Guide to Milledgeville
Milledgeville, Georgia, is full of reasons to visit. Here are a few quick tips for things to do, places to stay, great restaurants and events you'll love.
Milledgeville, Georgia, is a polished blend of pre-Civil War history paired with the youthful vibrancy of a bustling college town. Home to Georgia College & State University and Georgia Military College, it's also one of the state's oldest cities. On top of that, it was the state capital in the 1800s.
Things to Do
Historic Trolley Tours
Start your visit to Milledgeville by taking one of the Historic Trolley Tours, which visits a number of landmarks in town. Featuring grand architecture, beautiful squares and historic neighborhoods, the 60-minute tour provides an overview of Milledgeville’s history during its 68-year period as the capital city of Georgia. During the course of the tour, guests will cruise the historic district via trolley and be escorted on a guided walk through the former statehouse square and St. Stephens Episcopal Church, consecrated in 1843.
Lake Sinclair
Lake Sinclair is an outdoor-lover’s paradise with more than 400 miles of shoreline. Rent a boat to explore it further, taking advantage of activities like fishing and camping. Or rent a lake house for a family-friendly getaway.
Rose Hill & Lockerly Arboretum
Lockerly Arboretum boasts 50 acres of stunning gardens, walking trails, and a pond. Take one-mile nature trail past wildflowers, flowering shrubs such as camellias and azaleas, and a variety of trees. The centerpiece of Lockerly is Rose Hill, a National Register, Greek Revival-style home built in 1852 by Daniel R. Tucker.
Downtown Shopping
Stroll, shop and dine on the Great American Mainstreet that makes up Milledgeville. Here, you’ll find antique stores, clothing boutiques and restaurants.
Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion
Way before Atlanta became the capital. Milledgeville held that honor. Visitors can tour Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion, an 1839 High Greek Revival home that looms over Milledgeville with its stately columns and imposing facade. Serving as the residence for Georgia's chief executives for over 30 years, the mansion's history encompasses the antebellum, Civil War, and early Reconstruction phases of the state's history. Georgia's Old Governor’s Mansion also served as a stage on which many elements of the complex social issues of the antebellum period were played out. During the Civil War, the mansion was claimed as a "prize" in the "March to the Sea," when General William T. Sherman headquartered in the building on Nov. 23, 1864. These days, it is open for public tours and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
Andalusia Farm
Writer Flannery O’Connor lived at Andalusia Farm outside of Milledgeville with her mother while she was treated for lupus. While there, she wrote a number of her notable works, including “Wise Blood,” “A Good Man Is Hard To Find” and “The Violent Bear It Away.” The 554-acre farm still holds a number of her belongings, including peafowl that roam the property.
Find more things to do in Milledgeville
Where to Eat
The Reel Grill
There's no shortage of delicious places to dine in Milledgeville, no matter your palate. The Reel Grill is a favorite for special occasions, offering Southern cuisine with a contemporary twist.
The Brick
College students and locals alike love The Brick. The menu is made up of elevated bar food like pizzas, pastas, wings, and sandwiches. In addition, their drink menu features Georgia craft beers.
Bollywood Tacos
Just a little taco shop with a BIG imagination! Bollywood Tacos, located in downtown, serves up some of the most exciting cuisine in the area. Bollywood is known for its fusion of Mexican and Indian flavors that bring some absolutely delicious dishes to the table. This place also has Taco Tuesday, so make sure you venture their way and grab a taco!
Buffington's
Buffington's is a popular bar and grill since 1999 with an extensive craft beer menu and shareable dishes like nachos, fried green tomatoes, and wings. They also host live music from touring bands.
Kai Thai
Kai Thai is the area’s Thai restaurant, with authentic dishes like tom yum soup and spicy beef salad. Their menu also has Japanese favorites, including stir-fried meats and vegetables and fried rice.
Metropolis Cafe
Offering a little bit of everything, Metropolis Cafe takes its inspiration from Greece and the Mediterranean, with items like gyros, kabobs, falafels, and hummus. On Thursdays, they serve Indian food all day and there are nightly drink specials.
The Velvet Elvis & Amici Cafe
Gather with friends for dinner at The Velvet Elvis, which has steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and quesadillas. Or opt for pizza and wings at Amici Cafe, a favorite regional chain.
Find more places to eat in Milledgeville
Events to Plan Your Visit Around
Deep Roots Festival
Deep Roots Festival each October celebrates the arts and culture of the area, featuring regional and national artists and vendors. There’s also live music, an artist market, an antique car show, and a barbecue competition.
Christmas at the Mansion
And every winter, Georgia's Old Governor’s Mansion is transformed into a winter wonderland, including candlelit tours and singing groups. Holiday decorations reflect the time period, 1851-1853, when Governor Howell Cobb and his family occupied the beautiful home.
Find more events in Milledgeville
Places to Stay
Hotels
Milledgeville has chain hotels with breakfast buffets, swimming pools, fast Wi-Fi, fitness centers and kitchenettes, including the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn.
Camping
The area also has camping facilities like Little River Park Campground & Marina, which has full hookup RV sites, cabins and marina access to Lake Sinclair. Scenic Mountain RV Park & Campground has campsites with a bathhouse, swimming pool and nature trails.
