Looking for Southern charm and Cherokee heritage? Head to Calhoun! Located in northwest Georgia, Calhoun is a welcoming small town rich in Native American history, Civil War landmarks, and scenic countryside. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, shopping for antiques, or enjoying local BBQ, Calhoun offers a peaceful Georgia getaway with character.
Calhoun, GA Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Visit the New Echota Historic Site – Explore the former capital of the Cherokee Nation, including 1800s buildings and a recreated print shop.
- For Shoppers: Browse Calhoun Outlet Marketplace – Find deals on top brands at this popular outlet mall just off I-75.
- For Nature Lovers: Walk the trails at Resaca Battlefield Park – Enjoy peaceful walking trails through the site of a key Civil War battle.
- For Families: Play and picnic at the Calhoun Recreation Department parks – Ball fields, playgrounds, and trails for all ages to enjoy.
- For Art & Culture: Visit the Harris Arts Center – Local gallery space with exhibits, live performances, and community events.
Best Time to Visit Calhoun, GA
The best time to visit Calhoun is in spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, colorful foliage or blooms, and ideal conditions for outdoor exploring and local festivals.
How to Get to Calhoun, GA
- By Car: Calhoun is located just off I-75, about 70 miles north of Atlanta and 50 miles south of Chattanooga.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 90 minutes away by car.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak station is in Atlanta or Dalton, GA; car rental is recommended for exploring Calhoun.
Where to Stay in Calhoun, GA
- Recommended for Families: Holiday Inn Express Calhoun South – Conveniently located near the outlets with a pool and complimentary breakfast.
- For Couples: The Garden Inn & Suites – Quiet, comfortable, and located close to downtown and historic sites.
- For Budget Travelers: Super 8 by Wyndham Calhoun – Affordable accommodations with clean rooms and easy interstate access.
Best Things to Do in Calhoun, GA
⮕ The Rock Garden
Walk through whimsical pathways, admire intricate miniature stone structures.
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
⮕ New Echota State Historic Site
Explore Cherokee history, admire preserved buildings and cultural exhibits.
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
⮕ Harris Arts Center
Discover local art, enjoy community events and creative performances.
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:
⮕ Thatcher's Barbeque and Grill
Savor smoky barbecue, enjoy hearty portions in a casual setting.
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
⮕ Del Taco
Enjoy quick bites, savor classic Mexican-American favorites at affordable prices.
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
If you are interested in local events:
- For History Lovers: Trail of Tears Memorial Walk (September) – Annual event honoring Cherokee history and culture at New Echota.
- For Families: BBQ, Boogie & Blues Festival (Spring) – Food trucks, live music, and family fun in the heart of downtown.
- For Holiday Fun: Christmas Parade of Lights (December) – A festive evening with floats, music, and holiday cheer throughout the city.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Calhoun, Georgia:
- For Hikers: Fort Mountain State Park (30 min) – Scenic mountain trails, lake views, and a mysterious ancient stone wall.
- For History Buffs: Prater’s Mill Historic Site (30 min) – A working 19th-century grist mill and scenic riverside picnic area.
- For Shopping: Dalton, GA (25–30 min) – Known as the Carpet Capital of the World, with outlets and local dining.
- For Scenic Drives: Northwest Georgia Backroads – Follow winding country roads through farmland, forests, and small towns.
- For Antique Hunters: Adairsville, GA (15–20 min) – Quaint town with antique malls, boutiques, and historic sites.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Calhoun located?
- The rolling hills of Gordon County, including the city of Calhoun, in Georgia are an area steeped in adventure and history.
- What historical significance does Calhoun hold?
- Tourists and locals alike can walk in Cherokee footsteps and visit where some of the heaviest fighting of Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign occurred and where the tragedy of the Trail of Tears officially started.
- What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Calhoun?
- Arts fans can explore the galleries and Roland Hayes Museum of the Harris Arts Center or visit the beautiful Rock Garden.
- What other activities are available in Calhoun?
- There’s also plenty of shopping and dining to be found in and around the city as well.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and great hiking weather. | Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Calhoun – Comfortable accommodations near downtown. | Visit New Echota Historic Site – Explore the former capital of the Cherokee Nation. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm temperatures, ideal for outdoor adventures and festivals. | Holiday Inn Express Calhoun South – Modern stay with great amenities. | Explore Resaca Battlefield Historic Site – Learn about Civil War history and enjoy nature trails. |
| Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, beautiful foliage, and seasonal festivals. | Hampton Inn & Suites Calhoun – Cozy accommodations close to attractions. | Visit Rock Garden in Calhoun – Discover a hidden gem featuring miniature stone castles and churches. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cool weather, great for historical sites and cozy retreats. | La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Calhoun – Convenient and comfortable winter stay. | Shop at Calhoun Premium Outlets – Find great deals and enjoy holiday shopping. |
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