What To Do in Milledgeville This Fall

Milledgeville, with its stunning architecture, charming downtown district, and abundant recreation, is a must-see any time of the year, but it is especially beautiful in the fall. As autumn arrives, the town becomes a picturesque and lively destination, offering a mix of haunted tales, vibrant fall landscapes, seasonal flavors, and memorable local events. Embrace the season and uncover all the charming ways Milledgeville shines in autumn.

Enjoy Seasonal Strolls

Take a crisp autumn walk around our charming small town. The Oconee River Greenway has beautiful walking trails along the river. Watch as the autumn leaves glide through the air as you stroll around the different pathways. The Greenway also provides plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables to relax at. For a picturesque fall trail, explore Lockerly Arboretum, where you can wander through 50 acres of vibrant trees, around a serene pond connected by a quaint wooden bridge, and experience the Forest Forms art exhibit. Running from October to December, this limited-time exhibit features striking steel sculptures of towering creatures like a fox, snake, and peacock, each up to 20 feet tall. If you want more adventure, lace up your boots and head to Bartram Forest for breathtaking pines, rolling hills, and abundant fall foliage.

Looking for more? Experience the harmonious fall atmosphere at seven of our favorite locations around Milledgeville--it will leaf you wanting to see more!

Adventure Outdoors

Lake Sinclair keeps getting more beautiful as the year goes on. Rent a boat or kayak and set out for a stunning sunset view on the shimmering water. Trees with red, yellow, and orange tones border the lake creating a beautiful portrait reflection on the lake. Rent a beautiful vacation home on the water and enjoy incredible amenities, including campfires, grills, docks where you can park your boat, and more. 

Find a little more adventure by kayaking the Oconee River. The most popular float down the river is from the Oconee River Greenway to the Central State boat ramp. This trip is considered a relaxing float down the river and takes about a half-day. While calmly paddling down the river, you can see the colorful fall foliage along the miles of unobstructed forest that line the river.  Need to rent a kayak or a shuttle to the ramp location? Oconee Outfitters offers a variety of equipment for rent, as well as guided excursions throughout the river. 

Explore Historic Downtown Milledgeville

Milledgeville’s historic district is particularly beautiful when highlighted by fall’s gloriously changing colors. Swing by the Visitors Center to pick up a Historic Walking Tour brochure to enjoy a self-guided jaunt through the city’s most iconic district. 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 mean that walking the district won’t have you breaking a sweat!

An iconic favorite, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion is a visit that must be added to your fall bucket list. Learn from history enthusiasts about Milledgeville’s season as the capital city of Georgia during the complex social issues leading to the American Civil War. The one-hour guided tour will cover the history of the governors and indentured and enslaved peoples who resided in the Mansion while forging the future of Georgia during the 1850s. Tours are at the top of the hour from Tuesday through Sunday. 

Discover Spooky Happenings 

Founded in 1803, Milledgeville is a historic town steeped in rich tales and intriguing personalities. Over its more than 220-year history, the town has witnessed notable residents and significant events, contributing to a legacy of ghostly legends in the historic downtown district. Uncover Milledgeville's haunting past on the one-hour Ghosts of Milledgeville Walking Tour, where you can dive into the spectral stories that shape our charming town's fascinating history.

Savor Fall Flavors

A burst of fall flavors are re-entering many of our favorite local restaurants and coffee shops. Sip on a drink from Blackbird as you walk around downtown Milledgeville. A fogle chai, pumpkin pie latte or caramel apple cider is bound to get you into that seasonal spirit! Follow the smell of freshly baked goodies to Doodle's Bakery where you will find an assortment of fall recipes including pecan pie bars with caramel glazed, pecan pies, pumpkin cupcakes, and homemade soups and chilies for you to enjoy! 

It can’t be fall without football! Enjoy some wings while watching the big games at Pickle Barrel Cafe, Amici or The Brick. Listen to live music at Buffington's while sipping on their infamous Bob Marley soup. Open mic night, karaoke night and dinner music night are still happening throughout the week! 

If you are looking to fill your own home with the aromas, fresh seasonal produce straight from the earth awaits you and your family at Comfort Farms Farmers Market--a true gem in Milledgeville! Heritage pork, bacon, sausage, butts, tomahawk chops and more come right off the grill and are ready to serve at their Saturday markets. Virtual shopping is available and makes it as easy as ever to eat healthy! With a beautiful mission of helping veterans in crisis, this farmers market has assisted over 80 veterans in the last 3 years. Displaced veterans suffering from PTSD and other invisible hardships have since been reintegrated into families, society and the economy. Be sure to check it out next time you are in Milledgeville!

Attend a Fall Event 

Deep Roots Festival is the busiest day of the year in downtown Milledgeville, and you don’t want to miss it. Saturday, October 19th will be a full day of fun, you can expect food trucks, local vendors, a classic car show, a kid's zone, and the most popular: live music. Local performers will entertain crowds throughout the day on the local stage, and headlining musicians will perform beginning in the evening and finishing at midnight. 

Milledgeville welcomes the return of Bulldog alumni each fall. Get back into the bulldog spirit by attending the GMC annual alumni festivities from Thursday, October 24th through Saturday, October 26th. Activities for alumni will include a golf tournament, an alumni parade, an Andrews Brothers Dueling Pianos Show, and many other opportunities to connect with old and new friends alike.