See America First Series: #1 - Paris and Rome

Always wanted to go to Paris, France? Can't affordshade trees, picnic tables, and fascinating challenges
it? Why not try Paris, Kentucky? Maybe it doesn'tfor the children.
have the Eiffel Tower or the famous fashion district,Or perhaps you were thinking of Rome, Italy. Budget
but it is a proud little city with a lot to offer.problems again, huh? Why not try Rome, Georgia? It
For a trip into the past, take the family to see themay not have the Vatican nearby, and you won't see
Coleridge covered bridge. Not far from the bridge isthe pope, but if you're a decorative art enthusiast, the
the Hopewell Museum, which is unique in its exhibits,citizens will tell you, "You've come to the right place".
including a free-standing one of Garrett Morgan, anThree rivers run through Rome - the Etowah, the
African-American man born in Paris who invented theOostanaula and the Coosa - adding sunlight sparkle
gas mask and the traffic light.and moonlight reflections to this historic community.
For those who are amazed by the "artwork ofBetween the rivers is the site of Rome's founding in
nature", there is the Nannine Clay Wallis Arboretum,1834. Its courthouse was built in 1892. First a thriving
which features many species of the colorful flora fromriver trade and later the railroads helped turn Rome
the Paris and Bourbon County countryside, including ainto a regional hub for commerce from Calhoun,
wide spectrum of fall colors.Georgia to Gadsden, Alabama. The prosperous period
The Duncan Tavern is the state headquarters for theended during the Civil War when General Sherman's
Daughters of the American Revolution (D. A. R.), and atroops burned most of the city on their march to
tour of it is rich in history from the Revolutionary WarAtlanta.
era.Today's Rome boasts one of Georgia's finest
The historic Cane Ridge Meeting House is open to theVictorian City Centers with a thriving downtown in the
public and boasts of its own museum taking visitors"Between the Rivers Historic District". Explore
back in history.downtown and gaze at the lovely houses and
Golf enthusiasts can play a few rounds at the Houstonchurches that stretch from Broad Street southeast to
Oaks Golf Court or Shady Brook Golf Course. Or visitthe Etowah River. Its Victorian architecture and charm
the beautiful, modern playground with its toweringmake the Main Street City well worth the visit.