure in this natural oasis among urban surroundings. Walk along scenic Peachtree Creek to find a hidden suspension bridge and ruins of an abandoned powerhouse.
Peer skyward through the open roof of the abandoned power house at Lullwater Preserve. It’s a hidden hiking gem inside the perimeter.
Stone Mountain
With trails ranging from under one mile to five miles, Stone Mountain delivers on family-friendly hiking experiences. The Walk-Up Trail is most popular, climbing nearly 800 vertical feet to the top of the granite monolith. The Loop Trail circles the mountain, through the woods and along the lakes, delivering on great views with less climbing. For the least-adventurous, try the Nature Garden trail, a .75-mile route around creeks and gardens.
Even More Georgia Hiking Ideas
There are lots of summit view hikes within an hour of Atlanta. Kennesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain and Indian Seats are all great hikes within a short drive of the perimeter. For more hiking ideas farther out in the North Georgia mountains, check out the Georgia Small Plates section at OurTravelCafe.com. Other great hiking reference resources include the Atlanta Trails website and All-Trails.
If you’re a Facebook user, consider joining these groups for more Georgia hiking ideas:
There are lots of summit views within an hour of Atlanta. Kennesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain and Indian Seats are all great hikes within a short drive of the perimeter.
