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Looking back at 2025, Milledgeville, Georgia, welcomed new restaurants, expanded local favorites, boutique shopping, and cultural experiences that give visitors even more ways to explore the city. From downtown dining to unique attractions, here’s a roundup of what arrived in Milledgeville this year, making it an ideal destination for a getaway.
New Things to Do in Milledgeville, Georgia
Central State Campus Driving Tour
The Central State Campus Driving Tour launched in 2025, giving visitors a chance to explore one of Milledgeville’s notable historical sites. The self-guided tour covers twelve stops on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital, once the world’s largest mental health facility. The brochures are available for free at the Milledgeville Visitor’s Center and include a QR code linking to audio narration for added context.
Pickleball Courts at Walter B. Williams Park
A new pickleball facility opened at Walter B. Williams Park in 2025, featuring 20 state-of-the-art courts. The complex includes a shaded pavilion for resting between games and provides a dedicated space for both recreational play and tournaments. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, this addition offers another active way to enjoy Milledgeville’s parks and outdoor amenities.
Flannery O’Connor’s Artwork
In 2025, Georgia College & State University unveiled a collection of Flannery O’Connor’s artwork in honor of her 100th birthday. The Southern Gothic writer created the art during her years at Andalusia Farm. Previously unseen by the public, the pieces are on display inside the Andalusia Interpretive Center, offering visitors insight into O’Connor’s creative life beyond her writing.
Expanded Historic Trolley Tour Schedule
In 2025, the Historic Trolley Tour expanded to include Thursdays, now running Thursday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Departing from the Milledgeville Visitor’s Center, the one-hour guided tour explores downtown architecture, notable buildings, and stories from the city’s past. Guests can visit highlights like Georgia’s Old Capitol Building and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, making it an enjoyable and accessible way to experience Milledgeville’s history. Tickets are $15 per person and can be reserved by calling 478-452-4687.
New Restaurants in Milledgeville, Georgia
The Vault
Stepping inside a restored 1184 bank in downtown Milledgeville, guests find The Vault, which opened in May 2025. The restaurant combines historic architecture with modern design, serving elevated American dishes such as chimichurri-topped steak, mahi-mahi risotto, and truffle fries. Craft cocktails complement the menu, offering a sleek dining experience in the heart of downtown.
Cantina Letty
Adding bold flavors to Highway 441, Cantina Letty opened this year near the Hampton Inn. The menu features birria tacos, chilaquiles, carnitas, and other Mexican favorites. Families enjoy the colorful Kid Zone, which includes arcade basketball, racing games, and claw machines, creating an experience that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ms. Stella’s
This longtime community favorite moved to a larger space just north of downtown on 441 in 2025. The expanded dining and catering areas allow more guests to enjoy Ms. Stella’s scratch-made Southern dishes inspired by the owner’s grandmother. Daily-changing specials and classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens continue to define the menu.
Buffington's
In 2025, Buffington’s, a restaurant known for its live music and welcoming atmosphere, refreshed its interior and menu to offer a fun twist on casual dining. Guests can enjoy smashburgers, loaded fries, and boozy milkshakes, all made with crave-worthy toppings. Favorites like the Willie Nelson Fries, loaded with fried chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, and ranch, and the Tiramisu Boozy Milkshake delight regulars and newcomers alike.
New Shopping in Milledgeville, Georgia
Glow Salon
Visitors looking for both beauty services and shopping can now find Glow Salon in a modern, larger location on Roberson Mill Road. The refreshed space features expanded salon offerings, new med spa treatments, and a boutique with women’s apparel, accessories, shoes, and home accents.
Caddy’s Corner
Downtown Milledgeville welcomed Caddy’s Corner in 2025, combining a golf retail shop with a simulator space. Guests can shop apparel, gloves, and towels or get custom club regripping. The simulator is available by the hour, allowing visitors to practice their swing or enjoy casual play with friends.
Willow Drake & Co.
Willow Drake & Co. opened a new boutique downtown this year, offering t-shirts, sweatshirts, accessories, candles, wreaths, and home decor. Its curated mix of seasonal and everyday items provides visitors with opportunities to pick up gifts or personal finds while exploring downtown Milledgeville.
From new restaurants and expanded local favorites to boutique shopping and cultural experiences, 2025 brought several additions to Milledgeville. Visitors can now explore more dining options, shop new retail destinations, and enjoy updated tours and exhibits that showcase the city’s history and culture.
