Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cartersville, Georgia to Marietta, Georgia

Driving from Cartersville, Georgia to Marietta, Georgia is a beautiful and scenic experience. The 32-mile drive takes approximately 40 minutes to complete and passes through picturesque rolling hills and lush landscapes. While there are plenty of fantastic sites to see along the way, here are five unexpected places that should not be missed.

Halfway Point: Acworth, GA

Acworth, GA is the halfway point on this journey, and it’s a small city with just under 30,000 residents. Located in Cobb County, Acworth is a charming little city that offers a lot of different things to see and do. Visitors to Acworth can enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Acworth, visit the historic downtown area, or take a hike in one of the area’s many parks.

1. Anheuser-Busch Brewery

If you have a passion for beer, then the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Cartersville is a perfect stop for you. Established in 1995, this brewery produces a range of products including Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery, learn about the beer-making process, and even see the famous Clydesdales.

While taking the tour at Anheuser-Busch Brewery, visitors can enjoy beer samples fresh from the tap. One must-try is the Fruit of the Farm, an American wheat ale brewed with peaches, blackberries, and raspberries.

2. Etowah Indian Mounds

Located on the banks of the Etowah River, the Etowah Indian Mounds are an incredibly well-preserved historic site. Dating back to between 1000 and 1550, these mounds were home to indigenous peoples who once lived in the area. The site is home to multiple mounds, including a two-story earthen platform mound that is believed to have been the home of a chief or priest.

Visitors to Etowah Indian Mounds can explore the site on their own or take a guided tour. While there, make sure to check out the museum, which showcases artifacts from the Native American culture that once thrived in the area.

3. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is located in Kennesaw, GA and is a great stop for history buffs. The museum features exhibits on the Civil War and covers everything from the causes of the war to the aftermath. Visitors can also explore the steam locomotives, including the General, which was famously stolen by Union soldiers during the Civil War.

While there, visitors can enjoy a full-service restaurant called The Great Locomotive Chase located in the museum. The restaurant offers southern fare such as chicken and waffles and fried green tomatoes, which are a must-try.

4. Walking Dead Filming Locations

If you’re a fan of the hit TV series, Walking Dead, then you’ll want to check out some of the filming locations on your journey. The show is filmed in and around Atlanta, GA, including several locations on this route.

One of the most famous filming locations is the town of Senoia, GA, which is about 20 miles from Marietta. It is the home of The Walking Dead’s fictional town of Woodbury. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town and see the filming locations from the show, including the Woodbury Shoppe and the Georgia Mercantile Company.

5. Big Chicken

The Big Chicken is a Kitschy landmark in Marietta, Georgia. This 50-foot-tall chicken-shaped restaurant is a fun and tongue-in-cheek stop to wrap up the journey.

While there, visitors can enjoy a staple of the Georgian culinary world, the fried chicken. A must-try is the 8-piece chicken served family-style at Strands Marietta, located just down the street from the Big Chicken.

Conclusion

The drive from Cartersville, Georgia to Marietta, Georgia offers a beautiful and scenic experience and passing through the historic sites and must-see memorials makes this journey even more special. Visitors can enjoy everything from a beer tour to a taste of southern cuisine while exploring the history of Native Americans and the Civil War, all while enjoying some of their favorite TV shows’ iconic landmarks. There’s no shortage of things to do and see on this journey, making it an experience worth taking.