Rome Georgia: Just Add Snow!

Looking for somewhere to stop between Wetumpka, Alabama and Asheville, North Carolina, we chose Rome Georgia. My friend’s daughter lived and worked in Rome for several years and loved it, so I was anxious to make an overnight stop there on our road trip East.

Rome did not disappoint! We decided on dinner at Harvest Moon Café, another rec from my friend. Nice atmosphere and great food. We had a very friendly waiter, which always adds to the experience!

Downtown Rome

After dinner we decided to walk down Broad Street (their Main Street). Rome has an amazing main street area. It is an entire four or five blocks long and full of shops, restaurants, businesses, etc. Because of the historical buildings and the buzz of the thriving town, it would have been charming anyway. The best part to me though, was the median continuing through every block that had trees. Not just any trees, but beautiful trees with their trunks wrapped in lights. The scene that night, seemed like Bedford Falls of Its a Wonderful Life! We just needed snow and my experience would’ve been complete!

Since it was September, warm and no snow, we just focused on the details of this lovely town. On almost every corner, we found huge pots of vibrant colored plants. We spotted a cute artsy bike in the median. Several of the shops and businesses caught our attention. 

Full Circle Wellness won for the  most creative sign. The letters were painted or attached to a rustic plate or platter. Loved it! 

Guitar shops like Broad Street Guitars always interest Bud. And brightly colored shops, such as Paula‘s Boutique on Broad, jump out at me. 

We both love old theaters and we found two here on Broad Street. The Partridge Restaurant (sadly closed) was once home to the Gordon Theater. The other historical Theater is the DeSoto, now used for events. We didn’t see the Bijou Theater. Ha

Adding to the character of downtown Rome, are the beautiful corner buildings like the Masonic Temple. Besides having a large presence, architectural elements continue down the side streets. The more dramatic the better!

Outdoor dining space is always an inviting and relaxing vibe to a city. Rome has several restaurants with outdoor seating. Extra points if boxed in by iron fencing!

Besides theaters, churches are another of our favorite building types that stand out and grab our attention wherever we go. I really enjoyed this quiet little garden area beside St Peter’s Episcopal Church. The red arch point door, framed within several other pointed arches along with the castle-esque tower contributed to my fascination with St Peter’s. 

Rome Clock Tower

Speaking of towers, the Rome Clock Tower is an icon. The four faced clock, by E Howard Clock Company, tops the first water tower in Rome resulting in this 104 foot landmark. There are beautiful flowers, as part of The Rosalyn Butterfly Trail, around the clock tower. There is also a Pollinator Garden. It is definitely set on a hill and the streets around the clock tower are very steep.

Good Morning Rome

We grabbed a muffin and cinnamon roll breakfast at The Sweet Bar Bakery the next morning. After doing a little sightseeing, we even stopped for a 2nd course to go, at Swift and Finch, before heading to Asheville. This is the coffee shop where my friend’s daughter worked. It has a modern and industrial feel, but relaxed and inviting. Outdoor seating includes open patio and covered patio. I can see why she enjoyed working here so much.

I’m so glad we chose Rome Georgia as a stop over on the way to Ashville. I would love to see it at Christmas and especially, if God were to just add snow!