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.
Uncle Remus Museum, Eatonton
Step back in time and discover how Joel Chandler Harris created Uncle Remus, the fictional narrator of traditional African folktales. Located in Harris's hometown of Eatonton, the Uncle Remus Museum educates visitors about the author and folk traditions with historic artifacts, dioramas of famous Uncle Remus characters like Br'er Rabbit and more. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more (reservation and deposit required).
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 last year (O'Connor was an alumna) so it could maintain the landmark, and the site is expected to reopen to the public for tours in the spring.
Sidney Lanier Cottage, Macon
Poet Sidney Lanier, known for evocative works like "The Marshes of Glynn" and "Song of the Chattahoochee," is one of Georgia's most highly regarded literary artists. Delve into his Macon upbringing and artistic life at his birth home, now the Sidney Lanier Cottage House Museum, which features more than 175 years of history through beautifully preserved artifacts. Pre-arranged tours for groups of 10 or more are offered Monday through Wednesday for $4 per person; reservations are required.
Overnight in Macon
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 45-minute group tours, discounted to $4 per person, are available outside of normal hours with advance request. Groups are kept to 15 people or fewer to ensure a quality experience.
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 two-and-a-half-hour Midnight Book and Movie Tour includes Bonaventure Cemetery and several homes Williams owned and restored. The three-hour 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, St. John The Baptist and other sites. Customized tours require a minimum of six guests and 48 hours notice. savannahheritagetour.com
Eugenia Price's Georgia, St. Simons Island
While on a book tour in 1962, American author Eugenia Price discovered St. Simons 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 three-hour Eugenia Price's St. Simons Island Tour, which includes visits to Christ Church Frederica and its cemetery, the 1872 Lighthouse and the Coastal Georgia Historical Society Museum and Eugenia Price Room. Motor coach charters are welcome with advanced notice. goldenislestouring.com
Overnight in St. Simons
Road to Tara Museum, Jonesboro
The Clayton County Convention & Visitors Bureau offers several group tour options for visitors to enjoy an authentic Gone With the Wind experience, with the Road to Tara Museum at the heart of each one. Housed in the 1867 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 the Civil War, Margaret Mitchell's life and the GWTW movie set. Group prices vary depending on the length of the tour and number of sites visited.
Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum: Scarlett on the Square, Marietta
Opened in the Old Thomas Warehouse building in downtown Marietta in 2003, the Gone With the Wind Museum features an extensive collection of movie memorabilia curated by Dr. Christopher Sullivan. From the original Bengaline honeymoon gown worn by actress Vivien Leigh to film posters, movie premiere programs and more, it's a GWTW fan's dream. Groups of 15 or more receive a discounted $5 admission rate per person. Customized tours may be scheduled with advance notice.
Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi, 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 Indians 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.
Don't-Miss Dining: H&H Restaurant, Macon
There's nothing like a good Southern meal with delicious comfort foods. Group-friendly H&H Restaurant in Macon is a daytime "meat and three" that serves up everything from meatloaf and Southern-style fried chicken to cheese grits and deviled eggs. Made famous for once feeding the Allman Brothers Band, H&H is a great spot to relax and refuel.
Must-Stop Shopping: Downtown Roswell
Want a really unique souvenir? Historic downtown Roswell offers an eclectic array of shops, antique markets and art galleries–such as OLI+VE, the Ann Jackson Gallery and the Bilt-House–all of which offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Tour groups staying overnight are welcomed with a reception, gift bags and special services such as free admission to select attractions.
