Look, I can immediately see that look on your face on the other side of the screen. Kevin, why in the world would we want to get out and about during COVID-19? Especially to Kennesaw?

Well, there’s going to come a time when you’re sitting bored in the house with nothing to do on a Saturday or Sunday, and just need to get out and about. And so long as you take precautions – carry around some hand sanitizer, make sure to have clean masks on hand, and avoid touching too many items if you can help it – then there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy an afternoon adventure somewhere close to home and still stay relatively safe.

During one recent adventure out and about trying to get business purchases together, Jess and I wandered around and found ourselves in downtown Kennesaw and stopping in a barbecue restaurant that is worth giving a try.

The Nest, which derives its name (I assume based on menu items too) from the Kennesaw State athletics programs, is one of those places that at first glance looks like good eating, with smokers right in front facing the street and porches with seating – but spread out to maintain social distancing at this time.

Though we only stopped for drinks and an appetizer (still $30) it was well worth every penny. The next time we stop by, we both agreed that it will be worth the $38 to split what they call “The Whole Farm” which is a plate that includes pulled pork, brisket, chicken a half rack of ribs and five chicken wings. PS – They have smoked chicken wings.

Just down the street is an attraction that I bet a lot of you have never seen before: the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, which is a fascinating look at the history behind the 1861 Great Train Chase – a Union raid on southern rail lines that didn’t work out – as well as Atlanta and Georgia’s connection to railroad history. There is also the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to visit as well. Also worth a visit if you have the opportunity to drive around and haven’t been in a while: the KSU campus. It is quite nice.

Of course, for those who don’t want to venture into downtown Atlanta or Buckhead, there’s always the plethora of shopping options within 10 minutes of these locations, or for those more adventurous head downtown by all means.

The easiest route to Kennesaw: Take Hwy 113 North toward Cartersville, follow the Old Alabama Road (and Old Old Alabama Road) route to I-75, head south and get off at the Wade Green Road exit, continue right and stay straight to continue on Cherokee Street. The Nest will be on your right before you get to downtown proper (so will the railroad museum, less than a block away.) Remember the second turn is the entrance into the restaurant’s back parking lot.

The battlefield is more easily accessed off the Barrett Parkway exit should you choose to take that direction, heading right and then continuing until finding Hwy 120.

For those who prefer avoiding the interstate and don’t mind the red lights, take Highway 278 and turn left at Wellstar Paulding Hospital onto 120, and follow it toward Marietta to enter the battlefield from the opposite side. Turn left onto Barrett Parkway to get toward downtown Kennesaw. Or just use Google Maps to get you there.

Gas cost: for those concerned about burning the miles, this day trip will probably cost you around half a tank of gas for the average SUV, probably a quarter tank for more fuel-efficient cars. Teslas and other electric vehicles can find charging stations around Kennesaw without much issue. Expect it to cost around $10, more or less for the day.

Stay tuned for more adventures. Have a suggestion of a place we should explore? Email kevin@polk.today.