Must-see attractions around Milledgeville
Every fall semester a crowd of new students fill campus, hot with anticipation, and eager to explore the freedom of college life in Milledgeville. Such an adventure could not be complete without a starter’s guide compiled by an upperclassman who has been seasoned by the pursuit of curing boredom in this small town. Find time to get to know your college town away from the campus, and have fun while doing so.
Downtown District
Whether it’s grabbing a cup of joe at the locally owned Blackbird Coffee shop, or designing your own custom pizza for dinner at Amici, the downtown district is an obvious choice for entertainment. Amici, The Brick, Buffington’s and Pickle Barrel Cafe (located on North Columbia Street) all offer weekly events such as wing night or trivia night. Check with individual locations for scheduling. Be sure to visit the shops lining Hancock and Wayne Street, and don’t forget to check out a few galleries to appreciate some local art. Visit 119 Chops in the evening (below Capital City night club) for a taste of refinement with an old world ambiance that seems far away from Milledgeville. A concert, karaoke, or club dancing can almost always be found as downtown stays awake for nightlife well into the evening.
Historical Milledgeville
Impress friends and family who visit from out of town by becoming well-versed in the city’s extensive history. The Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at the corner of Wilkinson and Hancock Street, provides information on Milledgeville Trolley Tours that run Monday through Friday beginning at 10 a.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. and cost $10 per person. The Governor’s Mansion, located on Clark Street, offers tours and an interesting view into the Antebellum heritage of the area. Admission is free with your Bobcat Card. Find time to stroll through the walkways of the Memory Hill Cemetery to see the grave of Billy the Kid’s close friend, the final resting place of various Civil War heros and many pre-Civil War slaves.
Picnic or hike at Bartram Forest
Just a short drive from town, Bartram Forest is a managed section of woodland that offers several miles of unpaved running, walking, and biking trails. There are a few small ponds that make a perfect picnic location for two; larger groups can gather for an afternoon picnic under the pavilion near the entrance. The forest entrance is located on Carl Vinson Road south of Milledgeville off U.S. Hwy. 441 towards Dublin.
Mountain Biking at Selma Irwin
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an invigorating singletrack mountain bike ride through the woods on Selma Irwin trail, located near Bartram Forest. The 4.5 mile trail is rated as moderate to difficult by MTBR.com. Detailed driving directions and a map can be found at the above Web site.
Water activities for warm weather
The Oconee River offers various opportunities for escaping the seasonal heat. Activities include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, tubing, canoeing and kayaking. The Oconee River Greenway, located beside the river bridge on Hancock Street, is now open for joggers and visitors intersted in taking a stroll, or for unmotorized watercrafts to be launched. For about $30 a day, kayaks and canoes can be rented from local outfitters. Regarding licenses and regulations, contact Georgia DNR at (478) 751-6415 or (478) 751-6416.
Swing Dancing
Swing dancing lessons are available to everyone through the GCSU Swing Dance Association every Monday night from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom. Instructors will begin basic instruction at 8:15 p.m. After everyone is caught up, the instructors will move onto free music dancing time. Casual and comfortable dress is necessary. However if you do not have a partner, do not worry about it. All who come get the chance to dance. Food and refreshments are offered as well. Let loose and enjoy some time swinging away into the night.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Aug 8 2008. Filed under Features.
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