You know how it goes.
We’ll drive an hour or two looking for something fun to do, spend half the day in Atlanta traffic, pay $47 to park somewhere… and meanwhile there are places right here in Bartow County that we haven’t visited in years.
Or ever. 😂
So consider this your reminder that sometimes you don’t have to plan a whole road trip to have a good day.
Here are 7 things to do in Bartow County that even those of us who live here sometimes forget are practically in our backyard.
1. 🥾 Take the Hike to the Quarry at Pine Log Creek
Pine Log Creek Trailhead is one of those places that makes you wonder, “How is THIS in Bartow County?”
Located off Highway 140 near Rydal, the trail takes you through wooded North Georgia terrain with creeks, bridges, rocks, roots and elevation changes. One of the big rewards is the historic, water-filled Civilian Conservation Corps quarry tucked into the landscape.
And I’m going to emphasize the word hike here.
This isn’t necessarily my “cute outfit, casual little stroll while sipping a beverage” category of outdoor activity. 😂 Wear actual shoes.
But if you want to get outside and see a completely different side of Bartow County, put this one on your list.
2. 🎨 Actually Go Inside the Booth Western Art Museum
How many times have you driven through downtown Cartersville knowing Booth Western Art Museum is there?
Now, how many times have you actually gone inside?
Exactly.
And here’s what surprised me: this isn’t some tiny little local museum.
The Booth is a Smithsonian Affiliate, covers about 120,000 square feet, and is the largest museum of its kind in the Southeast. Its collection includes Western artwork, sculpture, photography, Presidential portraits and letters, rotating exhibitions and an interactive children’s gallery called Sagebrush Ranch.
It’s one of those attractions people travel to Cartersville specifically to visit…
…while some of us locals keep saying, “We really need to go there sometime.”
This is your sign. 😂
3. 🕰️ Learn the Story Behind the Place You Call Home
Right in historic downtown Cartersville you’ll find Bartow History Museum.
And if you live here, I think this one is especially interesting.
The museum is located in the historic 1869 courthouse and covers more than 200 years of Bartow County history—from Cherokee history and settlement through the Civil War and into the events that shaped the county we know today.
You drive these roads.
You recognize the town names.
You’ve probably passed some of the historic sites a hundred times.
It’s pretty fascinating to learn the stories behind them.
Plus, you’re already downtown, which gives you an excellent excuse to grab lunch and wander around afterward.
Educational AND food.
That’s what I call balance.
4. 🌊 Spend a Day at Gatewood Park
Sometimes you just need water.
Not necessarily in the water.
Just somewhere you can sit near it and temporarily pretend you have absolutely nothing you’re supposed to be doing.
That’s where Gatewood Park on Lake Allatoona comes in.
The park offers camping, lake access and recreation, and there’s even a dedicated 20-hole disc golf course. During the summer season, Bartow Beach gives you another option for enjoying the lake.
Pack a cooler.
Bring some chairs.
Put the phone down for five minutes.
Okay, maybe take the lake picture first.
Then put the phone down.
5. 🌳 Explore Cooper’s Furnace
Cooper’s Furnace Day Use Area is another one of those places where nature and Bartow County history collide.
Located along the Etowah River downstream from Allatoona Dam, the park has hiking trails, picnic shelters, a playground and the remains of an iron furnace dating back to the 1800s. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are also popular along the river.
So you can take a walk, have a picnic, see a piece of local history and let the kids burn off some energy.
One important note: this isn’t a swimming-beach location. If swimming is the goal, choose a different lake-day spot.
But for a quieter outdoor afternoon?
Definitely worth remembering.
6. 🎳 Let the Kids Loose at LakePoint Station
And by “kids,” I’m including competitive adults who absolutely cannot handle losing at mini golf.
You know who you are.
Lakepoint Station near the LakePoint area is basically a pick-your-own-adventure day.
There’s bowling, an arcade with 40+ games, gem mining, a 28-foot climbing area, miniature golf, blacklight mini golf, laser tag and more.
This is also one to keep in your back pocket for:
“It’s raining.”
“It’s too hot.”
“The kids are bored.”
Or my personal favorite:
“If we don’t get these children out of this house soon, somebody is going to lose it.”
😂
7. 🚗 Pick a Bartow County Town and Just Explore It
For number seven, I’m cheating a little.
Because sometimes the best thing to do isn’t an attraction at all.
Pick somewhere in Bartow County you don’t normally spend much time and go wander.
Drive through Euharlee and check out the covered bridge.
Spend an afternoon exploring downtown Cartersville.
Head north toward Adairsville.
Take a drive through Kingston.
Explore White and the northern part of the county.
Stop at a local restaurant you’ve never tried. Find a locally owned shop. Take the road you’ve driven past 500 times and always wondered where it went.
We get so used to where we live that eventually we stop seeing it.
And that’s a shame, because Bartow County has a pretty interesting combination of small-town communities, history, arts, lakes, trails and newer attractions all within the same county.
❤️ The Front Porch Rachel Challenge
So here’s this weekend’s challenge:
Pick ONE place on this list that you’ve never visited—or haven’t visited in years—and go.
Then come back and tell me what you thought.
Better yet, tell me the place I left OFF this list.
What’s that restaurant, trail, shop, park, historic site or weird little Bartow County hidden gem that everybody needs to know about?
Because I’m making my own list, too. 😉
The more I explore Bartow County, the more I’m reminded that loving where you live isn’t only about loving your house.
It’s about knowing the community outside your front door. ❤️
Real Estate. Real Life. Rachel.
Leave a comment