Georgia’s Must Visit Small Town

Tucked between Atlanta and Savannah, Milledgeville, Georgia, has a rich history, breathtaking natural scenery, and Southern hospitality that 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, a vibrant downtown district, and outdoor adventure options from swimming in Lake Sinclair to hiking and roaming through an arboretum. Our charming small town welcomes you to linger, relax, and explore the blooming beauty, cool weather, and historic beauty of Milledgeville. 

1. 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. Brochures are available at the Visitor's Center. 

2. Stroll around our College Campuses

Anchoring either end of our historic downtown, Georgia College and Georgia Military College both have gorgeous historic campuses with stunning architectural features and history. Founded in 1889, Georgia College and State University is the state’s public liberal arts university and has a beautiful main campus that houses grand neo-classical buildings and a scenic front campus. Enjoy a nice picnic under one of Georgia College’s oak trees, while observing the beautiful flowers and architectural designs. Georgia Military College's campus is on the opposite end of downtown and is located on the former Statehouse Square. The college's most iconic building, Georgia's Old State Capitol building, is considered the first example of Gothic architecture in a public building in the United States and served as the seat of the Georgia government from 1807 to 1868. 

As iconic members of our downtown community, both college campuses keep our downtown fun, energetic, and according to Budget Travel Magazine “One of the Coolest Small Towns in America.” Take a look at the top things you can experience that will show you just how cool it is to be in Milledgeville. 

3. Enjoy Milledgeville's Dining Scene

From Southern classics to international cuisine, Milledgeville offers a range of flavors. Downtown brunch at Local Yolkal features eggs Benedict, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, while Greene’s serves fresh, modern takes on homestyle Southern favorites for lunch. Metropolis Cafe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Middle Georgia, with fresh gyros, dolmades, and kabobs, while Kai Thai offers expertly crafted sushi and comforting Thai cuisine. 

4. Tour Georgia’s Old Governor's Mansion

Completed in 1839, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion is among the nation’s finest examples of High Greek Revival architecture. The home witnessed pivotal moments in Georgia’s history, surviving the Civil War and Reconstruction and serving as General William T. Sherman’s headquarters during the March to the Sea in 1864. Today, the Mansion has been carefully restored to reflect the period when Howell Cobb served as governor, featuring original furnishings and historically accurate reproductions. Guided tours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., departing at the top of every hour.

5. Shop Locally-Owned Stores

Shopping in Milledgeville means discovering locally owned businesses with carefully curated selections. Downtown, Firefly carries women’s apparel, accessories, and gifts featuring brands like Free People and Mustard Seed. Southern Roots focuses on men’s apparel, outdoor gear, and gifts from brands such as Burlebo and AFTCO. Wax Galaxy offers new and used vinyl records across genres, while Eclectic features Milledgeville and Lake Sinclair-themed apparel, drinkware, and decor. Just outside downtown, Little River Antiques showcases booths filled with well-organized homewares, collectibles, and furniture.

6. Grab a Specialty Cocktail or Craft Brew

Vacation is the perfect time to slow down, and Milledgeville’s bars and restaurants offer plenty of ways to unwind. Amici serves its house-brewed River Friends Easy Ale alongside a full beer menu. Buffingtons offers a wide beer selection, specialty cocktails, and newly introduced boozy milkshakes in flavors like Key Lime, Tiramisu, and Nutty Ball. The Brick features its house IPA, ’93 Haze, and rotates specialty cocktails each month. Metropolis pairs its food menu with an extensive wine list and both classic and specialty cocktails. 

7. Paddle along the winding river

Kayaking down the quiet Oconee River and observing the beautiful scenery and undisturbed wildlife is a refreshing way to spend the afternoon. Lay back and watch the clouds go by as you make your way along the river. 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 shaded trails for you to stroll through and enjoy the stillness of nature.

8. Indulge in a tasty treat

Milledgeville’s dessert spots offer a mix of classic and creative options. Coastie’s Bakery in downtown Milledgeville serves cookies, brownies, and petit fours. Just north of downtown, Avanti’s Sweet Treats & More features a rotating selection of cheesecake flavors. Blackbird Coffee pairs specialty coffee drinks with ice cream, milkshakes, and seasonal beverages, while Morning Grind, located on the edge of downtown, offers fresh pastries alongside coffee, teas, and specialty drinks.

9. Visit Comfort Farms

On select Saturdays from March through December, Comfort Farms Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce, eggs, meats, and other farm-raised products. Visitors can order ahead online or use the self-service option if they’re unable to attend during market hours. Comfort Farms also hosts rotating specialty meals available for pre-order, as well as specialty events throughout the year.

10. Immerse yourself in the life of Flannery O'Connor

Milledgeville is closely tied to the life of acclaimed author Flannery O’Connor, with five sites that reflect her personal and literary journey. Visitors can see her family home from her teenage years, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where she attended daily Mass, and Georgia College & State University, where she studied and began her writing career. Andalusia Farm, where she lived for 13 years, offers guided tours and a modern museum that highlights both her work and the property’s history.

11. Explore the Bartram Forest

Bartram Forest features three trails ranging from 5.5 to 10.3 miles, suitable for both hiking and biking. The trails pass through pine stands, meadows, and wetlands, crossing a creek and running alongside a pond. A pavilion and educational kiosks provide places to rest, observe wildlife, and learn about the surrounding ecosystem.

12. Sail the glistening waters

Lake Sinclair encompasses 15,300 acres of water for you to set sail on. Multiple local outfitters have boat and jet ski rentals suited for all your fun adventures. Let the sun warm your skin and explore the winding coves and the long stretching water with the wind in your hair and a cold beverage in your hand. Take your whole family out on the water for a day of tubing, fishing, and other bonding activities to make lasting memories. If you plan to fish during your stay, check out our top fishing spots to find the right location for casting your line.

14. Take a trolley ride

Hop aboard the town’s most iconic resident “Milly the Trolley” for a fully narrated tour of Milledgeville’s historic district or Central State Hospital. The Historic Trolley Tour features grand architecture, beautiful squares, and historic neighborhoods on a sixty-minute overview of Milledgeville’s history during its sixty-eight-year period as the capital city of Georgia. During the tour, guests will cruise the historic district via trolley and also be escorted on a guided walk through the former Statehouse Square and St. Stephens Episcopal Church, consecrated in 1843. Trolley tours are hosted on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., depart from the Milledgeville Visitor Information Center, and are offered rain or shine.

Since its founding in 1842, the Central State Hospital Campus (originally known as the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum) has been one of Milledgeville’s most well-known and intriguing sites. The site gained national recognition during the 1960s as the United States’ largest mental institution with over 12,000 patients, 6,000 employees, and more than 8,000 acres of land. Today, Central State Hospital serves over 200 existing patients and has downsized to roughly 2,000 acres of land. For those interested in exploring more of the history of the former Central State Hospital campus, a guided trolley tour is your perfect chance. A two-hour guided driving tour takes you through the grounds of Central State Hospital, including a stop at Cedar Lane Cemetery and Chapel of All Faiths, while you hear about the history of the institution and the redevelopment of the grounds from a former Central State employee and tour guide. Tours are offered on select Saturdays.  

Reservations for either tour can be made at (478) 452-4687. 

15. Rest your eyes

After a full day of exploring, Milledgeville offers a range of comfortable places to settle in for the night. Several hotels are located just outside downtown, providing convenient access to both the historic district and Lake Sinclair, making it easy to balance time on the water with evenings downtown. For those drawn to lake life, vacation rentals along Lake Sinclair offer space, privacy, and scenic views—ideal for couples, families, or larger groups. If a stay rooted in history is more your style, The Inn on North Jefferson provides an elegant bed and breakfast experience in a beautifully restored home, right in the heart of downtown.