In a time and place where the interstate is king of travel, Rome might be considered by some to be off the beaten path.
But the city and surrounding Floyd County, of which Rome is the seat, are still just a short journey (less than 80 miles) from Chattanooga – and worth taking the highway if you’re looking for a place with plenty of opportunities to fill a day (or longer) trip. In fact, according to the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city, founded in 1834, has the second-largest population of any town in the triangle formed by the interstates between Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga.
Like the Italian capital after which it’s 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 you 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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Why Don’t You Stay?If you’re interested in turning a day trip into a “days” trip, Floyd County’s got you covered. In addition to a number of hotels and motels whose names you know, here are some other places to lay your head.Tumlin House, a Victorian home in Cave Spring that dates to the 1800s but is now a bed and breakfast with modern amenities like complimentary wireless Internet, television with DVD player and VCR in each room and a swimming pool.Rome’s Claremont House, a Victorian Gothic built in 1882, offers four rooms in its bed and breakfast, as well as a cottage for rental. All rooms have coffee makers and cable TV, and guests have access to a refrigerator and freezer stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks.The Hearn Inn in Cave Spring, operated by the town’s historical society, has seven bedrooms. Bringing a crowd with you? You can book the entire inn at a discounted rate.Looking for more rustic accommodations? Cedar Creek Park offers RV and tent camping, as well as lodge rental options.
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Eat, Drink and Be Merry> Doing as the Romans do means enjoying an active downtown and festival scene that includes good food, drinks and fun in abundance. From May to September, Bridgepoint Plaza (near where the city’s three rivers meet downtown) hosts First Friday, a series of free concerts on — you guessed it — the first Friday of each month. To find out who’s playing and when, visit downtownromega.com.> Set for Oct. 3-4 this year, Wings Over North Georgia is an annual air show that brings in some of the very best performance teams to demonstrate their aviation skills at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport. In addition, there are many aircraft on display on the grounds, and the weekend also includes the Smoke-N-Thunder Barbeque Classic (sanctioned by the famed Kansas City Barbeque Society), live music and fireworks. Visit wingsovernorthgeorgia.com for details.> Looking for nightlife? Entertainment options include live music at venues like the Moon Roof Bar, Johnny’s, the 400 Block Bar and Brewhouse Music and Grill. Other offerings in the area of entertainment and culture include the Rome Symphony Orchestra (romesymphony.org) and the Rome Little Theatre, an amateur thespian group that presents plays at the Historic DeSoto Theatre. That venue also hosts the annual Rome International Film Festival. For other arts scene happenings, check out the Rome Area Council for the Arts listings at romearts.org.> It’s OK to come to town hungry. And Rome’s culinary offerings might be enough to bring you back for repeat visits, because even a trip of a few days could leave you wishing for more mealtimes — and the chance to try more restaurants. Want a casual stop that’s a longtime hit with locals? Schroeder’s New Deli. Family dining? Try the Landmark Restaurant — dare you to walk past the dessert case without indulging — or the Partridge Restaurant. Sunday brunch with Southern flair? Harvest Moon Cafe. A hometown bakery with gourmet sandwiches and pastries? Great Harvest Bread Co. A hometown bakery with cupcakes worth cheating on your diet, as well as a breakfast menu to help you start a busy day downtown? Honeymoon Bakery. A cozy setting with savory, spicy curries and more? Yummy Thai. And what would a trip to Rome be without a plate with Old World influences? Try Bella Roma Grill, La Scala Mediterranean Bistro or Roma Mia Ristorante Italiano.