Hottest Ways to Stay Cool in Milledgeville This Summer

It still may be a while until temperatures begin to fall significantly in Georgia, so to combat the end of the summer heat we rounded up the best ways to stay cool in Milledgeville. Relax with an iced drink, find hidden gems, or take a walk through a beautiful local college campus, wherever you retreat to beat the heat, Milledgeville has something for you. 

Relax With A Refreshing Beverage

Whether a refreshing fruity cocktail from Buffingtons or a shaken expresso from Morning Grind is your style, there are plenty of mixologists in Milledgeville who will perfect a drink just for your enjoyment. Sink into the couches at Blackbird and catch up on your newest BookTok read or find a barstool and watch late-season baseball or early football. Life is too short for the glass to be empty!

Evening Walks

Walking around downtown Milledgeville as the sun sets is the best of both worlds; staying cool while experiencing Milledgeville’s historic gems and nightlife. Many restaurants downtown have trivia once a week, a plethora of dinner specials, and local live music. After dinner, take a stroll through Georgia College or Georgia Military College’s campus, both properties are well-lit and are beautiful to see in a different light. 

Unique Experiences

Who says that staying indoors has to be boring? In addition to cooling off in the air conditioning, learn about creatures from the past and present, famous authors, and Georgia’s former executive mansion all in Milledgeville. For guided tours, both Georgia’s Old Governor's Mansion and Andalusia provide an in-depth review of former residents and the careful preservation of these properties. The Woods Museum at Lockerly Arboretum offers a glimpse into native wildlife with live animals for the public to view. For ancient animals, the Natural History Museum at Georgia College has hundreds of fossils collected by university affiliates. 

Cool Off While Sourcing Hot Finds

The summer heat doesn't have to put a stop to your exploring. Milledgeville offers multiple antique stores, both in its charming downtown area and near the scenic Lake Sinclair, where unique discoveries await. In the historic downtown region, you'll find well-established shops like Auntie Bellum Antiques and The Red Door. Newer additions, such as Little River Antiques and Vintage Vibes, also provide high-quality treasures worth exploring.

Find A Body of Water

Both Lake Sinclair and the Oconee River offer clean and crisp water to retreat to. Cooling off is as easy as jumping in the lake or feeling the breeze while watching the sunset on a dock. Have some more time on your hands? Renting a boat on Lake Sinclair is super simple with the help of local rental opportunities in the area. Are you looking for tips on planning an escape for one last summer retreat? Check out our guide to a late summer, laid-back getaway to Lake Sinclair. Looking for a little more excitement? The Oconee River Greenway offers a boat ramp with easy access to the river. Don’t have a kayak? No worries! Check out Oconee Outfitters or Mac’s Yak Kayak Rental. 

It's always ice cream weather

One of the most popular ways to cool off is of course ice cream! In downtown Milledgeville, Blackbird Coffee serves hand-scooped ice cream, and if you need a pick-me-up after dinner order a shot of espresso over your scoop. Just north of downtown, Avanti’s Sweet Treats & More serves ice cream in cups by the scoop or with fresh cookies as decadent ice cream sandwiches.  

With warm days still upon us, Milledgeville offers plenty of ways to stay cool and make the most of the season. Enjoy a refreshing drink, take an evening walk through historic downtown, or explore unique indoor activities like antiquing and museums. Embrace the final days of summer with these cool activities and discover the special attractions that make Milledgeville a perfect retreat for relaxation and adventure.