2009 Valley & Ridge Gem And Mineral Show Field Trip Report

Story & photos by- Michelle Matthews

   

As Kudzu Minerals sails into the future, we want to make our minerals and services even more accessible to the public by choosing to participate in a variety of venues across the Southeast. We had previously visited the Valley & Ridge Gem & Mineral Show in Rome, Georgia. This show is hosted by the Rome Georgia Mineral Society and is held downtown in the Forum. We truly enjoyed the show and decided that it would be a great venue to add to our 2009 schedule. Rome, Georgia is a beautiful river front city located among the convergence of three rivers; The Coosa, the Etowah and the Oostanaula. Rome takes full advantage of it's watery treasures with bike and walking trails along the rivers and also a large family park for outdoor recreation. Best of all, for us, it is a short drive from our hometown.

 

After we arrived and set up for the show, we decided to take a relaxing stroll along the river. This path was located just steps outside our motel rooms. It was a great way to wind down before dinner.

 

 

 

We walked to the community park which was also located alongside the river. It was truly a scenic and wonderful place.

 

 

 

We got a kick out of a chalk drawing on the sidewalk. We decided that this was our official "Welcome" to Rome.

 

 

 

The weather was cool and nice with sweet smells of honeysuckle wafting in the air. We sat down near an old train trestle to talk and watch the squirrels play. They were fairly tame and seemed to feel quite comfortable in our presence.

 

 

 

At sunset, we chose to eat at The Olive Garden since it was conveniently located beside the walking trail. I was amazed at how well planned the city layout was. I later found out that we could have even walked to the show from our motel!

 

 

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