Local Interest

SILVER COMET TRAIL GA

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The Silver Comet Trail is a great place to bike, run, walk, and is wheelchair accessible.  The trail is 61.5 miles long and joins the 33 mile long Chief Ladiga Trail at the Georgia/Alabama State line.  The trail heads are located in Esom Hill, GA (Esom Hill Trail Head) Smyrna, GA (Smyrna Trail Head).   There are several places to access the trail with parking available throughout Polk County (Silver Comet Trail Polk County).

Historic Sites in Polk County

The Cedartown Welcome Center at the Depot

609 S. Main Street
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-2090
See map: Google Maps

The Cedartown Depot was created as a replica of Cedartown's long-demolished Seaboard Air Line Railway depot. It was constructed to serve as the home of various offices, as well as the Downtown Cedartown Association and the Chamber of Commerce Satellite Service Center. With the Silver Comet Trail passing next to it, The Depot also houses The Cedartown Welcome Center. 



West Cinema 
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-3090
See map: Google Maps

Built in 1941, this structure on West Avenue was built in the art deco style and has maintained its original design. Today, it is one of the finest examples of Art Deco style in Northwest Georgia and is currently operating as a movie theater.
112 West Avenue

Van Wert Methodist Church

Rockmart, GA 30153
Phone: (770) 748-5657 Greg Gray
See map: Google Maps
Built in 1857, Van Wert Methodist Church is one of the oldest structures in the county. The Euharlee Valley Historic Society is currently renovating the structure, which was built by Rev. Wm. Wesley Simpson.

Van Wert Community

Rockmart, GA 30153
Phone: (770) 748-5657 Greg Gray
See map: Google Maps

Created in 1832 from the village of Cleantown, Van Wert was made the seat of Paulding County. It was known for slate, iron, gold and fertile farmland and served as the county seat until Polk County was formed from part of Paulding County in 1851 and the county seat was moved to Cedartown. Van Wert was awarded a Historic Township of Georgia by the Department of Community Affairs. Contact info: Greg Gray 770-748-5657 or City of Rockmart 770-684-5454
Old Hwy 278/South Piedmont Ave.

The Old Mill

12 Old Mill Road
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 712-2949 Ann Madden
See map: Google Maps

This structure was built by slave labor in 1848 for Asa Prior, who came to Polk County in 1837. Originally used as a mill, the structure was operated as a restaurant by Mr. & Mrs. Robert Stephens, from 1960-1991. The Old Mill was purchased in 1997 by Jim and Ann Madden and now serves as their residence.

Sterling Holloway Birthplace

301 S. College Street
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-2090
See map: Google Maps

A Georgia Historic Marker proudly pays tribute to the birth site of one of Cedartown's most famous citizens, the beloved actor, Sterling Holloway. The character behind the quickly recognized Winnie the Pooh voice began his early childhood years right here with his 'neighborhood variety shows' and from there went on to become a highly acclaimed American 'Star'.

St. James Episcopal Church

302 West Avenue
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-2894
See map: Google Maps

Built on West Avenue in 1883, this is the oldest church still in use in Cedartown. The church has been maintained in its original state except for the outside color. Sterling Holloway, the voice of Winnie the Pooh, grew up in this church.

Rosehill Cemetery/Gazebo

Elm Street
Rockmart, GA 30153
Phone: (770) 684-5454
See map: Google Maps

Located on Elm Street, the Rosehill Cemetery's land was donated to the town of Rockmart. The gazebo, constructed in 1891 is now considered one of the town's most recognizable historic landmarks. The cemetery site also offers a spectacular view across Rockmart. Contact City of Rockmart 770-684-5454

Polk County Historical Society Museum & Gardens

205 S. College St.
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-0073
See map: Google Maps

Formerly Hawkes Children's Library, this museum contains an abundance of Polk County's history. The building was designed by Neel Reid, a famous Georgia architect, and was built in 1924. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Polk County Courthouse #2

100 Prior St.
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 749-2114
See map: Google Maps

At 100 Prior Street, this building was designed by Otis Clay Poundston in Neoclassical Revival Style and constructed in 1935. It was originally Cedartown's City Hall, the Police and Fire Station, and the Auditorium, but is now used as a courthouse annex. Contact Courthouse at 770-749-2114 or Polk Historical Society at 770-749-0073

Confederate Memorial

100 Prior St.
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-3220
See map: Google Maps

The United Daughters of the Confederacy built this monument to honor Confederate veterans in 1906. Open daily.

Cedartown, A Main Street City

512 Main Street
Cedartown, GA 30125
Phone: (770) 748-2090
See map: Google Maps

In 1988, Cedartown became a "Main Street City" and is a registered site in the National Register of Historic Places. This well defined district, featuring turn of the century buildings, is making a strong comeback. Downtown is the centerpiece of a very active community that has a promising agenda.

Aragon Mill Site

50 East 1st Street
Aragon, GA 30104
See map: Google Maps

Built and chartered in 1898, this mill was one of the largest in the state; so large in fact, that in 1979, when it closed down, Si Kahn wrote the song "Aragon Mill" to morn the loss of one of Georgia's main employers. In 1864, troops from Sherman's forces camped out at the spring located here in hopes to outflank Johnson's army at Allatoona, which resulted in the battle at New Hope Church and Dallas.

Annual Events in Polk County

:: April Events ::

Cedar Valley Arts Festival

Sponsored by the Cedartown Junior Service League, this festival is host to many local and regional artists, as well as the children of Cedartown, whose works are displayed throughout Peek Park.  The attendance is close to 3000 people.  It is held the last full weekend in April.  Contact Cedartown Jr. Service League

Keep Polk Beautiful - the Great American Cleanup

Held during the month of April - this event engages the community and businesses to participate in "The Great American Cleanup" - to help clean up the county by disposing of trash and using recycling opportunities.  They also hold a "Make a Difference Day" in October.  Contact KPB Director Sharon Coffman at 678-246-1083

:: May Events ::

Relay for Life

Held in May, Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.  Local Chapter contact person is Christie Gay at 770-684-8282.

Silver Comet Trail Events

Georgia Rails to Trails Society sponsors a Memorial Day Bike Ride in May and a Labor Day Bike Ride in September on the Silver Comet Trail.  Registration can be done in advance or on site.  For more information on these rides and other trail events see http://www.silvercomet.org/ or active.com

Annual Polk County Kids Fishing Rodeo

This event is sponsored by DNR and held in May/June at Kenview Farms.  Children, ages 15-and-under, will be allowed to fish for channel catfish. All children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own rod (only one per child) and their own fishing equipment and bait. There is an eight fish limit and fishing with minnows is not allowed. There will be prizes, free hot dogs and drinks. To get to Kenview Farms from intersection of highway 278 and 113, take highway 113 north for four miles. Kenview Farms is on the left and will be marked with signs.  For information call 770-748-7535

Golf Tournaments

Local Charity Golf Tournaments are The Doc Ayers/Ray Beck Celebrity Golf Tournament in May, The HON Golf Tournament in May, and The Boys and Girls Club's Kampaign for Kids Golf Tournament in October.  These events are comprised of local community teams and raise money for local charities. Contact The HON Company at 770-749-2400 or The Boy's & Girls Club of Northwest Ga. Cedartown Unit at 770-749-0869

The Northwest Georgia Cruisers Annual Car Show

This event is held in May in Rockmart and features street machines, rods and muscle cars, trucks, late models, low riders, and motorcycles. There is also entertainment, door prizes, vendors, games and food. The proceeds from the show go to benefit underprivileged children.  Contact Lori at the Classic Grill Restaurant at 770-684-5564.

Annual Kids Day

Annual event in June is held at Aragon Park, beside the Mill Pond and features fun events for children 16 years and under. Door prizes, featuring a variety of toys and other goods are donated by local merchants. Refreshments include hot dogs and soft drinks. No admission is charged and everyone is welcome to attend. However, only those 16 and under will be allowed to participate in the activities.  Kids Day is sponsored by the City of Aragon, Davitte Lodge #513 and area merchants.  For more information contact Delmer Rayburn at 770-684-5207.

:: June Events ::

Cedartown 5K Race

This annual event is in June a week before the Peachtree Road Race.  This is an international race of wheelchair athletes that helps them to train for the Peachtree Road race Wheelchair Division.  It is held at Peek Park in Cedartown.   There is a marked race course and plenty of sideline space for spectators to cheer them as they compete. Click here for more information.

Aragon Barbeque

The annual barbeque is held on the last Saturday in June.  Great food, a variety of games and a softball tournament are highlights.  It is generally attended by 2000 people.  Contact the City of Aragon at 770-684-6564

Rockmart Annual Touch A Truck Event

Whether it is a fire truck, police car, tractor or other piece of equipment, little faces light up with anticipation as they run from one vehicle to the next. It offers parents an opportunity to watch their child learn about what is on display.  This event is held in June in Downtown Rockmart and is sponsored by the Rockmart Business Alliance.  For more information contact Brenda Leslie at 770-684-8778

:: July Events ::

Polk County Day with the Rome Braves

PLAY BALL! Join friends and family at the Rome Braves game for baseball and Fireworks. Usually the day before independence day. For more information contact the Polk County Chamber of Commerce at 770-684-8760.

Polk County Homespun Festival

An annual event sponsored by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce held on the third weekend in July.  Local and regional crafters display their wares throughout the park.  Continuous entertainment is a highlight of the festival as well as great food, and many games and events throughout the park.  This event generates around 8000 people.  Contact the Polk County Chamber of Commerce at 770-684-8760 or visit www.thehomespunfestival.com

:: August Events ::

Carl Black Classic Rodeo

An annual rodeo hosted by the Rockmart Lions Club the first weekend of August that allows not only professional riders, but locals and youth as well.  Contact - Haney Farm and Ranch on Morgan Valley Road - Rockmart, GA at 770-684-7277

Polk County Fair

This is held the third week in August at the Polk County Fair Grounds in Cedartown featuring rides, food, and fun.  Contact the Cedartown Exchange Club.

:: September Events ::

Carlton Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Locally owned and operated this farm offers (during September - November) a Corn Maze, Hayride, Haymaze, Animal Barn, Hay Jump, Dairy and Farm Tours and a Catfish Pond (Spring through Fall).  For more information call 770-546-5179 or 770-684-3789 or log onto www.carltonfarm.com

:: October Events ::

Native American Pow Wow

Held the first weekend in October at the Bert Wood Youth & Athletic Complex in Cedartown, a gathering of inner-tribal Native Americans bring handmade goods such as jewelry, clothing, and rugs, to show off their culture.  Daily circle dancing is also a treat for all to see.  This festival is also held in Aragon the last weekend in April at the Old Mill Pond.  600 interested folk stream through these two-day festivals.  Contact Jerry Stroup 770-748-8816

Rockstock

Held in October at the Rock Campground in Rockmart, this is a three day musical event that features area bands with all proceeds going to charity.  Contact John Hitchcock at 770-684-8517

Cedartown Fall Festival

Local vendors that include churches, businesses, individuals, civic clubs, etc., line Main Street in downtown Cedartown to sell baked goods and hand made crafts.  The festival also holds a pet dressing contest, entertainment, and a petting zoo.  It is held the first Saturday in October, with three to four thousand people attending.  Contact the Downtown Cedartown Association 770-748-2090

Halloween Trick or Treat

During the week of Halloween in October the cities or Cedartown and Rockmart host a trick or treat event in their downtown areas.  Civic clubs, merchants and other groups will provide activities; games and candy for the youngsters who come dressed in their costumes.  This is a safe way to enjoy the holiday with parents and other family members.  For more information contact the City of Rockmart at 770-684-5454 or the Downtown Cedartown Association at 770-748-2090.

:: December Events ::

Polk County Historical Society Tour of Homes

Hosted by the Polk County Historical Society during the fall, this event features a tour homes to benefit the maintenance of the Polk County Historical Society Museum and the preservation of local artifacts and genealogical records. For more information call Milt Shaw at 770-748-8084.

Christmas is for Kids Campaign

The Rockmart Police and Fire Departments work together beginning the latter part of November to collect money and toys for underprivileged children in the community.  New unwrapped toys are accepted, but monetary donations are preferred.  For more information contact the Rockmart Police Department at 770-684-6558 or 684-5454.

Cedartown & Rockmart Christmas Parades

Cities of Cedartown and Rockmart each conduct individual parades in December that feature local float entries from various civic groups and clubs, local high school marching bands and the local Fire department escorting Santa Claus through town to greet all the children.  For more information contact the City of Rockmart at 770-684-5454 or the City of Cedartown at 770-748-3220.