Dixie Detours: When in Rome … Georgia

The wedding of my old friend Jack and his lovely fiancée Beth was the main reason prompting my and Kemey’s visit back home and a big factor behind the design of our Dixie Detours itinerary. The wedding was held in Rome, Georgia where Jack had attended university. Yes, that’s right. I went to Athens one day and Rome the next – all without leaving the great state of Georgia!

Halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga (though about 20 miles or so in either direction from Interstate 75), Rome retains an easygoing small town vibe with a compact and attractive little downtown area with at least a few establishments worth mentioning.

The wedding ceremony took place at the Frost Memorial Chapel on the Mountain Campus of Berry College’s Mountain Campus. From the Berry College website:

Standing atop one of the hills on Berry’s Mountain Campus is the beautiful Frost Memorial Chapel. Built by Berry students and staff in 1936-37 … [and] featuring wooden beamed ceilings, a flagstone floor, leaded glass windows, a slate roof and three beautiful stained glass windows …

Should you ever find yourself in Rome with a bit of free time, a visit to Berry College’s several thousand acres of wooded parkland is a must – even if only for a quick drive through it. And if you get the chance to peek inside the chapel or attend an event there, give it strong consideration; it’s a fine sight to behold – and proved to be a gorgeous setting for the wedding.

Stay

Kemey and I stayed at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham in downtown Rome. Super spacious and comfy (our suite might have had the best bed of our whole trip!) and incredibly convenient for whatever might bring you to Rome, I can’t imagine there to be better accommodation option in town.

Eat and Drink

Beth and Jack threw their wedding reception at the Rome Area History Museum, just steps from our hotel. The party was catered by Harvest Moon whose southern comfort cuisine hit the spot not only during the reception but also the next day for brunch at its restaurant across the street from the museum. I think the all you can eat Sunday brunch buffet was priced nicely at $12 (maybe $12.50). It was good value whatever the case. Everything I managed to pile up on my plate was certainly tasty. I especially loved the catfish and collards greens!

After the ceremony and before the reception, we warmed up a few seats at the bar of Johnny’s New York Style Pizza (downtown, near the museum and Harvest Moon) for a few drinks with some other dear friends attending the wedding. There’s a more than decent selection of beers and a plentifully backed bar. I didn’t have anything to eat while there, but the pizzas being served looked good and smelled delicious. When you go, see if Donnie’s working the bar and tell ‘im tikichris sent ya.

Stay tuned for more highlights from my time in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida along with suggestions for planning your own southern sojourn. If y’all ain’t never been to the places mentioned in my Dixie Detours miniseries, I reckon you’re missing out.