Guide to Georgia's Literary Landmarks

Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta

Tour the apartment where Margaret Mitchell penned “Gone with the Wind” in Atlanta. Guided tours of the Margaret Mitchell House include visits to her Crescent Avenue apartment, which she affectionately nicknamed "The Dump." On your visit, you can explore  exhibitions, including "Margaret Mitchell: A Passion for Character" and "The Making of a Movie Legend: Gone With the Wind."

The Wren's Nest in Atlanta

Located in Atlanta's historic West End neighborhood, The Wren’s Nest is Atlanta's oldest house museum and has been operating for more than 100 years. The mission of The Wren's Nest is to preserve the legacy of Joel Chandler Harris and the heritage of African-American folklore. Tour the historic home and hear storytelling on Saturdays (other days by appointment).

Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton

While you're in Eatonton, visit 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 the other authors are featured in the museum on a rotating basis.

Open Wednesdays by appointment; Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Flannery O'Connor's Homes

A short drive from Eatonton, you can tour Andalusia Farm in Milledgeville, where O'Connor lived with her mother from 1951-1964 and where she completed the bulk of her literary work. It was on this 544-acre estate that she wrote her last book.

As a child, O'Connor lived on 207 E. Charlton Street in Savannah. In 1989, the property was restored and turned into a museum with a book collection, toys, family pictures of O'Connor and a tiny desk that was specially made for her.

Learn more about the acclaimed author at these 9 Inspiring Flannery O'Connor Destinations in Georgia.

The Mercer Williams House Museum in Savannah

When journalist John Berendt visited Savannah, he was inspired to turn a local murder case into the acclaimed novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil.”  The Mercer Williams House Museum, the location of the murder, is open to visitors daily.

Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians in Columbus

Internationally acclaimed author Carson McCullers grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and her childhood home is now the Carson McCullers Center for Writers and Musicians. It is dedicated to preserving her legacy; nurturing American writers and musicians; educating young people; and fostering the literary and musical life of Columbus, the State of Georgia, and the American South. Make an appointment to tour the home to learn about McCullers' life and work, including her classic novels, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," "Reflections in a Golden Eye," "The Member of the Wedding," and "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe."