When you add the hiring of the first-ever city manager to a town with one traffic light and a population of twelve hundred, you have what’s known as a quaint small town in Georgia called Cave Spring. Established in 1832, just 17 miles southwest of Rome and 1.5 hours from Atlanta, Cave Spring is known for the natural limestone cave with a mineral spring that flows into a rock pond. The water has been the surrounding community's drinking source for decades — producing 2 million gallons a day — and is described as the purest, best-tasting water anyone is likely to find anywhere.
Fayette County Lifestyle learned of a lovely opportunity for a day trip and took the short drive to Floyd County. Upon arrival at Cave Spring, we were immediately taken in by the small town's historic charm. There is a picturesque square with a mix of adorable shops, family-friendly restaurants, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. The town is home to several parks, a nature trail, and beautiful historic homes from the 1800s.
Located in historic downtown, Linde Marie’s Steakhouse on the Square is the busiest, most sought-after steakhouse in the area. The restaurant has been in business for 10 years and does not take reservations. Linde Marie is a proud business owner and loves being in Cave Spring, “It’s been good. The merchants here are very supportive of one another.” According to locals, folks from Cedartown, Rome, and other cities, line up to eat Linde Marie’s fare — steaks, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes fill plates with generous portions.
Frappes, ice cream cones, and freshly brewed coffee are served daily at the Spring Brew Coffee Company, just a minute's walk from Linde Marie’s. They use only the freshest coffee and purest local spring water for an undeniable taste that is sure to please, and they have a tub of multi-colored vanilla ice cream made special for the kiddos. Outdoor seating is available to enjoy a refreshing treat and provides a front-row seat to whatever is happening on the square.
The Peddler on Alabama Street is loaded with cleaver wares, trinkets, souvenirs of all kinds, and some of the best fudge around. Rip, the Peddler himself, is a welcoming and friendly resident of Cave Spring. “My cousin Martha Jane has been doing fudge since 1979 right here in the square. I hope you visit Antiques on the Square. That’s ours too.” The Peddler’s collection of unique wind chimes is impressive.
A visit to City Hall resulted in a visit with Nick McLemore, Cave Spring’s first-ever City Manager. “I’m born and raised here in Cave Spring. I’m also a policeman and a fireman.” When asked about his vision for Cave Spring, “For Cave Spring to be the best place in the Southeast.” The catalyst for change was a host of projects around the water system, including a multi-million dollar water project. The town needed someone dedicated to managing it all.
Rolater Park is a serene oasis where the natural limestone cave, Cave Spring, is located. The spring is bustling daily with people filling water jugs and various gallon-size bottles full of natural spring water that remains 57 degrees all year round, regardless of the weather and temperature outside. The spring fills a lake where visitors enjoy the calmness of the park, walking barefoot in the rock pond, and feeding breadcrumbs to the geese who call the lake home.
The last stop on the list of notables to visit while in Cave Spring is the Vann Cherokee Cabin determined to have been built in 1810. It is a historical site verified as the oldest building in the town. Located right across the street from Cave Spring, it stays locked most of the time, and while there is not much to see, the history of the cabin is quite interesting. It was discovered inside the Green Webster Hotel after it was closed for business and a wing of the hotel removed.
On the Cave Spring website, www.cityofcavespring.com, Mayor Rob Ware is quoted as saying, “Our city has been put out there as the best city in the state. We want to make it the best city in the Southeast and continue to build on what our city council, our residents, and all the volunteers have been doing over the past several decades.” That is a lofty and admirable goal for this small town; and just know that wherever you park in Cave Spring, you can walk to just about anywhere you want to go in the town.
The water has been the surrounding community's drinking source for decades — producing 2 million gallons a day — and is described as the purest, best-tasting water anyone is likely to find anywhere.
