Take in the quaint vista of Rome, Georgia, from the

vantage point of the historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery

overlook. (Opposite) It offers sweeping views of
prominent sites, like the Robert Redden Footbridge
(right), and is also the resting place of more than
20,000 Rome citizens dating back to 1857, including
native First Lady Ellen Axson Wilson. Ellen’s love of
art is depicted in a memorial statue that graces
the central Town Green (bottom left).

ON SEVEN
HILLS
JUST LIKE ITS EUROPEAN
ANCESTOR, GEORGIA’S ROME IS
RICH IN HISTORY, CULTURE, AND
NATURAL BEAUTY, WITH THE
HOSPITABLE CHARM OF A SMALL
SOUTHERN TOWN.
by Elizabeth Bonner Czapski | photography by John O’Hagan

89 SOUTHERNLADYMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 90

 L
ocals coined Rome, Georgia,
the place “where the rivers
meet and the mountains
begin.” This spirit of
confluence flows through
every facet of town, as harmoniously as
its scenic waterways and renowned
peaks. The city upholds a deep
appreciation for its past, from its early
Native American heritage to a century-
old educational institution, while
embracing the present and future amid
a flourishing cultural scene and
one-of-a-kind character rooted in the
people that call it home.
“The beauty of the city attracted us
to visit; the community made it home,” A thriving downtown district touts distinctive
says Kristi Kent, communications shops and eateries that come together in a
director of Georgia’s Rome Office of convivial community—from a jeweler esta-
Tourism, who moved to Rome from blished in 1958 (right) and lifelong resident
Atlanta in 2007 and never looked back. Carol Rutledge’s Bluem plant store (bottom
“[We traded] time spent in traffic for right) to a gourmet olive oil grocer (below)
time spent with friends and family.” celebrating one year this January. Olea Olive
Kristi and her husband were struck Oils & Wine’s co-owner Liz Kieler, a Berry
by the natural splendor of Rome on College graduate, always dreamed of opening
their very first day trip, but she now a company in town. “I saw other businesses
credits its residents with its true on Broad Street serve and enrich the com-
appeal. “Rome is a town where people munity, and I wanted to do the same,” she
are connected to one another, where says of the passion she shares with neighbors
supporting local businesses means like gifts boutique Living and Giving (top left)
supporting friends,” Kristi says. and Dogwood Books (bottom left), which
“People know their neighbors, and they
holds a diverse inventory of used, rare, and
are invested.”
new reads. Eclectic cuisine includes the sweets
Rome’s stunning setting does its part
and breakfast bites of Honeymoon Bakery
to lure people in, nestled in the foothills
(above) and Aventine’s (opposite, bottom)
of the Appalachian Mountains at the
Italian-inspired dishes with Southern flair.

91 SOUTHERNLADYMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 92

convergence of the Etowah, Oostanaula,
and Coosa Rivers. The city sprawls
across seven hills, which led European
settlers to name it after its Italian
counterpart also built on seven hills—a
muse that endures in haunts like Newby
Farm + Vineyard Tasting Room and
Aventine, a farm-to-table restaurant
influenced by the culinary district of
Rome, Italy’s Aventine Hill.
Olea Olive Oils & Wine offers fine
oils, vinegars, wines, pastas, and more,
while Honeycream serves up homemade
gelato using local ingredients (including
Olea olive oil). The Capitoline Wolf with
Romulus and Remus, an exact replica of
the original Etruscan work of art,
presides over Rome City Hall as an
iconic landmark gifted in 1929 by the
Italian government.
Founded in 1834, Rome quickly
developed as a trading city thanks to its
rivers, and this prosperity has persisted.
Today, Rome’s vibrant downtown is home
to historical and modern attractions alike.
Drop by the Rome Area History Center,
or peruse markers dotted around town
that speak to its story and natural
marvels with popular sites like the
93 SOUTHERNLADYMAGAZINE.COM
1871 Rome Clocktower atop Neely Hill
and the Myrtle Hill Cemetery.
Spend a day shopping and dining along
bustling Broad Street and beyond—either
stroll leisurely or call on the Roman Chariot
shuttle for free transport. The culinary
sector mingles Italian flavor with in-house
coffee roasters, delectable bakeries, and
classic Southern cafés with fresh spins.
Locally owned boutiques are filled with
carefully curated art, books, home
goods, apparel, and accessories.
New ventures stand alongside
time-tested businesses such as
Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers. Since
joining the jewelers’ team as a teenager,
now co-owner Jan Fergerson has
watched Broad Street evolve for nearly
50 years, enhanced by creative
endeavors like Lisa Landry’s gift and
“lifestyle” shop, Living and Giving, which
she opened in 2007 after moving to
Rome to be closer to her grandchildren.
“To be honest, at first, I wondered why
on earth we left Florida for small-town life
in Northwest Georgia,” Lisa says. “When I
opened Living and Giving, it didn’t take
long to figure out what was so special
about Rome—it’s without question the
people. There is a very enriched sense of Founded by Martha Berry in 1902, Berry College’s expansive campus possesses both natural
community that is almost contagious. and architectural treasures, such as the distinguished Ford Complex (opposite), a series of
Lately, I ask myself why I would ever striking English Gothic structures gifted by Henry Ford in 1925. Learn more about the illustrious
think about leaving Rome.” lady behind the institution at Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum. Take a guided tour of the
You can’t fully explore the place gorgeous Oak Hill estate, which highlights the 1880s Greek Revival mansion where Martha
where the rivers meet and the grew up and lived as an adult, complemented by the breathtaking gardens that embody the
mountains begin without taking in its early 20th-century Colonial Revival style. The museum presents a permanent fine art collection
outdoor wonders. While the rivers and rotating special exhibitions, as well as a deeper look into the life of the woman who said,
provide plenty of recreational fun, the “I pray that I may leave the world more beautiful than when I found it.”
panoramic mountains are a winter
favorite. Ideal for hiking, biking, and
observing wildlife, Berry College boasts
the largest campus in the world with
more than 26,000 picturesque acres.
Don’t miss the famous bald eagles
nesting at this time of year. The
Heritage Trail System runs through
downtown with ample vistas across
the heart of the city.
Jan encourages people to experience
Rome firsthand. “When people visit, we
hope they leave with all of their senses
filled—the visual beauty of the three
rivers and seven hills, the sounds of the
clock tower, the taste of locally owned
restaurants, and the feel of fabulous
jewelry,” Jan says. “I can go on and on
about all that makes Rome the perfect
place to live.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 94