When people hear "Rome," they usually think of the Colosseum or a plate of pasta in Trastevere. But there’s a version tucked into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia that’s honestly just as soulful, if a little more "biscuits and gravy" than "cacio e pepe."
It’s where the Etowah, Oostanaula, and Coosa rivers meet. Locals call it the "Between the Rivers" district. If you’re looking for things to do in Rome GA, you’ve probably seen the standard lists. Go to the clock tower. Walk the trails. See the college.
But Rome is weirdly deep. It has a vibe that’s half-sophisticated college town and half-gritty industrial history. You can spend a morning looking at a 19th-century waterwheel and your evening drinking a craft beer on a rooftop while a train rumbles by in the distance. It’s a place that rewards people who actually get out of their cars and walk.
The Berry College Campus is Ridiculously Big
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. You have to go to Berry College.
It’s the world’s largest campus. We aren't talking "large" like a big state school; we’re talking 27,000 acres. That’s bigger than Manhattan. Martha Berry founded it in 1902, and the Gothic architecture—specifically the Ford Complex—looks like something straight out of a Harry Potter fever dream.
Pro tip: Don’t just drive through. Park your car and hit the trails. There are over 50 miles of them. If you want a specific destination, find the Old Mill. It has one of the largest overshot waterwheels in the world. It’s a massive wooden structure that feels like it shouldn't still be standing, but it’s a perfect spot for a photo if you’re into that sort of thing.
In March 2026, keep an eye out for the "Integrity in Leadership" lectures. They recently had Olympic gymnast Brody Malone (a local hero) speak at the Krannert Center. The school isn't just a pretty face; it’s a living part of the community.
Why the Clock Tower is the Real Heart of Town
You can see the Clock Tower from almost anywhere downtown. It sits on Neely Hill, looking down on the city like a quiet sentry. Built in 1871, it’s not just a decoration—it used to be the city’s water tank.
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There are 107 steps to the top. Do it.
The view from the top gives you the best perspective of how the three rivers wrap around the city. Inside, there are murals depicting the history of the area, from the Cherokee people to the Civil War and beyond. It’s $10 or so to climb, but the burning in your quads is free.
The River Life and the "Roman Holiday"
Rome’s identity is tied to water. The Sulzbacher Roman Holiday is a 40-passenger excursion boat that runs public tours. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Rome GA if the weather is behaving. You get to see the city from the water level, which is a totally different experience than walking Broad Street.
If you’re more of a "do it yourself" person, the ECO Greenway is the way to go. It’s a paved trail system—about 16 miles total—that follows the riverfront. You’ll see people training for marathons, families with strollers, and the occasional turtle sunning itself on a log.
Quick Outdoor Hits:
- Jackson Hill Trails: Right off downtown. Unpaved, wooded, and great for mountain biking.
- Garrard Park: 123 acres. It used to be an airport, but now it’s a haven for hikers.
- Lock and Dam Park: About 8 miles southwest of town. This is the spot for serious fishing or camping.
Baseball is Different Here
The local team used to be the Rome Braves. Now, they’re the Rome Emperors. Same team, same Atlanta Braves affiliation, just a much cooler name (and mascot).
The 2026 season kicks off in April at AdventHealth Stadium. Honestly, even if you don't like baseball, it's worth going for the atmosphere. The "Three Rivers Classic" tournament in February 2026 is also a big draw. Minor league ball in the South is less about the score and more about the hot dogs, the weird between-inning games, and the hope of seeing a future superstar before they get famous.
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History That Isn't Sugarcoated
Rome has some heavy history. The Chieftains Museum (Major Ridge Home) is a National Historic Landmark that tells the story of the Cherokee leader Major Ridge and the Treaty of New Echota. It’s a sobering look at the events leading up to the Trail of Tears.
Then there’s Myrtle Hill Cemetery. It sounds macabre to suggest a cemetery as a tourist attraction, but this place is beautiful. It was established in 1857 on a hill where a Civil War fort once stood. More than 20,000 people are buried here, including Ellen Axson Wilson (President Woodrow Wilson’s first wife). The "Meditation Garden" there offers one of the best sunset views in the county.
Where to Actually Eat
Broad Street is where you’ll spend most of your time. It’s one of the widest main streets in the country, which is a weird flex, but it makes for great outdoor dining.
- Harvest Moon Cafe: This is the staple. They have a rooftop bar that’s usually packed on Friday nights. Get the Nashville fried chicken sandwich or the lump crab cakes.
- Jamwich: It’s a sandwich shop that describes their food as "music for your mouth." Kind of cheesy? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
- Crawdaddy: If you want seafood, this is it. They’ve been voted best seafood in town multiple times. The chicken and andouille gumbo is legit.
- Swift & Finch: For the coffee snobs. It’s the best place in town to sit with a laptop or a book and pretend you’re being productive.
The Cave Spring Side Trip
If you have an afternoon to spare, drive 15 miles southwest to Cave Spring. It’s a tiny town that feels like it was built for a movie set.
The main attraction is the limestone cave in Rolater Park. The water stays a constant 57 degrees year-round. People actually bring empty jugs to fill up at the spring because the water is that clean and cold. It’s a "step back in time" kind of place with antique shops and a few good spots for a burger, like A&B Creekside Restaurant.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
Rome isn't a "check the boxes" kind of city. You need to pick a lane.
- If you're here for the day: Spend the morning at Berry College (Old Mill and Ford Complex), grab lunch at Harvest Moon on Broad Street, and climb the Clock Tower before you leave.
- If you're here for the weekend: Add an Emperors game and a trip out to Cave Spring.
- Check the Calendar: Before you go, check the Rome Area History Center’s schedule. They often do walking tours that cover the "Between the Rivers" district, which gives you context you won't get from just wandering around.
Whether you're kayaking the Etowah or just hunting for vintage finds at the King’s Ransom antique mall, Rome has a way of growing on you. It’s not flashy. It’s just real.
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Practical Tip: Download the "Georgia's Rome" app. It has a map of the 50+ historic markers downtown. It’s better than trying to juggle a paper map while you’re walking.