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South of the SmokiesThe regional guide

Visit Historic Carrollton & Villa Rica

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Road Trip: Must See Historic Carroll County Beautiful River Scapes, Really Cool Parks, , Unique Shops, Local Flavor, Museum, Cool Events, & More (Villa Rica & Carrollton, Ga.)

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Tallapoosa

The town of Villa Rica is off exit 24 from I-20 near the Alabama line. Its also about 12 miles north of the downtown district of Carrollton. Both offer restaurants and downtown shopping. While Carrollton boasts of having the oldest bookstore in Georgia, Villa Rica is home to the states oldest goldmine. Carroll County offers many popular events, great parks, and home to West Georgia Univeristy. On the campus, the Townsend Center is a popular venue. You may want to checkout their lastest performances.

I-20

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DID YOU KNOW In 1926, Carroll County was formed. It was named after one of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence who was still living at the time. During that year, gold was found in Villa Rica, although the Gold Rush did not began until 1829. The town boasts of the first discovery of gold in Georgia.

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Many congregations have sang, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." The beloved hymn has a story as many do, while it testifies of God's Amazing love, Comfort and Guidance. He was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899. He married Nettie Harper in 1925, but she died in 1932. Twenty-four hours later, their son passed. Thomas was so broken and he penned the words to this well beloved hymn. The Thomas Dorsey Festival is held annually each year in Villa Rica, Ga. The Mt. Prospect Baptist Church was the church his father pastored. Thomas Dorsey learned about music, as he grew up in this church.

Creek Indians were friendly with the settlers. They were hunters and participated in the festivals of the towns people. Eventually, all the Native Americans had to leave due to the Trail of Tears.

Some of the purest fine gold found here!

VILLA RICA

PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND

Thomas Dorsey became well known and some called him the "Father of Gospel Music".

Mining became one of the major industries from 1830's, until the Civil War. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum tells the story and invites thousands annually. Tour the museum. See the location of the mine sites. Learn about mining techniques that spanned 100 years that made this the longest active mine in Georgia. Enjoy gold panning. Ride the train around the park. You will want to find out about their annual events. Address: 1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: (678) 840-1445 — highlights and attractions from this guideMining became one of the major industries from 1830's, until the Civil War. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum tells the story and invites thousands annually. Tour the museum. See the location of the mine sites. Learn about mining techniques that spanned 100 years that made this the longest active mine in Georgia. Enjoy gold panning. Ride the train around the park. You will want to find out about their annual events. Address: 1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: (678) 840-1445 — more scenes and local spots from this guideMining became one of the major industries from 1830's, until the Civil War. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum tells the story and invites thousands annually. Tour the museum. See the location of the mine sites. Learn about mining techniques that spanned 100 years that made this the longest active mine in Georgia. Enjoy gold panning. Ride the train around the park. You will want to find out about their annual events. Address: 1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: (678) 840-1445 — more scenes and local spots from this guideMining became one of the major industries from 1830's, until the Civil War. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum tells the story and invites thousands annually. Tour the museum. See the location of the mine sites. Learn about mining techniques that spanned 100 years that made this the longest active mine in Georgia. Enjoy gold panning. Ride the train around the park. You will want to find out about their annual events. Address: 1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: (678) 840-1445 — more scenes and local spots from this guide

Mining became one of the major industries from 1830's, until the Civil War. Today, the Pine Mountain Gold Museum tells the story and invites thousands annually. Tour the museum. See the location of the mine sites. Learn about mining techniques that spanned 100 years that made this the longest active mine in Georgia. Enjoy gold panning. Ride the train around the park. You will want to find out about their annual events. Address: 1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Phone: (678) 840-1445

The founder of the Coca Cola Company was Asa Chandler. He was born in 1851 in Villa Rica, Georgia. He was a pharmacist in Atlanta when he purchased a recipe from another druggist. In 1895, he started the Coca Cola Company. The rest is history. Plan a couple hours, and shop downtown Villa Rica. There plenty of opportunities to browse. Find a variety of shops, such as, boutiques, consignments, antiques, bakeries, and more. The town use to be a major stop for passengers who where travelling to and from Atlanta. Today, the town is very historic, and one can step back in time to a small town atmosphere. Address: 106 Temple St, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5PM Phone: (678) 840-1442

They offer a variety of shops and boutiques downtown. During the busy time of the day, it maybe difficult to find a parking spot, but worth the visit. The downtown is uniquely designed in four small pods that offers stores, restaurants, and parking. The main traffic flows between each of the pods. Sullins is a restaurant not too far off the square that has won awards maybe easier place to park and eat.

Horton Books Georgias Oldest Book Store Is a historical attraction that has the claim to fame of being the oldest bookstore in Georgia still in operation. They have been open since 1891. You may visit their location in Carrollton's historic downtown district. Horton's Books & Gifts 410 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117 770-832-8021 hortonsbooks.com

Pine Mountain Gold Museum Villa Rica, Ga.

Villa Rica Shopping Excursion

Carrollton Shopping Excursion

Farmers Market

Cotton Mill Farmers Market For two decades many locals have brought their fresh farm products, meats, and produce. Your probably going to see some local crafters, homemade jams and jellies. They are open unless weather contributes or other unexpected things. Be sure to checkout their calendar. 609 Dixie Street Carrollton More information: https://www.cottonmillfarmersmarket.org/home

Carrollton Greenbelt is one of the many parks offered in the county. This one happens to be the longest loop in the state of Georgia that attracts those riding their bikes throughout the year. This linear park is approximately 18 miles that connects with other parks, shopping centers, schools, the University of West Georgia and more. More information: https://www.carrolltongreenbelt.com/ -------- Joe Tanner Park one belonged to the state park system. Today, the county operates the park. The beach once boasted to be the largest in the state park system. The Little Tallapoosa is another park worth checking. They offer hiking, camping, fishing, a kids play area with a splash pad. On the banks of the Chattahoochee River, the McIntosh Reserve Park is a favorite. People will bring their horses for riding opportunities. Hikers enjoy the many trails throughout the park. One can learn the historic significance throughout the 527 Acres.

Bikes-Hikes- Parks-Historical Sites

Ga's Longest Loop

One Of Ga's Largest Inland Beaches

Townsend Center for the Performing Arts This has been a popular venue of performing arts for many years and well attended by the local community. On the campus of West Georgia, visitors will want follow them on social media. Find out before tickets are sold out. Located in: University of West Georgia Address: 207 W Georgia Dr, Carrollton, GA 30117 Phone: (678) 839-4722

Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum The museum tells the impact of this industry in the region and local communities. There are fascinating exhibits that make this trip worth the visit. Also, one can signup for a variety of the classes offered in the art of quilting, sewing, and more. 306 Bradley Street STE C Carrollton, Georgia 30117 770-301-2187

Where can I find the best websites for planning day trip itineraries? Planning a road trip is not always an easy task. It can be very demanding when you have any size group to consider. Often, there are special requests, health guidelines for some, special diets for others, and handi-cap accessible needs one may request. The last thing you have in mind is the time it may take online researching. With the proper information, you can spend most of your drive time on the road, but less on the computer. You have these websites to find food, lodging, & attractions at your fingertips. Plus, you have free assistance only a phone call away. We want to help make your road trip as seemless as possible, so you can focus on making great memories. Customer Service is 770-723-6574. You will find this link to best websites for the road — highlights and attractions from this guide

Where can I find the best websites for planning day trip itineraries? Planning a road trip is not always an easy task. It can be very demanding when you have any size group to consider. Often, there are special requests, health guidelines for some, special diets for others, and handi-cap accessible needs one may request. The last thing you have in mind is the time it may take online researching. With the proper information, you can spend most of your drive time on the road, but less on the computer. You have these websites to find food, lodging, & attractions at your fingertips. Plus, you have free assistance only a phone call away. We want to help make your road trip as seemless as possible, so you can focus on making great memories. Customer Service is 770-723-6574. You will find this link to best websites for the road

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visitor Information
Do you have a list of local restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and really cool meeting places? Start your day and sample local flavor unique to this part of the region. An authentic experience that can not be found anywhere else is here. Some have been around for many decades and the ambiance has never changed. Family tradition has been handed down. Imagine what it would have been like around those who road into town in a horse and buggy, or when man landed on the moon. Yet, there are those who only have recently open their doors, and are making their own story. This foodie trail is available for your convenience and hope you find your favorite places across the region and share them with others. — highlights and attractions from this guide

Do you have a list of local restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and really cool meeting places? Start your day and sample local flavor unique to this part of the region. An authentic experience that can not be found anywhere else is here. Some have been around for many decades and the ambiance has never changed. Family tradition has been handed down. Imagine what it would have been like around those who road into town in a horse and buggy, or when man landed on the moon. Yet, there are those who only have recently open their doors, and are making their own story. This foodie trail is available for your convenience and hope you find your favorite places across the region and share them with others.

Explore Do you have a list of local restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and really cool meeting places? Start your day and sample local flavor unique to this part of the region. An authentic experience that can not be found anywhere else is here. Some have been around for many decades and the ambiance has never changed. Family tradition has been handed down. Imagine what it would have been like around those who road into town in a horse and buggy, or when man landed on the moon. Yet, there are those who only have recently open their doors, and are making their own story. This foodie trail is available for your convenience and hope you find your favorite places across the region and share them with others.
So you are looking for ideas, but without spending a lot of time browsing. We put together ideas that are favorites. If there is something specific, reach out to us. We will be glad to assist with your travel plans in the region. Kids are going to love our region, and we have great ideas locals know about. These favorites we share with you. — highlights and attractions from this guide

So you are looking for ideas, but without spending a lot of time browsing. We put together ideas that are favorites. If there is something specific, reach out to us. We will be glad to assist with your travel plans in the region. Kids are going to love our region, and we have great ideas locals know about. These favorites we share with you.

Kids Stuff: Must See. Enjoy a variety of ideas. Fun for the whole family.Have a leisurely day. Take a day trip. Celebrate any occasion.

Explore So you are looking for ideas, but without spending a lot of time browsing. We put together ideas that are favorites. If there is something specific, reach out to us. We will be glad to assist with your travel plans in the region. Kids are going to love our region, and we have great ideas locals know about. These favorites we share with you.
Resources For Your Journey — highlights and attractions from this guide

Resources For Your Journey

Listed here are some things you may want to consider on your road trip. You will find a few other pieces written to help. Let us know how we can be of service. We can help plan for your visit. No group is to small. Let us know how we can help. CALL 770-723-6574

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... a journey worth repeating! — highlights and attractions from this guide

... a journey worth repeating!

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