Imagine a time when families strolled the sidewalks and nature trails through the oldest state park in the nation - on a quest for a taste of healing waters. Imagine nature lovers riding up on their bikes for the 'revitalizing and refreshing' waters, and to cool down with a dip in the falls. Imagine the young and old journeying into the history of yesteryear with tours of the anchor - a Federalist style Indian Springs Hotel/Museum (ca 1823) built by Chief and Brigadier General William McIntosh, an half-creek Indian and Scottish descent, who signed the Treaty of 1825 in this very Hotel that ceded 4.7 million acres of land to the State of Georgia - this history alone should draw many to see where the lives of so many native Americans were changed, forever. Imagine the recreation of this controversial treaty signing and his murder by his brethren for doing so. Imagine the sermons of Queen Anne style Indian Springs Chapel (ca 1890) and learning how the children felt as they cooked their lunch over the pot-bellied stove in the Old Schoolhouse (ca 1885).
Imagine the visitors meandering through the historical and whimsical gardens experiencing 'accidental learning' while enjoying the beauty of the native plants of the bygone era. Imagine a bride and her beau continuing to build memories in the Chapel and Formal Rose Garden and Gazebo, as many tell of their weddings from a hundred years back - in tongue and in letter. Imagine the faces of the little ones as they buy sweets and ice cream, plant a plant and shop in the country store and outfitter shop filled with 'homegrown' Georgia products and a few chocolate imports to spur the adventurous spirit. Imagine a time gone by with local artist renditions of the ten hotels which previously populated the area for sale in the Art Gallery as tourist take back memories with purchases from the antique shop and gift store. With the Hotel finally open as a museum and the numerous festivals planned, and with all the refurbished shops and venues named for local historic families - both rich in money and in legend - the lure of Indian Springs, GA is being reborn while carrying on the wonderfully rich cultural history.
Imagine all this through the eyes of an individual from New York City, or from Japan, or a group on a corporate retreat staying in a 5 bedroom 16,000 square foot 1852 antebellum home with 20' columns, antiques, Victorian tubs and fireplaces with sweeping terraces of azaleas and hydrangeas and the sweet smell of jasmine while swimming in the spa like pool. Imagine fishing in a private lake with picnic lunches prepared by local chefs and a private massage therapist arrives to take away your worries. Imagine art and garden clubs coming for the weekend to take lessons in the garden from local artists and buying cuttings of the native plants while staying in a cottage with "Laura Ashley" décor, granite counter tops and spa tubs. Imagine these visitors soaking up this heritage yet plugging into high-speed internet to email the outside world of the "uniqueness of this secret area".
Imagine the Indian Springs Holiness Campground, a Nondenominational 600 acre attraction, which has extended a branch of partnership for their well-kept secret of their 1883 Hotel and revival camp meetings and gospel sings which are, indeed, open to the public.
Imagine all this surrounded by 600 acres of the oldest state park in the nation housing a serene 100 acre lake open for fishing for all, especially fathers and sons to adventure with little jon-boats and paddle boats to explore the far edges of the lake. All this with 80 campsites and RV sites close at hand. And explore the beauty of Dauset Trails, a wonderful setting to learn of native animals and ride the 17 miles of mountain bike trails and 11 miles of horse trails.
