With warm weather and lighter spring schedules ahead, many GCSU students are looking for quick getaways close to home, and central Georgia offers plenty of easy day-trip options within driving distance of Milledgeville. From Athens and Madison to Macon and beyond, a free afternoon and a tank of gas can lead to lasting memories with friends.
About 40 minutes from Milledgeville resides Monticello, a quiet, cozy town most known for being the hometown of Trisha Yearwood, a well-known country singer. Students said that it is the perfect spot to take a relaxing afternoon to shop, eat and enjoy time in nature.
There is lots to do and see in Monticello, both indoor and outdoor activities, along with unique restaurants and coffee shops.
Students said that Monticello holds a multitude of delicious eateries. Ashleigh Ellis, a senior nursing major, dove into some of her favorite destinations. Ellis said she always enjoys Mesquite, a local Mexican restaurant in Monticello.
“Every time I’ve eaten there the food has always been delicious,” Ellis said.
The students also recommended starting the day with a latte from Morning Grind Coffee, and if lunch is on the itinerary, Five Loaves Bakery is a great spot to grab a fresh sandwich and a baked treat. As for dinner, students said Martha Jane’s Southern Cookin’ is a must for authentic southern cuisine.
Ellis also talked about her love for the welcoming atmosphere of Morning Grind, a coffee shop local to Milledgeville with a location in Monticello.
“It is absolutely beautiful inside…everyone who works there is so sweet,” Ellis said.
Along with cuisine, Monticello has attractions year-round, including local farmer’s markets, the Shoppes of Monticello and rafting at Ocmulgee Adventures.
Cayleigh Brooks, a sophomore education major, shared some insight into local events throughout the year.
“Every once in a while, they’ll have events which are really fun,” Brooks said. “Local people will come and do little booths.”
The Georgia town resides near Lake Jackson, which hosts an array of activities including swimming, boating and fishing. There are also rental shops with boats and jet-skis to enjoy the water during the warmer months.
“There’s nothing better than a sunset on Lake Jackson,” Ellis said, reminiscing on times she spent with family and friends at the lake.
For those looking for a more popular destination full of activities and noteworthy sights, students said that Athens is a perfect spot for a day trip. Most known for being the home of the UGA Bulldogs, Athens holds a day full of shopping, eating and sightseeing on the University of Georgia campus. Some notable spots to explore include the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Georgia Museum of Art and the infamous Sanford Stadium.
Caroline McDonald, a sophomore education major, shared her favorite parts of Athens.
“My favorite spot is the Botanical Gardens,” McDonald said.
McDonald elaborated on the accessibility and the beautiful sights within the center.
“It’s free, so you just go and enjoy the scenery,” McDonald said.
The gardens are a well-known hot spot for locals and tourists alike, especially in the spring when flowers are in bloom. Along with these sights, students said the downtown Athens shops are a perfect place to find a new outfit, an old record and a myriad of eclectic stores.
“There’s pretty much everything you’d want,” McDonald said.
Along with the sights and shops, Athens hosts many renowned restaurants. From South Kitchen + Bar to The National, students said there is a wide range of cuisine and lively environments for all to enjoy.
Though there is plenty to see and do in Milledgeville, day trips allow students to explore new places and enjoy new opportunities. Whether students are looking for a quiet, peaceful afternoon or a day full of shopping bags and diverse dining, central Georgia has it all.