Things to Do in Milledgeville, GA
- MainStreetBackRoads
- Aug 18
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 19
A 3-Day Itinerary to One of Georgia's Most Historic Cities
I once read that to be a more interesting person, you should become more interested. And, of all the places I've traveled to in Georgia, there is no better place to be a curious person than the charming city of Milledgeville, GA.
This city is brimming with history, and it's easily one of the most interesting places I've been to in the state. I can't remember the last time I was so eager to share about a place and everything I learned as I was after visiting here. Yes, it has a lively college vibe, but it's also so much more than that. If you take the time to lean in and listen to its stories, I promise you'll leave a more interesting person than when you arrived.
Whether you are a history buff, a curious traveler, or a Georgia local who loves exploring small towns, here's how to make the most of a weekend in this remarkable city:
Downtown Milledgeville
Disclaimer: This trip was provided in partnership with Visit Milledgeville. All opinions and experiences shared are my own.
DAY ONE
Afternoon Arrival: Self-Guided Walking Tour
Stop by the Milledgeville Visitor Center (200 W Hancock St) to pick up free guidebooks with all things Milledgeville, including a Historic Walking Tour for a self-guided introduction to the town. This is a great way to get your bearings and see the incredible architecture throughout the city.
📍Must-See Spots:
Georgia College Campus (231 W Hancock St) - Wander this beautiful campus and soak in the college town atmosphere. 🤫 Rumor has it that if you're a college student and step on the Bobcat plaque at the main entrance, you'll add another semester to your college time.
Georgia's Old Capitol Building at Georgia Military College (201 East Greene St)- This castle-like structure is actually brick coated with carved stucco to appear like fortress-strength block. I learned that fun fact on the trolley tour -- more on that below.
PARKING TIP: Even though it was college move-in week, I had no trouble parking. You'll find plenty of free 2-hour spots throughout the city.
Pick up the Historic Walking Tour Guide at the visitor center on 200 W Hancock St.
Late Afternoon: Check-In
I stayed in a charming 1930s Airbnb cottage with 5-star reviews, the cutest interior, and the most thoughtful welcome basket of snacks! Located only 3 blocks from the downtown shops and restaurants, and within easy distance to the Oconee River Greenway, it was the perfect location for exploring. For more information about this adorable cottage rental, find the link here.
Stay in a historic 1930s cottage located within easy distance of downtown shops and restaurants.
Evening: Dinner & Drinks
For your first dinner, head to Aubri Lane's (3700 Sinclair Dam Road NE), located on a golf course overlooking Lake Sinclair. They've been in business since 2008, and it's one of Milledgeville's most beloved restaurants (reservations recommended). You'll find southern classics like shrimp and grits and "the absolute best pork chop you will ever enjoy." Of course, I had to see for myself, and I'm happy to report the person helming the grill is an absolute master -- the chop was seasoned and grilled to perfection. My waiter insisted I not leave without trying the white mocha bread pudding with banana foster sauce (twist my arm). It's one of the best desserts I've ever had. It's so good, the restaurant offers it for sale frozen, pre-packaged, and ready to go.
If you're not quite ready to call it a night, grab a post-dinner drink at The Vault (114 S Wayne St), set inside a beautifully restored 1884 bank.
Lake and golf course views at Aubri Lane's, the "absolute best pork chop," and inside The Vault.
DAY TWO
Morning: Breakfast
Start your day at Morning Grind (451 Montgomery St). The staff here is so nice, and I love a coffee shop with a seasonal coffee menu. I had avocado toast and "The Madeleine," a shaken espresso with madeleine and lemon syrup. You'll also find plenty of places to sit, both inside and outside.
Start your day at Morning Grind for some breakfast, coffee,a or seasonal drink.
10 AM: Historic Trolley Tour
🕰️ NOTE: Trolley Tours operate on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10 AM. Space is limited, and advance ticket purchase is recommended by calling 478-452-4687 or visiting the Visitor Center/Trolley starting point (200 W. Hancock St)
This one-hour guided historic trolley tour provides an excellent overview of Milledgeville's fascinating history. In addition to riding, "Milly," you'll also park and walk to see Georgia's Old Capitol Building and the beautiful interior of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The church's interior is a rich, dark wood today -- but it wasn't always this way. You'll hear on the tour how time itself transformed its color.
A fully narrated tour takes you past some of Millegeville's most iconic spots.
Afternoon: Downtown Shopping & Lunch
After your trolley tour, it's time to explore downtown! Milledgeville is extremely walkable and has some cute local spots that are perfect for shopping. Some of my favorites include:
Firefly Boutique (117 Hancock St) - Cute clothes and accessories.
Miles of Styles - (134 S Wayne) - Women's consignment treasures.
Eclectic - (113 N Wayne St) - Unique local finds and gifts.
Wax Galaxy Records (124 N Wayne St) - A must for music lovers.
For lunch, I highly recommend a visit to Greene's Southern Kitchen (116 W Hancock St.), which is a modern take on the classic "meat and three" restaurant with a mission to serve more veggies to more people." This was one of my favorite stops in Milledgeville, and judging by the 5-Star Google reviews, I'm not alone.
Don't miss lunch at Greene's Farmhouse Foods!
Afternoon: Driving Tour & Gardens
Take a self-guided driving tour of the Central State Hospital (620 Broad St and various locations). Make sure to pick up the tour guide at the Milledgeville Visitor Center beforehand. The guide includes a QR code for a 7-minute audio introduction and a map with detailed information about each building. I strongly advise listening to the audio and using the guide as the tour is not the same without them.
I am still processing the complexity of this site, and it's one of the most interesting tours I've taken. It's a more somber part of the day, but such an important piece of history -- not just Milledgeville's alone but the history of mental healthcare in the United States. It's something you'll find yourself thinking about long after you leave.
TIP: I parked in front of the Powell Building (620 Broad Street) and walked the tour through stops 1-9, which allowed me to go at a slower pace.
Learn about the Central State Campus, once known as the "Georgia Lunatic Asylum," on this powerful tour.
After the hospital tour, and if you have time, visit Lockerly Arboretum (1534 Irwinton Rd). It's a peaceful place to decompress and enjoy some natural beauty. This public garden features walking trails, a small nature center, and a historic mansion. TIP: You can drive through the gardens on the main path.
5:30 PM Ghost Walking Tour
Depending on the time of year you visit, you'll find several different ways to experience haunted Milledgeville, including a self-guided tour and a guide-led walking tour. I took the guided tour and it was fabulous! I am still not sure how our guide remembered all that information, but not only was it informative, it was entertaining. Even if you're not a believer in the supernatural, the storytelling is fantastic, and you'll see and learn so much about the city's history.
Evening: Dinner
If there is one spot that was recommended to me over and over again, it was Kai Thai (2470 N Columbia St) for dinner. You'll find a lot of options here, from delicious Thai cuisine to fresh sushi. I had Thai dumplings, chicken pad prik king, and a crunchy tuna roll -- I wasn't able to finish it all as the portions are very generous and my eyes are always bigger than my stomach, but I was happy to enjoy delicious leftovers for days!
DAY THREE
Morning: Coffee
Start your final day with an excellent coffee at Blackbird Coffee (114 Hancock St). I brought home some of their ground beans and savored them all week after my trip. The flavors are bold and sophisticated, and I'm only sad the bag didn't last longer. I'll be back for more.
Blackbird coffee in downtown Milledgeville.
11 AM Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion
This is one of the highlights of any Milledgeville visit! The Old Governor's Mansion (120 S Clarke St) is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture and offers incredible insight into Georgia's history. One of my favorite parts of the tour is visiting the room that was once a woman's dormitory after it was the governor's mansion. Girls would use one of the windows to test the diamonds on their engagement rings to see if they were real. Keep your eyes open for the etchings!
🕰️ The Mansion is open for tours Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM and Sunday from 2 PM - 4 PM. Tours begin each hour at the top of the hour, with the last tour starting at 4 PM.
Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion is a must when visiting Milledgeville.
Afternoon: Lunch
I'm sad that my timing didn't work for one last lunch in Milledgeville, because I received a lot of great recommendations. I was most curious to try Bollywood Tacos (107 W Hancock St) because I love creative fusions. But other places were also recommended to me repeatedly, including:
The Brick (136 W Hancock St) - Casual, local favorite.
Buffington's (120 W Hancock St) - Classic pub atmosphere.
Metropolis Cafe (111 N Wayne St) - Mediterranean-inspired eats.
The Local Yokal (117 W Hancock St) - Comfort food breakfast + lunch.
Needless to say, you won't leave hungry
On Your Way Home: Andalusia Farm
Andalusia Farm (2628 N. Columbia Street) is the home of one of America's most famous writers and Milledgeville-born Flannery O'Connor. After a lupus diagnosis in 1951, she moved to this farm and completed the majority of her literary works. The site is now run by O'Connor's alma mater, Georgia College, and has an interpretive center, the original farmhouse, and even O'Connor's favorite birds, two peacocks, named Astor and Mrs. Shortly, after characters from O'Connor's novella The Displaced Person.
[Note: Work and improvements are in progress in 2025, so please check ahead for hours and availability]
Andalusia Farm and Interpretive Center
Ready to Explore Georgia's Former Capital?
Milledgeville is a perfect blend of history, small town charm, delicious food, and genuine hospitality.
One of the best parts about Milledgeville is how walkable and accessible everything is. You can easily stroll from historic sites to great restaurants and unique shops, all while soaking in the friendly atmosphere that makes this city so special.
Not to mention, all the recreational activities that can be found on both Lake Sinclair and the Oconee River Greenway for all you nature lovers.
I hope this itinerary helps you fall in love with Milledgeville like I have. A big thank-you to Visit Milledgeville for hosting me!
Until our next adventure!
xo Kerry
Disclaimer: This trip was provided in partnership with Visit Milledgeville. All opinions and experiences shared are my own.
