Operated by the Barrow County Historical Society and housed in the original county jail, the Barrow County Museum offers residents a look at the county's rich history. A reading and research room on the building's second floor contains archives of local newspapers dating back to the county's formation in 1914. A special exhibit honors Richard B. Russell, a late Winder resident who served 38 years in the U.S. Senate. Volunteers who staff the museum offer tours during operating hours. The jail is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a hanging tower, three original jail cells and hundreds of artifacts donated by the county resident and others. Residents can view the last two bales of cotton grown and ginned in Barrow County, a sculpture created in 1939 by Marian Sanford to display at a post office, photographs and uniforms worn by soldiers during World War I and World War II, a historic barber chair, a corn sheller and an extensive display of early tools and pictures and memorabilia of the county's early schools, churches and other buildings.
Barrington Hall was built by Roswell King and his son, Barrington, during the 1830's when he acquired the land and began the Roswell Company. Barrington, president of the company, developed many successful cotton and woolen mills on the vast property.
After inviting other families to the area, it began to flourish and slowly developed into what we know today as the city of Roswell.
Barrington Hall was passed down from generation to generation until it was sold to the city during 2005 after undergoing an extensive and award-winning restoration.
Visitors may now tour the home to see many exquisite original details and furnishings.
The Atlanta History Center is a 33-acre museum and more located amid the gorgeous estates of Buckhead in Atlanta. It offers something for everyone and includes several sites that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time and experience everything from permanent and traveling exhibitions to historic houses to stunning gardens.
Parking and public transportation at the Atlanta History Center
Complimentary parking is available next to the grounds in Buckhead. For public transportation, take the MARTA train to the Buckhead Station on the Red Line; transfer to the Southbound #110 Peachtree Street bus; exit the bus where Peachtree Street and Roswell Road fork together, then make a right on West Paces Ferry Road and proceed west two blocks.
Best and worst time to go to the Atlanta History Center
The gardens are a wonderful part of a visit here, so going during spring/summer/fall months is recommended. As with other tourist attractions, this becomes busier during spring break and holidays.
Admission to the Atlanta History Center
Admission is free for members and children under four. Paid admission ($11 to $16.50) includes access to the Atlanta History Museum, the Centennial Olympic Games Museum, the Smith Family Farm, the Swan House and the gardens. Admission to the Margaret Mitchell House, the former home of the author of Gone With the Wind, in Midtown is included if visited within nine days of the Atlanta History Center. Tours at multiple spots are offered for an additional fee.
Must see/do at the Atlanta History Center
Visit the American Civil War exhibition, one of the largest in the country. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Down the Fairway with Bobby Jones exhibition in addition to the Centennial Olympic Games Museum in the Fentener van Vlissingen Family Wing, which features the complete collection of Olympic torches and medals along with highlights of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Other places to visit near the Atlanta History Center
With the prime Buckhead location, there are limitless possibilities for shopping, such as Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza along with restaurants, galleries, spas and entertainment galore.
Insider tip for visitors to the Atlanta History Center
Spend the extra $10 on the Capital Tour of the Swan House (offered Monday - Saturday at 4pm), a breathtaking Southern mansion which was featured in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Be sure to chat with the interpreters who help bring the history of the venue to life. Don't miss out on the tea sandwiches at the Swan Coach House when you're ready for a bite.
Author's bio: Hastings Malone is an Atlanta, GA local who manages the Marketing, Events and Writing consulting business Southern Charm Communications. She is a freelance contributor to a variety of publications.
McDaniel Farm Park is intended to educate and inform children about how life is on a farm. Rather than having the typical playgrounds and athletic fields associated with parks, this one has peaceful walking trails, barns, outhouses, pavilion and a petting zoo. It's a great place to bring your kids for an exciting day they will remember.
Made famous by John Berendt's 1994 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the Mercer Williams House Museum is open to the public and gives guests an opportunity to view the circa 1868 home that was carefully restored by Mr. Jim Williams in the late 1960s. Much of his private art collection is on display downstairs.
How to get to The Mercer Williams House Museum
The home is located on Monterey Square in historic downtown Savannah. Trolley and bus tours frequent the area. The address for private vehicles is 429 Bull Street, Savannah GA 31401.
Best and worst time to go to The Mercer Williams House Museum
The best time for a visit is to take the last tour of the day, which is at 4:10 p.m, everyday of the week. The guides will be more relaxed and answer more of your questions when they know there is not another group behind you waiting. The worst time for crowds is the day before or after a major holiday.
Admission to The Mercer Williams House Museum
Students may purchase tickets for $8.50. Adults are $12.50 each. Group rate discounts may be available, but you have to call the home to inquire.
Must see/do at The Mercer Williams House Museum
Make sure you take a turn to peer up at the glass domed ceiling above the grand staircase. It is a view not to be missed.
Other places to visit near The Mercer Williams House Museum
Fans of historic homes will love visiting the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace as well.
Insider tip for visitors to The Mercer Williams House Museum
Be sure to save some souvenir money to shop inside the Carriage House shop.
Author's bio: Jamie Davis is a freelance writer and top-selling author with Llewellyn Worldwide. She lives on Wilmington Island, an area of Savannah, Georgia. She loves all things coastal Georgia and if pressed to describe herself in one word, she would choose "traveler." She can be found at http://jamiedaviswrites.com.
Sweetwater Creek State Park offers nature-goers picnicking, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Situated on 2,549 acres including 215 acres of lake, the park has a visitor center, gift shop, meeting room, 11 sheltered picnic areas, a group shelter, two fishing docks, a seasonal bait shop and playgrounds. One of the more popular features of the park is the ruins of New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that burned down during the Civil War.
Host to the annual Rose Lawn Arts Festival, the Victorian mansion now owned and operated by Bartow County as a museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was once the home of evangelist Samuel Porter Jones, for whom Nashville's Union Gospel Tabernacle (Ryman Auditorium) was built. In addition to the works of Sam Jones, Rose Lawn now houses the writings and memorabilia of Rebecca Latimer Felton, a Bartow native who was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate.
The Taylor-Grady house is a historical property in Athens that is used mainly for wedding, political and corporate events. Whether you book the house for your wedding reception or for a scholarly lecture, the Taylor-Grady House will provide your event with an air of classic southern hospitality and beauty.
