Have you visited Charles Towne Landing? If you’re heading to Charleston and looking for a way to spend the day without breaking the bank, you don’t want to miss it. Charles Towne Landing is a South Carolina State Park that has something for everyone including a history trail, 17th century sailing ship, an animal nature park, and beautiful grounds. We think you should put this attraction on your Charleston bucket list!
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Take a Trip to See Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Charleston this Summer
Right in the middle of Charleston Harbor rests a massive aircraft carrier called the USS Yorktown, one in which you and your kids are welcome to tour and even sleep aboard! The USS Yorktown is flanked by other historical, climb-aboard gems like the USS Laffey Destroyer, as well as several aircraft, a Vietnam memorial exhibit, and a Medal of Honor Museum. Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum is like the game of Battleship, come to life.
See our Charleston page for even more suggestions of things to do and places to eat in Charleston, SC.
What you’ll discover at this museum
My kids enjoyed tunneling through passageways, sitting at helms, and checking out the helicopters and awesome aircraft on the flight deck. These vessels served our nation in many wars including WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War before they were put on display and transformed into a must-see floating museum.
The USS Laffey Destroyer is also known as The Ship That Would Not Die – learn all about the amazing legacy while aboard the ship herself. The stories each of these ships will tell you are simply remarkable.
Out on dry land, you can find the Vietnam Experience Exhibit. A 2.5-acre immersion experience with simulations to give you an idea of what life was like during wartime. You can also tour the Medal of Honor Museum which honors the courage and tells the stories of brave American heroes.
Plan a Visit to Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Open every day of the week 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
40 Patriots Point Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Located near the base of the Ravenel Bridge.
(843) 884-2727
Visit the Patriot’s Point website for more details.
Check out local tour books for the occasional coupon.
They also hold events, including fireworks on the 4th of July!
Plan to spend 2-4 hours here depending on your kids.
There is a gift shop, café, and a snack shack available to feed your crew.
Tickets are $27 for adults, $16 for children ages 6 to 11, and free kids under 6. Buy Patriot’s Point tickets online in advance.
Have you ever visited Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum?
This article was originally written by Jackie Vest and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
Looking for more fun in Charleston, SC? Here’s your entire Travel Guide to Visiting Charleston!
The Reptarium: Tour Michigan’s Amazing All-Reptile Zoo
Have you heard of the Reptarium located in Utica, Michigan? This all-reptile zoo is an amazing spot for everyone from hardcore reptile fans to those with just a mild interest and curiosity about these fun creatures. It’s quite an educational adventure, and you will learn loads and loads. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and we’re sharing all about it so you’ll know what to expect when you plan your family visit to the Reptarium!
The Reptarium offers both general admission options and private tour experiences. We took a highly interactive one-hour private tour at the Reptarium on a recent family road trip. Our tour guide was a wealth of information and we got to hold and pet many of the Reptarium’s animals.
This article includes:
What is the Reptarium?
How to Visit the Reptarium
What reptiles are at the Reptarium?
What is the Reptarium?
The Reptarium is a reptile zoo located in Utica, Michigan. Famous on YouTube, the Reptarium shows its animals to the world in regular videos, teaching about reptiles and conservation through their animal ambassadors. There are more than 150 animals housed at the Reptarium.
Visiting the Reptarium
Those who’d like to go to the Reptarium in person have a couple of options including general admission with various add-ons, and private tours.
General Admission
General admission costs $11.99 to $14.99 per person. Your general admission ticket is good for one hour in the Reptarium, which should be plenty of time. However, big reptile fans may want more time in which case they can purchase two hours. Tickets are time reserved, to limit the number of people in the space at any given time. So, you won’t be fighting through a crowd to see the animals.
General admission hours are on Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm to 9 pm, and Sundays from 3 pm to 8 pm.
You can book your Reptarium general admission tickets online.
Private Tours
Private tours are available every day except Tuesdays. Our family chose this option initially because we were traveling through the area on a Monday and as there are no general admission times on Mondays, it was the only option that would allow us to visit.
But, that said, the private experience was truly wonderful. Our tour guide knew so much and gave us so many opportunities to hold animals and ask questions. We had her undivided attention for the entire hour, which really was a fabulous educational experience. We were the only guests during our tour, so there were no distractions and no waiting to get to any exhibits.
Because the footprint of the Reptarium is small, and my kids were very engaged and interested, this was absolutely the right choice for our family and what I would recommend for others if they can afford the higher price point.
Private tours cost $300 and they can include up to 10 people. If you’d like more information or to book a tour, email tours@thereptarium.com.
Our Favorite Reptiles at the Reptarium
There are over 150 animals to see at the Reptarium. We loved seeing, interacting with, and holding so many of them. Here are just a couple that really worked their way into our hearts.
Our tour began with Helen. She’s a python that was born with no eyes. A number of us had never held a snake before and somehow, having no eyes, this sweet little snake seemed somehow less threatening. She was a great reptile to start with and remained one of our favorites.
Perdita, named after the famous Dalmatian in 101 Dalmatians is a much larger reticulated python. I would never in a million years have said “Sure, I’ll hold this giant snake around my shoulders” but our tour guide was so confident and calm and things had gone so well with Helen, so….why not. I held a giant python. I mean, that’s not the type of thing you get to try to do every day, right? Got to try it. (And I figured if I did it, some of my boys who were a little hesitant would try it. Cool mom and all that.) She was so surprisingly smooth and HEAVY. My husband and a couple of the kids held her as well.
Nova is a frilled lizard. But when his frills aren’t out, they lay back against his body and look very similar to a rabbit with long, long ears pushed back against its body. He was so sweet and tolerated all of us holding and petting him. We thought he was one of the cutest guys at the Reptarium.
Turtles are a family favorite and there are lots of turtles and tortoises to see. We got to walk around with some of the red-footed tortoises and hold some of the turtles in the pond, including some really cute little albino turtles.
Sunshine is the very large yellow python you see in our family photo. She’s a big ambassador for the reptarium and is quite used to being held. Amazingly heavy, and with a beautiful sunny pattern (hence her name) she was the last animal on our tour.
In addition to these animals we got to interact with bearded dragons, Uromastyx, monitors, a false water cobra and lots of other snakes, and my daughter even held a tarantula. She was the only one brave enough.
Family tips for visiting the Reptarium
- Go with an open mind. Think you won’t want to hold a huge snake? You might change your mind.
- Ask questions. Tour guides can’t read your mind and there really are no stupid questions when it comes to reptiles. You’ll learn more if you ask!
- Hey parents, your kids’ enthusiasm for these creatures can be contagious if you let it be. You’ll have a better family experience if join in. Hold the animals and ask questions, too.
- Remember that these are animals. They poop. One lizard got my shoe when I was holding it. (Good thing he was cute.) It apparently doesn’t happen very often, but, you know. Be prepared. Wear something washable.
- Use hand sanitizer AFTER your visit. Don’t use it before you go in. It’s not good for the animals.
- If you’re on a road trip, stop and use the restroom before you get to the Reptarium. You don’t want to waste any of your tour time, there’s too much to see!
Where to Stay Near The Reptarium
Use the map below to locate hotels and vacation rentals near the Reptarium. The map below comes from Stay22 and Kidding Around earns when you book through the map’s links.
The Reptarium
45559 Van Dyke Ave Utica, MI 48317
Nearby: Grab a bite
If you’re on a road trip to the area, you’ll find a lovely little coffee shop just down the road from the Reptarium, called Northern Grind. They have the usual array of coffee and coffee beverages, plus smoothies, sandwiches, and treats. It was the perfect spot for us to grab lunch after our tour before we hit the road again.
Looking for more places to travel where you can learn something new? We have lots of great ideas!
Here’s our Educational Travel Guide
Stay in this Fun Family-Friendly Safari Tent in Gatlinburg!
Looking for a fun place to stay in the Gatlinburg area for your family, a girls’ trip, or even a romantic getaway? Kristina took her kids to Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort and tells us all about it and why it’s sure to be a destination choice for your next vacation to the Smokies. A complimentary stay was given to us for this review.
If you like the outdoors and would love to stay overnight in the woods but camping just isn’t up your alley, maybe you have heard of “glamping” – it’s where you get the experience of camping but without having to set up a tent, sleep on the ground, and deal with no air conditioning.
I’ve done all kinds of awesome glamping, as well as regular camping, and if I have the choice, it’s going to be one of comfort! And I stayed at an unforgettable glamping resort in Gatlinburg that may just seal the deal on your family’s next trip.
Glamping at Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort
Staying in a European Safari Tent
Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort is only two-and-a-half hours from Greenville yet feels a world away. It’s a luxury camping resort that has safari tents, campers, and treehouses for rent plus spaces for RVs and regular tents. I had seen signs for the resort on my previous trips to the Smoky Mountains and was intrigued, so when I had the opportunity to stay in a safari tent there, you bet I took it.
Our safari tent, which was imported from Europe, was basically a huge tent with walls of strong fabric stretched over wooden poles. It had two areas, one for sleeping, and a deck for sitting and eating. The back sleeping part was closed off with a zippered door and you could also close off a second part with a counter and storage area, leaving the deck open. We did that just for privacy and saw most of the other occupied safari tents doing the same.
While there are no lions or tigers outside this safari tent, there may be bears, so you need to be sure to store your food sealed in your car or in a bear-proof canister. No bears showed up for our stay though (I really wanted to see one – maybe next time).
There is also an outdoor charcoal ring with a grill top for use plus a table and chairs and a wooden chair swing. Fire pits with chairs are nearby as well as potable water spouts.
Comfortable Beds and AC
The most uncomfortable part of regular camping for me is the hard ground and lack of air conditioning. It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re sweating on top of a thin mat. That’s no issue at Camp LeConte. Our tent had a large, comfortable bed with a set of bunk beds and an air conditioning unit. It was super clean and the tent even had windows (you could roll them closed at night for privacy) and a closet to store your bags. There’s also electricity so charging your phone is no problem.
It was very comfortable and my kids loved the outdoor swing and deck.
Amenities & Location
One thing I’ve learned about taking kids on vacation is that a pool on location is key. Camp LeConte has a small heated pool, perfect for lounging after a long day of hiking and where the kids somehow still have the energy to go for a swim.
The resort also has a playground, ping pong, and laundry on-site if you need it. The bathhouse is within walking distance of the tents and campers and was very clean. Towels, linens, and shampoo/conditioner/soap are all provided.
There’s a general store also so if you forgot anything essential, you should be able to get it. They also sell firewood and ice, which is convenient.
Check-in was a breeze. A welcome packet is placed outside the bathrooms and laundry area and you just grab it and go to your tent, treehouse, or camper.
Camp LeConte is located only 4 miles from downtown Gatlinburg and about 25 minutes to Pigeon Forge. The trolley stops right outside the resort so you can easily make use of that service if you don’t want to drive and park in town. There is a grocery store right down the street from the resort as well as nearby restaurants, gas stations, and a CVS. The entrance to the Smoky Mountains is maybe 10 minutes away without traffic.
I loved that the resort was close enough to Gatlinburg to be convenient but far enough to be away from the noise and traffic. The resort was pretty full when we went but it was quiet and peaceful and best of all, restful.
The resort is open from March through December.
Family, Friends, or Couple Options
Camp LeConte caters to everyone and I love the variety of options they have. Our safari tent easily slept a family of four but they have others that are better suited for couples or even a girls weekend. Safari tents sleep two, four, or six people and range in price from $186-$233 a night. There was a group of four girlfriends next to us who looked like they were having an awesome time!
If you have always wanted to stay in a luxury tree house, this is the place. I’m totally eyeing one for my next trip, they look amazing. There are three of them at the resort and perched in the trees (obviously). They start at $210 a night. There are also two 1960s retro campers at the resort that look adorable. They are $151 a night.
If you plan to bring an RV, they offer full hook up with water, sewer, cable tv hookups, and free wifi.
One important item to note is that pets are not allowed in the safari tents, the campers, or the luxury treehouses. Pets are allowed if you reserve one of the RV sites.
Here’s a video tour of our safari tent:
Make Some Memories in the Gatlinburg Area
All of these options at Camp LeConte are just perfect for that getaway you’ve been wanting to take but maybe aren’t sure where to go or what to do. We have a huge guide to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge if you’re looking for options on things to do in the area. This is by far personally one of my favorite places to take my kids because of all the unique things to do and the endless adventures to have at the National Park.
My kids were sad to leave Camp LeConte – they loved the bunk beds and the whole experience of glamping plus the pool was endless entertainment. We explored Gatlinburg and the park during our trip, heading to Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome, and the SkyBridge. It was nice to know we had a quiet, comfortable place to come back to each night after our adventures!
Have you ever camped in a safari tent?
Adventure and Award-Winning Museums Await in Cartersville, Georgia
For a trip full of adventure and fun learning opportunities, Cartersville, Georgia, about three hours from Greenville, SC, is where you need to go. Kristina visited Cartersville with her kids and has all the details on how to plan a great family trip there!
Thank you to Visit Cartersville-Bartow for inviting us to experience Cartersville, GA!
Cartersville, Georgia is only about a three-hour drive from Greenville, SC and has a multitude of options for indoor and outdoor fun plus unique experiences like a museum that houses the world’s largest collection of Western Art. It’s amazing, I promise.
Whether you like to explore nature, swim in mountain lakes, dig for fossils, go gem panning, or be mesmerized by Civil War history and Native American sculptures, you’ll find something you will love in Cartersville, Georgia.
This article includes:
What to Do in Cartersville, GA
Where to Eat in Cartersville, GA
Where to Stay in Cartersville, GA
Overall Review of Cartersville, GA
What to do in Cartersville, GA
I was blown away by all the things to do in Cartersville, Georgia. I’ll tell you what we did plus give you other places to go that we weren’t able to get to (but wish we could have).
Red Top Mountain Park
Red Top Mountain Park is situated on the banks of the 12,000-acre Allatoona Lake and has hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, lodging, and camping available. We hiked part of the Homestead Trail, which was blessedly in the shade and had beautiful views of the lake. Our hike was cut short because it was hot and wanted to get swimming!
We checked out the sandy beach, which is pretty big for a mountain beach on a lake. We got there around 11 am on a Sunday and didn’t leave until 2 pm, when the parking lot was nearly full. There are bathrooms, changing areas, and a shower to rinse off the sand afterward plus lots of space to hang hammocks, grill out, and just chill on the beach.
I was regretting the fact that I didn’t bring my paddleboards! I had to be happy with the tubes we brought and just hung out in the lake, read a book, and enjoyed the Georgia sun. It was pretty awesome.
There are places to rent a kayak on the lake and lots of good spots I saw where you can fish or swim. If I had more time in Cartersville, I’d make a day trip out of exploring this park. Admission is just $5 per car (bring cash) or free if you have a Georgia State Parks Pass.
50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, GA
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
The Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site is part of Georgia State Parks and is the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast. There are six earthen mounds here, the highest more than 60 feet (you can climb it), a replica home used by the Native Americans who once lived there, borrow pits, and a defensive ditch (like a moat).
The site dates back to around 1000 to 1550 A.D. when thousands of Native Americans made their homes here along the banks of the Etowah River. You can even walk down to the river to see the unique fish trap they used.
I thought the site was very peaceful. It was quiet and the exhibits really invite you to think about what it was like living there. We did the Jr. Ranger program, which I think is a great way to really dig deeper into the history and learn about it. This would be a great field trip for a homeschooling family.
You can walk to three of the earthen mounds and climb up them via a staircase. There is no shade once you get outside and while the path is wide and not too long to the mounds or the river, it is natural ground so it would be hard for a wheelchair or regular stroller (a jogging stroller would be fine). Admission is $6/adults, $4/kids ages 6-17, and $2/age 6 and under.
813 Indian Mounds Rd, Cartersville, GA
Booth Western Art Museum
I didn’t know what to expect when I checked out the Booth Western Art Museum. I was totally blown away by this place. A Smithsonian-affiliated institution, the 120,000-square-foot Booth Western Art Museum houses the world’s largest permanent exhibition space of Western Art. But what is Western Art?
We found out that it is art depicting Native Americans and places out West like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains and art that showcases the struggles, dreams, and legends of people who lived in those lands. It has intricate sculptures of Native American chiefs, an outdoor sculpture garden of cowboys, and even a collection of signed letters from every U.S. President. It was just amazing. My kids were enamored as well.
The “War is Hell” exhibit was remarkable. It depicts the story of the Civil War through beautiful – and realistic – paintings. It was like walking through a history lesson and because of the visible paintings, it captured and held our attention. They also had some Civil War artifacts in the exhibit hall and some of the paintings depicted battles that happened near present-day Cartersville, GA.
The kid’s play area, Sagebrush Ranch, was also amazing. It’s an entire, interactive Western town. Kids can jump up on a horse, ride in a bumpy stagecoach, listen to storytime, play games in a saloon, and put together puzzles in the tackhouse. My kids didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to leave but the museum was closing and we had to go. I’d love to go back here!
They are open every day except Monday. Adult tickets are $13 and children 12 and under are free. Expect to spend at least 1.5 hours here, maybe more.
501 N Museum Dr, Cartersville, GA
Tellus Science Museum
Another Smithsonian museum, the Tellus Science Museum is a wonder. When we arrived, four summer camps with a lot of kids also arrived, yet once we got inside and started exploring, the place didn’t feel crowded at all. It’s huge!
They have multiple permanent exhibits: an enormous mineral gallery with gems, jeweled objects, stones, exhibits on volcanos and earthquakes, and a lifesize Periodic Table (I loved this); another large gallery devoted to science and motion, which has a replica of the Wright Brothers plane, vintage motorcycles, model trains, a fighter jet cockpit, and space capsules; and Discovery Garden, which is a huge backyard-themed kids area with brainteasers, puzzles, simple machines, and rotating exhibits.
One of the biggest exhibits is on dinosaurs. You can’t miss it – they have a huge dinosaur skeleton in the lobby plus multiple skeletons, including a T-Rex, an enormous turtle, sharks, and a strange prehistoric fish creature. They also have gem panning and fossil digs, which are included in your admission. My kids loved digging in the “dirt” for shark teeth and other fossils and gem panning for small gems.
They also have a planetarium and observatory. Planetarium shows are daily and can be added to the cost of your admission. If you have a Roper Mountain Science Center membership for your family, you get in free (yet another reason to have this membership). Otherwise, adult admission is $17 and child (ages 3-17) admission is $13. Expect to spend at least 2.5 hours here. They have a cafe if you’d like to get lunch.
100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA
LakePoint Station
The arcade at LakePoint Station is just one part of the big entertainment complex. They have a huge arcade, bowling, mini-golf, gem mining, indoor climbing walls, an ice cream and treats shop, and a pizza restaurant. My kids and I love arcades so that’s where we headed.
We threw balls at clowns trying to knock them down in our favorite arcade game for at least 15 minutes and then tried a few others that my kids loved. Prices vary according to activity. They are open daily and have specials so be sure to follow them on social media and check their website before you go.
77 Old Allatoona Road, Cartersville, GA
Terminus Wake Park
If my kids and I have a summer weakness, it’s floating aqua parks. We’ve tried most of these within a three-hour driving distance to Greenville and absolutely love sliding around on the inflatable courses, jumping in the water, and trying our best not to wipe out. When I saw Terminus Wake Park across the street from LakePoint Station, I went in to check it out and ultimately booked a session for later that day. Kids have to be ages 5 or older to participate.
It was such a blast! The weather had cleared earlier and it was really hot and humid so the water felt awesome. The course looks relatively new and is in great shape. The life jackets are clean and comfortable as well. If you have younger kids, you may want to go on with them if there are older kids that are on the course with you. They do have lifeguards but some of the rules aren’t enforced and younger kids may get accidentally pushed in by the older ones.
Your best bet is to book your spot online and sign your waiver so you can save time when you get there. They start every hour on the hour. You get 50 minutes on the course and prices are $24-$28 a person depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend/holiday that you choose. They also have a huge wakeboarding park but I’m not brave enough to do that.
171 LakePoint Pkwy, Cartersville, GA
Downtown Cartersville & African American History
Downtown Cartersville is home to lots of cute shops, small businesses, and restaurants. There are clothing shops, handmade items, coffee, olive oil, outdoor stores, and an old school pharmacy. In fact, just outside the doors of the pharmacy is the world’s first outdoor painted wall sign for Coca-Cola.
Additionally, the history of African American entrepreneurship runs deep in Cartersville. There is a powerful sculpture near the town center called “Pathways to Freedom” that depicts the signs and symbols used by escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad. You can also take the walkable trail to learn more about the history of Black residents in Cartersville-Bartow County.
Cars & Camels
We didn’t get to these places but think our readers may enjoy them:
- Old Car City USA – In the small town of White, Georgia lies the world’s largest known classic car junkyard. This forest of forgotten cars is a dreamland for car enthusiasts and photographers alike, with more than 4,000 classic cars and six miles of walking trails over 34 acres of land. Fun fact: Old Car City USA is also home to the last car Elvis Presley owned. Admission is cash only.
- Pettit Creek Farms – Just one mile from Downtown Cartersville’s Historic Square lies the largest camel herd in Georgia. But it’s not just camels; this farm is home to many exotic animals such as giraffes, zebras, capybaras, lemurs, llamas, and even reindeer when they’re not pulling Santa’s sleigh.
- The 4 Way Lunch – This classic American diner is Georgia’s oldest restaurant without a telephone, staying true to its 1930s roots with a 14-seat counter. In addition to Southern staples like grits and biscuits, locals love to order burgers and hot dogs “All the Way,” topped with mustard, onions, and chili.
- Savoy Auto Museum: This museum connects people to the cultural diversity of the automobile. Through changing exhibits, educational programs, and engaging experiences individuals have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and history of automobiles.
Where to Eat
Main Street Coastal Cuisine
Right on Main Street in downtown Cartersville, Maine Street Coastal Cuisine is a casual dining place but definitely make reservations before you go. We went on a Sunday evening and even though we didn’t have reservations, they had some space for us at the large bar so that’s what where we sat. The staff was really great in accommodating us and the food was awesome.
They have several seafood-based dishes as well as burgers, tacos, and a good kids menu. My youngest got Mac & Cheese and it had Old Bay Seasoning. It was so good! What a game-changer. I got steak tip tacos and my other daughter had a burger with fries. Everything was excellent.
24 West Main Street, Cartersville, GA
Nagel’s Bagels
Put a bagel shop in front of me and I’ll race you to the door. Nagel’s Bagels was our choice of breakfast one morning and they didn’t disappoint. An artisan bagel shop, they specialize in unique bagel flavors that are pretty incredible. My daughters got egg, cheese, and bacon sandwiches. One of the bagels we ordered was a Maple Bacon bagel and I got a Cranberry bagel – both were fantastic. The shop is really cute, too, with lots of space to sit and relax and enjoy your bagels.
125 W Main St, Cartersville, GA
Noble & Main Coffee Co.
A specialty coffee shop, Noble & Main Coffee Co. is a couple of doors down from Nagel’s Bagels so you could get your coffee and then eat some bagels (which is what we did). I had a rosemary cardamom latte and it was quite flavorful. I’d certainly go back here to try other coffees.
145 W Main St, Cartersville, GA
Café Sundaé
This cafe is a healthier option for dining with smoothies, salads, and air-fried foods. We went for breakfast and I got a Toasted Coconut coffee that was amazing. My kids got bacon, egg, and cheese croissants that were huge. The owners are the sweetest couple you’ll probably meet and asked my name and my kids’ names and were just so welcoming. Give them a follow on Facebook for updated specials.
650 Henderson Dr Ste 501, Cartersville, GA
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott, only a ten-minute drive from downtown Cartersville. The rooms are really nice and spacious with a microwave and a small refrigerator. The beds are comfortable and they have a big lobby and outdoor area to hang out, catch up on some work, or just relax and play games.
My kids loved the outdoor pool and the staff was so helpful in bringing us extra towels. While the hotel does not have a free breakfast, they do offer breakfast and Starbucks coffee as an add-on if you want to eat there.
I really liked this hotel as the location was convenient and the place was very clean.
5460 Highway 20, Cartersville, GA
Fall Events in Cartersville-Bartow
If you’re headed to North Georgia around this area, there are some pretty fantastic events happening.
- Swine & Wine: Barnsley Resort, located in the small town of Adairsville, is gearing up for a delightful fall celebration with Swine & Wine Weekend October 27 & 28. Throughout the entire weekend, visitors can celebrate pork and cork with award-winning barbeque pitmaster Carey Bringle of Nashville’s Peg Leg Porker and wine enthusiast personality Heath Porter, a five-star international sommelier of Heathen Wines + Wine Tours. Guests are in for a treat with an interactive signature wine tasting during the Swine & Wine Supper Club Dinner at the stunning Manor House Ruins Pavilion. The event promises to be an enchanting experience, celebrating the finest flavors of fall.
- West Fest at Booth Western Art Museum: Booth Western Art Museum is hosting the newly revamped West Fest from Thursday, October 26 through Saturday October 28. Visitors can grab their cowboy hats and experience exciting re-enactments of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, vendors, lively music performances, food trucks, children’s train and hayrides, chuck wagons, a petting zoo, mechanical calf roping and so much more. Kids can enjoy complimentary art projects and activities along with their admission. Once visitors have enjoyed the daytime West Fest, they can head to Museum South Lawn from 5-7:30 pm for the first-ever “West Fest After-Party”. Tickets are available for individuals and whole tables offering beer, wine, signature drinks, food trucks and live acoustic music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for those 21 and older.
Overall Review of Cartersville-Bartow
I love being pleasantly surprised during a trip with my kids and that was certainly the feeling while exploring Cartersville. The Booth Western Art Museum and the Tellus Museum were both outstanding and I really wish I had more time to stay at both of them. The art at the Booth Museum was astounding and my kids were just as amazed as I was, which I think shows that they can really span generations of interest.
Being an outdoor lover, Red Top Mountain Park was a favorite. I’d go back there just to paddleboard and swim. They offer a yurt and cabins to stay in and I’d totally be up for doing that for a weekend and seeing the museums again for indoor activities. My kids would tell you that they would happily sit in the car for the three-hour drive if they could do the aqua park at Terminus again! I do agree that it was awesome.
For an affordable family trip that has elements to suit pretty much any interest and is within easy driving distance of the Upstate, Cartersville certainly is a fantastic option.
Looking for more travel reviews? See our big Travel section on our website to plan your next amazing trip!
