Nick Vernon, Campus Carrier Graphics Editor, Online Editor
I grew up in the metro Atlanta area. Living on the border of suburbia and immersed in city life left me unexposed to life outside of a major city. When I came to Berry as a freshman, I was underwhelmed by Rome and the rest of northwest Georgia.
My classmates who were from around here talked about Rome and Broad Street as if they were a city. Hailing from Atlanta, however, I did not share a similar sentiment.
While I accepted that Broad Street was a cool place, I neglected to explore it, passing it off as insignificant and uninteresting because it did not compare to the happening scenes I had been exposed to in Atlanta.
This year, however, things have changed. For my senior year, I am living in a house with other Berry students just a block off of Broad Street. Already this semester my view of Rome has been transformed. Spending time in downtown Rome, I have had several conversations with locals who expressed their love for their hometown. I’m now starting to understand why they love Rome so much.
Spending a Saturday morning at Swift and Finch with fellow students and faculty is a relaxing start to the weekend. Other breakfast, lunch and dinner places such as Harvest Moon, Mellow Mushroom, Jefferson’s, Brewhouse, Moon Roof, Honeymoon Bakery and The Dark Side of the Moon (Dark Side) all characterize the friendly and close community Rome has to offer.
There’s nothing quite like Tuesday jazz nights at Dark Side. Listening to music, sometimes including Berry alumnus Greg Robbins, with friends and other Berry students and faculty is an excellent break from school during the middle of the week.
The view from atop Myrtle Hill Cemetery, which is at the end of Broad Street directly across from the Etowah River, is truly breathtaking. Standing on top of that hill at the beginning of the semester, looking at downtown Rome, and excitedly noting, “I can see our house from here,” helped me realize that Rome really can be a special place.
While life in Rome may not be as fast-paced as someone like myself is used to, if you choose to expose yourself to life in Rome, it can be very rewarding.
Of course, Rome is not the only city Berry students can experience. Chattanooga and Atlanta are both just over an hour away. In addition to all these larger cities have to offer, right here in north Georgia there are several outdoor activities to take advantage of. Rocky Mountain Recreation Area, Rome Braves baseball, LCCL Strawberry Farm, Stone Bridge Golf Club and the three rivers that meet in Rome – the Etowah, Coosa and Oostanaula – all offer nearby activities for Berry students.
Living in Rome for three years, and in downtown Rome for this semester, has changed my perspective on life at Berry. Atlanta and other major cities have a lot to offer; however, Rome is truly special because of the unique blend of character and community it offers to all those willing to discover it. For the first time in my Berry College career, I feel like Rome is my home, and I don’t want to leave anytime soon.