| In This Issue Calhoun Glows This Christmas Candles & Carols Returns to Oak Hill Barnsley Gardens Resort Hosts Wreath Making Classes Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum Opens January 12 Cultural Performances Highlight Romes Christmas Calendar See the Gordon Lee Mansion by Candlelight Rome to Host NAIA National Championship Football Game A Moravian Christmas at Chief Vann House A Christmas Tapestry Comes to 1902 Stock Exchange Downtown Cartersville Hosts Special Evenings of Candlelight Shopping Bartow History Center Holiday Open House and The Greatest Generation The Black West: Buffalo Soldiers, Black Cowboys and Untold Stories Winter Wine Series Returns in January to Barnsley Gardens Resort Smoke on the Mountain comes to Cartersville January 30-31 Regional Meetings About the Historic High Country Travel Association Calhoun Glows This Christmas Visit Calhoun this Christmas season for many events that are sure to bring you family light and joy. On December 6 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. bring your candle lantern to New Echota State Historic Site for their Christmas Candlelight Tour. The historic Cherokee Capitol will be adorned with natural decorations, music and refreshments reminiscent of the 19th century. Be sure to dress warmly and wear good walking shoes for this one-mile tour. Admission is $5 per person. For more seasonal fun enjoy the Christmas Parade of Lights on December 11, beginning at 7 p.m. in downtown Calhoun. Then take an Advent Journey walk through Bethlehem hosted by the Sonoraville Recreation Department December 11-13. For more information please contact the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce at 706-625-3200 or visit online at www.ExploreGordonCounty.com. Candles & Carols Returns to Oak Hill Oak Hill and The Martha Berry Museum will hold its 22nd annual Candles and Carols of Christmases Past from 6-9 p.m. December 5-6. Come enjoy the beautiful glow of hundreds of candles and Christmas lights illuminating the historic home and gardens of Berry College founder Martha Berry. Delight in Christmas stories, walk through the Oak Hill home, make sa craft at the Christmas kids tent and see a live nativity scene. Visitors can walk through the petting zoo, listen to Christmas carols sung by area choirs, and stop for a visit with Santa Claus. Admission is $2. Guest parking is available at Harbin Clinic located on the corner of US HWY 27 and Redmond Road (please use Leland Avenue entrance). A shuttle to Oak Hill will be provided. More information can be found at www.berry.edu/oakhill. Barnsley Gardens Resort Hosts Wreath Making Classes Visit Barnsley Gardens Resort for a great opportunity to craft a unique wreath of natural materials for a fraction of the cost. Barnsleys own Dottie Wheaton will instruct the class that is appropriate for the whole family. There will be a materials fee of $20 per person. Barnsleys Fairy Godmother will be making ornaments with the children, too. Classes will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on December 6, and December 13. Call 770-773-7480 to reserve your space. Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum Opens January 12, 2009 Georgia s newest attraction will open its doors to the public on January 12, 2009, as Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum becomes the premiere destination for family-oriented science experiences. Eye-popping exhibits like an 80 foot-long Apatosaurus and a replica Wright flyer will excite and amaze visitors of all ages. Children will have a blast conducting hands-on experiments with light, sound, magnets and more. Dazzling gems and minerals will sparkle and glow alongside interactive exhibits demonstrating how the Earth moves and changes. Tellus is an expansive, world-class museum located in Cartersville at I-75 Exit 293. The museum features four main galleries: The Weinman Mineral Gallery, The Fossil Gallery, Science in Motion and The Collins Family Big Backyard. A 120-seat digital planetarium and an observatory with a state-of-the-art 20-inch telescope will also be located at Tellus. Our visitors will see a collection of exhibits, all under one roof, that are not found anywhere else in the southeast: dinosaurs, crystals, vintage cars, a digital planetarium, a hands-on science gallery, and outdoor exhibits, said Tellus Museum Director Jose Santamaria. There is so much to explore it may take several trips to experience all we have to offer. Tellus will be open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission will be $12 adults, $10 seniors ages 65+, $8 children ages 3-17 and students with ID, free to Tellus members and active military with ID. Planetarium show will be an additional $3 ($2 for members and one free show for active military). For information call 770-606-5700 or see www.TellusMuseum.org. Cultural Performances Highlight Romes Christmas Calendar Aside from a variety of cultural performances, Romes Chieftains Museum will shine this season with Christmas at Chieftains. The Major Ridge Home was transformed into a museum in 1971 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum has also been honored as a National Historic Landmark and as a site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Now-January 9 is the ideal time to visit this historic treasure to see authentically decorated trees, period toys, and early Christmas cards on display. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $3 adults, senior citizens $2, and children $1.50. A special holiday production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be perfomed at s DeSoto Theatre on December 5-7, and December 12-14. Showtimes are Friday 8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 2:30 matinee. Another must-see is the 87th Holiday Season Concert of the Rome Symphony Orchestra on December 6. Georgia s oldest symphony will present Feaste of Caroles conducted by Dr. Martha Shaw, featuring the Shorter Chorale and Shorter Chorus at 7:30 p.m. at the Rome City Auditorium. Finally, a Southern Gospel Christmas Show will be presented at the Forum on December 7, from 3-6 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information on Christmas in Rome call the Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-444-1834 or see www.RomeGeorgia.org. See the Gordon Lee Mansion by Candlelight Visit Chickamauga for the annual Christmas Candlelight Tours at the historic Gordon Lee Admission is $5 adults, $3 seniors ages 60+, $1 children under age 12. This year the mansion will serve as a decorator show house by Chickamauga Florist with a theme Modern meets the Past. The Sons of the Confederate Veterans and the Mullis Womens Refugees will be onsight. Cookies and hot cider will be served in the warming kitchen. On Saturday, December 6, Christmas in the Streets will also be held in Chickamauga. For more information call 706-375-4728 or see www.GordonLeeMansion.com. Rome to Host NAIA National Championship Football Game The coveted event of the year happens December 20, in Rome, Georgia as the collegiate battle between the top-seated NAIA schools battle it out for the championship football title. Come watch this serious college ball and have some serious fun with the entire family at Romes Barron Stadium. Pre-game activities begin at 10 a.m. with kickoff at Noon. Tickets are $25 reserved and $20 general admission. For more information call 706-291-2121 or see www.RomeGeorgia.org. A Moravian Christmas at Chief Vann House In 1805, Cherokee Chief James Vann opened his new brick mansion to the Moravian missionaries to hold one of the first Christmas celebrations in the Cherokee Nation. To honor this tradition, visitors are invited to enjoy the sights and sounds of a 19th century Christmas in one of America s best-preserved Cherokee homes. A Moravian Christmas by Candlelight will tae place December 12-13, at the Chief Vann House State Historic Site at 82 GA Hwy 225 North in Chatsworth. Admission is $2.50-$4.00. Call 706-695-2598 for more details. A Christmas Tapestry Comes to 1902 Stock Exchange The 1902 Stock Exchange and the Public Square Opera House in Adairsville, Georgia proudly presents A Christmas Tapestry a magical evening of Christmas cheer. Its that special time of year when we all experience the magical moments of Christmas. Join our merry minstrels as they brighten the lives of others, bear each others burdens and fill empty hearts and lives. A special evening of heartwarming humor, poignant tales and joyous music guaranteed to capture the miraculous meaning of Christmas. The dinner theatre performances will take place December 5-6, December 12-13, and December 19-20, at 7 p.m. Dinner and show is $45 plus tax, group rates are available. The 1902 Stock Exchange is located in historic downtown Adairsville. Take I-75 Exit 306, GA 140 west one mile, cross US 41 intersection, then next left onto Main Street. Go one mile to historic public square on right. For reservations call 770-773-1902. Downtown Cartersville Hosts Special Evenings of Candlelight Shopping Each holiday season in historic downtown Cartersville, the Cartersville Downtown Development Authority and the downtown merchants present special nights of Candlelight Shopping. This year the merchants will stay open late on December 12, and December 19, from 5-8 p.m. for shoppers convenience. The result is a historic city scene illuminated by luminaries and alive with music, entertainment and carriage rides throughout downtown Cartersville. Holiday shoppers will find Christmas gifts for everyone on their shopping list Downtown Cartersville is located at I-75 Exit 288, GA 113 south 2.5 miles. For information call 770-607-3480. Bartow History Center Holiday Open House and The Greatest Generation The Bartow History Center will host a Holiday Open House December 13, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free during the event and childrens activities will be offered from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Guests will enjoy holiday refreshments and discounts on many items in the Museum Store. During the open house be sure to see the special exhibit Bartows Greatest Generation. The holiday season is a wonderful time to remember and honor the men and women served our country abroad and at home during the 1940s. The exhibit includes oral histories, uniforms, photos, souvenirs, ration books, newspapers, flags, maps, letters and much more. The exhibit is sponsored by the American Legion Carl Boyd Post #42. The Bartow History Center is located at 13 N Wall Street in downtown Cartersville. The Greatest Generation remains on display through January 17, 2009. The museum is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and late on Thursday until 8 p.m. Admission is $3 adults, $2.50 senior citizens, $2 students. Call 770-382-3818. The Black West: Buffalo Soldiers, Black Cowboys and Untold Stories Showcasing the work of 16 contemporary African American artists, this special exhibition at the Booth Western Art Museum will shed new light on the important role Blacks played in developing In addition to the stories of Black cowboys and buffalo soldiers, works of art will also feature Black lawmen, explorers, rodeo stars and women. Participating artists include: Bernard Williams, Ed Dwight, Burl Washington, Eddie Dixon, Bobb Vann, Michael Godfrey and many others. The exhibit opens December 20 and continues on display through March 22, 2009. The Booth Western Art Museum is located at 501 Museum Drive, in downtown Cartersville and is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 Admission is $8 adults, $6 ages 65+, $5 students ages 13+, members free. Call 770-387-1300 or see www.BoothMuseum.org for more details. Winter Wine Series Returns in January to Barnsley Gardens Resort Barnsley Gardens Resorts popular wine series returns on select dates in January-March! A different wine from various regions will be paired with a fabulous dish prepared by Barnsley Chef Charles Vosburgh CEC AAC. Each dinner will be hosted by a representative from the featured wine estate. There will be amazing prizes, wonderful food, challenging trivia and great company! Visit Barnsley Gardens for the following dinners beginning at 7 p.m.: January 10 The wines of Blue Rock with wine maker and owner Kenny Kahn; January 24 The wines of Verite with Master Sommelier Luis Reyneri; February 7 The incomparable champagnes of Krug, with Court of Master Sommelier, Holly Beach of Moet Hennessy; March 7 By popular demand The Silver Oak Winery, with good friend Tom Johnson; and March 14 A newcomer to the Barnsley family, Freemark Abbey, with Winemaker Ted Edwards. Barnsley Gardens Resort is located in Adairsville, Georgia . Call to reserve your seat at the table for these memorable evenings, 770-773-2522 or see www.BarnsleyResort.com for more details. Smoke on the Mountain Comes to Cartersville January 30-31 The Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau invites you to plan a winter getaway to Georgia s Land of Cowboys, Indians & One Roman Goddess this January. Aside from visits to the new Tellus Science Museum and Booth Western Art Museum, visitors can also enjoy the misty winter mornings by the Etowah River at the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Guest rooms are available in lakeside cottages, historic B&Bs and in luxurious resort retreats. We have a place to rest your budget no matter what the size. In addition visitors can enjoy a little Smoke on the Mountain during two special performances at the Grand Theatre on January 30-31. The Stageworks Theatre Company presents this hilarious musical that features the Sanders Family, who has been off the Southern Gospel Singing circuit for a while. Its their first appearance in five years and they are in rare form. Everyone has a personal testimony to five along with numerous gospel numbers. You will recognize yourself or someone near and dear in every scene. Call 678-848-4400 for tickets. For complete details to plan your winter escape see www.NotAtlanta.org or call 800-733-2280. Regional Meetings The next meeting of the Historic High Country Travel Association will be at 10:30 a.m. on the following Wednesdays: December 10, at Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum. This is a great opportunity to view this magnificent new museum prior to its public debut in January. Lunch will be provided so RSVP is necessary call Kathy Lyles 770-387-2833. 2008 Officers are President Beth Grubbs of the Gordon County CVB, President-elect Margaret Thigpen of the Dalton CVB, Secretary Chris McEver of the 6th Cavalry Museum, Treasurer Kathy Lyles of Booth Western Art Museum, and Past-president Stacey Spillers of Berry College. The Georgia Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association will hold their first membership meeting of 2009 at the Funk Heritage Center on January 10. The meeting is free and open to the public and begins at 10:30 a.m. with a presentation by archaeologist Erin L. Andrews. For information call GATOTA Secretary Linda Baker 770-704-6338 or see www.GaTrailofTears.org. About the Historic High Country Travel Association The HHCTA is a volunteer membership organization created in 1979 to collectively promote the tourism resources in Northwest Georgias Land of Sights & Legends. The association serves the following 17 counties in northwest Georgia : Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield. Plan your visit to Northwest Georgias Land of Sights & Legends. For information and free brochures visit online at www.GeorgiaHighCountry.org. | 
