Cartersville is the main setting for my first novel and I feature some of my favorite places in many of my scenes. I grew up in Cartersville, and it was a great city to grow up in. Beautiful, peaceful, and close enough to the big city to visit, but it still has the country, backwoods feel.
My favorite season is Fall because of the leaves turning their vibrant colors all over Georgia, God’s beautiful canvas on display for all to see. One of the reasons my novel starts in September is because of my love for this season. It’s slowly starting to cool off after a hot July and August, school is starting, and the holidays are right around the corner.
Let’s take a little tour of the Georgia I love, based on my novel, Restoring Grace.
A Few of Viviane’s Favorite Places to Eat in Atlanta
PF Chang’s 1624 Cumberland Mall STE LS108 Atlanta, Georgia 30339
All of the food is WONDERFUL, but my favorites are the Lettuce Wraps (GF), Fried Rice (GF), and Crispy Green Beans. For dessert, The Great Wall of Chocolate cake is divine, but be prepared to share- it’s BIG! When I lived in midtown, I came at least once a week. Usually on Thursdays, before I went to the young adult service at Mount Paran. Many wonderful meals were eaten here with good friends, just like in my novel.
**(GF) Gluten Free
Café Intermezzo 1065 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309
This is a special place for me, personally. I went here for special occasions, dinner with mentors, and a celebration lunch after graduating from Georgia State University in 2011. Anyone who knows me knows I DON’T EAT FRUIT, but they had a fruit tart that was AMAZING. Their selection of cheesecakes will make your mouth water, but don’t forget about the main dishes, too! Just make sure to save room for dessert.
*** March 9, 2019: Sadly, it looks like this favorite is no longer in business.
Viviane’s New Favorite Places in Cartersville
Booth Museum 501 Museum Drive Cartersville, GA 30120
I wrote a post about my first visit to the Booth Museum with my Grandmother. It was a memorable visit for many reasons and one of the last fun adventures we had together before she passed away in February 2013.
I’ve been to the Booth Museum several times, once for work with a group of designers to see the Ansel Adam’s exhibit and the photography of Jackie Kennedy (one of my favorites)! This hidden gem makes Cartersville one of the many reasons to stop by.
Shops Downtown Main Street Multiple Shops
When I wrote this novel in May of 2013 (Post Here), our little Downtown was starting to boom. As a teen, I often went to Kennesaw and Atlanta for shopping, but Cartersville’s grown so much since I’ve been back. The shops around town are more eclectic, fun, and unique.
In 2018, we have coffee shops, boutiques, thrift stores, restaurants, and even a pottery shop. Many weekends there are events in the square, featuring a variety of music and delectable food. Cartersville’s downtown offers a small-town experience with abundant eating and social opportunities.
A Favorite of Grace Cartwright
Jefferson’s 28 West Main St Cartersville, GA 30120
My first year back in Cartersville after graduating, I spent quite a bit of time at Jefferson’s. It was a favorite on Sundays for people eating lunch after church. It was a rush to get there and save a seat. Their stuffed mushrooms and fried pickles are yummy! Plus, Wednesday is 5¢ wings day.
The atmosphere is fun, food is good and the fries are delicious. Lunch or dinner, Jefferson’s is a good place to stop by and grab a bite. Get there early and save me a seat.
Grand’s Favorite Place to Eat
Scott’s Walk-Up Bar-B-Q 206 N Tennessee St Cartersville, GA 30120
Cartersville has some of the best BBQ in my humble opinion and has my FAVORITE right off Tennessee Street. During lunch and dinner prime times, this place is packed with hungry patrons. You won’t find anything on the menu that isn’t good and their potato salad is a religious experience. Since I’ve had to go gluten-free in March of 2018, Scott’s has only risen in my esteem, because their sauce and potato salad, and baked beans are ALL GLUTEN FREE!
Favorites of Cole West
Dellinger Park 100 Pine Grove Rd Cartersville, GA 30120
This park is where I learned to swim, play tennis, and at the age of four was kicked out of the putt-putt area for beaming a lady with my golf ball after yelling fore. (I did warn everyone before I swung.) I’m only just a little proud of that!
Putt-putt isn’t there anymore, but there are lighted tennis courts, softball/football/soccer fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, and an Olympic size pool. There are walking/running trails and a track with four picnic areas spread throughout the park. A large lake and gazebo make a picturesque spot to watch the ducks.
The Sun Dial Restaurant The Westin Peachtree Plaza 210 Peachtree Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30303
Riding in the back seat of the car growing up, any time we drove through Atlanta, the Westin was one of the buildings my young eyes sought out. Round, 73 stories high, I was fascinated by the building, especially once I learned of a revolving restaurant located at the very top.
A good friend, I considered a brother took me up there as a surprise one evening. I was able to see the bright lights of Atlanta in its full glory. STUNNING! As we slowly turned 360° that summer evening, I didn’t know I’d be using that experience for my first novel.
Cole considers this one of his new favorites, but you’ll have to read Restoring Grace to learn why!
Available for purchase at Amazon and other favorite bookstores.
Until next time, may God’s grace surround you,
