Georgia’s premier tour of historic homes, sites, and so much more!

Athens and Watkinsville
April 19-21, 2024

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Explore historic private homes and sites in Athens and Watkinsville

Join us this spring in Athens, where Ramblers will enjoy the rare opportunity to explore the Classic City’s most historic homes and sites. Ramblers will also visit nearby Watkinsville and Oconee County, a first for the Georgia Trust.

Named the “South’s Best College Town” by Southern Living magazine, Athens is the beloved home of the University of Georgia and a legendary music scene. Athens boasts sixteen historic districts, each with a unique character offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past. Wander through streets lined with beautifully preserved architecture and rich history and explore the historic landmarks that have shaped Athens into the eclectic city that it is today.

Conclude the weekend in nearby Watkinsville, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Oconee County. Explore historic homes and farmsteads that reflect the area’s rich history.

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Image by Sarah Folsom Photography

Heritage Reception

A Complimentary Event for Upper-Level Georgia Trust Members ($300+)
Saturday, April 20, 2024

During the Ramble weekend, before Saturday’s dinner, upper-level Georgia Trust members ($300 and up) will enjoy an exclusive private reception at Athens’ only National Historic Landmark, the 1840s Taylor-Grady House. The restored interior is adorned with antique furnishings and historically accurate paint colors. Guests will also enjoy seeing an interpretive boxwood garden. As of 2023, a new chapter is beginning for the Taylor-Grady House and will now be known as Landmark Commons, which will include not only the Taylor-Grady House, but also gardens, original out kitchen, and summer dining room. Landmark Commons aims for inclusive history through education, preservation, and hospitality.


To upgrade your membership to be a part of this exclusive reception, contact 404-885-7818 or membership@georgiatrust.org.

Friday, April 19
TOWN & GOWN

Named the “South’s Best College Town” by Southern Living magazine, Athens is the beloved home of the University of Georgia. Stroll through the landmark Arch onto the original campus of the nation’s first state-chartered university to see an extraordinary mix of 19th and early 20th century architecture. Take a rare look inside the University of Georgia President’s House, one of the oldest buildings in Athens and the official residence of UGA presidents since 1949.

Visit magnificent private residences in Athens’ historic Five Points neighborhood including the stunning home and gardens of the late UGA football legend Vince Dooley and his wife Barbara. See the Dearing-Wilkins House, which has been lovingly cared for by the University’s Alpha Pi sorority. Explore awe-inspiring homes in the Henderson Historic District featuring excellent examples of Folk Victorian, Queen Anne, and early 20th century Craftsman style design. Return to UGA’s North Campus to enjoy cocktails and dinner at Herty Field, UGA’s first athletic field and site of the first intercollegiate football game in 1892.

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Saturday, April 20
EXQUISITE HOMES

Ramble through the historic residential neighborhoods, each with their own unique character, that feature beautifully preserved architecture and historic landmarks. Explore the Cobbham Historic District, considered to be Athens’ first suburb. The neighborhood is known for its well-preserved Victorian and Neoclassical homes. See beautifully maintained residences including the Gordon-Hanks House, the Jester-Downs House, and the Thurmond-Banks-Knowlton House. Don’t miss seeing the home and gardens of the late landscape architecture professor John Linley, which were featured in Garden and Gun magazine. Step inside the house once owned by Young Harris, who is best known as the early benefactor of Young Harris College, after whom the school was named. Discover hidden gems in the eclectic neighborhood of Pulaski Heights. Ramblers will also have exclusive access to The Hill, an enclave of historic homes that narrowly escaped demolition. These houses, now situated on a new site, are now home to renowned Southern caterer, Lee Epting. Conclude the day with cocktails and dinner on the grounds of Athens’ only National Historic Landmark, the 1840s Taylor-Grady House.

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Sunday, April 21
WATKINSVILLE

Conclude the weekend in nearby Watkinsville, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Oconee County. Enjoy brunch in Bishop at Oak Hall located on the property of Hedgerow Farm, a historic farm that includes a century-old farmhouse and an early settler’s house. Wander the quaint streets of Watkinsville, the county seat of Oconee County, and explore the South Main Historic District, lined with restored historic homes and buildings.

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Accommodations

The Georgia Trust Spring Ramble
Athens, Georgia
April 19-21, 2024

Please make your reservations right away and remember to mention you are with The Georgia Trust to get these rates. Prices do not include taxes.

Best Western Athens
170 N. Milledge, Athens
706-546-7959
$159/$169 + tax per night
Reservation Cut-Off Date: March 18, 2024
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Graduate Athens
295 E. Dougherty Street, Athens
706-549-7020
$169 + tax per night
Mention Spring Ramble 2024 for the discounted room rate.
Reservation Cut Off Date: March 21, 2024
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Hampton Inn Athens
2220 W. Broad Street, Athens
706-548-9600
$179 + tax per night
Reservation Cut Off Date: March 21, 2024
Booking link

Holiday Inn Express Athens
513 W. Broad Street, Athens
706-546-8122
$164 + tax per night
Booking link

Homewood Suites by Hilton
Athens Downtown University Area
750 E. Broad Street, Athens
706-548-3500
$159 + tax per night
Booking link

Our Partners

 
Our Presenting Sponsors

NEDRA JOHNSON

 
Our Generous Sponsors

BRIAN BRODRICK

What are Rambles?

Rambles feature exclusive tours and social events in historic properties not usually open to the public. Tours of historic homes and buildings are self-guided, and guests provide their own transportation. Maps and programs are provided at packet pick-up. Catered meals are offered as part of registration packages; however, there are tour-only (no meals) options as well.

These trips attract hundreds of participants per Ramble and are offered two weekends each year (fall and spring). Recent Rambles have included Augusta, Thomasville, Macon and Newnan.

For more information, contact the Trust’s Special Events Department at 404-885-7812 or SpecialEvents@GeorgiaTrust.org.

**Sites and times are subject to change. Event occurs rain or shine.