Discover an American heritage that has inspired millions to come worship the way we do in the Bible belt! The Easter Celebration every year brings to remembrance the simple message of the gospel. Churches prepare some of the most glorious music for weeks. Plays depicting the awlfulness of the Roman Crucifixion are performed. Children enjoy Easter egg hunts. After all, the tradition has inspired millions across the ages about the greatest love story of God's love in a world that has forgotten Him.
Venture back to an era when the Western Hemisphere was a fertile mission field. Learn how some of the early pioneers were arrested for their continued service to the Native Americans that were forced to march west. Learn how a Sunday school was the birthplace of the world’s largest college campus. Sing hymns that began in our own backyard. Hear the echoes of the past tell the story handed down by settlers of a new frontier more than two hundred years ago. These are only a few listed. Be sure to plan your journey. Don't forget to bring your camera!

NORTH ALABAMA HISTORIC CHURCH TRAIL
More than thirty churches dot the landscape across the North Alabama Lakes region, which spans about 100 years. See beautiful stained glass, wooden pioneer structures, high steeples, and learn some of the history of these churches. They all represent the heart of those who desired to build a place of prayer, worship, to learn the truths from the Scriptures, and for fellowship. Find out more:
North Alabama Hallelujah Trail
Phone: 800-648-5381
Website: northalabama.org

VISIT THE HOLY LAND
Drive to the Holy Land without leaving the southeastern United States! The Explorations of Antiquity Living History Museum makes the Old Testament and New Testament come to life. Take a trip along the journey of Abraham. Walk ancient streets of Jerusalem in the footsteps of Jesus, from the virgin birth to the Crucifixion and the empty tomb. Find out more:
Explorations in Antiquity Center
LaGrange, GA 30240
Phone: 706-885-0363
Website: explorationsinantiquity.net

FROM A LITTLE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Martha Berry has been recognized as a pioneer in education in the late 1800s. She began a Sunday school class to teach children how to read the Bible. Tour the historic sites at Berry College in Floyd County, Georgia to learn how the school became known as the world’s largest campus. Find out More:
Berry College
Martha Berry Highway
Mount Berry, GA
Phone: 706-232-5374
Website: berry.edu

GRAND OLE OPRY
Millions of people know Nashville for its music. The Ryman auditorium is known to be the home of the Grand Ole Opry. However, it was built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892 by Thomas Ryman, who came to faith in Jesus Christ after a revival preached by the well known evangelist of the day, Sam Jones. He lived in Cartersville. His home is known as the Roselawn Museum that is near the downtown district. It is definitely worth a tour. Add a side trip to your adventure to where he began his ministry with the Van Wert Circuit located outside of Rockmart. Although it is in Polk County, the town of Van Wert at the time was apart of Paulding County. Find out more:
Roselawn
Cartersville, GA
Phone: 770-387-5162
Website: roselawnmuseum.com

NEW ECHOTA
New Echota became the last capital of the Cherokee in the 1820s. Moravian missionaries lived in the settlement and taught school to the children. The only original structure is the missionary’s house in the village. When the Native Americans were moved west, it became illegal to work among them. All missionary efforts had to cease. Some spent time in jail for disobeying the law. Find out more:
New Echota State Historic Site (Park)
Calhoun, GA
Phone: 706-624-1321

PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND
Thomas Dorsey was born in Villa Rica, Georgia in 1899. The Thomas Dorsey Gospel Music Festival is held annually in June at the Mt. Prospect Baptist Church in Villa Rica. Thomas Dorsey is known for writing the hymn, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”.

LIGHT SHOWS AT DESOTO CAVERNS
Some of the highlights of the tour are the light shows. See the birth of Christ at Christmas and the Resurrection at Easter. In June and July, they celebrate Independence Day with the “God and Country” light show. Throughout the year they tell the creation story. Find out more:
DeSoto Caverns Park
Childersburg, AL
Phone: 1-800-933-2283
Website: desotocavernspark.com

LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS
The old stone church in Ringgold was built around 1850 and now has a museum with a lot of information about the area. There is a popular hymn that was sung here for the first time, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”. Find out more:
Old Stone Church Ringgold, GA
Website: cityofringgold.com

D. Jay Powell is a travel writer who lives in the Appalachian Foothills where the Smokies meet the Blue Ridge Mountains in northwest Georgia. His new book, Road Trip Treasures can be ordered. He is available for speaking opportunities by calling 770-723-6574.