Civil War Side trips from Atlanta?
 

Yes, me again. Was thinking, while in Atlanta, instead of simply concentrating on Charlston or Savannah, why not focus on Civil War sites as well? I am sure there are many in the area...it will be August, so if we do battlefields, do those in the morning.

Any sites, museums, battlefields, places of interest concerning the Civil War that you would recommend while in the area? Or even just some beautiful "old south" scenic stops to consider? We'll even travel a few hours for some good southern cooking.

So, maybe instead of ONE place destination, thinking we might plan on a couple of places of interest to travel to and stay in within, say, a 200 mile radius? Am I taking on too much? Thanks all.

ttt

Kennesaw is northwest of Atlanta, just outside Marietta.

Go see the Cyclorama in Atlanta to see the Battle of Atlanta
http://www.webguide.com/cyclorama.html

Go to Stone Mountain to see the carving on the mountain and the recreation of an antebellum plantation
http://www.stonemountainpark.com/att...ttractionID=55
Stick around for the laser show

Go to Madison GA to see one of the prettiest towns in this country. It has lots of antebellum homes supposedly because it "was too pretty for Sherman to burn". Legend has it that Sherman's roommate at West Point was from Madison.
http://www.madisonga.org/
If you are lucky, ira will invite you for a glass of sweet tea on his front porch!

Eat at the Blue Willow restaurant in nearby Social Circle
http://www.bluewillowinn.com/

A bit gloomy, but you could visit the civil war prison site in Andersonville -
http://www.nps.gov/ande/

http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/abpp/battles/GAmap.htm
Lots of historical markers throughout Atlanta regarding battles before Atlanta fell. Notice on the map above the concentration of battles until/ before Atlanta fell - and Sherman began his March to the Sea.

You may want to visit Chickamauga Battlefield - 5000+ acres
http://www.nps.gov/chch/

Here's a list of reenactments - but nothing going on in August -
http://www.sutler.net/eventlist.asp

http://roadsidegeorgia.com/links/history/civilwar
The above link gives you a lot more options, including the Kennesaw museum mentioned earlier.

If you want to come up toward Chattanooga, you can go to Chickamauga Battlefield and also to Lookout Mountain.

Plus, Chattanooga is a very scenic city as well.

Umm, Chatanooga sounds fun. I've been to Memphis and two summers ago went to Nashville. I love Tennessee. Love the green, rolling hills, love the people, LOVE the food...

Thanks all for the tips. So much to think about...

The Kennesaw Battlefield is wonderful.

I visited Kennesaw years ago and still remember parts of it like it was yesterday. I ended up hiking all over the park and loved it.

-Bill

Well, let me tell you this, bbq. It better not have been yesterday! I didn't get a phone call..........

Ditto on Kennesaw. Great for hiking, too. And ditto on the Cyclorama. What they said.

ttt for Heavens

Heavens,
Starrsville gives you some great suggestions, especially the Cyclorama and Stone Mountain. If you want to venture south, I second the suggestion to visit Andersonville. It's near Plains, btw, if you have any interest in Jimmy Carter.

There is a group that recreates one of the Civil War battles. I don't know what time of year they do it, but you might try googling "civil war reenactment" to see what comes up.

Thanks. This is more Civil War sights related. I am trying to look at the whole state and then zoom in to where the most stuff that we like is...did I say that right. Anyway, thanks for topping. That was great info that Starrs passed along. Now I want about 10 days in GA. But in April, LOL...

Heavens, if you want to see some pictures from a reenactment, email me at starrsvillega at yahoo. I just received some this week from someone who has done them for years.

The Atlanta History Center/Museum is fascinating and has an a wonderful exhibit called, Turning Point: The American Civil War. The whole area around it is great, lots of interesting architecture and gardens, etc.
http://www.webguide.com/atlhist.html

Thanks all for your replies, but we have decided not to go. HE is going, not me. Just decided it would be too hot. Not so much hot as humid and there were some things going on here at home I felt the need to stay home for...he will go by himself. It is more of a guy convention anyway, but any chance I can get to travel, I usually take. We plan to go another time in the fall or spring. But thanks all for your wonderful help.

Sorry you won't make it this time Heavens. Maybe another conference at another time of year. If you want to see those pics, email me and I'll send you the link.