9 Inspiring Flannery O'Connor Destinations in Georgia

1. Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home in Savannah

Visitors to O’Connor’s Childhood Home, one of the few museum houses in the country that is restored to the Depression era, receive a guided tour that reveals the quiet domestic life of the young Mary Flannery and her family. Flannery called this “home” from when she was born in 1925 until when her family moved to Milledgeville. The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home also offers a variety of free events throughout the year, including free Sunday lecture series in the spring and the fall, and the Annual Ursrey Memorial Lecture, which has brought authors such as Michael Cunningham, Roxanne Gay, and Jaimy Gordon to Savannah.

Open Thursday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Address: 207 East Charlton Street, Savannah, GA 31401

2. Cline-O'Connor-Florencourt House in Milledgeville

If you're exploring Milledgeville on the Historic Walking Tour, you'll pass by this gorgeous house. Used as the residence for Georgia's governor in 1838 and 1839 during the construction of the present Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion, the house is the family home of the late Flannery O'Connor. Flannery lived here briefly after her family's move to Milledgeville as a teenager. It has been acquired by Georgia College & State University, which is preserving the historic structure.

Address: 311 W. Greene St, Milledgeville, GA 31061

3. Andalusia Farm in Milledgeville

Now a part of Georgia College’s campus, Andalusia Farm was the home of Flannery O’Connor from 1951-1964. During the 13 years she lived at Andalusia, she completed the bulk of her literary work, as the farm’s environment influenced the setting of many of her writings. Start your visit at the Andalusia Interpretive Center, which details the property's history, showcases artifacts, and houses a gift shop. Walk the grounds, marvel at the peacocks, and be inspired by the surroundings that inspired Flannery herself.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sunday, 2 - 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour, and the last tour begins at 4 p.m. Address: 2628 N. Columbia Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061

4. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Milledgeville

For more than 150 years, the ancestors of internationally acclaimed author Flannery O’Connor, a devout Catholic herself, have been instrumental in the development and growth of the Catholic Church in Milledgeville. The first Catholic resident of Milledgeville was Hugh Donnelly Treanor, Flannery O’Conner’s great-grandfather. Stop by to admire the church’s beautiful and unique Gothic Revival-style architecture and reminisce on a community that was a large influence on O’Connor’s life.

Address: 110 N Jefferson St NE, Milledgeville, GA 31061

5. Memory Hill Cemetery in Milledgeville

Memory Hill Cemetery is the resting place of countless influencers of Milledgeville's past, including Flannery O'Connor. In addition to the traditional flowers or even a coin, some visitors to O'Connor's grave leave behind tokens such as peacock feathers, pebbles, stones, poems, small books, and figurines.

Address: Liberty and Franklin Streets, Milledgeville, GA 31061

6. Special Collections in Heritage Hall in Milledgeville

Special Collections is a section of Georgia College’s Ina Dillard Russell Library dedicated to the curation of documents documenting Milledgeville's past. Staff of the Ina Dillard Russell Library established the Flannery O'Connor Collection shortly after the first publication of O'Connor's short story "The Geranium" in 1946. The early collection consisted of newspaper clippings, magazines containing the first publications of stories, the published works, and some early items from O'Connor's student days at Peabody High School and Georgia State College for Women.

While best remembered for her fiction, O'Connor was also an accomplished cartoonist; numerous examples of her artwork appear in the college newspaper, literary magazine, and yearbook. Many of these publications are displayed for visitors to admire throughout the year. Special Collections also now includes the Rare Book Room, where some of O'Connor's archives are on display, including family memorabilia as well as tokens of the author's impact on culture across the world.

Research visits can be scheduled online. | 221 N. Clarke St., Milledgeville, GA 31061

7. Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton

The Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton, located just 17 miles from Andalusia Farm, promotes 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 also are featured in the museum. Check the museum's website for author talks, book clubs, and other special events throughout the year.

Open Wednesdays by appointment; Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | 109 S. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton, GA 31024

8. Georgia Book Festivals

Savannah Book Festival in February

Attend the Savannah Book Festival in February, and you are bound to find Flannery O’Connor and her works being celebrated. This festival celebrates nationally recognized and local authors through their contributions to literacy, ideas and imagination. Festival Saturday is free and open to the public, featuring solo author presentations in seven venues around Telfair, Chippewa and Wright Squares in historic downtown Savannah.

Dahlonega Literary Festival in March

This annual celebration of readers, writers, and books takes place in Dahlonega and attracts nationally known authors as well as emerging authors.

Decatur Book Festival in October

The Decatur Book Festival is an annual celebration of literature held in venues throughout downtown Decatur. Showcasing renowned authors and nurturing emerging voices, the beloved festival is a beacon of literary excellence.

9. E. Shaver, Bookseller in Savannah

Get your literary fix at this magical bookstore in Savannah located only a short stroll away from Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home. Adding this destination to your itinerary is a must-do for every book lover. E. Shaver, Bookseller opened its doors in 1975, and E. Shaver herself still runs things today. Take time to visit this literary landmark and appreciate the inspiration that flows from the walls of books.

Open Monday - Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m. | 326 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401