Journeys With Jani

If you wake up early on any given Saturday here in Cartersville, you’re in for a treat. Honestly, you don’t have to go far to fill your day to the brim—it’s all right here in our little town.

Morning at the Farmers Market

The Cartersville Farmers Market is my first stop. Picture this: steaming cups of coffee in every flavor imaginable, the smell of fresh sourdough bread in the air, pies and croissants calling your name, tables loaded with farm-fresh veggies, blocks of creamy cheese, jars of homemade jellies, and some of the best local body products you’ll ever get your hands on. Add in a local musician strumming out a tune, and it’s just the perfect Saturday soundtrack.

Some of my favorites?

Sugar’s Pimento Cheese – creamy, spicy, and Southern through and through. Stilesboro Sourdough Bread – the kind of loaf you don’t just eat, you savor. Creative Organics lotions & soaps – heavenly little luxuries I always stock up on.

And don’t even get me started on the flowers. Bright bunches wrapped up just right, practically begging to come home with you.

Shopping the Square

Once you’ve had your fill of the market, it’s time to wander the square. Cartersville’s boutiques are full of treasures—jewelry, clothes, unique gifts, and plenty of knick-knacks that make you say, “Well, I didn’t know I needed that, but I sure do now.”

Hungry again already? No problem. Grab a chewy bagel at Nagel’s Bagels, a piece (or three) of fudge at Kilwin’s, or step into The Jerks. This old-fashioned soda shop is as nostalgic as it gets, serving up ice cream along with lunch classics that’ll hit the spot. And then there’s Dreamweaver… if you know, you know.

Still need that coffee buzz? Pop into Noble & Main for another caffeine kick—you’ll thank me later.

Museums, History, and More

Now that you’re properly caffeinated, it’s time to decide what kind of adventure you’re after. Cartersville is blessed with some of the best museums in Georgia.

Booth Western Art Museum – where cowboy art meets pure Americana. Tellus Science Museum – perfect for science lovers, dinosaur fans, and star-gazers alike. Savoy Automobile Museum – my current favorite, and a must for anyone who swoons at the sight of classic cars. Bartow History Museum – a beautiful step back into our local roots. Rose Lawn – history, architecture, and charm all wrapped up together.

Fun for the Kids (and Kids at Heart)

Bringing the little ones along? Cartersville makes it easy.

Petit Creek Farms – adorable animals and wide-open spaces. Dellinger Park – swings, slides, and plenty of room to run. Crayon Panda Playground – bright, safe, and loads of fun for littles. LakePoint Station – games, mini-golf, and activities inside and out. For the older kids (and let’s be honest, us grown-ups too), check out Game of Throwns—axe throwing at its finest!

The Great Outdoors

Of course, sometimes you just want to get out into nature. In that case, skip the museums, grab a kayak from Euharlee Outfitters, and float down the Etowah River for a few glorious hours. Peaceful, scenic, and the best way to let the world slow down.

Why leave town when you’ve got it all right here? From coffee at the Farmers Market to museums, history, parks, and rivers, Cartersville makes Saturdays feel like a mini vacation without ever hitting the highway.

And you can bet your biscuits, you’ll see me out there—coffee in hand, flowers under one arm, and probably fudge tucked away for “later.”

Sure, I’ll always be ready to help you plan your next big getaway (and you know I love to do just that!)—but sometimes, the best trip is the one where you stay right here at home in Bartow County.