The Red and Black

Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: Courtesy washingtonfarms.net Washington Farms in Watkinsville is one stop on the trail and has U-Pick strawberries. [Click to enlarge]

Close your eyes.

Think back to the times that shifted your life into a new gear.

Certainly these moments blossomed from something extraordinary, something new and capricious.

Now, think about indulging in fresh, hand-picked strawberries as red as the car you dreamed of at the age of 15.

Or seeing delicate glass blown from an artist's mouth with the ease of tying a shoe.

Consider celebrating at the 25th anniversary of Georgia's award-winning, antebellum driving trail during a three consecutive week pilgrimage.

This trail winds through seven communities - from Athens to Macon - and is bursting with potential.

Yes, the event is targeted at an older audience, but certainly fun can also be had by a younger crowd.



Andy Williams, the 24-year-old project coordinator of the Madison Chamber of Commerce who lives in Athens, said that college students would enjoy the pilgrimage.

"A big plus is that it can be an inexpensive get out of the house, dorm or apartment day trip," he said. "From Athens to Macon, the trail is roughly 90 miles. You could do the entire thing and come back on half a tank of gas."

When traveling, it can be hard to experience true culture, and, even in one's own city, it can be useful to think like a tourist.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Athens one of the "2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations," so students should stop to consider the historical presence of their beloved college town.

The downtown is made up of mainly restored Victorian-era buildings. And the home of the man who was a co-founder and professor at the law school is the T.R.R. Cobb House, made in a Greek revival style, located near Prince Avenue.

"One thing that I think should be noted is that this pilgrimage has an almost entire local feel," Williams said.

"Participants are going into attractions that are relevant and important to that specific location. They'll be shopping in local retail shops. They'll be dining at independently-owned restaurants."

Tickets can be purchased at the Welcome Center downtown for $25, but even without a ticket many attractions are free or fairly cheap, and many people will be around to guide your journey.

"This is a very important time for Georgians to focus on travel in Georgia," Amy Clark, the Athens Convention and Visitor Bureau leisure travel marketing director, said.

Ready to take a chance? Here are 20 things to check out.

For Foodies

• Roadside stands: Travel down Highway 441 and make a stop for fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables, as well as jams, jellies. etc. (nearest one is about 15 minutes away.)

• Washington Farms in Watkinsville: the place to have that fresh strawberry experience (about a 20- minute drive from Athens).

• Local restaurants: The high-class, contemporary Maison Bleu Restaurant is located along the trail midway between Athens and Madison (about a 20-minute drive from Athens).

This restaurant holds the title of "Best Food" from the "Taste of Athens" events in 2007 and 2008.

"Among these seven communities is one of the widest arrays of dining options in the state, from fusion and upscale cuisine to classic All-American and soul food," Williams said.

For Outdoor Adventurers

• Elder's Mill Covered Bridge: One of the few authentic covered bridges in the state, built around 1870 in Watkinsville (about 25 minutes away).

• Hard Labor Creek State Park: A park in Rutledge known for its exceptional golf, but is also a beautiful site for camping or picnicking, with the added possibility of canoeing and swimming (less than an hour away).

• South Creek Mud Boggin': Takes place 7 p.m. April 18 in Milledgeville. Trail fees for dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs are $10. RV and tent camping welcome, while showers and swimming area is also available (about 2 hours away).

For Film and Theater Enthusiasts

• "A Man Named Pearl": part of the Southern Circuit: Tour of Independent Filmmakers, shown April 21 in Watkinsville (about 20 minutes away).

Described on the Southern Circuit Web site as, "a documentary that imparts the inspiring tale of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar, this film shows what one person can achieve when he allows himself to share the full expression of his humanity."

• Edible Opera: Enjoy dinner while being serenaded by Opera South, who will perform some classic opera arias, or expressive melodies, in Eatonton on the 18th (about one hour away).

• Bald Shorts Film Festival: Only statewide juried collegiate short film festival at 7 p.m. May 1-5 in Milledgeville on the Georgia College and State University campus (about one and a half hours away).

For History Buffs and Collectors

• Antique stores: Each city has its own collection.

"I've noticed that a lot of my friends who are still in college actually go antiquing on a regular basis," Williams said. "Antique stores, specialty shops and stores like Junkman's Daughter's Brother are all popular places and certainly of interest to college students."

• Old Governor's Mansion: a Greek revival home in Milledgeville of numerous Georgia governors and Sherman's residence on his "March to the Sea."

Rebecca Reid, a University student and intern at the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, said this location encompasses the antebellum, Civil War and early Reconstruction phases of the state's history, and because it was fully restored in 2005.

For the Musically Inclined

• Georgia Music Hall of Fame: Learn more about the B-52's, R.E.M., Little Richard, Jason Aldean and The Allman Brothers in Macon.

• GCSU Jazz Festival: Takes place 5 p.m. April 24.

• Local venues: Athens has many unique musical bars and clubs. If you normally rock out at The 40 Watt, consider listening to something different at the intimate Melting Point, such as the monthly jazz concert on April 30.

For Artsy Types

• Happy Valley Pottery: The site where Jerry and Kathy Chappelle turned a rambling chicken ranch into a community of working artists in Watkinsville (about 30 minutes away).

• Amphora Pottery Studio: A free tour of a home pottery studio, made in an 1896 vintage Queen Anne style in Macon.

For Lovers of the Literary

• Flannery O'Connor: The family farm, Andalusia, of this Southern writer is in Eatonton (about one hour away).

• Uncle Remus Museum: A memorable log cabin in Eatonton dedicated to Joe Harris and his "Story of Mr. Rabbit and Mr. Fox as told by Uncle Remus."

Eatonton was also home to Alice Walker, who wrote "The Color Purple."

• Pan African Festival: Part of this festival, which is dedicated to peace and love and will be a happy event for hippie types, will be held April 25 in Macon (about two hours away).

Local artists will perform spoken work pieces that will feed your soul.

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