Rome, Georgia offers a surprisingly rich and diverse range of entertainment options that blend small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a vibrant and balanced lifestyle. From shopping and dining to cultural events and outdoor recreation, Rome provides plenty of ways for physicians and their families to unwind, explore, and enjoy their leisure time.
For those who enjoy shopping, Rome offers a mix of national retailers and unique local boutiques. Mount Berry Mall is the city’s primary shopping center, featuring popular stores like Belk and Dunham’s Sports, along with a variety of specialty shops. Downtown Rome is home to charming boutiques like Paradise Garden, which showcases local art and handcrafted goods, and Ginger’s Flower & Gift Shop, known for its unique gifts and Southern hospitality. Grocery shopping is convenient with several options including Kroger, Publix, and the locally loved Harvest Moon Market, offering fresh, organic produce and specialty items.
When it comes to entertainment, Rome is home to the historic DeSoto Theatre, a beautifully restored movie theater that offers both blockbuster hits and independent films. For live performances, the Rome City Auditorium and the Forum River Center regularly host concerts, theatrical performances, and community events. While you may not find chart-topping artists performing weekly, the city has hosted popular acts like country star Travis Tritt and blues legend Robert Cray in recent years. For those who appreciate visual arts, the Rome Area History Museum and the Last Stop Gift Shop feature rotating exhibits that highlight regional history, culture, and local artists. The Rome-Floyd County Library, with its extensive children’s section and robust calendar of events, is a favorite for families, while the Sara Hightower Regional Library serves as a central hub for literary and cultural activities.
For family-friendly outings, the Rome Braves, the city’s minor league baseball team, provides a fun and affordable way to enjoy America’s pastime. The team, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, has a strong following and regularly offers themed nights, fireworks shows, and community engagement events at AdventHealth Stadium. Rome’s location also provides easy access to major college sports, with the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech both within driving distance, offering opportunities to experience SEC and ACC football and basketball.
Nature lovers will appreciate Rome’s close proximity to both the Chattanooga Zoo, about 75 miles away, and a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site and Cave Spring Park provide unique recreational experiences, while the Tellus Science Museum, with its planetarium and observatory, is just an hour away and perfect for a day trip with the family.
Dining in Rome is another highlight, offering everything from casual Southern comfort food to upscale culinary experiences. The city’s culinary scene is led by Harvest Moon Café, a downtown staple known for its farm-to-table dishes and award-winning fried chicken. The eclectic menu at La Scala Mediterranean Bistro provides an elegant dining experience, featuring dishes like lobster ravioli and braised lamb shank. For a more casual outing, Doug’s Deli Downtown is a local favorite for its gourmet sandwiches and fresh ingredients, while Honeymoon Bakery is famous for its delectable pastries and desserts, having won multiple local awards. Broad Street is lined with popular cafes, bars, and restaurants like Schroeder’s New Deli and Moon Roof Bar, offering live music, craft beer, and a laid-back atmosphere.
For those looking to explore the region’s events, Rome hosts several notable annual festivities. The Rome International Film Festival draws filmmakers and movie buffs from across the Southeast, while the Floyd County Fair is a beloved tradition celebrating community with carnival rides, games, and local crafts. Just a short drive away, Atlanta’s numerous festivals, such as the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and Shaky Knees Music Festival, are easily accessible for a weekend outing.
Rome’s blend of cultural events, dining, and recreational activities provides endless options for entertainment, ensuring that physicians and their families can find both relaxation and excitement in this community. Whether enjoying a meal at a locally acclaimed restaurant, catching a performance at a historic theater, or participating in a vibrant local festival, Rome offers a lifestyle that’s engaging, diverse, and thoroughly enjoyable. For more information on local activities and dining options, resources like VisitRomeGa.com and the Downtown Rome Facebook page are excellent starting points.
Rome, Georgia is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering a wide range of activities set in a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, winding rivers, and scenic woodlands. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, kayaking, or golfing, Rome’s natural beauty provides ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, making it a perfect location for those who value an active lifestyle and a deep connection to nature.
Hiking and biking are some of the most popular activities in Rome, with numerous trails winding through the city and its surrounding areas. The scenic 5-mile Heritage Park Trail runs along the banks of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers, connecting several parks and offering both paved and natural paths perfect for walking, running, or cycling. For a more challenging adventure, the 7.5-mile Pinhoti Trail, located in the nearby Chattahoochee National Forest, is a favorite for serious hikers and mountain bikers alike. The Pinhoti Trail is part of the larger Appalachian Trail system, offering breathtaking views and rugged terrain. Berry College, with its sprawling 27,000-acre campus, also offers an extensive network of trails that are open to the public, allowing for peaceful hikes through forested areas where you might spot deer and other wildlife.
For those who love being on the water, Rome is surrounded by rivers and lakes that provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports. The Coosa River is a prime spot for fishing, offering catches like largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. The city is also home to the annual Rome-Floyd County Bass Tournament, attracting anglers from across the region. Lake Weiss, located about 30 miles from Rome, is known as the “Crappie Capital of the World” and is ideal for both fishing and boating. Local fishing guides are available for those new to the area, offering insights on the best spots and techniques for a successful day on the water.
Kayaking and canoeing are popular along the Etowah River, which flows right through the heart of Rome. The city’s public boat ramps and rental services make it easy to get out on the water, whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle or a more adventurous outing. The Etowah Water Trail, stretching 163 miles, offers routes for all skill levels and includes scenic sections with historic sites and natural beauty. For more adventurous water activities like jet skiing and water skiing, nearby Allatoona Lake and Lake Weiss are popular destinations with calm waters and plenty of open space for boating.
Golf enthusiasts will find several well-maintained courses in and around Rome. Stonebridge Golf Club, just minutes from downtown, is an 18-hole championship course featuring rolling fairways, challenging bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Coosa Country Club offers a classic Southern golfing experience with a meticulously manicured course and a variety of amenities for members. For a more relaxed round, the 9-hole Callier Springs Golf Course is a local favorite, offering a quick and enjoyable game.
Hunting is another popular activity in the Rome area, with nearby public lands and private hunting preserves offering opportunities for seasonal hunting. Common game includes deer, turkey, and small game such as squirrels and rabbits. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires licenses for hunting, which can be easily obtained online. The hunting season varies by species, with deer season typically running from mid-September through January, and turkey season in the spring. The Chattahoochee National Forest and Berry College Wildlife Management Area are some of the top spots for hunters, offering large tracts of land with well-managed wildlife populations.
For winter sports enthusiasts, the closest ski resorts are just a few hours’ drive away in North Carolina. Resorts like Cataloochee Ski Area and Sugar Mountain Resort offer a range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, making for easy weekend trips during the colder months.
Rome’s outdoor attractions are capped off by nearby natural landmarks like the Rock Garden in Calhoun and the Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama, both perfect for day trips. Whether you’re hiking through forest trails, casting a line in the Coosa River, or teeing off at one of the local golf courses, Rome’s outdoor activities offer something for everyone. The city’s combination of natural beauty and well-maintained recreational facilities make it a prime location for those who love spending time outdoors, ensuring that physicians and their families can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle year-round.
Rome, Georgia is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families who enjoy an active lifestyle, offering a wide array of recreational activities set against the scenic backdrop of the Appalachian foothills. With abundant parks, trails, gyms, and community centers, the city provides residents with countless ways to stay active, explore nature, and create lasting memories with their families.
Rome’s recreation centers and community amenities are well-equipped to support active lifestyles. The Rome-Floyd YMCA is a popular choice for families, offering fitness classes, swimming pools, sports leagues, and youth programs. It’s a hub for both fitness and social activities, with everything from group exercise classes to indoor racquetball courts. For those who enjoy racket sports, Rome is home to several well-maintained pickleball courts at Etowah Park, which also features tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for family outings. Additionally, the community’s Charles C. Parker Center offers a full gym, indoor walking track, and multi-purpose rooms that host various community events and activities.
For families with young children, Rome has a wealth of options to keep kids entertained and engaged. Ridge Ferry Park, with its expansive playground, splash pad, and riverside walking trails, is a local favorite for family outings. The park also hosts seasonal events and festivals, providing entertainment for all ages. During the summer, families can cool off at the Barron Stadium Splash Pad or enjoy a day at the city’s public pools, such as Northside Swim Center, which offers swim lessons and recreational swimming. Nature lovers can explore the Coosa River Basin Initiative’s guided paddling tours, perfect for families who want to get out on the water and experience Rome’s river system up close.
For indoor fun, the Rome Area History Museum and the Tellus Science Museum, located a short drive away, provide engaging exhibits and activities that captivate young minds. While Rome doesn’t have a dedicated children’s museum, the city’s rich historical and educational resources offer plenty of interactive learning experiences for kids. Additionally, the nearby Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area offers fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities that are perfect for family outings.
Rome is also ideally located for day trips to explore nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. The Chattahoochee National Forest and Talladega National Forest are within easy driving distance, offering endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives. For wildlife enthusiasts, the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is a hidden gem just outside of Rome, featuring peaceful fishing lakes, paddle boat rentals, and beautiful trails.
With its blend of outdoor adventures, community-focused recreational facilities, and family-friendly amenities, Rome offers a lifestyle that encourages both physical activity and quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re hiking along scenic trails, enjoying a family picnic at a local park, or taking part in a fitness class at one of the city’s well-equipped gyms, Rome has something to offer everyone, making it an ideal place for physicians and their families to call home.