Lock & Dam Park

Last week when Richard was visiting, we decided to look up points of interest in our Garmin GPS and go take a look at something new. We are so glad we did, because we would have never discovered this beautiful place in the world on our own! Coosa River Nature Center Lock and Dam Park in Rome, Georgia is about 35 or so miles from our house, but well worth the drive up there.

The locks haven't been used since 1941

Brown’s Guide to Georgia has this to say about Lock and Dam Park:

…the Lock and Dam Park illustrates the region’s (and all of Georgia’s) early river history. During the mid-1800s, before the lock and dam were built, the Coosa was busy with steamboats and barges carrying freight, passengers and mail between Rome and Greenport, Alabama. The boats had difficulty navigating some parts of the river, one of the worst points being Horseleg Shoals. Occasionally, temporary “dams” were devised by local citizens along the sides of the Coosa to create deeper water for navigation. Because of such problems, it was decided to make the Coosa River completely navigable. Six locks and dams were completed, the first in 1880. Construction of the lock and dam at what was known as Mayo’s Bar began in 1910 and opened for navigation in 1913. The lock was officially closed in 1941. Today a 730-acre regional park serves as a popular campground and fishing area while remaining one of Floyd County’s early historical landmarks…

My friend, Richard, enjoying the view

Lock and Dam Park is on the Coosa River south of Rome, Georgia. We were amazed at how beautiful this place is. Lots of spring flowers blooming the day we were there. There were also plenty of trees for shade during the summer. The whole place was inviting and pleasant and neatly manicured.

This is a real river boat used on the Coosa River

A real river boat that was used on the Coosa River is on display here. It is interesting to see the boat and read about its history. It was powered by a Buick engine!

A campsite right on the river

There is a campground with 31 RV sites. 50 amp electric service, septic service and a dump station are also available. Some of the campsites are right on the river bank. There is a primitive camping area and bathhouses, and many nature trails in the park.

One of the many nature trails in the park

Oh, and don’t forget your fishing gear! There is plenty of room on the dock and along the riverbank to cast your line and fish for crappie, stripers, and catfish.

Coosa River

Other amenities:

• Pavilion for up to 250 people for picnics, family reunions and special groups
• Walking trails and Observation Tower with a view of the Coosa River and mountains
• Fernbank Science Center display with tours for special groups available
• Meeting room
• Trading post and bait shop that sells tackle, bait, camping and picnic supplies.
• Canoe Rentals
• Fishing Pier
• Boat Ramp and Boat Docks

To get there, take US Hwy 27 South to Walker Mountain Road, or US Hwy 20 West to Georgia Hwy 100 to Blacks Bluff Road. The park hours are from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Security closes the gate at 11:00 p.m. There is a $2.00 per vehicle parking fee. For more information or to make reservations call 706-234-5001 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Backwoods Steakhouse

We had heard a rumor that there was a great steakhouse out in the country not far from our house. Saturday afternoon, we put the address for it in our new GPS and went for a drive. Sure enough, Backwoods Steakhouse is only about two or three miles from us.

We decided to go there for dinner that night. When we arrived at 5:00 p.m, there were already lots of cars in the parking lot, but we were seated right away. Tiffany, our waitress, told us that the owners, Eddie Williams and his wife, built the building themselves 9 years ago. They cut the timber, cut in their uncle’s sawmill, planed it, and then put it together. Amazing, especially when you look at this building and see how beautiful it is.

We placed our orders, then helped ourselves to the salad bar. Tiffany brought out some home made yeast rolls that smelled divine! Yes, I did eat part of one, because I just couldn’t resist the smell, and it was delicious!

The steaks arrived very quickly–I had the 12 ounce ribeye,  and Fabgrandpa had a 16 ounce ribeye. They were both cooked to perfection, and served with a baked potato. I also had some sauteed mushrooms and onions with mine. There were several appetizers available on the menu but we chose not to get one. You could also choose to have green beans instead of a baked potato.

While we were eating, Eddie came over and introduced himself, and talked to us for a few minutes. He is very personable and friendly, as is the whole staff at Backwoods Steakhouse.

Eddie, the owner of Backwoods Steakhouse

We spent a lot of time just looking around at the building. It is definitely an interesting place.

This turkey was perched up there above the cashier stand.

If you decide to go, it would be best to use a GPS to find this place. It is way out in the woods, off the beaten track.

The orange marker shows where it is located

Backwoods Steakhouse is located at 2386 Steadman Road, Tallapoosa, Georgia. They are only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m to 11 p.m. Call them at 770) 574-7050 if you need directions. Oh, and they don’t take debit or credit cards–checks or cash only.

Sunday afternoon we were suffering from cabin fever–it had been raining for several days and we just hibernated in the house. We were ready to get out and do a little bit of exploring, and wound up in downtown Buchanan, Georgia. Buchanan is not a very big place–the water tower proclaims “Population 1034″

WE wound up at Los Cowboys Mexican Restaurant around lunch time. It’s right on the square, across the street from Piggly Wiggly on one side, and the library on the other side. The place was packed with people!

Carnitas plate

Los Cowboys has your typical Mexican menu, with appetizers, salads, seafood, combination plates, and Los Cowboys Especialdades. I ordered one of my favorites: Carnitas. Carnitas for those who don’t know, is boston butt pork roast, cooked either by roasting, or by deep frying, depending on the restaurant and the cook. It came with refried beans, rice, guacamole salad and tortillas. There was so much food served that I wasn’t able to eat it all, but I sure wished that I could because it was delicious. They know how to prepare carnitas at this place.

Burrito Mexicano

Fabgrandpa had the Burrito Mexicano–a flour tortilla stuffed with pork, cooked tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, and topped with cheese , lettuce and tomatoes. He thoroughly enjoyed his meal, too.

Los Cowboys is located at 115 Van Wert Street, Buchanan, Georgia. Their phone number is 770-646-6853, and they do have a take out menu. Oh, and say hi to Alex if you go, and tell him I sent ya!

Alex, the owner and manager of Los Cowboys in Buchanan

Hillcrest Farms Store in Tallapoosa

One of the first things Fabgrandpa and I do when we arrive in a new area is search the internet for places that sell fresh, locally grown foods.  I noticed Hillcrest Farms Store in Tallapoosa a couple of weeks ago when we were on our way to the house, but we didn’t have time to stop in until today. The store, located at 2160 US Hwy 78 in Tallapoosa, Georgia, has been open for only two and a half months, but the farm has been in business for more than three years.

Gayle, the owner of Hillcrest Farms Store

Gayle Smith, the owner and manager of the store, was happy to talk to me about all the products available in the store. They sell beef, pork, chicken, and goat meat raised on their farm in Buchanan, Georgia. As a family-owned and operated farm specializing in grass-fed, antibiotic-free livestock and exceptional meats, Hillcrest Farms caters to a rapidly growing segment of consumers that recognize the tremendous value that high quality, grass-fed meats present, especially when you consider family health, overall nutrition and taste preferences.

New York strip steaks from Hillcrest Farms

The store sells meats that are supplied bytheir farm or other local farmers,  locally made goats milk cheeses produced in Carrollton, jams,jellies, and cow’s milk cheeses from Roopville, pickles, honey from Newnan, and fresh local eggs. There was also some hand made soap available for sale.

Blackberry Jam

We bought two New York strip steaks, a whole chicken, some honey, blackberry jam, and some goat cheese. The cheese was much like a spreadable cream cheese with blueberries and peaches in it. It was delicious on gluten free raisin toast!

Goat cheese with blueberries.

Fabgrandpa shopping at Hillcrest Farms Store

To find out more about Hillcrest Farms Store, you can check out their website here, or give Gayle a call at 770-574-7400. I definitely recommend shopping there if you are in Tallapoosa. If you are in the Altanta area it is well worth the drive.