Marietta, Georgia, is a small city that packs a heavy punch when it comes to history. The Civil War, railways, and fire are at the center of the stories of Marietta’s intriguing past, and there is plenty to learn and discover.
A great way to see the beautiful city and its surroundings while learning about its rich heritage is to take a tour. Most begin either in or very close to Marietta Square, and there are lots of hotel options in this area. From food to ghosts, walking to wheels, there is a tour to suit all tastes. Here are some of the highlights.
The Historic Marietta Trolley Co.
Enjoy an hour-long, fully narrated tour on the beautiful 1905 Uncle Ruban trolley, originally used to transport people between Marietta and Atlanta. The tour takes in the impressive Marietta Square, the hub of the city, as well as important landmark buildings such as Tranquilla and Root House. For those interested in the town’s military history, the tour includes the Marietta National Cemetery (the resting place of 10,000 Union soldiers) and Kennesaw Mountain. This 2,888-acre national park preserves an 1864 Civil War battleground and provides stunning views.
Self-Guided Walking or Driving Tour
If you prefer to do things at your own pace, you can either walk or drive around the town and surrounding areas, accompanied by a free brochure or an audio tour. Both are available at the Marietta Visitor’s Bureau, located close to Marietta Square and with free parking nearby.
Marietta Square Food Tour
If you like to eat while you learn, this is the tour for you. Enjoy a three-hour stroll around Marietta Square as you learn about the local history and architecture, while sampling the best of the city’s cuisine at seven locally owned and run restaurants. With a mixture of information about food and history, this tour has the perfect balance of facts and fun and serves as a great introduction to the city as well as an entertaining lunch or dinner experience.
Ghosts of Marietta
With such a rich and varied history, it’s no surprise that Marietta has its fair share of spooky tales. You can experience the haunted history of the town on foot, or on the historic Uncle Ruban trolley. The trolley tour takes you through Civil War burial grounds, and to see the crying statue of Mary Minert, as well as other hot spots of paranormal activity. The walking tour is focused more around the square, and you’ll learn tales of ghostly sightings and discover the spooky history of some of the city’s most well-known buildings. If tours make you thirsty, try the Haunted Pub Crawl. If you’re 21 or older, you can enjoy a drink in several local pubs while hearing stories of their ghostly residents.
These are just some of the many tour options available in Marietta. With so much history in such a compact city, a tour is a perfect way see the sights and learn along the way. The longest tour option here is just three hours, so it’s a great choice even for a short weekend break.