Seniors – Been to Rome?

Rome, Georgia that is.  It, too, was selected as having one America’s Greatest Mainstreets by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome was voted the #1 small city in the Southeast.

Rome’s name is a commemoration of Rome, Italy. It too was built on seven hills with a river running between them, a feature that was an inspiration for the name. This connection, emphasized by a replica of the statue of Romulus and Remus statue nursing from a mother wolf is a symbol of the original Rome.

From Rome’s Between-the-Rivers Historic District with its landmark Clocktower to the outer reaches of the county, senior visitors will discover a wonderful sense of community.

Seniors Find Rivers And Wide Streets In Rome

Rome’s wide streets impress senior visitors. Using a chain, an early resident laid out the streets with two of the streets measuring 132 feet across. Rome’s brick Courthouse was built in 1835.

Founded in 1834, Rome is located at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers. The two rivers end up forming the Coosa River. Because of this feature, Rome’s history was guided by the transportation and cotton industries.

Oak Hill and the Martha Berry Museum are two major drawing cards to the city. Oak Hill was an original Victorian-style farmhouse that was built in 1847. The museum focuses on Berry College which is located at the town’s northern border. And sports fans, Rome has a Class A Baseball Team, the Braves.

Beauty And Charm Define Rome

Few southern cities can boast the beauty and charm of Georgia’s Rome. Tucked in the foothills of the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Rome’s three rivers frame the downtown district for recreation and relaxation.

History remains alive for everyone to experience in the many historical buildings, sites and cemeteries pristinely preserved throughout the city and county.

Senior visitors, you are invited to climb up the crest of historic Myrtle Hill for a super view of downtown Rome. And while you are strolling, take in Myrtle Hill Cemetery and Broad Street, where you will note a small-town revitalization in progress.

The locals have invested huge sums since the city’s precipitous decline in the 1970s and on Broad Street you will see the evidence. There have been more than 120 building rehabs in the central business district, and the area’s many Victorian homes and churches have come back to life.

Rome is one of those rarified small town American gems. It’s a super  getaway retreat, an artsy haven including galleries, antique and specialty shops and restaurants where chefs take pride in serving local produce. Yet the mountain town has a casual feel where you’re just as likely to run into fly fishermen and campers or a family coming off the scenic railroad trip.

Seniors, this might be a travel bucket suggestion.  An On-line Visitors’s Guide might be informative and helpful.  jeb