MADISON, GEORGIA (February 23, 2011) -- Georgia's Antebellum Trail, the state's first official tourism Trail, presents the third annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage on April 27-May 1, 2011. The 100-mile heritage trail spans seven historically significant communities including Athens, Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Gray/Old Clinton and Macon. During the Pilgrimage weekend, communities along the Trail will offer a wide array of museum tours and special events as well as entrance into private historic homes not generally open to the public. A flexible Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage Pass provides admission to all participating events and attractions in any or all of the communities.
The Pilgrimage dates will allow tourists to combine the Pilgrimage with other premiere events, as many other spring festivals and annual events in the seven host communities will also occur during this timeframe. "With entrance to these attractions and events at a remarkable value, the Trail Association makes it easy for participants to experience all seven historic communities," said Amy Clark of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The northern gateway of the Antebellum Trail is Athens, named a Distinctive Destination in 2009 by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Patrons can tour four house museums featuring four architectural styles from four different time periods. One featured attraction is Athens' oldest surviving residence, the Church-Waddel-Brumby house, which was influenced by the Federal style. Patrons can also participate in a walking tour of UGA's North Campus, a driving Heritage Tour ending with a theatrical vignette by Rose of Athens Theatre and - new for 2011 - a walking tour of the historic Oconee Hill Cemetery.
Watkinsville, a former frontier town on the edge of Creek and Cherokee Indian territories, is home to the Eagle Tavern. The Eagle Tavern was built in the late 1700s and is one of the city's earliest surviving structures. It served as a stagecoach stop and tavern throughout the antebellum period. In addition to the Eagle Tavern, Pilgrimage patrons can experience eclectic shopping in Town Center which features antique shops, art galleries and specialty shops.
Madison, known as "the town Sherman refused to burn," is a national treasure of antebellum architecture. Patrons can embark on a walking or driving tour of the historic district and will have access to museums and Antebellum and Victorian homes, including private homes not generally open to the public. Excellent shopping is available as more than 160 antique vendors plus 45 specialty shops grace the beautifully restored downtown square.
Participants will also visit Eatonton, the birthplace of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the famous Uncle Remus Tales. Patrons can tour the Uncle Remus Museum, which contains many first editions of Harris' work or take exclusive tours of private homes not usually open to the public. Featured homes include the Ezell-Tatum House with a formal garden in the style of the Queen Anne Victorian and the Thomas-Clark-Dennis-Harrison House, a Victorian home on the beautiful road once called the "Avenue."A self-guided Alice Walker Driving Tour is also available to see significant places in the life of the author of The Color Purple.
Milledgeville is known as Georgia's Antebellum Capital. Featured on the Pilgrimage is the restored Old Governor's Mansion, where Sherman himself slept! Completed in 1839, the Old Governor's Mansion is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the nation. Another gem not to be missed is Georgia's Old Capitol Museum, designed in the Gothic Revival style and the location where Georgia legislators voted to secede from the Union. The museum will hold reenactments for Pilgrimage patrons. Milledgeville also boasts a Museum District that includes preserved mansions, haunted historic sites and eclectic art galleries, while the historic district boasts 20 architectural landmarks.
In the quiet, rural village of Gray/Old Clinton, visitors can get a glimpse back in time to the former bustling town on Georgia's western frontier. Patrons can tour the Old Clinton Historical District including several early 19th century homes, visit the only infantry battle opposition of General Sherman's March to the Sea at the Griswoldville Battlesite, or take a guided tour of the McCarthy-Pope House, a Piedmont plain style home recognized by the Georgia Trust.
The southern tip of the trail is Macon, home to the Hay House. This destination was featured on A&E's America's Castles and is known as the "Palace of the South." At the Cannonball House, patrons can enjoy Greek Revival architecture while listening to the "Georgia Suitcase" program featuring found letters revealing a Macon family's life during the Antebellum era. Tour patrons can also spend time at the Sidney Lanier Cottage with a performance by a historical re-enactor of the young Sidney. Patrons can end the evening with a scenic drive or a leisurely stroll through Macon's intown illumination tour, a unique, self-guided tour which showcases over 30 public and private mansions.
Tickets can be purchased at any of the Welcome Centers along the trail prior to and during the Pilgrimage or online at www.atpilgrimage.com. Tickets are $25 and include access to all participating attractions and events. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets at $20.
For more information contact Andy Williams at 800.709.7406 or visit the website at www.atpilgrimage.com. ###
Georgia's 3rd Annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage
PSA, 15 second You know about General Sherman's March to the Sea, but what about the cities he didn't burn? Georgia's 3rd Annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage, April 27 - May 1, takes you back in time in the deep south, visiting historical sites in seven communities from Athens to Macon. For more information visit www.atpilgrimage.com.
PSA, 30 second Relive the days of white columns and front porches where time stood still. Experience southern hospitality at its roots during Georgia's 3rd Annual Antebellum Trial Pilgrimage April 27 - May 1. This one hundred mile trail spans seven communities from Athens to Macon and showcases historical homes, museums, events and more. View impressive architecture, authentic battlesites and private homes for only twenty-five dollars a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online or at any of the Welcome Centers along the trail. For more information visit www.atpilgrimage.com or call Andy Williams at 800-709-7406. | 
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