From Antebellum Homes to Modern College Town in Georgia's Historic Heartland


Georgia's Historic Heartland is anchored by the cities of Athens and Georgia, with oak-filled old-fashioned southern towns filling the landscape in between. In Athens, feel the lively pulse of a college town, where the University of Georgia's student body brings youthful energy. This is a great place to check out the music scene; the unknown talent you see today might be tomorrow's superstar, like the hit group REM.

Follow the Antebellum Trail from Athens to Macon on a 100-mile journey through history. General Sherman spared Madison and the town is filled with historic homes and unique shops. Stop at the Eagle Tavern Museum in Watkinsville and the Old Governor's Mansion in Milledgeville. In Macon, you can explore the Johnston-Felton-Hay House. The city's museums include the Georgia Children's Museum, The Tubman Museum of African American Art, History, & Culture, and the Allman Brothers Band Museum.

Macon Georgia at dusk

Macon, Georgia Skyline

  
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Ocmulgee National Monument in Georgia

Explore Outdoors at Historic Heartland National Monuments, and Wildlife Refuges

Have a great day exploring history and nature at the national monuments, and wildlife refuges in Georgia's Historic Heartland. Native American history is the focus at Ocumulgee National Monument, with a museum and earthen mounds. Listen for the red-cockaded woodpecker and other birds at Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge.

Golf in Georgia

Spend a Day on the Greens in Georgia's Historic Heartland

Are 18 holes not enough? With the many golf courses in Georgia's Historic Heartland, you can enjoy golf every day and tally many more than 18 holes by the end of your trip. Try Barrington Hall Golf Course, a scenic course considered one of Georgia's best greens, or the Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Cherokee Run in Conyers.

girl in museum

Explore the Attractions of Georgia's Historic Heartland

You won't run out of things to do on a visit to Georgia's Historic Heartland, with attractions for interests from history to sports and more. Visit antebellum houses for a peek at life before the Civil War. Pay tribute to music legends at the Allman Brothers Museum in Macon. The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is also in Macon. Don't miss the beautiful grounds of the Georgia Botanical Gardens in Athens.

Covered bridge in Athens, GA

Explore History and Charming Towns on a Road Trip Through Georgia's Historic Heartland

Take time to enjoy the journey between charming towns in Georgia's Historic Heartland. You can follow the Antebellum Trail from Athens to Macon, visiting historic homes and quaint shops as you go. Sherman spared the towns along the way, letting you slip into the 19th century during your 100-mile trip.


georgia map pin

Discover Best Western Hotels in Georgia


With 42 Best Western locations in Georgia ~ you're bound to find something new where you're headed.