5. COOL OFF ON THE LAKE IN MILLEDGEVILLE With a year-round mild climate, Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville offers a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for a family vacation. Created by Georgia Power in 1953, the 500-mile scenic shoreline in the heart of Baldwin County offers travelers tons of options to hike, bike, fish, boat, Jet Ski, and play disc golf and pickleball. If you don’t have your own boat, simply head to Sinclair Wild Watersports to rent boats, kayaks, Jet Skis, and stand-up paddleboards. Sinclair Marina also drops off and picks up watercraft rentals from lakefront vacation rentals. After a fun-filled day on the lake, enjoy modern Southern specialties like Southern gentleman rolls and pecan-crusted Carolina trout at Aubri Lane’s at the Club at Lake Sinclair. Or, for something more laid-back with a deck bar featuring live music, opt for brisket nachos and reel oysters at Taylor’s Cove . Stay at one of the lakeside vacation rentals that can accommodate large families and groups with docks, decks, and firepits. Or, if you want to be closer to town, reserve a room at the adorable and homey The Inn on North Jefferson . Take a self-guided walking tour and visit more than 40 locations in downtown Milledgeville, or hop onboard a bright-red Historic Trolley Tour to learn about the small town’s rich cultural heritage and architecture. Along the way, you will hear local historians point out a variety of architectural styles, periods, and preservation styles, including Victorian, Greek Revival, and Federal. The tour stops at Statehouse Square , where you can see Georgia’s Old Capitol Building and the interior of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church . Also, take a guided tour of Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion for its regal facade and opulent interiors. Milledgeville was home to famous author Flannery O’Connor, whose short stories and novels about religion and experiences in the American South are cornerstones of the Southern Gothic literary genre. O’Connor also inspired the 2023 movie “Wildcat.” At her former home, Andalusia Farm , you can see her personal belongings, learn about her work at the farm, and visit the remaining resident peacocks. Make time to enjoy the diverse cuisines, music, and shopping in the revitalized downtown. The Local Yolkal Café is a staple for breakfast, serving the best homemade biscuits and gravy and buttermilk pancakes in town. For something truly unique, Bollywood Tacos is a must-visit for its colorful murals, top-notch margaritas, and Indian-Mexican fusion food. Also, check out their new sister restaurant, Metropolis Café , serving Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Before you leave, shop for women’s fashions at Firefly Boutique and rustic clothing and gifts at Southern Roots . 18 #EXPLOREGEORGIA LAKE SINCLAIR, MILLEDGEVILLE/VISIT MILLEDGEVILLE
Official State Travel Guide 2025 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 18
