MILLIANS: That’s so Milledgeville

Published 11:17 am Friday, February 7, 2025

Like Flannery O’Connor used to say, “When in Rome, do what you done in Milledgeville.”

Well, here’s what we do in Milledgeville.

Another way to put it would be to say, “That’s so Milledgeville.”

When someone says Milledgeville, here’s what I think of:

ANDALUSIA

Speaking of Flannery O’Connor, Georgia College will be holding a huge 100^th birthday party for the celebrated writer on March 25. The birthday celebration will include free tours at the family’s Andalusia farm, birthday cake and special guests.

Andalusia is a fascinating place, made even more so by the addition of the Interpretive Center. 

In fact, Georgia College has events scheduled throughout that week, including art openings, talks and a music festival.

DEEP ROOTS

The fall event in downtown, organized by Milledgeville Main Street, has attracted thousands for more than 20 years to celebrate with live entertainment (from magicians to musicians), arts and crafts and food. There’s even a Kid’s Zone.

HISTORY

I’ll mention three things I think of:

State Capitol Building: It served as the seat of government for the State of Georgia from 1807 to 1868, hosting the state’s Secession Convention in early 1861. Since 1879, Georgia Military College has occupied the site.

Governor’s Mansion: It served as the residence of eight governors, their families, their slaves and free servants. The building was a symbol of Georgia’s economic prosperity as the “Empire State of the South” during the antebellum period.

Brown-Stetson-Sanford House: It started as an inn for legislators, became a private residence and then transformed into a Tea Room known for its beauty and cuisine. The Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot relocated the structure to preserve its history. 

WE EAT LOCAL

Yes, we have the restaurant chains: Chick-fil-A, Longhorn’s and Ruby Tuesday’s, to name a few. But local restaurants make us distinctive. Here are a few you ought to try:

Breakfast: The Local Yolkal offers breakfast, brunch and lunch. The Eggs Benedicts is famous, and they have everything from omelettes to cinnamon bun french toast.

Lunch: Ms. Stella’s features southern comfort food, using recipes from owner Lucious Trawick’s grandmother. Menu items include turkey and dressing, smothered pork chops, and fried chicken. It is now located at the former Crockett’s site.

Dinner: Aubri Lanes is the place to go for steaks or seafood on special occasions. Try their pecan crusted rainbow trout, served with collard greens and smoked cheddar grits.

MLK DAY

There are various MLK Day events around town every year, but the one of historical note is at Flagg Chapel Baptist Church, Milledgeville’s first African-American Church. Flagg Chapel was organized in 1830 under the leadership of a newly freed slave, Wilkes Flagg.

Pastor Omer Reid, who has been leading the church for more than 30 years, hosted this year’s ceremony to honor Dr. King’s legacy. It featured Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan reflecting on King’s vision for justice and equality.

LAKE SINCLAIR

Boating, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing, you can do it all at Lake Sinclair.

And, I’ve had so many people tell me that they picked Lake Sinclair as the place to retire because it has water year-round. Many other lakes lower the water level several months out of the year.

CENTRAL STATE
During the 1960s, it was largest mental institution in the country with over 12,000 patients, 6,000 employees, and more than 8,000 acres of land. Today, it is mostly in various stages of decay.

I highly recommend taking the Trolley Tour to learn about the history of the campus. Get more information at the Milledgeville Visitor Information Center (visitmilledgeville.org) or by calling 478-452-4687.

And, don’t miss “Fast Fading, A History of Central State Hospital” exhibit at the old depot.

SMALL-TOWN FEEL

Finally, it’s the people who give Milledgeville its Mayberry-like feel. All 16,486 (2023 census) of us.

I’d love to hear from you.

What’s “So Milledgeville” to you?

Rick Millians, a 1970 Baldwin High grad, retired after working at newspapers in Georgia, Ohio and South Carolina. Reach him at rdmillians@aol.com.