9 minute read
In the Kitchen
Trip tip
The Booth Western Art Museum off ers a guided highlights tour at 1:30pm Tuesday through Sunday for all visitors. This tour generally lasts about 60 minutes and is included with admission, but be sure to allow at least two-to-four hours to see everything. For ticket prices, see boothmuseum.org. For links to other Cartersville area attractions, visit downtowncartersville.org.
Booth Western Art Museum
this museum is certainly a wise choice, because it’s a fun and educational venue for all ages—and genders.
Instead of going westward to see Frederick Remington’s detailed sculptures or artist Howard Terpning’s renowned paintings, head into the American West Gallery, possibly the most popular of the eight western galleries at the Booth Museum with more than 100 traditional paintings and sculptures. The other western galleries are just as interesting, with unexpected paintings by Andy Warhol, a neon cowboy, and large vintage movie posters.
It’s easy to lose track of time with so much to see at the Booth. In fact, the collections have tripled since the museum opened in 2003. And it’s not just western art that makes this Smithsonian affi liate museum so impressive. The Presidential Gallery is a “can’t miss” walk through history in the words of the presidents themselves. The collection contains personal one-page, signed letters from every U.S. president, showing their human side.
The new Picturing America Gallery is the Booth’s acknowledgement of the growth and importance of photography as a fi ne art medium. American landscapes, history, and culture through documentary and fi ne art photography are featured. The current exhibit, “Ansel Adams: The Masterworks,” showcases 30 photographs hand-selected, printed, and signed by Adams himself. The exhibit, which is on loan from Adams’ granddaughter, runs through Oct. 29.
Finally, no trip to the West is complete without a stagecoach ride. Climb aboard a 3/4-scale replica at Sagebrush Ranch, a fun hands-on gallery for children and parents.
Booth Western Art Museum
The world’s largest rgest classic car ic car junkyard. yard. Old Car City USA
Never in my wildest dreams would I think trekking through seven miles of trails lined with abandoned classic cars could be fun. However, Old Car City brought out the “American Picker” in me as I spotted some models that Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe of the hit History Channel television show apparently passed over on their visit to the world’s largest classic car junkyard.
In all seriousness, people either love or hate Old Car City. One visitor told me he was heartsick seeing the classics left to ruin; another who was a serious photographer loved
the small details he was fi nding, like rare hood ornaments and long-ago logos.
Founded in 1931 as a car dealership and later used as an auto parts junkyard, Old Car City has attracted thousands of car enthusiasts, photographers, and curiosity seekers. Dean and Jeff Lewis, a father-son team from White, Georgia, welcome 6,000 visitors a year from all over the world.
The phenomenon started three years ago when Hot Rod Magazine used Old Car City for a photoshoot. So many people went to the website to take a look that it crashed.
Admission is $15 without a camera or $25 with one. Trust me, you’ll want to take photos because no one will ever believe your stories.
Rose Lawn House & Museum Tellus Science Museum G E
O
WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO?
If mom is on this Cartersville, Georgia, road trip, she may want a more leisurely pace. Here are suggestions for her:
Rose Lawn House & Museum is a grand Victorian mansion completed in 1885 for Samuel Porter Jones, a famous evangelist in the late 1800s. The county bought and restored the home and the rose gardens to their original grandeur. One-hour tours are available Tuesday-Friday for $7, adults; $2, children. The Spa at Barnsley Resort is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation in a tranquil resort resembling an English village. Day guests are welcome for a variety of services, including massages, facials, and beauty treatments. Located in nearby Adairsville, the Barnsley Resort spa is open from 9am-5pm daily. Tellus Science Museum is named for Terra, the Roman goddess of Earth, and Earth’s treasures are notably showcased in displays of precious gems, gold, and prized minerals. Open since 2009, this family-friendly Smithsonian aff iliate museum also houses a planetarium and a transportation gallery. Boutique shopping in historic downtown Cartersville off ers unique stores for gifts, home goods, and apparel. Peruse boutiques like Write Downtown, a stationery and gift store, and c.a.n.o.p.y. for home décor. Stop by the Cartersville Welcome Center in the old train depot for a map and recommendations. R
G
I
A
Mary Ann DeSantis
Mary Ann DeSantis has written features for Style publications since 2006. She was recognized with first place Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards for Travel Writing in 2012 and 2016.
Lights. Fireworks. Action.
Festivalgoers at Lake County’s Fourth of July celebrations are guaranteed to have a blast.
STORY: JAMES COMBS
Fourth of July has arrived. It’s a time to celebrate America’s independence, barbecue with family and friends, and watch a colorful array of fi reworks sparkle in the night sky.
Several towns in Lake County celebrate Fourth of July in grand style, making our hearts burst with patriotic pride. Each event is free.
Groveland
The city of Groveland holds its annual celebration JULY 4 at Lake David Park. The event, which lasts from 4-10pm, has attracted thousands of residents since its inception more than 20 years ago.
One of this year’s highlights is a live performance from the Groveland-based Randall Crawford Band, which will play a variety of country music and old rock. The event also features the everpopular Firecracker Pageant and a classic car show. A dazzling fi reworks display begins at 9:15pm.
“I’ve been attending this event since I was a kid, and it is defi nitely one of the most fun-fi lled and largest events in Groveland,” says Rebekah Morgan, event coordinator. “I’m trying to make it as community-oriented as possible and get the community involved so they can take ownership in it.”
Mount Dora
Can’t wait until Independence Day to get your fi reworks fi x? Then consider attending Mount Dora’s Freedom on the Waterfront celebration, to be held from 5-10pm JULY 3 at Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St.
This year’s activities include live music, a bounce house for children, games, and food and beverage vendors. Fireworks will be launched at 9:15pm near the 35-foot-tall lighthouse on Grantham Point.
“We bill the event as Lake County’s most creative fi reworks display,” says Chris Carson, cultural and special events coordinator for the city of Mount Dora. “It’s a 20-minute nonstop, musically choreographed presentation.”
Nearly 20,000 spectators are expected to attend.
Tavares
The city of Tavares will have a military-themed Fourth of July celebration affectionately called Home of the Free Because of the Brave. The event includes a showcase of vintage military vehicles near town square, vendors selling military-related items, and a slide show on two jumbo screens with pictures of local military personnel, law enforcement offi cers, and fi refi ghters. If you would like your loved one to be a part of this, email his or her picture to events@tavares.org.
The celebration kicks off JULY 4 at 5pm with a parade
down Main Street and concludes at 9pm with a fi reworks display over Lake Dora. Guests can also enjoy kid’s games, face painting, and live performances by the Maiden Voyage Band and Caribbean Chillers.
“This is a very familyoriented event where people are peaceful, pleasant, and happy,” says Tamera Rogers, community services director of the city of Tavares. “When the parade comes down Main Street, and you see all the people waving a small American fl ag, it sets the tone for the rest of the evening.”
Eustis
The city of Eustis celebrates Independence Day on JULY 1 this year at Ferran Park near downtown.
Festivalgoers can enjoy a live performance by the classic rock band Shakedown, as well as waterski exhibitions by the Lakeland Waterski Show Team. In addition, a special kid’s zone features a bounce house, face painting, and splash pad for children. The fi reworks show begins at 9:30pm.
“This event is truly a hometown celebration,” says Erin Bailey, who serves as the city’s event coordinator. “We will have local vendors, local food, and local entertainment. There’s no better place to have a Fourth of July celebration than Ferran Park because we have the most beautiful sunset.”
Leesburg
Touting its show as the “largest fi reworks display in Lake County,” Leesburg will host its Independence Day celebration JULY 4 at Venetian Gardens, south of Dixie Avenue. Since few things are more American than grabbing a hot dog and heading to the ballpark, you can begin your celebration by watching the Leesburg Lightning play the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs at 6pm at Pat Thomas Stadium.
Then head to Venetians Gardens, where free hot dogs and snow cones, food vendors, and a kid’s zone await. The fi reworks show begins at 9:15pm.
“We provide a wholesome, family-oriented event that the entire community can enjoy,” says Joe Shipes, executive director of the Leesburg Partnership. “Coming to our event is a wonderful way to celebrate family, community, and country.”
Clermont
Clermont’s Red, White, and Boom celebration is JULY 4 at Waterfront Park, 330 3rd St. Highlights include a patriotic pet parade, a pie-eating contest, a patriotic costume contest, a kid’s zone, and a live Journey tribute band.
More than 50 vendors will be at the event. The festival concludes at 9:15pm with a fi reworks show.
“This is a wonderful way to spend a holiday with family and friends in a safe, enjoyable environment,” says Scott Davidoff, director of parks and recreation. “Who wouldn’t want to celebrate this magnifi cent day by spending time in the City of Champions?”
—TAMERA ROGERS
