Georgia Literary Tours Groups Love
From Joel Chandler Harris's hometown to "Gone With The Wind" museums, take a group tour of Georgia's most celebrated literary destinations.
Few things have flourished more in Georgia than the written word. In fact, the Peach State has not only been home to some of the literary world's most renowned authors, it also has served as the backdrop for an array of fiction and nonfiction masterpieces.
Georgia's treasure trove of historic sites brings your favorite characters and settings to life and offers a glimpse into the backgrounds of the writers who crafted these beloved stories. From the mountains to the coast, get ready to spend three days exploring Georgia's favorite literary locales.
Andalusia Farm, Milledgeville
Fans of Flannery O'Connor may picture her sitting at her desk, penning such short stories as "A Good Man is Hard to Find." And you can see the setting in person by visiting Andalusia, O'Connor's family homestead in Milledgeville, where she lived from 1951 until her death in 1964. The home was gifted to the Georgia College & State University Foundation so it could maintain the landmark. Pre-arranged tours for 10 or more people, with a maximum cap of 15 per group per hour, are available by reservation.
Uncle Remus Museum, Eatonton
Step back in time and discover the life and work of Joel Chandler Harris through historic storytelling, period artifacts, dioramas of famous Uncle Remus characters, like Br'er Rabbit, local history during Harris' formative years in Eatonton, and informative tours. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more (reservation and deposit required).
Georgia Writers Museum, Eatonton
While you're in Eatonton, don't miss the Georgia Writers Museum, which focuses on promoting the rich literary heritage of the state. Permanent exhibits honor the three most famous local authors, Alice Walker, Flannery O’Connor, and Joel Chandler Harris. Works and artifacts of other authors are featured in the museum on a rotating basis. Pre-arranged tours for groups of 10 or more are available.
Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home, Savannah
After seeing where the famed author spent her last years, travel to Savannah to learn about O'Connor's early years. Visitors to the home may view rare books in the library and tour the garden where five-year-old O'Connor famously taught a chicken to walk backward. Special group tours are available with advance request.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Book & Movie Tour, Savannah
Join Savannah Heritage Tours for a glimpse into the life of this famed novel's main character, Jim Williams. The Midnight Book and Movie Tour includes Bonaventure Cemetery and several homes Williams owned and restored. The Grand Midnight Tour adds historic Mercer House, Williams' home and the setting of pivotal scenes in the story. Motor coach tours include the main book destinations, the Historic District, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and other sites. Customized tours require a minimum of six guests and 48 hours' notice.
Eugenia Price's Georgia, St. Simons Island
While on a book tour in 1962, American author Eugenia Price discovered St. Simons Island and fell in love with the island. She spent the rest of her life writing about the area. To help visitors see St. Simons through her eyes, Golden Isles Touring Company offers the Eugenia Price's St. Simons Island Tour, which includes visits to Christ Church Frederica and its cemetery, where the author is buried, and the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum. Motor coach charters are welcome with advanced notice. Or, you can follow this self-guided tour to several landmarks that are must-sees for her loyal fans.
Road to Tara Museum, Jonesboro
The Clayton County Convention & Visitors Bureau offers several group tour options for visitors, and many include the Road to Tara Museum. Housed in a historic train depot, the museum illustrates the progression from the Civil War's Atlanta Campaign to the writing of Margaret Mitchell's epic tome and subsequent film release. Fans will review artifacts from Margaret Mitchell's life and the GWTW movie set, as well as the Hattie McDaniel Legacy Experience, which highlights the career of the first African American to receive an Academy Award. Group prices vary by tour length.
Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, Marietta
Housed in historic Brumby Hall, the Gone With the Wind Museum features an extensive collection of memorabilia relating to the book and movie. From the mourning bonnet worn by actress Vivien Leigh to Rhett Butler's jacket, and more, it's a GWTW fan's dream. Guided tours for groups of 20 or more may be scheduled with advance notice.
The Wren's Nest, Atlanta
Home of author and journalist Joel Chandler Harris, recorder of the Br'er Rabbit stories as told by the fictional character Uncle Remus, The Wren's Nest is Atlanta's oldest house museum. Visitors learn about the author's life, the significance of the B'rer Rabbit folktales in American literature, and trends in Atlanta history. Optional storytelling performances allow visitors to hear B'rer Rabbit Tales in the spirit of their original form. Private guided tours of The Wren's Nest are available to groups of 10 or more by reservation.
Mountain Crossings, Blairsville
Author Winton Porter captured the rich history of Mountain Crossings, a small stone building nestled in Neel Gap, in his 2009 book, "Just Passin' Thru." From 2001 to 2013, he owned the site, which dates back to the Cherokee and once served as an Appalachian Trail trading post. Today, Mountain Crossings is an outdoor retailer and a great stopover (and photo opportunity) for bus groups. And the staff can provide tours and interpretive discussions about the locale and Porter's book.
