Unlike Atlanta, Birmingham or Chattanooga, Rome may not have the tourism advantage provided by interstates rolling through town - but it does have the distinction of being located in the midst of the rough triangle formed by those three cities, along with plenty of reasons to pull visitors from larger metro areas for a getaway.
One of its draws is the fact that the city and surrounding Floyd County, of which Rome is the seat, offer a great intersection between big and small. With an estimated population of 36,323 as of July 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rome is large enough that visitors won't feel like they're giving up all of the conveniences of a big city, but not so big that it can't display some of the charm that comes with small-town life.
Like the Italian capital after which it was named, Rome has seven hills, three rivers (the Etowah and Oostanaula meet to form the Coosa) and plenty of culture, entertainment and sights to keep guests busy. Whether you go during one of the many activities that fill the city's events calendar or during a quieter time, you'll discover there's plenty to see.
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MINOR LEAGUE, MAJOR FUNFor 14 years, Rome’s State Mutual Stadium has been home to the Atlanta Braves’ Class A minor league affiliate. Even in an age when the cost of attending a professional sports event can put a big hit on your wallet — especially when you want to take the whole family — minor league baseball remains one of America’s greatest sports values.From May to early September, the Rome Braves give fans a chance to see prospects on their way up, along with the occasional sighting of an established major leaguer on an injury rehabilitation assignment, thanks to Rome’s proximity to the big club.>Even casual (or non-) baseball fans will enjoy themselves at this well-maintained stadium, which features an impressive concourse with a wide variety of quality concessions, games for kids (and kids at heart) and baseball exhibits. There’s also a picnic pavilion and grassy seating area beyond right field that’s popular with younger fans, as well as a “beach bar” down the third-base line.Visit romebraves.com for a schedule and ticket information.
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*CHOW BELLA*Hungry? Consider these options:Harvest Moon Cafe features Southern fare with a modern twist and an emphasis on using local, organic ingredients. Fresh-baked bread is a specialty, and in addition to lunch and dinner menus, a brunch buffet is available on Sundays. (234 Broad St.; 706-292-0099; myharvestmooncafe.com)Also in the 1895-constructed building that once housed Fahy Department Store are two places to raise a glass: the Moon Roof Bar and the Dark Side of the Moon Bar.With good food, well-rated service and a laid-back atmosphere, Schroeder’s New Deli has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike over a span of four decades. Sandwiches, salads, pizza and other pub fare stock the menu, and beer and wine are also available. When a restaurant has fans who come from out of town — and lament that they no longer live in close proximity to said restaurant — you know the staff is doing something right. (406 Broad St.; 706-234-4613; schroedersnewdeli.com.)Yummy Thai offers a variety of curries — they’ll make it as spicy (or not) as you like — in addition to pad Thai and other noodle- and rice-based dishes. Pair your selection with one of the refreshing Thai iced teas and enjoy lunch or dinner in an intimate atmosphere. Closed on Mondays. (526 Broad St.; 706-291-9599; yummythairome.com.)Even in the Peach State, it just doesn’t seem right to visit Rome without having Italian fare. Roma Mia is a family-owned restaurant that rates well for its authentic cuisine and reasonable prices. Closed on Mondays. (3401 Martha Berry Highway; 706-291-1881; romamiagrill.com.)Need a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert? Sweet! Honeymoon Bakery has you covered. In addition to a full breakfast menu from 7-10 a.m. Monday-Friday, Honeymoon offers a wide variety of treats, from cupcakes to pralines and gelato. Eat some there and take some to go. Closed on Sundays. (228 Broad St.; 706-232-0611; honeymoonbakery.com)*Source: Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau
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SOARING SUCCESSOne of Rome’s biggest annual traditions is the Wings Over North Georgia air show. Scheduled for Oct. 29-30 at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport, this year’s performance lineup includes the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds, the Sky Soldiers Cobra helicopter demonstration team and the Lucas Oil Parachute Team, among many others.In addition to keeping your eyes on the sky, you can check out the aircraft displayed on the grounds or take a ride in a vintage combat plane. The activities also include a barbecue competition and the Smoke-n-Thunder concert series, with Georgia’s Travis Tritt as this year’s featured performer, as well as a fireworks show.>Really want to make a weekend of it? Camping is available on-site. Visit wingsovernorthgeorgia.com for details.
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HISTORIC HOMESince 1971, the former home of Cherokee leader Major Ridge, who played a significant role in the Trail of Tears, has served as a museum spotlighting the area’s American Indian culture in the 19th century up to their removal to Western lands. Both a site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and a National Historic Landmark, the Chieftains Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for students. (501 Riverside Pkwy.; 706-291-9494; chieftainsmuseum.org.)
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SCHOOL DAYSThere’s nothing like a town-and-gown union to inject a little youth into a city, and Rome gets a good dose of it thanks to its four colleges: Berry College, Georgia Highlands College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College and Shorter University.>Especially worth a look is Berry, which spans “more than 27,000 acres of woodlands, meadows and streams,” according to the school’s website. It’s the world’s largest college campus and quite picturesque, enough so that several movies have been filmed on location there. Large herds of deer roam freely, and miles of trails for biking and hiking make it worth a visit even if your last final was decades ago.In addition to touring the campus in general, check out Oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum, which aims “to tell the story of Martha Berry and Berry College through exhibitions, events and educational programming,” according to berry.edu. Oak Hill is the name given to the Greek revival home of the late Berry, the college’s founder.The museum and grounds are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
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TIME TO LOOK AROUNDStretch your legs by taking the 107 steps to the top of the 104-foot tall Rome City Clocktower, the town’s official symbol, for a good view. Formerly a water tower supplying area residents before the 20th century, since 1995 it has housed a small museum.>Admission is free, but the tower is only open from noon to 1:15 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month April-October, although special appointments can be made by calling 706-236-4416.Source: National Register of Historic Places; Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau