At first glance Cedartown, GA, is another charming small town on US-27. Dig deeper and you will find this little gem boasts an actor most people will have heard, if not seen, an international athletic competition and a song by a country music legend. Here are five unique things about this Georgia city plus some information about that song.
1. The Birthplace of a Recognizable Voice
The name Sterling Holloway may not generate a visual image but if you were to hear his voice you would know exactly who he is. Holloway was the voice of Winnie the Pooh in many of the Walt Disney films. The city honors their famous native son in several ways. A downtown street bears his name.
You can learn more about Holloway by visiting the Polk County HIstorical Society’s Museum on West Avenue in downtown Cedartown. An entire room is dedicated to Holloway and all things Winnie the Pooh. The museum also includes artifacts from the founding of Polk County and its surrounding cities.
2. Atlanta is Not the Only Place with a Coca-Cola Museum
The Cedartown Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia is a must- see for those who want to know more about the soft drink’s history in Northwest Georgia. A film relates the story of how Coke–as it’s called in the South–gained popularity in the area. The owners of the museum have amassed an amazing collection of unusual items related to the soft drink like this clown advertisement.
It’s not as large as the World of Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, but it’s a must-see for anyone who loves Coke and nostalgia.
3. Cedartown is the Home of World-Class Athletes
While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb may be the first name that comes to mind when you think of famous athletes and Cedartown, many may not know that a famous golfer was also born in this Georgia town.
Doug Sanders won 20 PGA tournaments, which is not what diehard golf fans remember. Sanders could have won the U.S. Open in 1970 if he made a 30-inch putt. He missed it and went on to lose the tournament to Jack Nicklaus in a playoff.
Not only did Doug Sanders make a name for himself on the PGA tour, he also met several famous people. The Doug Sanders Golf Museum is a showcase for these connections and is a who’s who of movie stars, singers and presidents of the 20th century. One room is dedicated to the presidents of Sanders’ lifetime and includes autographed golfing bags.
You can also get some pointers on the game while at the museum. If you are lucky, you can get a hole-in-one and ring the bell.
4. Courageous Athletes: The Cedartown Wheelchair Athlete Training Camp and 5K
Every year wheelchair athletes from around the world come to Cedartown to train. The city lines the streets with flags representing the athletes’ native countries. The event is held just before the famous Peachtree Road Race through downtown Atlanta. The stories from the athletes are inspiring and well-worth a trip to Cedartown. The athletes race through the streets competing for the top prizes in an annual 5K.
5. A Downtown you May have Seen Before
Stroll through Cedartown’s beautiful downtown and it may seem familiar. Several productions have been shot there including Jayne Mansfield’s Car, which brought Robert Duvall to Northwest Georgia. Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn is also featured on downtown’s latest mural.
One Last Thing
Waylon Jennings fans are familiar with Cedartown. The famous country singer wrote a song about Cedartown that was released in 1971. The tune didn’t have a happy ending but it had people looking up this cute Georgia city on the map.
You will find lots more to explore in Cedartown. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center located just past downtown on Main Street to plan your unique adventure.
This article was written by Kim Jarrett of Southern Places and Faces.
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