Polk County, Georgia is one interesting place to visit if you are looking for a new place to explore. That’s because it has a mix of fun and mysterious vibes. Some tourists might find the historic sites and buildings a bit off or heavy, especially if they have a dark history of slavery and so might prefer something modern and light. On the other hand, some might really want to deep dive into the backstory that made the place what it is today.
So, whatever side you belong to, you’re in for a treat because this place is definitely worth a try.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
Cedartown Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia
This location used to be the home of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Cedartown. In 2014, the Morris family purchased the property with every intention to transform it into a museum from the get-go. They restored the plant in order to preserve its history and educate visitors about every aspect of its rich story for the last 130 years.
Now, it houses the popular brand’s comprehensive collection of memorabilia. Here, you get to experience the most recognizable brand’s journey, the story linked to each item, the marketing and advertising pieces that represent the demands and sentiments of their customers for each period, and many more.
Hightower Falls
If you want to experience nature at its finest, a trip to a waterfall might just be what you need. This is an 80-foot cascading waterfall that is spring-fed located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains sandwiched by Cedartown and Rockmart. Its beauty is accentuated by flowers and landscapes.
However, there’s a catch. It’s a private property owned by a family so you only get to experience its glory via reservations for your photo ops and events.
Peek Forest Park
This is a scenic city park, the location of which was acquired via a donation by Captain J. A. Peek. It features picnic areas, a fancy playground, a tennis court, shelters, and even an interactive fountain. This was completed via the cooperation of local citizens and volunteers which funded the construction.
It also has public restrooms and parking for the convenience of parkgoers. This park is for all ages and is group-friendly.
Meadow Lakes Golf Course
If you are a “less is more” sports enthusiast, then, this is the perfect spot for you. This 18-hole semi-private golf course designed by Ken Skodacek in 1985 measures more than 6,500 yards from the blue trees and 6,000 from the white, with well-manicured tees, and Brent Grass greens.
This golf course is for all skill levels. So, whether you are a beginner or a champion-caliber, it sure is a perfect location. However, be informed that this course has 50% water hazards and its last four holes are said to be some of the toughest finishing holes in the city. Note for my West Australian friend, Greg – if you ever take a break from being the best roof cleaning Perth has to offer, we need to play Meadow Lakes. I’ll need your water blasting skills to get me out of all those hazards!
Skydiving
If you want to bring adventure to the highest level, like literally high, then you need to try skydiving. Take that adrenaline boost via tandem skydive or you can even learn solo jump. If you want to earn a skydiving license, you can work it out with a company like Skydive Georgia or Skydive the Farm.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Cedartown, A Main Street City
Cedartown is one interesting location when you are on the lookout for historic sites to explore. For one, it’s rich in different varieties of architectural styles that date back to the 1880s to 1910s. To be able to fully enjoy the experience, you need to allot at least 2 hours.
Interestingly, it’s Main Street was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. There are 65 contributing buildings, one each of contributing structures and contributing objects. A couple of the historic structures are the West Theater built in 1941 and the 1920s train depot that also houses a little museum, the replica of which was destroyed in the 1970s.
This mini museum contains some details of the city’s rich history. One example of interesting finds here is about some of the county’s famous personalities.
Sterling Holloway Birthplace
Sterling Price Holloway Jr., born on January 14, 1905, and died on November 22, 1992, was a favorite son of Polk County, particularly, in Cedartown and rightfully so. Holloway was an American actor who starred in more than 100 films and 40 TV shows in his lifetime.
As a tribute, a historical marker was erected by Governor Zell Miller in 1998 in Cedartown. It can be found at the intersection of Sterling Holloway Place and South College Streets.
Rosehill Cemetery/Gazebo
The land where the cemetery was located was donated by a personality considered the founder of Rockmart named Seaborn Jones to the Rockmart town. The donor actually had reserved an area for himself. Eventually, his gravestone became the tallest among the rest in the cemetery, besides standing on the highest site.
Considered the most recognizable historical landmark in Rockmart, the gazebo was constructed in 1891 and offers a breathtaking view of Rockmart’s landscape.
Aragon Mill Site
This was constructed in 1898 by Walcott and Campbell. It was then sold to A. D. Juilliard Co. in 1900 which added a lot of features over the years. Its one-story section built in the same year holds six pairs of spinning mules.
After 4 years, the second floor was added over the spinning mules and 56 duck C&K looms and twisters replaced the mule spinners. Some other significant additions and changes through the years are as follows:
- 1930s – renamed into United Merchants Mill
- 1939 – built an additional shop
- 1940 – added a spinning room and 60” Draper; drapery looms moved from Brookford and New York Mills
- 1970 – shut down operations
- 1972 – Integrated Products revived its operations
- 1989 – David Bridges made a leveraged buyout and operated it until March 31, 1990
- 1990 – in October, Diamond Rug and Carpet purchased and operated the mill until 1994
- 1998 – bought by Brian and Kirk Spears and used for pillows and wooden pallets production
- 2002 – fire destroyed the mill on August 6
Confederate Memorial
This can be found at the grounds of the 1951 Polk County Courthouse and a contributing feature in Cedartown Commercial Historic District’s 1992 placement on the National Register of Historic Places. It was erected in 1906 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
