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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Beautiful Georgia Library That Looks Like Something From A Book Lover’s Dream

Mary Willis Library in Washington, Georgia, is a historic and aesthetically pleasing library known for its Tiffany stained glass windows.

Published Oct 5, 2022

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

To bibilophiles, any library is an amazing place. The concept of shelves and shelves of books available to borrow for free is a magical concept. With that being said, some libraries are more aesthetically pleasing than others. And if you're looking for the most beautiful library in Georgia, it's tucked away in the small town of Washington, up in Wilkes County. This town is filled with gorgeous historic architecture and small town charm, and it doesn't get much more representative of that than the lovely Mary Willis Library. Check it out:

Washington is one of our favorite small towns in Georgia. Today, it has a population of around 4,000, but back in the Revolutionary War times, it was actually the capital of Georgia!

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City of Washington, GA

At the time of the Revolutionary War, the town was known as Heard's Fort. Interestingly, it also played a major role in the Civil War. The town is where the Confederate Cabinet met for the last time in May 1865. The Confederacy was officially resolved at that meeting, thus ending the war.

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You'll find a number of beautiful historic buildings and homes in Washington. One of the prettiest is the Mary Willis Library in downtown.

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Mary Willis Library/Facebook

The library was built in 1889 and was the first free library in Georgia. All prior libraries had charged subscription fees to obtain books.

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Mary Willis Library/Facebook

Mary Willis was the daughter of a local doctor who donated the funds to build the library as well as his personal book collection.

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Mary Willis Library/Facebook

The most notable feature of the library are the Tiffany stained glass windows. They're strikingly beautiful, particularly on a sunny day.

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Mary Willis Library/Facebook

Later additions were added to the building in 1997 and 1991. It's now more than four times the size of the original construction.

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Simon Robson/Google Local

There are a lot of gorgeous buildings you'll want to check out if you visit Washington, and the library most definitely belongs on your list!

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Simon Robson/Google Local

For more information about the Mary Willis Library, including a schedule of upcoming events, check out the official Facebook page or the Bartram Trail Regional Library system website.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

This Mystical Spring In Georgia Is Said To Have Healing Powers

Updated Jun 12, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Georgia, you'll find a mysterious cave and spring right in the middle of a small municipal park. These geological features are so noteworthy that they gave the town its name - Cave Spring. The small town has a population of under 1,200 people but attracts tons of visitors each year. Most are drawn to the unique cave and spring. It is said that the Cave Springs, GA spring water is some of the clearest and cleanest in Georgia, and some even believe it has magical healing powers. Join us as we explore these wonderful healing springs in Georgia.

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Rolater Park is a beautiful old-fashioned park near Rome that will make you feel like you stepped back in time to simpler days. There's a lot to do here, with a cave, a pond with ducks, a playground for the little ones, and, of course, a wonderful natural spring.

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Jacquelyn Davis / Google Reviews

The cave is quite magnificent and is open on weekends for tours seasonally. It is possible to tour it during the off months, but you'll need to call and make an appointment.

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Rome Office of Tourism

This is a fairly small cave formation, but it's definitely worth checking out. There are certain areas where you'll have to stoop and crawl, so it's not recommended for those with mobility issues.

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Rome Office of Tourism

As you likely guessed from the name of this small town, it's also home to a spring. This spring is said to have some of the best-tasting water in Georgia, with some people driving an hour or more to fill up jugs.

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Laura RDM / Google Reviews

The park's 1.5-acre lake, known as Rolater Lake, is fed by the spring's mineral water. It's a popular swimming spot that's open seasonally.

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barbara bush / Google Reviews

Many people believe the natural mineral water has healing benefits. It's said to help with skin, digestion, and joint issues. Whether you're drinking or soaking in this healing spring water in Georgia it is a remarkable spot to relax.

This is one of our favorite small-town parks in Georgia - it looks like something out of a fairy tale!

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Kevin Udy / Google Reviews

Another one of our favorite natural wonders in Georgia is the beautiful Tallulah Gorge. Learn more about it in this video:

If you are in a mystical meandering mood, a Savannah ghosts and gravestones trolley tour is a fun thing to put on your bucket list.

Have you been to any of the healing springs in Georgia? Share your favorite one with us in the comments. Then, start planning a natural wonders road trip with this pre-planned itinerary. It includes the stunning Radium Springs.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/natural-wonders-road-trip/

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Rock Garden In Georgia Is Packed With Miniature Towns & Buildings You Need To See To Believe

Discover a magical rock garden in Calhoun, Georgia, featuring over 50 handcrafted miniature buildings made from various materials.

Updated Mar 18, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

A rock garden in Georgia that will blow your socks off is surprisingly one of the few activities available for fun in life. This fascinating and magical space offers more than 50 miniature hand-crafted buildings made from various materials. Spend an afternoon strolling through this lovely garden in Calhoun, Georgia where inspiration is alive and well.

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Tucked behind Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church is a spectacular rock garden near me filled with handcrafted miniature creations.

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Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church/Facebook

The added beauty of the flowers and greenery makes it all that more magical.

One of the best gardens in Georgia is home to more than 50 pint-sized structures ranging from castles to cathedrals, bridges, and more.

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Mcangeli/Tripadvisor

The pet-friendly park is open from dawn to dusk and offers a picnic area to spend time taking it all in.

DeWitt "Old Dog" Boyd began building the project in 2007.

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Maisy B./Tripadvisor

Today, Boyd’s family maintains the Rock Garden, including his children and grandchildren.

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Maisy B./Tripadvisor

They take care of the tiny buildings, making them as awe-inspiring as ever.

These miniature structures are created out of various objects including stones, shells, broken glass, cement, and other recycled materials.

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Melissa Greeno/Tripadvisor

Strolling through the garden, you’ll be able to see for yourself the care and detail that has gone into creating these mini masterpieces.

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Wayne B./Tripadvisor

Have you ever visited Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral?

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foodforthemood/Tripadvisor

Check out the detailed perfection in this pocket-size version at one of the best gardens in GA.

It’s not just the outside of these diminutive buildings that are worth checking out.

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I_work_to_travel54/Tripadvisor

The specific elements inside include porcelain people posing in different rooms and hidden gems peppering the walls.

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hikinggirl70/Tripadvisor

Visiting the garden is free, so take your time and enjoy all the aspects of this beautiful handcrafted creation in Georgia.

This rock garden in Georgia offers inspiration everywhere you look. Discover more on the Rock Garden Facebook page. Have you visited this unique place in Calhoun? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below. While you're venturing through this charming town, check out a one-of-a-kind historic village. Stay awhile and reserve a room on Booking.com

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/unique-village-in-ga/

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