Seeing Southern
  • Seeing Southern
  • Seeing Southern People
    • Easy Like Sunday Morning | Jimmy Carter
    • Easy Like Sunday Morning | Jimmy Carter | Part 2
    • The Last Backyard Juke Joint in America
    • The Causeway Storyteller
    • A Love Letter to a Moonshiner
    • Her Story | Dolly Parton
    • An Author | A Dream Comes True
    • His Story | Andrew McCarthy
    • His Major League Story | Clint Frazier
    • Ann Chapin | Holy Inspiration
    • Her Story | Juette Logan Hill
    • His Musical Story | Brent Cobb
    • Her Story | Julia Elizabeth Synder Nobles
    • Florida Georgia Line | Georgia Theatre
    • His Story | Private First Class Lloyd Carter
  • Two Coots Travel
    • Seeing Southern | Where Can We Go Next?
    • Seeing Southern | Why We Travel
    • Seeing Southern | What's in Our Bag
    • With Gratitude | Top Travels >
      • With Gratitude | Our Top 5 Moments of 2019
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2018
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2017
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2016
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2015
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2014
      • With Gratitude + Our Top Moments of 2013
    • Seeing Alabama >
      • Make It Mobile, Mardi Gras
    • Seeing Arizona >
      • 6 Hours in Flagstaff
      • Postcards from Route 66
      • The Legacy of Route 66
      • Planes, Trains, Automobiles
    • Seeing Arkansas >
      • The Clinton Library
      • Rock Town Distillery
      • Moss Mountain
      • Tales from the South
    • Seeing Florida >
      • St. Augustine | What's Old is New Again
      • St. Augustine | Eat To Your Hearts Content
      • Happy New Year Road Trip
      • Heading West, Key West
      • People and Places of Key West
    • Seeing Georgia >
      • Hot Blues on a Humid Georgia Day | Blind Willie McTell
      • Thomasville Rose Festival + Due South
      • It's Who We Are: Storytellers
      • Telling Stories in Young Harris
      • A Colonel and a Governor
      • It's All About the Blues
      • Time for 'Shine in Dawsonville
      • Climbing Higher at Aska >
        • Favorite Aska Recipes
      • It's All About the Animals | Georgia Wildlife Center
      • A Walk to Remember
      • Boys and Their Toys | Tank Town USA
      • Apple Pickin'' at Mercier Orchards
      • A Family Affair | Georgia Mountain Fair
      • All Aboard | Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
      • Shrimp (and Grits)
      • The Blues of Blind Willie | 2014
      • A Fresh Look at the Prince
      • Taking Home the Golden Onion
      • The Farmhouse Inn | Hundred Acre Farm
      • Tally Ho! | Belle Mead Hunt Club
      • An Inspirational Childhood | Gena Knox
      • Top Southern Chefs Dish Tailgating
      • Pure Southern Sweetness | Sorghum
      • Celebrating Gone with the Wind
      • When in (Georgia's) ROME
      • A Slice of Buttermilk Pie | Yesterdays
      • Mud, Sweat and a Few Tears
      • Georgia's Sunflower Festival
      • St. Mary's | Georgia's Pathway
      • Get Fired Up In Macon
      • A Splash in the Historic Heartland
      • Cakes & Ale
      • A Sweet Onion of a Time
      • The Old Sautee Store
      • Cumberland Island
      • Fun Behind the Lens | GAC
      • Monroe Girls Corps
      • The Destruction of Tara
      • Dawsonville Moonshine Festival
      • Oktoberfest in Helen
      • Blairsville Sorghum Festival
      • The Battle of Chickamauga
      • One Ball | Two Weddings
      • The Battle of Tunnel Hill
      • The Battle of Resaca
      • Happy Plus 2 | Father Luke
      • Jason Aldean | Night Train | Sanford Stadium
      • The Makin' of Round Here
    • Seeing Louisiana >
      • Here's What Hope Looks Like
    • Seeing Maine >
      • Come for the Lobster Roll
      • The Soul of the Coast
      • Hugging the Coastline of Maine
    • Seeing MIssissippi >
      • Mississippi Sings the Blues
    • Seeing New York >
      • 24 Hours in New York City
    • Seeing North Carolina >
      • Tasting Sylva: Come for the Beer
      • The Super Bowl . . . of Sorts
      • A Total Eclipse of the Sun
      • The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
      • Getaway to Bryson City
      • Running For The Pot Of Gold
      • Mama to Son | Harris Leatherworks
      • The Earthy Balance of the Yadkin Valley
    • Seeing South Carolina >
      • Old 96 District
      • The Lowcountry of South Carolina
      • A Taste of Gullah
      • Left Hand, Right Hand | Zipline Hilton Head
      • Siesta at Sonesta
      • A State of Euphoia 2013 >
        • Taste of the South | Euphoria
        • Find Euphoria in Greenville
    • Seeing Tennessee >
      • Watching Paint Dry | See Rock City
      • Soggy Bottom Boys Reunited
      • Graceland
      • The Magic in the Holler | Gatlinburg
      • Working Class Art | Robert Alewine
      • What Would Wilma Maples Think?
      • Storytelling Festival
      • Smoky Mountain Fireflies
      • Robert Tino's Appalachian View
      • Love's Farewell Tour | International Storytelling Festival
    • Seeing Virginia >
      • National DDay Memorial
      • For the Love of the Train
      • A Night with the Salem Red Sox
    • Seeing West Virginia >
      • Mountains Set to Music
      • Travel South in Charleston
      • Hitting the Trails in Logan
      • West Virginia in Black and White
    • Seeing the World >
      • Seeing Belize
      • Seeing Bermuda | Bermudiful Bermuda >
        • 10 Days | 2 Coots | 1 Paradise
      • Seeing Canada >
        • The Rising of Noelle-Ange
      • Seeing Costa Rica >
        • Pack Lighter, Travel Better
        • Outside the Box | Medical Tourism
        • Only on Osa
        • Eating My Way Down Calle 33
      • Seeing Europe | Viking River Cruises 2019 >
        • Amsterdam Ramblings
        • Travel Like a Viking | Rhine River
        • Travel Like A Vking | The Alruna's Allure
      • Seeing Greece 2018 >
        • Two Coots Go Greek
        • The Poet Sandlemaker
        • Heaven's New Address is Halkidiki, Greece
        • His Passion for Wine | Danai Resort
      • Seeing Grenada 2016 >
        • Aboard the S/V Mandalay | Windjammer
      • Seeing Ireland 2016 >
        • A Wee Little Travel for Two Coots
        • Day 1 | Dublin > Kilkenny
        • Day 2 | Kilkenny > Kenmare
        • Day 3 | Kenmare > Dingle
        • Day 4 | Dingle > Doolin
        • Day 5 | Doolin > Westport
        • Day 6 | Westport > Donegal
      • Seeing Ireland >
        • Five Star Luxury in Dublin
        • Belfast North
        • County Antrim & Giants Causeway
        • Walking Westeros with Hodor
        • Seeing Derry
      • Seeing Italy 2017 >
        • Salerno and the Amalfi Coast
        • Sicily
        • Castellemmare del golfo
        • Over my Shoulder | Suzanne's Journey
      • Seeing Mexico | 2015 Viceroy Rivera Maya
      • Seeing Spain 2019 >
        • Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
        • Pamplona and San Fermin
  • Southern Diary
    • The Road to Italian Citizenship
  • Len + Judy
    • Seeing Southern Photography >
      • 2021 | Behind the Lens
      • 2020 | Behind the Lens
      • 2019 | Behind the Lens
      • 2018 | Behind the Lens
      • 2017 | Behind the Lens
      • 2016 | Behind the Lens
    • North Georgia Moonshine
    • 100 Things To Do In Athens
    • Portfolio | Editorial & Photography
    • Media Kit
    • Words of Praise | Seeing Southern
  • Contact
  • Shop

a splash through the historic heartland
june 2013

Picturesunrise at cuscowilla on lake oconee
as a writer and traveler, the world is my oyster. but, how many times do you forget the pearls that are right in your own backyard.
about a twenty minute drive from my home near athens, georgia, i find myself in the heart of georgia, its historic heartland which also happens to be dotted with two of the best lakes in georgia - oconee and sinclair. i've traveled 'through' this area many times on the way to another destination, but i failed to stop and take a look. here are some great spots that need attention, for in that attention, you'll discover the 'heart' of georgia.

milledgeville/lake sinclair

andalusia: writer flannery o'connor was a voice before her time. although born in savannah, she spent her last years at her home in milledgeville. she said, "whenever i'm asked why southern writers particularly have a penchant for writing about freaks, i say it is because we are still able to recognize one." and so she did - the misfit, the grandmother, and lucynell for starters. all very unique and shameless. my favorites, "a good man is hard to find" and "the life you save may be your own." take an afternoon to read her works and then visit her home.  visitors see her love of domestic birds. peafowl, chickens, ducks, geese, swans, guineas, and pheasants. if you're lucky, you'll see the lone remaining peacock spread its feathers; however, you will definitely hear it before you see it. highway 441. open monday, tuesday and thursday -saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. free. donation.
sallie ellis davis house: the daughter of a prominent merchant and an african american mother's, sallie ellis was claimed by her father who provided for her an education at atlanta university. she returned to milledgeville and started her teaching career. half of the home was a boarding house for students who wished to learn but could not travel the distances for school. 120 south clarke street, milledgeville. tuesday through saturday, 10 a.m. t0 4 p.m. and appointments. $3.00
old governor's mansion: c. 1807. prior to the occupation of the mansion by general sherman, governor joseph e. brown ordered the evacuation of the building's furniture, draperies and even food from the gardens. this work was conducted by pardoned prisoners from across the street at what now is the main campus of georgia college. the governor actually sat in the dining room eating his vegetables as the furnishings were being carried out.  201 east greene street. tuesday to saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. sunday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. tours begin on the hour. click here for a virtual tour of the mansion.

greensboro / lake oconee

downtown greensboro: greensboro was founded in 1786 by nathanael greene. the town, touched by king cotton, the civil war, the boll weevil and the great depression has bounced back with a new vitality and a community passionate about its heritage and future. with a variety of antique shops, eateries and boutiques, it's the perfect spot to find a local artisan treasure.
festival hall: if you're visiting during a community theatre performance, you can't miss the electricity at festival hall, the downtown performing arts venue. chick here to find its upcoming schedule.
old greene county gaol (jail): it's the oldest standing masonry jail in georgia. it has a european look with a downstairs fashioned like catacomb cells. the gaol was used in the county until 1895. the gallows and trap door are still as they were. behind the courthouse. tours coordinated by chamber of commerce, 706.453.7592.

madison

heritage hall: built in 1811, this jewel of an antebellum home, is preserved by the historical society as a reflection of when cotton was king.
277 south main street. monday - saturday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. donation.
downtown madison: known as the town that sherman refused to burn, madison is a gem of antebellum architecture, endless antique shopping, small town business owners and cultural possibilities. annual events include the spring and fall tour of homes, the chilli cook-off, and the sunflower farm festival in nearby rutledge. www.madisonga.com
southern cross guest ranch: named as "one of america's best dude ranches" by travel + leisure magazine, southern cross offers activities and accommodations sure to bring out the rancher in everyone. www.southcross.com.

Picture
andalusia in milledgeville
Picture
old governor's mansion in milledgeville
Picture
the bedroom of flannery o'connor at andalusia, milledgeville
Picture
the classroom at the sallie ellis davis house in milledgeville
Picture
calling cards left inside the front door of the old governor's mansion, milledgeville
Picture
the governor's desk inside the old governor's mansion in milledgeville
Picture
the lone peacock at andalusia
Picture
the dining room in the old governor's mansion. a small photo of sherman sits on the table at the upper right.
Picture
near the playground at the ritz on lake oconee
Picture
the rotunda at the old governor's mansion in milledgeville
Picture
the children's room in the old governor's mansion.
Picture
in downtown greensboro, an artist shares with visitors the lore of her town
Picture
one of my favorite stops in greesboro was on main street at the herald journal office. a newspaper that still smells and sounds like the offices of yesteryear. editor carey williams (left) shares stories of his brush with greatness while the cat strolls over stacks of current issues. a perfect portrayal of a journalist who believes in stuffed mailboxes and newspaper clippings covering every inch of the wall rather than computer screens and ipads.
Picture
downtown madison at town park on friday night features the music of j. scott thompson
Picture
heritage hall in madison

where to stay

cuscowilla: for the golfers and for those that want wide open spaces. no traffic with the exception of golf carts, my idea of getting away from it all. golf cottages, lake villas and lodge villas (thick pine boards from foot to ceiling) come complete with a breathtaking view of the lake or the golf course. click here for full reservation information. don't forget to experience the waterside restaurant and executive chef gerald schmidt. his charisma is only exceeded by his artistry of local cuisine. a recipe sampling below.
wednesday - sunday. 5p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
ritz carlton lodge, reynolds plantation, on lake oconee: with 30 acres of shoreline, the ritz carlton is the perfect family getaway destination. this summer, enjoy jet skiing, fishing, segway tours, swimming, boating, yolo boarding and wakeboarding plus world class dining at georgia's bistro and gaby's by the lake.  this summer, music floats through the pines with the swinging sunday concert series. kids can enjoy a summer camp atmosphere at ritz kids camp and ritz nights out. for mom, a full-service spa including the southern sweet tea wrap and key lime vanilla age-defying facial drives all the cares away. the only thing bad about the ritz - is that you have to eventually leave. click here for more information.

where to eat

Picture
chicken salad for lunch at gaby's

the ritz carlton lodge [lake oconee] at gaby's by the lake, they believe "no shirt, no shoes, our pleasure". their casual menu with views of lake oconee is perfection. see the lunch menu here.
Picture
THIS WAY for buttermilk pie at the yesterday cafe

the yesterday cafe [greensboro] : try the buttermilk pie. so legendary that carrie underwood served it at her wedding reception. 114 n. main street. lunch, monday - saturday. dinner, wednesday - saturday, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. click here.
Picture
from farm to fork all locally grown
the region : morgan county is exploding with farmers sharing their wealth with the community. the centerpiece hamburger sliders from verner farms beef. a sampling of local freshness. tewksbury farms, greendale farms, johnston's dairy, phickles, stokes farm, hundred acre farm and sunflower farm.

the potted geranium [greensboro]: it's the south's version of london's high tea. put your cell phone aside for a lunch or afternoon of bliss, accompanied by black, green and white teas. full lunch or light lunch available with an assortment of desserts. reservations recommended and walk-ins welcome. try the currant scones and take some mix home.
201 west greene street. wednesday - saturday. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Picture
the green room at the potted geranium
Picture
washington farm strawberries in strawberry shortcake topped with hand whipped cream from johnston's dairy

fresh salsa

enjoy the freshness of summer with this recipe
courtesy of cuscowilla's executive chef gerald schmidt

4 each large tomatoes, ripe, chopped fine
1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped fine
1/4 cup scallions, white and green, sliced thin
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped fine
1 tablespoon garlic, minced fine
1 bunch cilantro leaves, removed and chopped
1 each jalapeno pepper, minced fine
1 teaspoon oregano, chopped
the juice of 4 limes
salt and pepper to taste

combine all ingredients. adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. chill and serve.

when to go

FARMeader [madison]: click here for a map of all the farms located in madison and morgan county. this provides website information, event information and location of all farms. a great family adventure.
town and country holiday tour [madison]: december 5-8. tour the sprawling antebellum mansion throughout the city of madison. www.madisonga.org
chili cook-off [madison]: early october


What We Do

Storytelling
Photography
Seeing Southern Photography

Where We Go

Georgia
The South
The World

Who We Are

Our Story
Contact Us
Follow Us

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
©2013-2022 Seeing Southern, L.L.C. All images and text appearing on this website are the exclusive property of Judy and Len Garrison d.b.a. Seeing Southern, L.L.C. unless otherwise stated. Two Coots Travel, Judy Garrison Writer, Groceries and Grit, Seeing Southern Photography, and Full Circle Fotography are part of Seeing Southern, L.L.C.
All  images and text are protected under the United States and international copyright laws. Images and text may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated
without the written permission of Seeing Southern, L.L.C.


P.O. Box 277, Farmington, Georgia  30638 | SeeingSouthern@gmail.com | SeeingSouthernPhotography@gmail.com
  • Seeing Southern
  • Seeing Southern People
    • Easy Like Sunday Morning | Jimmy Carter
    • Easy Like Sunday Morning | Jimmy Carter | Part 2
    • The Last Backyard Juke Joint in America
    • The Causeway Storyteller
    • A Love Letter to a Moonshiner
    • Her Story | Dolly Parton
    • An Author | A Dream Comes True
    • His Story | Andrew McCarthy
    • His Major League Story | Clint Frazier
    • Ann Chapin | Holy Inspiration
    • Her Story | Juette Logan Hill
    • His Musical Story | Brent Cobb
    • Her Story | Julia Elizabeth Synder Nobles
    • Florida Georgia Line | Georgia Theatre
    • His Story | Private First Class Lloyd Carter
  • Two Coots Travel
    • Seeing Southern | Where Can We Go Next?
    • Seeing Southern | Why We Travel
    • Seeing Southern | What's in Our Bag
    • With Gratitude | Top Travels >
      • With Gratitude | Our Top 5 Moments of 2019
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2018
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2017
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2016
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2015
      • With Gratitude + Our Top 5 Moments of 2014
      • With Gratitude + Our Top Moments of 2013
    • Seeing Alabama >
      • Make It Mobile, Mardi Gras
    • Seeing Arizona >
      • 6 Hours in Flagstaff
      • Postcards from Route 66
      • The Legacy of Route 66
      • Planes, Trains, Automobiles
    • Seeing Arkansas >
      • The Clinton Library
      • Rock Town Distillery
      • Moss Mountain
      • Tales from the South
    • Seeing Florida >
      • St. Augustine | What's Old is New Again
      • St. Augustine | Eat To Your Hearts Content
      • Happy New Year Road Trip
      • Heading West, Key West
      • People and Places of Key West
    • Seeing Georgia >
      • Hot Blues on a Humid Georgia Day | Blind Willie McTell
      • Thomasville Rose Festival + Due South
      • It's Who We Are: Storytellers
      • Telling Stories in Young Harris
      • A Colonel and a Governor
      • It's All About the Blues
      • Time for 'Shine in Dawsonville
      • Climbing Higher at Aska >
        • Favorite Aska Recipes
      • It's All About the Animals | Georgia Wildlife Center
      • A Walk to Remember
      • Boys and Their Toys | Tank Town USA
      • Apple Pickin'' at Mercier Orchards
      • A Family Affair | Georgia Mountain Fair
      • All Aboard | Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad
      • Shrimp (and Grits)
      • The Blues of Blind Willie | 2014
      • A Fresh Look at the Prince
      • Taking Home the Golden Onion
      • The Farmhouse Inn | Hundred Acre Farm
      • Tally Ho! | Belle Mead Hunt Club
      • An Inspirational Childhood | Gena Knox
      • Top Southern Chefs Dish Tailgating
      • Pure Southern Sweetness | Sorghum
      • Celebrating Gone with the Wind
      • When in (Georgia's) ROME
      • A Slice of Buttermilk Pie | Yesterdays
      • Mud, Sweat and a Few Tears
      • Georgia's Sunflower Festival
      • St. Mary's | Georgia's Pathway
      • Get Fired Up In Macon
      • A Splash in the Historic Heartland
      • Cakes & Ale
      • A Sweet Onion of a Time
      • The Old Sautee Store
      • Cumberland Island
      • Fun Behind the Lens | GAC
      • Monroe Girls Corps
      • The Destruction of Tara
      • Dawsonville Moonshine Festival
      • Oktoberfest in Helen
      • Blairsville Sorghum Festival
      • The Battle of Chickamauga
      • One Ball | Two Weddings
      • The Battle of Tunnel Hill
      • The Battle of Resaca
      • Happy Plus 2 | Father Luke
      • Jason Aldean | Night Train | Sanford Stadium
      • The Makin' of Round Here
    • Seeing Louisiana >
      • Here's What Hope Looks Like
    • Seeing Maine >
      • Come for the Lobster Roll
      • The Soul of the Coast
      • Hugging the Coastline of Maine
    • Seeing MIssissippi >
      • Mississippi Sings the Blues
    • Seeing New York >
      • 24 Hours in New York City
    • Seeing North Carolina >
      • Tasting Sylva: Come for the Beer
      • The Super Bowl . . . of Sorts
      • A Total Eclipse of the Sun
      • The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
      • Getaway to Bryson City
      • Running For The Pot Of Gold
      • Mama to Son | Harris Leatherworks
      • The Earthy Balance of the Yadkin Valley
    • Seeing South Carolina >
      • Old 96 District
      • The Lowcountry of South Carolina
      • A Taste of Gullah
      • Left Hand, Right Hand | Zipline Hilton Head
      • Siesta at Sonesta
      • A State of Euphoia 2013 >
        • Taste of the South | Euphoria
        • Find Euphoria in Greenville
    • Seeing Tennessee >
      • Watching Paint Dry | See Rock City
      • Soggy Bottom Boys Reunited
      • Graceland
      • The Magic in the Holler | Gatlinburg
      • Working Class Art | Robert Alewine
      • What Would Wilma Maples Think?
      • Storytelling Festival
      • Smoky Mountain Fireflies
      • Robert Tino's Appalachian View
      • Love's Farewell Tour | International Storytelling Festival
    • Seeing Virginia >
      • National DDay Memorial
      • For the Love of the Train
      • A Night with the Salem Red Sox
    • Seeing West Virginia >
      • Mountains Set to Music
      • Travel South in Charleston
      • Hitting the Trails in Logan
      • West Virginia in Black and White
    • Seeing the World >
      • Seeing Belize
      • Seeing Bermuda | Bermudiful Bermuda >
        • 10 Days | 2 Coots | 1 Paradise
      • Seeing Canada >
        • The Rising of Noelle-Ange
      • Seeing Costa Rica >
        • Pack Lighter, Travel Better
        • Outside the Box | Medical Tourism
        • Only on Osa
        • Eating My Way Down Calle 33
      • Seeing Europe | Viking River Cruises 2019 >
        • Amsterdam Ramblings
        • Travel Like a Viking | Rhine River
        • Travel Like A Vking | The Alruna's Allure
      • Seeing Greece 2018 >
        • Two Coots Go Greek
        • The Poet Sandlemaker
        • Heaven's New Address is Halkidiki, Greece
        • His Passion for Wine | Danai Resort
      • Seeing Grenada 2016 >
        • Aboard the S/V Mandalay | Windjammer
      • Seeing Ireland 2016 >
        • A Wee Little Travel for Two Coots
        • Day 1 | Dublin > Kilkenny
        • Day 2 | Kilkenny > Kenmare
        • Day 3 | Kenmare > Dingle
        • Day 4 | Dingle > Doolin
        • Day 5 | Doolin > Westport
        • Day 6 | Westport > Donegal
      • Seeing Ireland >
        • Five Star Luxury in Dublin
        • Belfast North
        • County Antrim & Giants Causeway
        • Walking Westeros with Hodor
        • Seeing Derry
      • Seeing Italy 2017 >
        • Salerno and the Amalfi Coast
        • Sicily
        • Castellemmare del golfo
        • Over my Shoulder | Suzanne's Journey
      • Seeing Mexico | 2015 Viceroy Rivera Maya
      • Seeing Spain 2019 >
        • Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
        • Pamplona and San Fermin
  • Southern Diary
    • The Road to Italian Citizenship
  • Len + Judy
    • Seeing Southern Photography >
      • 2021 | Behind the Lens
      • 2020 | Behind the Lens
      • 2019 | Behind the Lens
      • 2018 | Behind the Lens
      • 2017 | Behind the Lens
      • 2016 | Behind the Lens
    • North Georgia Moonshine
    • 100 Things To Do In Athens
    • Portfolio | Editorial & Photography
    • Media Kit
    • Words of Praise | Seeing Southern
  • Contact
  • Shop