Best Small Town Fall Getaway

Tucked between Atlanta and Savannah, shades of autumn are descending on Milledgeville. Our bountiful history, breathtaking natural scenery, and small-town charm will have you clearing your calendar for a long weekend getaway.

As a college town and former 19th century capital of Georgia, Milledgeville is brimming with historic character cloaked in a kaleidoscope of colors, a vibrant downtown district offering seasonal menu options and cozy accessories, and outdoor adventure options from hiking amongst the crunching leaves to kayaking through the reflections. Enjoy fall at its finest - linger, relax and explore the beauty of Milledgeville.

Here are our top fall picks for a perfect weekend getaway:

WALK THROUGH THE HISTORY OF THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Founded in 1803, Milledgeville was built as the capital of Georgia and remained the capital for more than 60 years. Go on a self-guided historic walking tour and stroll past homes, churches, and public buildings that celebrate various architectural styles refined over the last 200 years. Discover why Southern Living has listed Milledgeville as one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia as you walk the towering tree-lined streets of Milledgeville and learn about the well preserved Federal-style architecture, enhanced by noteworthy Greek Revival, Victorian and Classic revival houses. Keep your eyes peeled for changing leaves as well as architecture galore, including fan favorites like Georgia’s Old Capitol Building and the campus of Georgia College & State University. Plus, the added bonus of the season’s cooler temperatures means that walking the district won’t have you breaking a sweat!

TOUR GEORGIA’S OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION

An iconic Milledgeville landmark, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion is a must-visit on your fall bucket list. This stunning building has been restored to its 1851 state from the time of Governor Howell Cobb's residence. During the one-hour tour, guests will learn about the individuals who lived in the home from 1839 to 1868, when the Mansion served as the primary residence for Georgia's governors, as well as the indentured and enslaved people who worked there. Discover the Mansion’s architectural and decorative features while gaining insight into the complex social issues leading up to the American Civil War. Tours are offered at the top of the hour from Tuesday through Saturday.

FIND COMFORT IN MILLEDGEVILLE'S CUISINE 

As the crisp fall air and crunchy leaves surround you, you'll likely find yourself craving a warm and comforting meal. Milledgeville’s diverse dining scene hits the spot every time. If you’re longing for a classic combination, head over to The Brick and indulge in a local favorite: creamy tomato soup paired with the Four Cheese Bacon Tomato Melt. For flavorful and rich options, Kai Thai serves satisfying Thai noodle dishes and ramen that will leave you full and content. Local coffee shops like Blackbird Coffee and Morning Grind feature seasonal menus with favorites like pumpkin spice, along with other creative concoctions. Buffington’s serves up seasonal cocktails, such as apple cider mimosas, perfect for taking the edge off the cool air.

PADDLE ALONG THE WINDING RIVER

For those looking to take a break from the museums and shopping of the historic district, head down to the Oconee River for a scenic kayaking trip. As you make your way along the river, you’ll notice the beautiful fall colors of the surrounding trees and undisturbed wildlife.  The Oconee River Greenway provides a boat ramp with easy access to the river. If you do not have a kayak, check out Oconee Outfitters or Mac’s Yak Kayak Rental to see their options. Don’t want your peaceful journey to end there? The Greenway offers plenty of autumn fun whether you like to bike, hike, or stroll the shaded trails to enjoy the stillness of nature. 

SHOP LOCAL

Milledgeville’s shopping scene features incredible local businesses that curate unique selections of products while providing personal and attentive customer service. Refresh your wardrobe at boutiques like Firefly and the French Vill’edge, offering a wide array of trendy women’s clothing and accessories. For men's clothing and gifts, Southern Roots boasts a selection of name-brand apparel, high-quality self-care products, and sporty accessories. To find Lake Sinclair and Milledgeville-themed items to commemorate your stay, visit Eclectic, where local housewares and accessories await. Finally, uncover vintage treasures at Auntie Bellum’s Attic or Little River Antiques, where gems await around every corner.

SAIL THE GLISTENING WATERS

Fall ushers in a season of quiet reflection along the shores of Milledgeville’s Lake Sinclair. Pack a light jacket and cruise along the waters via boat for a day spent soaking up nature’s fall glory or bring along your bait and tackle for some time fishing our waters. Sinclair Marina, Twin Lakes Jet Ski and JereShai Lakeside have boat and jet ski rentals suited for all your fun adventures for half or full days. With the crowds of summer dying down, it’s also a serene time to paddle along in a kayak or on a paddleboard from Sinclair Wild Watersports. 

Lake Sinclair is home to some of the best fishing in the state for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.  The lake also boasts the added convenience of several fishing piers and local marinas for area visitors looking for easy access to the water.  If you plan to fish while visiting Milledgeville, check out our top picks to help you find the perfect place for you to cast your line. 

EXPLORE BARTRAM FOREST

Hiking and biking enthusiasts will love the fall foliage and crispy fresh air at Bartram Forest. Venture along small ponds, over bridges and through the pines for an elevated terrain that will reconnect you with the quiet joy of mother nature’s most colorful season. For cyclists, just note that the trails are natural terrain and are best suited to mountain biking. Looking for more? Experience the harmonious fall atmosphere at seven of our favorite locations around Milledgeville--it will leaf you wanting to see more! 

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE LIFE OF FLANNERY O'CONNOR

Nestled on 500 acres of stunning forest and pasture lands, Andalusia is the celebrated home of one of America’s greatest short-story authors, Flannery O’Connor. Today, you can take a guided tour of the farmhouse where Flannery and her family lived, see treasured artifacts from the property’s past at the newly opened Interpretive Center, stroll walking trails while admiring the fall foliage or peruse the farm’s outbuildings while visiting the site’s well-known peacocks! As an added bonus, the front porch boasts rocking chairs designed for a quiet moment of reflection and relaxation among the land that inspired O’Connor. Want to learn more? There are five sites in Milledgeville that will take you through her life.

Add Fall Events to Your Itinerary

Fall festivities are one of the season's highlights, and Milledgeville’s fall calendar is packed with memorable experiences for everyone. For those intrigued by the supernatural, the Ghosts of Milledgeville Walking Tour, also available on select evenings, is a must. This popular tour, offered throughout September and October, delves into the hauntings of downtown Milledgeville. A new highlight for the 2024 calendar is the Forest Forms art exhibit at Lockerly Arboretum, running from October to December. This captivating display features striking steel sculptures of towering creatures such as a fox, snake, and peacock, with some reaching up to 20 feet tall, adding a unique artistic touch to the autumn experience. And of course, the season wouldn’t be complete without Milledgeville’s most anticipated event: the Deep Roots Festival. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 19th, and enjoy live music, food trucks, local vendors, and so much more. Be sure to check the full events calendar to plan your perfect fall adventure!

Rest Your Eyes

After a day full of festive activities, unwind in a serene lakeside rental. Picture yourself sipping coffee on a dock, enveloped by the vibrant hues of fall foliage at the Lake Sinclair Getaway. If you prefer to stay near historic attractions, consider one of the charming downtown homes, like this 1930s gem, just steps from Milledgeville’s notable landmarks, quaint shops, and dining spots. For a more traditional lodging experience, Milledgeville offers several hotels, including the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, the newest addition, conveniently situated on Highway 441 between Lake Sinclair and downtown.