We’ve visited Duke’s Creek Falls near Helen, GA, in all seasons. And there’s no doubt in our mind which season is the best for a visit to these water falls. Stick with us to learn more.
Before you go, know that Duke’s Creek Falls is on a trail system in the Chattahoochee National Forest in North Georgia. The parking area is just off GA route 348, also known as the Richard Russel Scenic Byway. It’s about 10 minutes west of Helen, GA, or 30 minutes south and east of Vogel State Park, where the park’s refurbished cabins are a great multi-day base. Unicoi State Park near Helen is even closer, though we prefer the rustic and more natural feel at Vogel to the glamping, lodge and resort activities at Unicoi. Hey, but you do you!
Dukes Creek Falls is just off GA route 348, also known as the Richard Russel Scenic Byway for obvious reasons. It’s about 10 minutes west of Helen, GA
Distant View
Arriving at the trail, you can get a distant glimpse of the falls just a short walk from the parking lot. Binoculars will help you see the falls far in the distance. But if you take the 1.1 mile trail down, the payoff is a much closer and better view.
The walk down is easy, but remember that you’ll have to walk back up, too. So if you don’t have good walking or hiking shoes or an adequate supply of water, think twice before starting down. Also consider your fitness before descending as there is only one route in and out.
The falls are visible (center left) from an observation area near the parking lot. Binoculars will help. But the view is much better when you hike the trail.
Our crew loves the wide dirt path, filled with switchbacks down into the valley. As you descend, you’ll get closer to the creeks which form the falls, and you’ll spot lots of small falls and rapids along the way.
A boardwalk leads to the observation deck, then the trails. We’ve made the hike at age 66 with our teenager and grandkids. Want to guess who complained most about the grade and tiredness?
Two Waterfalls
At trail’s end, you’re treated to two waterfalls. The smaller falls, to your right at the end of the boardwalk, actually is where Duke’s Creek plunges down into the valley. (That’s the photo at the top of this post!)
High up and to the left, Davis Creek cascades more than 150-feet down the mountainside.
Trees and other greenery line the mountainside, obscuring much of the falls during spring, summer and fall. Now, if we had to pick a second-best time to visit, it would be fall. The colors along the trail and in the surrounding mountains can be spectacular. Remember the highway name – Richard Russel SCENIC Byway? And with some of the leaves falling or fallen, the view of the falls is more open.
Davis Creeks tumbles approximately 150-feet down the mountainside to create the larger, cascading falls. When deciduous trees loose their leaves, you’ll get a more unobstructed view.
Why Winter?
But for us, there’s no time like winter to visit Duke’s Creek for the best view of the falls. With most of the leaves gone, you can really appreciate the height of the falls — and the twisting, turning, plunging route the water follows down. And without leaves to absorb some of the sound, the falls really roar into the valley in the winter.
Without leaves to absorb some of the sound, the falls really roar into the valley in the winter.
Now, we’ve also spotted waders and swimmers in the creek in the summer – not recommended and against the rules, but it’s a thing. And you certainly wouldn’t want to do that in the winter.
One more tip. We like to get an early start, hike down before 10 am, and return to the parking lot by noon. That way, we avoid lots of other visitors, many of whom like late morning and afternoon visits.
Other Nearby Natural Treats
We often combine our visits to Duke’s Creek with other waterfall visits in the area. The twin waterfalls at Anna Ruby Falls are about 20 minutes to the Northeast past Helen. If you didn’t do the walk down to Duke’s Creek, you may want to give Anna Ruby Falls a visit. It’s a shorter and easier walk, with the slight uphill section on the way to the falls.
Two creeks create the twin falls at Anna Ruby Falls. The tallest measures 150-feet; the shorter 50-feet.
If you are coming from Vogel State Park, you’ll also want to check out Trahlyta Falls at the park. Our grandkids enjoyed climbing around the edges, and learned exactly how cold the water was, even in the summer. Plus, it’s easy to visit Helton Creek Falls on the way to Duke’s Creek.
Our littles learned a lesson about water temperature at the edges of Trahlyta Falls at Vogel State Park.
If you believe the movie and pop culture cliches about Italian restaurants, then the best will be small and dark. All seating will be away from the windows and quiet booths lining the walls. They’ll be the perfect place to enjoy a large, traditional meal, all in surroundings perfect for plotting violence against a mob rival, bribing a local politician or conducting an illicit amorous rendezvous.
Plus the classic Italian meal piled high with pasta and protein will be served from a family-operated kitchen. And your table attended by waiters who give you attention without hovering over your table and talks.
The best Italian restaurants are dark, with seating away from the windows and quiet booths lining the walls. We checked those boxes at Provino’s.
If that’s also your idea of a great Italian restaurant, then drop into Provino’s in Kennesaw, one of seven family-owned locations operating in the Atlanta area since 1977.
Friendly Service, No Rush
We stopped in for a Friday lunch, our first return visit since the pandemic. The fact that much remained unchanged about the location, food and service was one of the delights of the visit. We were greeted and attended by friendly staff. Service was prompt and consistent without feeling rushed, and the large variety of classic dishes were just what we craved on a cool winter day.
With fresh rolls swimming in a garlic butter and topped with fresh grilled garlic, I wondered if I would even need a lunch order.
Settling into a large, comfortable booth, we appreciated that we were surrounded by other diners, but still able to enjoy private conversations. Families, shoppers, seniors and businesspeople surrounded us. In other rooms, a few large parties enjoyed birthday parties and other gatherings. We didn’t witness any plotting, bribing or illicit activities, but then, we were focused on making food selections from the broad menu, so who knows?
Decisions, Decisions
Since we were having difficulty making decisions about our Italian meal, our friendly waitress took our drink orders. Then she returned with the family-style salad bowl and fresh-baked garlic rolls. Once I got reacquainted with the bowl of steaming rolls swimming in a garlic sauce and topped with fresh grilled garlic, I wondered if I would even need a lunch order.
The generous fresh salad bowl included lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers and grated cheese, plus an surprise serving of beets.
Meanwhile, my wife dove into the salad bowl, which included lettuce, tomatoes, onion and peppers, plus a generous serving of beets.
We pulled our attention from the accompaniments long enough to make food decisions. Glenda selected her all-time favorite, chicken parmesan. Keeping it in the parm family, I chose eggplant parmesan. We both chose a side of spaghetti, topped with meat sauce rather than the marinara choice.
Our plates arrived a few minutes later, filled and steaming, topped with that beautiful deep red tomato sauce. To our surprise, despite already consuming salad and rolls, we indeed were ready for the main course.
After cutting away a piece, my eggplant parmesan still filled the large bowl, featuring lightly fried eggplant slices layered in ricotta, meat sauce and mozzarella.
Our Parm-apalooza
My eggplant parm featured lightly fried eggplant slices layered generously in ricotta, meat sauce and mozzarella. It completely filled the large round serving bowl, and I knew immediately I’d be carrying out a take-home plate.
The same preparation delighted my wife with her chicken parm. Her dish was served on the same plate as the spaghetti and meat sauce side, while mine was a true side dish.
At first bite, the warm, soothing dish met our every expectation for taste, texture, and comfort. If there was a perfect choice on a cool day, this warm meal in friendly surroundings was it. But despite our best and determined efforts, we finally surrendered to the massive servings and asked for carry-out boxes. That also meant we passed (this time!) on our favorite tiramisu and spumoni desserts which we had enjoyed on prior visits.
Check the operating hours. Some locations open for lunch, while others offer only dinner service.
When our check arrived, we were delighted again. Our per-person meal cost was no more than outings with our grandkids to the nearby Olive Garden. But suffice it to say our Italian meal and experience at Provino’s were substantially different, superior and delightful to that forced-family-fun at the chain restaurant.
Before you go to Provino’s Kennesaw or other locations for an Italian meal, check the operating hours. Some locations open for lunch, while others offer only dinner service. And be aware that at Kennesaw, while they are open for lunch, only a dinner-portion and price menu is available.
Before gold was discovered in North Georgia in 1829, only hunters and a few settlers had come to the mountainous area that was home to the Cherokee and other native tribes. But when word spread that gold nuggets were being unearthed in the area, the nation’s second gold rush was on.
On August 1, 1829, the Georgia Journal newspaper included this account:
“GOLD. A gentleman of the first respectability in Habersham county, writes us thus under date of 22d July: ‘Two gold mines have just been discovered in this county, and preparations are making to bring these hidden treasures of the earth to use.’ So it appears that what we long anticipated has come to pass at last, namely, that the gold region of North and South Carolina, would be found to extend into Georgia.”
At the center of the gold rush was the small town of Dahlonega, GA. Quickly filling with prospectors and others, the rough-and-tumble town grew quickly, including a local branch of the US Mint to process the local bounty.
The Consolidated Gold Mine Tour takes visitors far below ground — and the local Walmart — for a look at some of Georgia’s gold history.
Today, a few prospectors still pan for gold in area streams, and others dig into hillsides. Dahlonega’s gold-rich past is well documented at the local gold museum. And like many other towns in America, the local Walmart is a beacon for area shoppers.
Wonders Below Walmart
But under this Walmart, you’ll find a gold mine, including deep shafts open to exploration as part of a gold mine tour.
The Consolidated Gold Mine operated for only 11 years before being abandoned in 1906. Unlike traditional mines which follow veins of gold, miners dug out quartz from the Dahlonega hillside shafts. Then, in a 120-stamp mill nearby, the quartz was crushed to recover the gold.
According to local accounts, while mining was difficulty, dirty and dangerous, high pay drew miners into the mine’s deep corridors. Farmers might earn an average of 30 cents for their never-ending work tilling the surface soil. But miners could make $1 per day for each 12-hour shift.
We joined a small-group tour of the Consolidated Gold Mine along with our grandkids, part of a weekend get-away to nearby Vogel State Park. Descending the three sets stairs and additional ramps into the mine, our guide regaled us with history and legends of Dahlonega’s gold rush past.
Directional signs, an historical market and the appropriately-named Gold Mine Shopping Center lead to the historic mine.Photo from HMBD.org
Watch for Cars!
Deep below ground, we walked through the abandoned shaft, careful not to trip on the remaining mine car tracks that follow the route. When all was quiet, the only sound was water dripping down along the rock down into the mountain.
When our guide turned out the lights, we were surrounded by dark nothingness, unable to see even our hands a few inches in front of our face.
During our 40-minute tour, we walked through several hundred feet of the mine. We were glad we brought jackets, as the underground temperature hovered in the mid-to-high 50F-degree range. Along the way, saw some of the old mining equipment used in the mine, and learned about the techniques used to recover the quartz and gold.
After the tour, we joined in a demonstration of gold panning. Our grandsons delighted in the activity, especially when they found the tiny gold flakes they got to keep as souvenirs of the adventure.
Our guide regaled us with legends and lore, and also demonstrated old mining equipment.
Finding More with Drones
We learned that the mine’s owners hired a high-tech firm to explore more of the historic mine’s reach, in hopes of opening more of the mine to visits. Using ground penetrating radar, plus flying and underwater drones, the firm created 3-D and other detailed maps of abandoned tunnels. In all, they estimated that Consolidated’s holdings in its multiple mines included more than 4.5 miles of tunnels. They were hoping to open additional tunnels to touring, which may require a return visit in the near future.
We explored a few hundred feet of the mine which is open to the public, but there are an estimated 4.5 miles of abandoned and closed shafts here.
Where’s the Gold Today?
Consolidated’s owners know there’s more gold hiding in and around its tunnels. But the cost of recovering the remaining gold would exceed the estimated value, so it remains undisturbed underground. But prospectors who pan for gold in streams nearby still find gold flakes.
Now, if you want to find today’s gold, look above the mine at Walmart. The average Walmart store brings in more than $82 million each year for its corporate shareholders. Overall, Walmart’s global earnings topped $572 billion — yes, BILLION, with a B! — making it the world’s largest retailer and one of the most valuable global brands. So, today, prospectors might do better investing in Walmart than in panning or digging for gold.
More Consolidated Mines History
Mining is a dangerous activity, for miners and investors. Consolidated Mines LTD was founded with a value of $5 million. The company used a variety of promotion methods to gain attention and attract investors. You can learn more about mining, mine investment and how Consolidated pursued new investors by checking out this 1899 pamphlet. It details the property, equipment, and land use rights of the Dahlonega Consolidated Gold Mining Company. Plus, it served as informational and promotional material to potential investors.
For a narrative history , long-time tour guide Greg Sheppard researched and wrote a book entitled, The Rise and Fall of the Mighty Consolidated Gold Mine. The book is for sale at the mine, and at other locations in Dahlonega.
Unless you’re a history or Civil War buff, there’s little reason for you to know about or have cause to visit the Pickett’s Mill Historic Battlefield Site. But if you do find yourself off the beaten path or exploring Northwest Georgia, you can discover some little-known history, enjoy good hiking and perhaps even learn why Union soldiers and their families were determined to keep the memory of this battle alive even though it was one of the last Union defeats of the war.
For those a little rusty on Civil War history, this battle was part of General William T. Sherman’s campaign from April to September, 1863, to capture Atlanta and destroy the South’s railroad, supply and manufacturing hub. Sherman’s army followed the Western and Atlantic railroad line, which ran approximately 130 miles through the dense forest hill country. In late May, with General Joe Johnston’s Confederate forces in a commanding position at the narrow Allatoona Pass, Sherman sent part of his army west away from the railroad and through the thick forest to bypass the Confederates. The Battles of New Hope Church (May 25, 1863) and Pickett’s Mill (May 27, 1863) resulted from this decision, and both battles were lost by the Union Army.
Pickett’s Mill is referred to as the forgotten battle as General Sherman didn’t include any account of the loss in his official reports or in his published memoirs.
Pickett’s Mill often is referred to as the forgotten battle as Sherman didn’t include any account of the loss in his official reports to Washington, nor did he include any mention of it in his published memoirs. No significant news of the battle was included in Northern newspapers, which tended to cover the largest battles, battles for large cities, or — by this point in the war — glorious Union victories. Word of the Confederate victory was but a whisper in the South, lost among the mounting defeats, declining morale and near panic of Atlanta’s impending doom. And despite the scarred landscape left behind, the battlefield largely was forgotten in the years following the war, with the exact location known by only a few local historians and some determined relic hunters.
The original mill site of the Pickett family mill, which served a local farming community. The creek was named Pumpkinvine Creek during the war, and the name was changed by the Georgia legislature.
If you’re into Civil War history and want a detailed account of the battle, you can read The Battle of Pickett’s Mill: Along the Dead Line, by Brad Butkovich. (I linked to Amazon, but is available from other outlets if you share a presidential disdain for the Jeff Bezos empire.) Capturing the detailed facts and descriptions of the battle, it’s a thorough account but a bit of a dry read (Sorry, Brad!).
Hiking the Battle Site
For nearly three years, we’ve lived a mere two miles from the state park and battlefield site, driving past neighborhoods, businesses, schools and directional signs all bearing witness to the battlefield’s proximity. Finally, on a sunny afternoon in April and in search of a short hike, we drove to the state park. After watching the well-done video at the Visitor’s Center and taking a few minutes in the small museum, we set out on the wooded and hilly trails.
The park now is mostly wooded in secondary forest, with just under four miles of hiking trails that generally follow Civil War-era roads and the major battle lines. The well-marked Red, White and Blue trails each trace a significant part of the battle, and join together where the main fight occurred. The Confederates were heavily entrenched here, and along the trails you’ll see some well-preserved battle earthworks. That said, unless you’re a Civil War or military history buff, they’ll look like overgrown trenches — not the kind of stuff you’ll feature in your Facebook posts or highlight in your online vacation photo album.
Historical sites are marked along the way with numbers, but the trail map provided doesn’t include any written details. So, unless you memorized the map and writing while in the the Visitor’s Center or found an online guide, these markers won’t mean much. Other options include this GeorgiaTrails.com linkwith some descriptions or a more complete version including GPS waypoints at Backpacker.com.
A log cabin relocated from a nearby farm is open for visits and offer demonstrations during scheduled hours.
History aside, we enjoyed hiking the trails for our short afternoon walk. The trails meander down into the ravine, along and across Pickett’s Mill Creek, and up the steep approach toward the commanding Confederate positions on high ground. Along the creek, the original mill site is marked with an informational sign that describes the mill and small community. At the time of the war, the creek was named Little Pumpkinvine Creek, and Malichi Pickett and his family operated an overshot-style grist mill here to support local farmers.
Remembrance and Reenactments
If you haven’t done any history homework before arriving, the Visitor’s Center provides a good starting point and thorough orientation. The video includes a fairly comprehensive overview of the arrival of troops, battle preparations and the chronology of the fight itself. It includes basic facts about the 1,500 Union and 500 Confederate soldiers who died here, and describes the flow of the battle in an understandable manner. Much is made in the video about the ratio of Union-to-Confederates killed, and that is one of the reasons Pickett’s Mill is considered the last great Confederate victory of the war. However, by that point in the war and with increasing disenchantment and desertion among the Confederates, the Southern Army likely was weakened more significantly by its losses.
The small museum at the Visitor’s Center includes displays of Civil War arms and the usual description of the battle. In today’s controversial political atmosphere related to immigration, it was interesting to find a permanent display of the role of immigrants in the Civil War and this battle. Using war records and personal letters, it recounts the roles of individual immigrant soldiers who fought for their new countries on both sides of the battle.
The Visitor Center museum features an ordinance display, including one of the original cannons used in the battle.
If you enjoy re-enactments, you’ll generally find one during the annual anniversary weekend at the park. The battle dates were May 25-27, but commemorations shift each year to avoid conflicts with Memorial Day weekend travel and activities.
As Pickett’s Mill was the site of one of the few nighttime battles of the Civil War and also home to several local ghost stories. The park is closed at night, and the rangers no longer offer the periodic candlelight night tour of the battlefield that always caused shivers. To preview some of Pickett’s Mill battlefield ghost stories, check out The Moonlit Road’s night time visit to the battlefield and be prepared to feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
Pickett’s Mill included one of the few nighttime battles of the Civil War, leading to several local ghost stories sure to cause shivers.
The history of the park itself includes some interesting twists and turns. It was surveyed and mapped in the 1930s, but otherwise largely forgotten until the centennial celebration of the war in the 1960s. Eventually, the land was purchased from the Georgia Craft Paper Company by a group of amateur historians in 1972, who, in turn, sold it to the State of Georgia in 1974. Perhaps contributing to its reputation as the lost battle, the park was finally opened in 1992, making it one of Georgia’s newer state parks.
The Crime at Pickett’s Mill
Ambrose Bierce was a post-war journalist, poet and short story writer. While in the Union Army, his job as topographical engineer was to plot territory for battle planning. His post-war essay about Pickett’s Mill, with the inflammatory title, “The Crime at Pickett’s Mill, speaks plainly of the tactical planning and battlefield blunders committed by Union leadership. Aside from personal letters recovered by historians and the scattered battle reports of individual leaders, much of the generally-accepted information about the battle is taken from Bierce’s account.
While Bierce’s account of the battle received great attention, there was a determined effort by Union soldiers to keep the memory of the battle alive. Part of the motivation was to honor their fallen comrades, where some units lost more than 50% of their members. Others felt that Sherman’s omission of the battle from his records and memoirs was an insult to the Union soldiers who fought and died there. And still others sought to call attention to a perceived injustice toward the Union dead by the Southern army, which was accused of stripping the dead for valuables then burying them in shallow, unmarked mass graves. For a comprehensive and moving account of the disillusionment of Union survivors with the battle’s memory, check out the Emerging Civil War website and an essay entitled, “History Hides the Lies of Our Civil War: The Forgotten Battle of Pickett’s Mill,” by Angela M. Zombek, Ph.D.
Louisiana and Ohio Connections
I’m always intrigued by the seemingly random crisscrossing of people and events that creates history. Pickett’s Mill brought that particularly close to home, given my own history. Having grown up in Louisiana, lived in Ohio for nearly 20 years, and now a Georgia resident, my attention was drawn to the large number of Ohio units who comprised Sherman’s army. Even more compelling was the presence of two Louisiana Confederate divisions which fought at Pickett’s Mill, the 4th and 30th Regiments of Louisiana Infantry. The 30th Regiment was formed in New Orleans, and included many enrollees from the “Saint” parishes along the Mississippi River north of the city. While I didn’t find specific reference to which of these individuals fought in Georgia, the roster of the Louisiana 30th Regiment is filled with French and German immigrant names and reads like the phone book from my Louisiana childhood home: Arceneaux, Breaux, Babin, Becnel, Bourgeois, Boudreaux, Champagne, (pronounced at my house as Shau-pine) Dufrene, Dufresne, Haydel, Hebert (with the French pronunciation, A-bear), Gautreaux, Guidry, Guillot, LeBlanc, LeBoeuf, LeJuene, Lorio, Loupe, Matherne, Naquin, Oubre, Poche, Richard (in French, REE-chard), Rodrigue, Roussel, Schexnaydre and more.
The Louisiana 30th Regiment included soldiers from the “Saint” parishes along the Mississippi River, and is filled with French and German immigrant names that read like the phone book from my Louisiana childhood home.
In the museum’s immigrant display, I found the interesting story of Father Isidore Francois Turgis, a Roman Catholic priest from France. He had been in the French Army and served in Crimea, Italy and (today’s) Vietnam, then moved to New Orleans in 1860 and joined the 30th Regiment of Louisiana Infantry in New Orleans in 1863.
Final Notes
Here’s a special “shout-out” to the Georgia State Parks, National Park Service and US Corp of Engineers. We do lots of hiking at facilities operated by these entities, and always appreciate their conservation, preservation and sustainability efforts. Most people know about our National Park System and some of the crown jewels parks like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. We recently did a blog about the Senior Passwhich provides lifetime access to National Parks and more than 2,000 federally-managed locations.
It’s less known that there are more than 10,000 state parks across the US that attract more than 750 million visits annually. That’s an average of more than two visits by each American. State parks capture local and regional history, provide great recreational opportunities and serve the public with lots of special programs. To find, visit and enjoy a state park near you or wherever you’re travelling, you can use the state park locator offered by StateParks.org.
For my Georgia friends, you can keep up with all the activities in Georgia State Parks by subscribing to the the Georgia State Parks e-newsletter
Atlanta Campaign Chronology: It took Sherman 5 months to travel the 130 miles from Chattanooga to capture Atlanta. Here’s the detailed chronological account. Neither this chronology nor this blog post include the account of The General and the Great Locomotive Chase, which started in nearby Kennesaw where The General now resides at the Southern Locomotive Museum. But that’s a story and a blog for another day.
Can you believe we missed hiking on Nov. 17, National Hiking Day? There are still plenty of great hiking days in North Georgia, year round. Cooler fall and winter weather make hiking a great way get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. And you’ll find diverse terrain and a choice of nature or urban walks sure to please experienced and new outdoors people. Here are a few of our favorite Cobb County hiking spots for those considering a nearby 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.
We like taking visitors of all ages to Kennesaw Mountain, whether to walk to the summit or explore some of the less-trafficked routes.
Marietta Mountain-to-River Trail. A multi-use recreation trail, we often bike this route. Around Marietta Square, walking is best due to other pedestrian traffic, plus there’s lots of history and easy access to shopping and dining. The on-trend food hall, Marietta Square Market, is adjacent to the trail, great for meals and snacks.
The Mountain to River trail is a great suburban walk around and beyond historic Marietta Square.
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.
The trails at Palisades wander through wooded rolling hills, but you’re never far from the city and civilization.
Just Outside Cobb County
These are also excellent nearby considerations:
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. In addition to history, there are great views of Lake Allatoona and a side path that allows water access to cool your feet. Just across the water, you can enjoy winding walks in the woods at Red Top Mountain State Park.
The wide, shaded paths at Noses Creek and Allatoona Battlefield parks are great for escaping the heat.
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.For more hiking ideas farther out in the North Georgia mountains, check out the Georgia Small Plates section at OurTravelCafe.com.
As 6 am approached on a peaceful Sunday morning in October 1903, engineers on two trains along the Southern Railway near Dallas, GA, looked anxiously at their watches. Train No. 18 was heading northbound from Atlanta to Chattanooga on its normal run.
Meanwhile, Train No. 81 was speeding southbound, coming out of the twisting, turning mountain run after passing over numerous trestles and through multiple tunnels along the way. Both traveling on the single-route track, they were scheduled to pass near Dallas, with one taking a siding as the other continued along the main route.
The Need for Speed
Timing was crucial, as both trains had schedules to keep, and the Southern Railway was under tremendous pressure to meet critical deadlines included in a valuable new US government mail hauling contract. In 1902, Southern had won the right to carry US mail between New York and Atlanta in a contract valued at $140,000 per year – that’s nearly $5 million in 2022 dollars. That contract also included a penalty clause: a fine of $100 for each 30 minutes of delay. Railroad management wanted desperately to maintain schedules, and the engineers bore the brunt of the responsibility.
Just north of Dallas, a tall steel trestle carried the Southern Railway tracks across Pumpkinvine Creek. In a year where Northwest Georgia encountered a summer drought followed by early and cold fall rains, the leaves had begun to turn colors along the railroad route and down into the deep ravine. The 360-foot-long trestle was one of the longest, tallest – and most feared – trestles on Southern’s route.
In the aftermath of the train wreck, Engine 846 sits atop the remaining southern-most section of the trestle, while trailing cars remain on the northern approach. Six of the trestle’s 11 spans collapsed with the remainder of the train. (Photo courtesy of Paulding County Historical Society)
No Time for Fall Scenery
Looking south from the cabin of Engine No. 846, engineer Jim Nichols had no time to enjoy the scenery unfolding at sunrise. He pushed the throttles on the 25-car train. The newspaper account from the October 23, 1903, Dallas New Era gave the following account:
“Engine 846 never acted better. The big machine moved forward at a terrific rate with twenty-five cars behind. The engineer looked at his watch and knew that time was precious. His hand went to the throttle again, the engine bounded forward until the drivers were turning at what was supposed a sixty mile clip. Down the hill the long train flew. Pumpkinvine trestle was reached, but alas! never passed.”
The Oct. 23, 1903, edition of the Dallas New Era newspaper reported details of the wreck on page 6. At that time, it wasn’t unusual for “breaking news” to be included on the final page, as it was also the last to be readied for press. You can click the photo for a link to the full original article.
Vibration, Swaying, Then Collapse
As the heavy engine tried to slow somewhere on the trestle, the steel bridge began to vibrate and sway. A combination of speed, the train’s weight and other factors likely contributed to what happened next, quoting from the New Era account:
The engineer “put full steam on but to no avail, the engine had done the work with its weight, and with a mighty crash the iron bridge fell, sending the soul of Fireman John Fagala into eternity and destroying thirteen cars loaded with corn, oats, cotton and apples. The engine proper staid on the track as only the north half of the trestle went down, the tank was wrung off leaving the engine on the remaining part of the trestle.”
At the bottom of the ravine among the creek waters, changing leaves and twisted metal of the collapsed trestle, the engine tender and 13 freight cars lay mangled. Of the 11 steel spans that formed the 360-foot trestle, six of the spans had collapsed into the ravine with the train.
Smashed Steel and Destruction
Remaining on the track along the still-intact portion of the trestle, the locomotive and its engineer were left on the south side of the wreck, nearest to Dallas. And according to the New Era report, multiple cars remained on the north side of the trestle, along with “Conductor Sorrels and the flag man were in the caboose and escaped as that part of the train was not wrecked.”
“With a mighty crash the iron bridge fell, sending the soul of Fireman John Fagala into eternity and destroying thirteen cars loaded with corn, oats, cotton and apples.”
Exactly what happened to firemen John Fagala remains unclear. Rescuers found his body among the wreckage with a broken neck and broken arm. “It is supposed that Fireman Fagala jumped, altho’ this is not known as he was standing on the tank and that portion of the train went down in the highest place about 77 feet. Fireman Fagala was killed instantly whether he jumped or fell.” was the report in the New Era.
News of the massive wreck spread quickly in the small town of Dallas and beyond, even in the early 1900s before radio or television were available. Telegraph lines clattered the reports up and down the railroad route, and local stations stopped trains along the route.
Rapid Reconstruction
In Dallas, local residents who heard the booming sounds of the crash and others who heard the news from neighbors rushed to the scene.
“The people of Dallas have never before seen such a horrible wreck and all day Sunday streams of people were seen going and coming,” reported the New Era.
With train traffic stopped, mail delayed, freight stranded and passengers waiting, Southern Railways responded quickly. By noon on Sunday, approximately six hours after the wreck occurred, several hundred workers had reached the site. Efforts to clear the wreckage and began immediately.
“The people of Dallas have never before seen such a horrible wreck and all day Sunday streams of people were seen going and coming.”
By the next day, more than 300 workers had reached the site. Many traveled by trains from Atlanta, along with new steel girders, tracks and supplies required for repairs. The scale and speed of the repair work was nothing short of miraculous. The New Era reported that the first train passed over the repaired trestle on Wednesday morning – a mere three days after the massive wreck.
A Planned Replacement
A few weeks after the wreck, Southern Railways began exploring ways to make the important route safer, including the sections new Pumpkinvine Creek and Dallas. Teams of surveyors and engineers arrived in Dallas to evaluate how to reduce the steepest grades and eliminate the curve on the Pumpkinvine Creek trestle.
On Nov. 20, 1903, a New Era article included this observation about the project: When this part of the Southern railroad was constructed it was not known that it would be one of the most important lines of the entire county. This line now connects all the western markets with the south. St, Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati and all the large cities ship most of their products via the Southern railroad and the increasing business demands better and straighter tracks.”
A present-day satellite view of the Pumpkinvine Creek Trestle. The creek is labeled. The ends of the grey color along the track route indicates the final approach to the trestle. Note the curve in the track from the top (north) as the tracks approach the creek’s deep ravine.
More on the 1903 Wreck
The Spring 1997 edition of the North Georgia Journal included an extended article on the 1903 wreck and other notable train wrecks in North Georgia. Written by Georgia historians and authors Gordon Sargent and Olin Jackson, the article includes interviews with former employees of the Southern Railway, and extended accounts of multiple train accidents. We found a digitized version online, though the quality of the digital copy is poor. The article credits Duane “Cowboy” Mintz and Ruddy Ellis for assistance in gathering information.
Often, locals confuse the Silver Comet trail trestle with the trestle involved in this wreck. To be specific, they are different. The Silver Comet Trail follows the train route of the former Seaboard Airway Line, which operated the passenger train known as the Silver Comet. The two trestles are approximately two miles apart on Pumpkinvine Creek, with the Silver Comet trestle located further south near GA Route 278.
The well-known scenic trestle on the Silver Comet trail, part of the abandoned Seaboard Airway Line, was not involved in the 1903 wreck. The trestle locations are approximately two miles apart on Pumpkinvine Creek.
Where the Southern Tracks Relocated?
The short answer: It’s unclear, but doubtful.
In the aftermath of the 1903 wreck, the railroad began efforts to improve the line, reduce the steep grades, and eliminate the curve at the Pumpkinvine Creek Trestle. We found these two references in the Dallas New Era in the immediate aftermath of the wreck:
The next reference we located was printed in January 1908, when poor conditions were reported on the Southern line near Dallas. The report included this statement, “It is said that whenever one of the fast through trains passes over the trestle just this side of Pumpklnvine, over the Weaver creek, the trestle can be seen to sag and rise, caused by the motion of the train.”
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.
Final Notes
