Beyond its historic charm, Milledgeville is home to unique spots that students and visitors overlook. From delicious restaurants to scenic outdoor views, these lesser-known gems offer a unique-to-Milledgeville experience.
While many people know about Millegesville’s historic sights, such as Central State Hospital, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion and Georgia’s Old Capital Heritage Center at The Depot, there are many more unique places throughout the city that many people have yet to discover. These local gems highlight Milledgeville’s unique culture where small businesses thrive.
One of these unique locations is the Oconee River Greenway, a nature trail located at 420 E. Greene St. which offers a peaceful outdoor experience. The park is home to scenic walking trails, pathways and wooden boardwalks, as well as fishing spots with boat ramps, making it suitable for canoeing or kayaking along the river.
“The greenway is always perfect for an afternoon stroll or the fishing spot, the dogs love the dog park, and we love the trails,” said Sam Jones, a GCSU Alum. “I’d recommend walking through downtown to see what Milledgeville has to offer.”
The Greenway dog park is another feature of the Oconee River, great for dogs to run around leash-free and enjoy the trails with their owners. While many locals know about the Greenway, it remains relatively unused by many visitors and students and is one of the underappreciated gems in Milledgeville, a must-visit spot that has something for everyone.
It is not just the scenic views that go unnoticed in Milledgeville. There are also plenty of local restaurants, bakeries and other shops that remain underappreciated.
One unique-to-Milledgeville location is Stacked Sandwiches, a lesser-known eatery located at 1827 N. Columbia St. This welcoming eatery caters to customers’ unique dietary needs, offering vegetarian and vegan options alongside classic kid-friendly menu items. This local sandwich shop has something for everyone to enjoy.
“A restaurant that I think is underrated is Stacked Sandwiches. It’s a sandwich place on North Columbia St. and I think it doesn’t get enough love,” said Isabella Akhlaghi, a sophomore finance major at GCSU. “Their turkey bacon Caesar wrap is so good.”
They are a locally owned and operated business that started in 2014 but in 2024 transitioned to new ownership by the Monica family: Denis, Zoey and Ashley. The Monicas have continued to expand the menu and maintain the shop’s reputation as a welcoming environment with high-quality food.
Their commitment to fresh ingredients and friendly service makes Stacked Sandwiches an underrated gem in Milledgeville.
“It’s a being a part of a bigger part of a community,” co-owner Ashley of Stacked Sandwiches said. “It’s always fun for us to see different families come in and we get to watch their kids grow and be a part of this community on a deeper level.
Ashley also mentioned that about 70% of her customers are locals and the rest are college students. Milledgeville locals often find the best unique treasures in Milledgeville, while students who have recently moved to the city may be unaware of them.
Beyond the well-known historical sites and the more popular bars and boutiques downtown, Milledgeville has many special spots that offer something for everyone. Whether it’s a walk along Oconee River Greenway or a delicious sandwich at Stacked Sandwiches, visiting these lesser-known spots allows visitors to experience Milledgeville in its authentic form.
For students, visitors and locals, taking time to seek out Milledville’s most unique spots is a worthwhile experience. Supporting small businesses, exploring rivers and discovering unique places helps foster a deeper connection to the historic city.