1. The Rock Garden
The Rock Garden is a folk art, volunteer-built gem in Calhoun, Georgia. Home to approximately an acre of beautiful greenery and flowers, the garden also features a music pavilion and a “captivating artistry” of over fifty diminutive buildings. Designed as an imitation of their larger counterparts, these buildings are crafted from shells, pebbles, tiny stones, pieces of broken china and glass, wire, cement, ceramic tile, and other types of material. The structures include cathedrals, a monastery, castles, houses, churches, and more, as well as miniature figures of animals and people. The Rock Garden is open seven days a week.
1411 Rome Rd SW, Calhoun, GA 30701, Phone: 706-629-5470
2. New Echota State Historic Site
The Cherokee national legislature in 1825 established the capital of New Echota. During its brief history, it was the site of one of the one of the earliest national self-governments of an Indian tribe and the first Indian language newspaper, as well as where a treaty was signed relinquishing Cherokee claims to land east of the Mississippi and where people were assembled for the journey on the Trail of Tears. Visitors today can see a number of both reconstructed and original buildings at New Echota. There is also a visitor center with interpretive exhibits and Native American crafts and art.
1211 GA-225, Calhoun, GA 30701, Phone: 706-624-1321
3. Harris Arts Center
Opened in Calhoun in 2000, the Harris Arts Center hosts a variety of cultural performances, classes and workshops, and rotating arts exhibits and consists of The Art Market Gift Shop, several art galleries, art studio, music rooms, the Ratner Theater, and the Roland Hayes Museum. Visitors can take a guided tour by appointment and end their visit with a stop at the Market to browse the broad array of affordable handcrafted items made by regional and local artists available for purchase. Classes at the Harris Arts Center often include yoga, dance, woodwinds, violin, banjo, guitar, piano, and visual arts.
212 S. Wall St, Calhoun GA 30701, Phone: 706-629-2599
Where to Eat:
4. Thatcher's Barbeque and Grill
Thatcher's Barbeque and Grill opened its doors in the city of Calhoun, Georgia in 2010. The family-owned and operated restaurant has always strived to provide great service, large portions, and quality food at an affordable price to their customers. Beginning as just a take-out shack in Trenton, Thatcher’s Barbeque opened their dining room just a year later due to customer demand. Over the years, the restaurant grew as a result of increased demand for their quality food and eventually came to Calhoun where they have won “Best of the Best.” Other locations include Trenton, Summerville, and Ringgold.
1214 N Wall St, Calhoun, GA 30701, Phone: 706-625-6465
5. Del Taco
One of the largest Mexican quick-service concepts in the United States, Del Taco was originally started back in 1964 in Yermo, California by David Jameson and Ed Hackbarth with a menu of cheeseburgers, fries, tostadas, and tacos all for under a dollar. While the menu at Del Taco today isn’t as cheap as it used to be, the restaurant chain still offers a “Buck & Under Menu” and aims to be a leader in providing quality, fresh food for “a value price.” The menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, fresca bowls, options for breakfast, salads, and burgers.
250 GA-53, Calhoun, GA 30701, Phone: 762-204-2369
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