Ok, so when I was little we had this ancient old Auntie with the big red Lips and humongous bosom that loved to give lipstick covered kisses at all the family get togethers. But I guess I shouldn’t really discuss her, since I have since found out that this Antebellum trail I thought would be a good hike was actually more than a path through the woods.
To plagerize a little information from a Kindle book I found.. Here is the description I stole from “1000 Places to see before you die” by Patricia Schultz. Under the places in Georgia…
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Antebellum” means “existing before the war.” In this part of the world, that’s pre-1861, as the war in question is the War Between the States, the War of Northern Aggression, the War of the Rebellion, or the Civil War, depending on whom you ask. The Union general who ultimately secured control of Georgia, William T. Sherman, practiced a harsh scorched-earth policy, burning communities during his vigorous campaign across the state. As a result, most of Georgia’s great antebellum buildings are long gone. But luckily a number of notable exceptions survived, and the state’s Antebellum Trail—running through the heart of Lake Country—traces a string of towns east of Atlanta containing a remarkable concentration of houses that still evoke the romantic imagery of the Gone With the Wind era. The route begins in Athens ….. and runs south for about 100 miles to Macon, passing 
through such history-rich towns as Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Gray, and Old Clinton. Called “the prettiest small town in America,” Madison makes a great base for exploring, and many of its fine buildings were spared by Sherman—thanks to his favorable connection to a local anti-secessionist, then-U.S. Senator Joshua Hill. Most of the grand mansions here remain in private hands, but you can stroll about admiring their stunning, well-preserved exteriors, or enjoy the countless antiques stores, using the architecturally elegant Madison Oaks Inn & Gardens as your base. Eatonton is most famous as the birthplace of Uncle Remus Tales novelist Joel Chandler Harris and contemporary writer Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple. From here, head south to “Georgia’s antebellum capital,” Milledgeville, which served as the state’s legislative capital from 1804 to 1868 and is an especially worthy destination for history and architecture buffs. General Sherman briefly used the Old Governor’s Mansion as his headquarters during the war, and the majestic 1839 Greek Revival is now one of the region’s top historic attractions. Another Milledgeville claim to fame is the home of Flannery O’Connor, the late novelist and short-story writer (Wise Blood, A Good Man Is Hard to Find) perhaps most identified with the Southern Gothic genre. Visit her farmhouse, Andalusia, where she lived and raised some 100 peafowl until her death in 1964 at the age of 39. Then immerse yourself in history at the Grand Antebellum Inn, with just six guest rooms fitted out with period pieces. Macon marks the official end of the trail, but it’s worth continuing to Warner Robins, an excellent antiquing destination. Where: Madison is 60 miles east of Atlanta. Trail info: antebellumtrail.org. Madison visitor info: Tel 800-709-7406 or 706-342-4454; madisonga.org. Milledgeville visitor info: Tel 800-653-1804 or 478-452-4687; visit milledgeville.org. Old Governor’s Mansion: Milledgeville. Tel 478-445-4545; gcsu.edu/mansion. When: closed Mon. Andalusia: Tel 478-454-4029; andalusiafarm.org. When: closed Mon–Wed. Madison Oaks Inn: Madison. Tel 706-343-9990; madisonoaksinn.com. Cost: from $195. Antebellum Inn: Milledgeville. Tel 478-453-3993; antebelluminn.com. Cost: from $149. Best times: mid-Apr for Milledgeville’s Tour of Homes; late Apr–early May for Madison’s Spring Tour of Homes; Dec for holiday-themed home tours in Madison and Christmas at the Mansion in Milledgeville.
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If you have an urge to explore this great trail, reference the book, actually buy the book and take it with you. I don’t want her made at me for using the great information she has in it. I will be using several other places in the book in the near future in my travels.
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I had a good time on the Antebellum Trail, and it wasn’t just all about magnificent old house either. There were some super good antique stores, several very unique resturants we didn’t have time to experience, and the Fort and Indian Mounds in Macon. Also Warner Robbins Georgia has a huge Air Force museum to satisfy the appetite of any aviation or Military enthusiast. And the same goe for the Military Academy in Milledgeville. I was quite shocked finding the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. I had no idea they were there, and when we got there is was quite late in the afternoon, it had heated up to about 90deg F and we had a 2+ hr ride back to our campsite. So I looked around, but really could not leave Akela in the car while I dragged my tired ass through the exhibits. We will get back to them. That is something I am really interested in!!
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So I hope this settles for a little more detail of the video on my Adventure down the Antebellum Trail in Georgia. If you haven’t seen the Video… Its right back there in those dark letters!!! You people should know this stuff!! Its the Intenet age you know!!! Oh well, back to the next video!!
Rick & Akela