The lazy days of the wind through the willows and lemonade on the front porch are nearly here and communities along Georgia’s Antebellum Trail will once again extend their Southern hospitality to visitors during the fourth-annual Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage.

Visitors will enjoy events pertaining to the 19 century and feel a part of a window in time. The 100-mile Antebellum Trail spans seven historically significant communities including Athens, Watkinsville, Madison, Eatonton, Milledgeville, Gray/Old Clinton and Macon. On April 19 through 22, communities will offer museum tours and special events as well as entrance into private historic homes not generally open to the public.

Those who have always wanted to see the insides of gorgeous period homes will finally have their chance. A flexible Antebellum Trail Pilgrimage Pass is $25 and provides admission to all participating events and attractions in any or all of the communities throughout the entire weekend.

“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 Justin Martin, President of the Antebellum Trail Association in a press release.

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. After feasting on history, indulge in premium shopping with unique shops and restaurants downtown.  

Eatonton will also offer three different historic homes, great shopping and quaint restaurants. Participants will be able to take exclusive tours of private homes not usually open to the public, including the Riley-Williams House, which is making its first debut on the Pilgrimage.

Bonnie Simmons, the Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce, is especially excited about this opportunity to tour the cottage.

“Eatonton will have three private homes open this year. One of them is brand new to the Pilgrimage. The Riley-Williams home is an Edwardian cottage built in 1904 and is enhanced by the fine beveled glass in the entrance, original chandeliers and detailed mantels throughout,” Simmons said. “Not only does this bring tourists in from all over the Southeast, it is currently the only opportunity for Eatonton residents to tour antebellum homes. Locals can take advantage of this great opportunity.”

The tour is being featured in Southern Living’s April issue, and Simmons is looking forward to the additional publicity across the South. The Pilgrimage normally brings a few hundred people to the Middle Georgia area, according to Simmons.

“You can purchase tickets up until the day of the tour. We are always trying to promote our city as a destination for tourists. We’ve sold tickets as far as Ohio so far. We have a gem here in the heartland. With the Civil War anniversary going on over the next few years, people really want to see the South and our architecture,” Simmons said.    

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.