A fashion show is one of the highlights of Calhoun’s annual BBQ Boogie & Blues festival.Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to delight your palate, spend a Friday night watching high-class football, find that perfect present or get a glimpse of the past, the city of Calhoun can accommodate.
A first-class outlet mall is just off Interstate 75 for shoppers, while the New Echota Historic Site is a scenic area for those who want to learn about the area’s past and the Native Americans who once lived there. There are more reasons to stop in, including a major spring festival full of good eats, a restaurant so good it doesn’t need a sign, and one of the state’s top prep football programs.
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Cherokee Nation Revisited> The New Echota Historic Site is one of the most significant Cherokee Nation sites in the country. It was home to the first Indian-language newspaper, the capital of the Cherokee Nation and the beginning point of the infamous Trail of Tears. Today, you can take a self-guided tour through 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including a council house, print shop and 1805 store. The visitors center includes a gift shop and 17-minute film.> On the third Saturday of the month (March-October), the park hosts a Friends Day in which staff members and volunteers lead guests on a tour, complete with demonstrations. Among the activities are hikes along the Pond Overlook Tons of Fun Trail and the New Town Creek Nature Trail.> Tickets cost from $5.50 to $7, and the park is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.> The park is at 1211 Chatsworth Highway. Call 706-624-1321 for more information.Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
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Eat BBQ, Watch FootballWhat’s better in the South than world-class barbecue and football? Calhoun claims both.High School FootballFew cities in Georgia can match the Friday night excitement of Phil Reeve Stadium, home to the three-time GHSA state champion Yellow Jackets. Coach Hal Lamb’s team has won its last 95 region games and is the defending Class AAA champion. The Reeve, as its known locally, boasts a Jumbo-Tron scoreboard and is regularly filled to capacity on game night.BBQ Boogie & BluesEvery spring, downtown Calhoun is transformed into a giant barbecue restaurant when dozens of professional teams compete in a nationally sanctioned barbecue competition sponsored by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. In addition to the food, the event includes live entertainment, a fashion show, arts and crafts booths and a benefit bike race.> When: Last weekend in April> Where: Downtown Calhoun> Cost: FreeFarm City WeekA weeklong celebration that ends on Thanksgiving, Farm City Week includes ice skating and a snow tube slide and ends with Santa arriving on Thanksgiving night to light the Christmas tree.> When: Week before Thanksgiving> Cost: FreeSource: City of Calhoun
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CALHOUN UP CLOSE> Population: 15,899> Biggest employers: Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries, Mannington Mills and Gordon Hospital> Date founded: 1852> History: Calhoun was part of the Cherokee Nation until 1835, when Georgia claimed the land. The city was founded as Dawsonville and later renamed Calhoun.> Most famous residents: Musician Roland Hayes, businessman Bert Lance, Cherokee Nation leaders Elias Boudinot, John Ridge and Stand Watie, and American lieutenant general and Director of the Joint Staff, Ray B. SittonSource: City of Calhoun, Gordon County Chamber