9 Inspiring Flannery O'Connor Destinations in Georgia

Visitors to O’Connor’s Childhood Home, one of the few museum houses in the country that is restored to the Depression-era, receive a guided tour that reveals the quiet domestic life of the young Mary Flannery and her family. Flannery called this “home” from when she was born in 1925 until when her family moved to Milledgeville. The Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home also offers a variety of free events throughout the year, including free Sunday lecture series in both the spring and the fall, and the Annual Ursrey Memorial Lecture, which has brought Michael Cunningham, Roxanne Gay, and Jaimy Gordon to Savannah.

Note: Open Thursday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 207 East Charlton Street, Savannah, GA 31401

If you’re exploring Milledgeville on the Historic Walking Tour, you’ll pass by this gorgeous house. Used as the residence for Georgia's Governor in 1838 and 1839 during the construction of the present Georgia’s Old Governor's Mansion, the house is the family home of the late Flannery O'Connor. Flannery lived here briefly after her family's move to Milledgeville as a teenager. It remains in the family today and is a private residence.

Address: 311 W. Greene St, Milledgeville, GA 31061

Now a part of Georgia College’s campus, Andalusia Farm was the home of Flannery O’Connor from 1951-1964. During the 13 years she lived at Andalusia, she completed the bulk of her literary work, as the farm’s environment influenced the setting of many of her writings. Walk the grounds, marvel at the peacocks, and be inspired by the surroundings that inspired Flannery herself.

Note: Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 - 4 p.m. Tours begin on the hour and the last tour begins at 4 p.m. 2628 N. Columbia Street, Milledgeville, GA 31061

For more than 150 years, the ancestors of internationally acclaimed author Flannery O’Connor, a devout Catholic herself, have been instrumental in the development and growth of the Catholic Church in Milledgeville. The first Catholic resident of Milledgeville was Hugh Donnelly Treanor, Flannery O’Conner’s great-grandfather. Stop by to admire the church’s beautiful and unique Gothic Revival-style architecture and reminisce on a community that was a large influence on O’Connor’s life.

Address: 110 N Jefferson St NE, Milledgeville, GA 31061

Memory Hill Cemetery is the resting place of countless influencers of Milledgeville’s past, including Flannery O’Connor. In addition to the traditional flowers or even a coin, some visitors to O'Connor's grave leave behind other tokens such as peacock feathers, pebbles, stones, poems, small books and figurines.

Address: Liberty and Franklin Streets, Milledgeville, GA 31061

Special Collections is a section of Georgia College’s Ina Dillard Russell Library dedicated to the curation of documents documenting Milledgeville’s past. Staff of the Ina Dillard Russell Library established the Flannery O'Connor Collection shortly after the first publication of O'Connor's short story "The Geranium" in 1946. The early collection consisted of newspaper clippings, magazines containing the first publications of stories, the published works, and some early items from O'Connor's student days at Peabody High School and Georgia State College for Women.

While best remembered for her fiction, O'Connor was also an accomplished cartoonist; numerous examples of her artwork appear in the college newspaper, literary magazine and yearbook. Many of these publications are placed on display for visitors to admire throughout the year.

Note: Research visits can be scheduled online | 221 N Clarke St, Milledgeville, GA 31061

The Georgia Writers Museum in Eatonton, located just 17 miles from Andalusia Farm, promotes the rich, literary heritage of the state. Permanent exhibits honor the three most famous local authors, Alice Walker, Flannery O'Connor and Joel Chandler Harris. Works and artifacts of the other authors also are featured in the museum. Check the museum's website for author talks, book clubs and other special events throughout the year.

Note: Open Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; other days by appointment. | 109 S. Jefferson Ave., Eatonton, GA 31024

Attend the Savannah Book Festival and you are bound to find Flannery O’Connor and her works being celebrated. This festival celebrates nationally recognized and local authors through their contributions to literacy, ideas and imagination. Festival Saturday is free and open to the public, featuring solo author presentations in seven venues around Telfair, Chippewa and Wright Squares in historic downtown Savannah.

Save the Dates: February 15-18, 2024

Get your literary fix at this magical bookstore located only a short stroll away from Flannery O’Connor’s childhood home. Adding this destination to your itinerary is a must-do for every book lover. E. Shaver, Bookseller opened its doors in 1975, and E. Shaver herself still runs things today. Take time to visit this literary landmark and appreciate the inspiration that flows from the walls of books. We think Flannery would approve of this independent bookseller!

Note: Open Monday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 - 5 p.m. | 326 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401