Friday, October 12
PACKET PICK-UP AND REGISTRATION
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Covington-Newton County Visitors Bureau
2101 Clark Street SW, Covington, GA 30014
FRIDAY RAMBLE
Covington
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Travel to the county seat of Newton County and explore the rich history of Covington. Tour the iconic Newton County Courthouse, built in 1884. Designed in the Second Empire style, it was made famous by the TV series In the Heat of the Night. Spend the afternoon strolling the tree lined streets of Covington’s historic district and explore impressive Victorians, beautifully restored Craftsmans, and stately Greek Revivals.
Porterdale
2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Continue your afternoon touring the city of Porterdale, one of the most intact mill villages in the South. Visit several restored and in-progress mill cottages as well as the preservation award-winning Porter Memorial Gymnasium ruins, one of the village’s most beloved structures that once served as the centerpiece of Porterdale.
Pre-Dinner Reception at the Porter Memorial Gymnasium
5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY EVENING
Dinner & Cocktails at The Mill at Yellow River, Porterdale Mill
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy dinner at The Mill at Yellow River, located at the historic Porterdale Mill. Located in a former twine mill once owned by the Bibb Manufacturing Company, the structure was built in 1899 and operated as the largest producer of twine until the 1970s. In 2006, the mill was purchased and rehabilitated into lofts and event space after sitting vacant for more than 30 years.
Saturday, October 13
PACKET PICK-UP AND REGISTRATION
Covington First United Methodist Church
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1113 Conyers Street SW
Covington, GA 30014
SATURDAY MORNING
Breakfast and Orientation at First United Methodist
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the Covington First United Methodist Church. Built in 1856 in the Greek Revival style, the church served as a hospital during the Civil War. The church was also used in the 1954 Academy Award nominated film A Man Called Peter, the first movie to be filmed in Covington. First United Methodist was chosen as a filming site because it was considered a perfect example of a southern church. After breakfast, stick around to hear a brief orientation about the storied history of Newton County.
SATURDAY RAMBLE & LUNCH
Covington
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ramble along the most prominent streets in town and explore the many excellent examples of high style and vernacular architecture of Covington’s Historic Districts. You won’t want to miss the beautifully restored Federal style Zachary-Echols House, built in 1854 for the sheriff of Newton County. The home also starred in the hit TV show Dukes of Hazzard as an orphanage. Guests will also enjoy the Lassiter Paschal House, a charming 1890s Victorian cottage that features many of its original details. Take a break from touring and enjoy lunch at one of the many local downtown restaurants. While on the square, discover how Covington earned its nickname, the “Hollywood of the South,” by locating your favorite movie or television shows on one of the 30 pavers featured on Covington’s Walk of Stars.
Oxford
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Finish your afternoon in the historic town of Oxford, the birthplace of Emory University. Explore the historic campus of Oxford College, built by the Georgia Methodist Conference in 1836, with tours of several historic landmarks including Seney Hall, one of Emory University’s most historic and recognizable buildings. Discover Oxford’s Methodist roots at the Old Church, the oldest non-residential structure in Oxford. Guests will also enjoy a tour of High Point at Chestnut Grove, a stately Federal style private residence.
SATURDAY EVENING
Dinner & Cocktails at the Old President’s House
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dine outdoors on the picturesque grounds of Emory’s oldest structure, the Old President’s House at Oxford College, a Greek Revival home that features intricate Victorian-era gingerbread scrollwork around the front porch. Built in the late 1830s by Ignatius Few, Emory’s founder and first president, it was the residence of four Emory presidents before the campus moved to Atlanta in 1919. Following the move, the Old President’s House kept its name but is now home to college deans and their families. In 2007, the home underwent a massive rehabilitation, led by former dean Stephen Bowen.
Sunday, October 14
PACKET PICK-UP AND REGISTRATION
Burge Plantation
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
44 Jeff Cook Road
Mansfield, GA 30055
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Burge Plantation
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Enjoy a savory farm-to-table breakfast at Burge Plantation. Located outside of Mansfield, Burge Plantation is a historic 1000-acre private hunting, shooting and family club that has remained in the same family since 1809. Tour the property’s outbuildings, gardens and organic farm as well as the c. 1920s main house, which is a copy of Homewood, an early 1800s house on the Johns Hopkins campus in Baltimore. A beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture, the house features a central portico with rarely seen temple of the winds capitals atop four columns. The original 1840 Burge House is located across the street and was moved in 1920 from the site of the current home.
SUNDAY RAMBLE
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Travel off the beaten path and explore the charming towns of Mansfield and Newborn. Mansfield, developed along the Middle Georgia and Atlantic Railroad, features many historic homes from the turn of the 20th century. Visit the beautifully restored Sandtown Place, an 1840 private residence that features a general store from the 1880s. Newborn, a short drive from Mansfield, is one of the oldest settlements in Newton County. Tour the beautiful gardens and the circa 1890s Second Empire manor house of Porter Manor, a former dormitory for young women who attended the Palmyra Institute located in Newborn.
