Exploring the Literary Heritage of Milledgeville

Milledgeville, Georgia, August 18, 2025

News Summary

Milledgeville, Georgia, serves as a literary pilgrimage site for fans of Flannery O’Connor. Visitors can explore O’Connor’s home at Andalusia Farms, her burial site at Memory Hill Cemetery, and enjoy local Southern cuisine while immersing themselves in the rich literary history of this charming Southern town.

Milledgeville: A Literary Pilgrimage through Flannery O’Connor’s Hometown

Milledgeville, Georgia, is a charming Southern town filled with literary history, and for any fan of Flannery O’Connor, it is practically a pilgrimage site. The journey there may have some unexpected twists, just like the narratives O’Connor penned, but it’s all part of the adventure. On the way to Milledgeville, a detour outside of Eatonton led to a delightful *wrong turn*, humorously reminiscent of O’Connor’s short story “A Good Man is Hard to Find.” Just like the characters in her stories, the author found herself delightfully lost and entertained by the unplanned scenery.

Andalusia Farms: The Heart of O’Connor’s World

No trip to Milledgeville would be complete without a visit to Andalusia Farms, the home of O’Connor for much of her life. This is where she crafted some of her most notable works, drawing inspiration from her surroundings. A newly built Interpretive Center, completed in 2023, marks the starting point for tours. Visitors can learn about O’Connor’s life and work in this beautiful space.

The friendly guide for the day was Angela Criscoe, who holds the important role of executive director at Georgia College and State University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. She led a golf cart tour of the main farmhouse, pointing out the rooms where O’Connor lived until her passing in 1964. Many of the original furnishings remain, offering a glimpse into the writer’s daily life.

Inside the Interpretive Center, guests can marvel at O’Connor’s unique handmade clothing and a stunning collection of miniatures, all gifts from admirers of her work. This intimate portrayal of the writer adds a layer of connection between visitors and her literary legacy.

Remembering O’Connor

Next on the literary journey is Memory Hill Cemetery, located in downtown Milledgeville, where O’Connor is buried alongside her family. The family plot is a charming site adorned with trinkets left by devoted visitors who come to pay their respects, a testament to the impact O’Connor’s work still has today. Exploring this sacred space offers a deeper understanding of the writer’s roots and inspirations.

Cozy Accommodations

After a day filled with literary exploration, relaxing at the Inn on North Jefferson is the perfect way to wind down. This cozy bed-and-breakfast is situated in a beautifully renovated historic home. The spacious guest room features a lush four-poster bed, a lovely fireplace, and a curated collection of books—ideal for getting lost in O’Connor’s stories once more.

Innkeepers Cliff and Jen Charnes go above and beyond for their guests, offering complimentary snacks, coffee, and even a Bartesian cocktail machine. The morning begins with an enticing breakfast that encourages guests to explore the wonders of Milledgeville.

Discovering Milledgeville

No visit is complete without a tour of the historic district aboard Milly the Trolley. This fun ride offers a narrated exploration of the town’s highlights, including a significant stop at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which holds importance for O’Connor’s family. The lively atmosphere and rich storytelling make it yet another memorable part of the journey.

A Taste of Southern Cuisine

Before bidding farewell to Milledgeville, a delightful lunch at Greene’s Farmhouse Foods is essential. This eatery combines Southern comfort food with a healthy twist. The author indulged in a variety of scrumptious dishes, including fried chicken, dirty rice, Brussels sprouts, and a roasted beet salad to savor later at home.

Once back home, the journey doesn’t end. The author planned to reheat her delicious take-out meal while diving into a collection of O’Connor’s short stories, eager to relive the flavors of Milledgeville. It seems a return trip is already in the works, proving that this charming town has an enchanting allure that’s hard to resist.

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Additional Resources

• Simply Buckhead: Marvelous Milledgeville
• Wikipedia: Flannery O’Connor
• Garden & Gun: Southern House Museums for Literature Lovers
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flannery O’Connor
• The New York Times: South Toward Home by Margaret Eby

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.