The town of Cave Spring, population about 1,000, is in southern Floyd County, Ga., built up around the limestone cave and water source that gave it its name and initial appeal.

* Where: About 70 miles south of Chattanooga, 10 miles southwest of Rome, Ga.

* Fuel costs: The drive from Chattanooga is about 90 minutes. At $3 per gallon, the round trip will cost about $21.

* Directions: Take U.S. Highway 27 through Fort Oglethorpe and LaFayette to Summerville. Turn right onto Georgia Route 100 at the Ingles Shopping Center. Follow Route 100 to Cave Spring. From Interstate 75 south, take exit 306 at Adairsville. Go west on State Route 140 to State Route 53, then south on Route 53 to U.S. 27 in Rome. Go south six miles, and turn west onto U.S. Highway 411 to Cave Spring.

* Why it’s worth the trip: A picturesque town square, specialty shops, restaurants, bed & breakfast and antique shops lie surround the 29-acre, tree-shaded Rolater Park, just off the town square. Inside the park are the natural limestone cave and spring that are the town’s namesake.

* What: The cave has impressive stalagmites, and the spring each day produces 2 million gallons of water that has won awards for purity and taste. The town has about 90 buildings and sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is home to the Georgia School for the Deaf.

* Hours: The cave is open daily from May through September, and by appointment other times. Call 706-777-9944 or 706-777-3994.

* Cost: Rolater Park is open daily at no charge. Admission to the cave is $1 for adults and children.

* Things to do: Aside from eating, shopping and visiting the cave and its spring, canoe rentals are available at the Cedar Creek RV Park. Many visitors bring jugs to fill at the spring and take home for drinking. Nearby Lake Weiss boasts “the best crappie fishing in the world,” and the Pinhoti Trail for hiking and the paved Silver Comet Trail pass through town.

* To learn more: Visit the town’s Web site at www.cityofcavespring.com

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