Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Cartersville, GA

  • Published 2022/09/21

The historically-rich city of Cartersville is northwest of Atlanta, Georgia.

Initially, the city was called Birmingham, but they renamed it in 1854.

The city is famous for its deep and rich history.

Cartersville has multiple museums and historical sites containing important heritage from the Native American and African-American people and Victorian-era architecture.

Although there are lots of places to learn more about history, there are also lively shopping and dining areas plus many hotels and inns that will make you feel at home.

Cartersville is the place for you if you’re looking for a pleasant and relaxing vacation spot.

To help plan your vacation, here are the best things to do in Cartersville, Georgia:

Unleash Your Creative Side at the Booth Western Art Museum

Entrance to Booth Western Art Museum

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

The Booth Western Art Museum is one of the many unique museums in Cartersville.

As its name suggests, it displays a collection of historical and artistic pieces.

You can find the building at 501 N Museum Drive.

Expect a new experience at the museum while checking out its rotating exhibitions, from photography to historical artifacts.

Statue at Booth Western Art Museum

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Likewise, the museum holds many events and educational programs.

They also hold virtual tours for curious guests.

Stop by the Booth Western Art Museum to keep your creative juices flowing!

Marvel at the Innovations at the Savoy Auto Museum

Vehicles are the primary mode of transportation in today’s modern age; there’s no better time to appreciate the sophisticated marvels of humanity than today.

At the Savoy Automobile Museum, you’ll appreciate the vehicles and automobiles people take for granted daily.

Founded in 2021, it is one of the most recent program additions to Cartersville’s many museums.

Unlike other museums you’ve already visited, you’ll see novel sights and displays.

They have five exhibitions focused on showcasing the Savoy Collection, a library, and if you’re feeling a little hungry, there’s even a cafe.

If you’ve come to love the place, you can even rent the museum on your desired date, and you’ll have the place all to yourselves.

You can find the Savoy Automobile Museum at 3 Savoy Lane.

Visit the Famous Bartow History Museum

Exterior view of Bartow History Museum

GenGal 05, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Founded in 2004, Bartow History Museum contains most of the recorded history of Bartow County.

You’ll learn more about Bartow’s unique and rich heritage.

You’ll spend a lot of time immersing yourself in 200 years’ worth of history, containing information about Bartow’s present and past.

Bartow’s Museum has exhibits that feature historical events and eras.

For example, they cover the time of habitation of the Cherokee in the 1800s.

They also have an archive, library, and a gift shop for buying trinkets to commemorate your trip.

The place is at 4 E. Church Street, with small shops and restaurants within walking distance, perfect for a meal after a day at the museum.

However, you can’t bring food and beverages inside the museum.

Have a light meal before the trip!

Remember Your Bonds at Cooper’s Friendship Monument

Many people choose to commemorate their friendships in an exquisite way.

That’s precisely what Mark A. Cooper did when he erected the Cooper’s Friendship Monument.

Erected in 1860, the monument commemorates all the friends who helped Cooper overcome his dire financial situation.

He etched the names of these 38 friends onto the monument.

You’ll see the one-of-a-kind monument that proves that trust and friendships should be valued, monument or no monument.

Cooper’s Friendship Monument is at One Friendship Plaza.

Enjoy a World-Class Meal at Largos

Spend your dinner lavishly at Largos, perfect for a romantic evening.

The style and atmosphere of the place feel modern yet romantic, with clean interiors, mellow lighting, and fancy seats.

Largos offer fresh, creatively crafted dishes and meals with extensive menus and drinks ranging from vibrant wine to new cold beers.

If you want a dignified or refined dining experience, visit the restaurant with your partner.

You can find them at 14 E Cherokee Avenue.

However, they’re famous in Cartersville, so make reservations in advance.

Geek Out at the Tellus Science Museum

Entrance to Tellus Science Museum

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock.com

Here at the Tellus Science Museum, spark your curiosity about the world with their dynamic exhibits!

Founded in 2009, the museum has become one of the most famous museums in Cartersville.

Here you’ll see fun exhibits and galleries related to the science behind bikes, superhero materials, their observatory, planetarium, motion gallery, fossil gallery, and mineral gallery.

Display of satellite at Tellus Science Museum

JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The kids will enjoy doing activities such as gem panning and digging for fossils.

Likewise, download the Fossil Hunting License and Gemstone Treasure Map on their website beforehand!

You can find the Tellus Science Museum at 100 Tellus Drive.

Visit them and have fun with your family.

Display of Fossils at Tellus Science Museum

JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Take an Aerial Ride with Southern Biplanes

Sometimes things are best appreciated from a different angle.

What can be a better angle than the view from up above?

With Southern Biplanes, you’ll experience Cartersville from the air!

You’ll ride a WW2 Biplane, the Stearman A75N1, but don’t be fooled!

Although she has aged quite a bit, the plane can still do aerial tricks and acrobatics in mid-air!

Experience a tour around the North Georgia Mountains, and appreciate the beautiful view of Cartersville from above.

If you want to take a flight, come over to Tom B. David Airport – CZL.

Aim for a Hole-In-One at the Woodland Hills Golf Club

Whether or not you’re good at golf, you will indeed have a great time here at the Woodland Hills Golf Club at 256 Summit Ridge Drive.

Established in 1925, the course lived through the so-called golden age of golf.

The course features beautiful golfing terrain and architecture.

You’re sure to have a fulfilling time playing all 18 holes while appreciating the mesmerizing view.

Remember to focus on your next drive, though!

Similar to other golf courses, they have a driving range and a grill and bar for you to relax after a fun day of playing.

Bring your friends and old acquaintances, and rekindle your relationship with a bit of friendly competition and fun at the Woodland Hills Golf Club.

Watch Performances at the Grand Theatre of Cartersville

Outside view of Grand Theatre

JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Grand Theatre of Cartersville is one of the living proofs of the rich history in Cartersville and how much they value and appreciate their heritage.

Founded in 1910, the theater has seen many of Cartersville’s most outstanding performances from artists through the years.

Nowadays, the theatre produces a yearly entertainment series, programs, and lessons for the arts, such as acting classes and music camps.

You can even rent parts of the theatre, such as the stage, encore room, concession area, and dressing rooms.

Otherwise, you can rent them all and own the whole theatre for the day!

If you have a taste for live performances, stop by the Grand Theatre of Cartersville.

Take a Rest at the Hilton Garden Inn Cartersville

One of the most important parts of planning trips, incredibly long journeys, is where you plan to stay.

Since you’re looking for a place to stay, why not stay at best?

Here at the Hilton Garden Inn Cartersville, you’ll have the complete experience that travelers need, such as the comfort of beautiful rooms, clean and tidy interiors, an outdoor pool, and a reasonably priced yet delicious breakfast and buffet at the restaurant just downstairs.

The Hilton Garden Inn Cartersville is also situated in the middle of a lively shopping, business, dining, and entertainment district in Cartersville, so you’re sure to have places to roam during the downtimes.

Visit now and enjoy the luxuries of home and more without actually being home!

Appreciate Rich Heritage at the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

Scenic view of Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site is one of the most famous attractions at Cartersville, and rightfully so.

Here lie a few of the essential pieces of Native American history.

You can find the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Sites at 813 Indian Mounds Road.

Here, you will see the wonders of the landscape and area that the Native Americans at the time fell in love with.

Bird's eye view of Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

RodClementPhotography / Shutterstock.com

The Native Americans also learned to make intricate craftsmanship and artistry, built historically complex burial mounds, and developed elaborate rituals.

Likewise, they farmed, hunted, fished, and traded on the Etowah River.

You’ll truly appreciate the fact that you’re standing in the very place where the Native Americans stood.

A museum also contains multiple artifacts from the olden days, a village site, the six earthen mounds, defensive ditches, and borrow pits.

Appreciate the Native American heritage here at the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site on your next visit!

Woods around Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site

Jeffrey M. Frank / Shutterstock.com

Shop for Accessories at It’s About Time Boutique

Check out It’s About Time Boutique in Cartersville if you want to buy accessories.

This place is a premier, luxurious boutique that caters to inquiries regarding watches, jewelry, giftwares, and clocks.

They’re pretty famous among Cartersville’s residents as the most credible and reliable place to shop for pieces of jewelry, as well as a watch repair store.

The family-run store has kept the best traits and practices in the industry while keeping up with the current trends through the generations.

If you want to surprise your loved ones with a fancy gift or maybe buy items for yourself, go to It’s About Time Boutique, located at 9 East Main Street.

Test Your Aim at Game of Throwns

Do you ever get the urge to throw something?

Well, you’ll be glad to hear that you can do that here at Game of Throwns—with a target to boot!

Located at 4 South Tennessee Street, Suite A, you’ll throw axes and knives at a target, guided by professional coaches.

There’s even an axe-throwing league you might want to watch and compete with your friends!

Blow off some steam at Game of Throwns!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Commune with Nature at the Red Top Mountain State Park

Picturesque view of Red Top Mountain State Park

Thomson200, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Red Top Mountain State Park is one of the most popular locations in Bartow County.

You can find the park in Acworth, Georgia, 12 minutes from Cartersville.

With its beautiful scenery and 15 miles of scenic trails, some consider it a hiker’s haven.

Bordering Lake Allatoona, the park lets you go boating, swimming, fishing, and even water-skiing while enjoying various amenities.

You can rent a cottage or stay at the campgrounds overnight to make the most of your trip.

Lake at Red Top Mountain State Park

Steve Todd / Shutterstock.com

The beautiful forested surroundings make for a peaceful, cool place, perfect for every event and visit.

Visit the Red Top Mountain State Park at 50 Lodge Road and make the most of your trip!

Visitor center at Red Top Mountain State Park

Animas Photography / Shutterstock.com

Sit Back and Relax at Pine Acres Retreat

You can find the Pine Acres Retreat in Acworth, Georgia, 20 minutes from Cartersville.

Pine Acres Retreat is your perfect paradise-like getaway on Lake Allatoona.

With its beautiful, large, homey-looking cottages, various other amenities, and outdoor activities, you’ll have that perfect vacation with your family.

Here you can reserve cottages and cabins where you can rest and stay.

Enjoy the facilities and amenities like swimming pools, swim docks, and bathhouses.

Then, check out the outdoor facilities like the tent campsites, shelters for picnics, and hiking trails.

They also have ample facilities and venues for destination events, such as weddings, birthdays, and big family gatherings.

You can rent canoes and kayaks for those who want to experience being on the lake.

They require a minimum stay of two nights, but it won’t matter as you’d want to stay much longer in the end.

Make reservations now and visit the oasis called Pine Acres Retreat.

Final Thoughts

Expect a relaxing stay in this sleepy yet lively city in Georgia, with plenty of historical and natural attractions.

If you want the complete Cartersville experience, check out this list of the best things to do in Cartersville, Georgia.

Plan your trip today!

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