Girl Meets City: Americus and Sumter County
I’ve never been so excited about a Girl Meets City post that I’ve sat down and started to write it less than 24 hours after completing it.
Most of my trips happen due to a family connection or a friend, this was practically both.
My dear friend, Nicole, met the love of her life and moved away. It was a sad time for me, selfishly, because I was losing someone who had really been there for me when I needed friends. But I was rejoicing in her move, because finding her love gave me the hope that I could meet mine.
Nicole had tried, and we had talked, about my coming down sooner and for various reasons it had yet to happen.
It was the celebration of this love that would bring me to Americus and Sumter County, to witness and rejoice in her marriage.
Due to some fortunate circumstances, my date and I would arrive in Americus earlier than I had originally planned. Before even getting to Americus itself we first stopped in Andersonville to visit the National Prisoner of War Museum.
Andersonville
“The Camp Sumter military prison at Andersonville was one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died here. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation’s history,” from the National Parks Service website.
It had been several years since I last was there, and the first visit for Nathan. I’m pretty sure when I visited, it was only the Andersonville items that were up and running- as opposed to also featuring items on P.O.W.s from other wars. My mother’s father was a P.O.W. in World War II, so I think I would remember that. There were mentions of camps near the one he was held in.
Visiting this site is important to anyone wishing to study American history, and to see the small space of land that once held so many men, with only 5 feet of personal space- according to the docent. It “was the deadliest landscape of the Civil War.”
It’s strangely beautiful and haunting all at once over here, and an important place to visit.
(scroll through photos)
Americus
We took the back roads to Americus, getting off the interstate at Perry. You never quite know how a country road trip will go, and this one was quite beautiful. I drive a fuel-efficient Prius, and even with driving through Andersonville and making that stop- we used less than an 8th of a tank of gas. It was less than a two-hour drive, compatible to driving to downtown Atlanta on a good traffic day- with zero stress.
Once here we drove straight into their beautiful downtown. It is practically pristine, even my boyfriend noted how clean it was. Even the parts that could be more developed were in what appeared to be good shape. We drove around a little bit and headed over to Cafe Campesino for coffee. I’m already familiar with their coffee since I can get it at Roasted in Macon. The inside of their cafe has a modern feel, complete with a copper countertop and clean decor.
It was lunchtime, and even though we could have ordered food here we opted to get coffee and a smoothie and grab lunch elsewhere- so we could experience as much as possible.
From here it was across the street to the Visitors Center, right next door to our hotel. This former post office holds spaces dedicated to each of the towns in Sumter County, each with their own flavor.
Then it was to Little Brothers for food, right in the same building as the Windsor. Here we got some of my favorite food from the trip- I ordered the Mediterranean Flat Bread…. and….. a mimosa. Because why not?!
It wasn’t quite time to check into the hotel, so we took the time to walk around and shop. First there was Allie’s Boutique and More, where I picked up a cute pearl necklace. Then it was The Maze- this huge spot which had clothing, furniture, and more. My guy even surprised me later with a gift for my home from here!
It was right about this time that Nicole, who also happens to be the Director of Tourism for Sumter Counter, called me to tell me about Sweet Georgia Baking Company. See, Nicole also once lived in Birmingham and told me about some epic spots for my Girl Meets Birmingham trip. She knew that I fell in love with Highlands and Frank Stitt’s food, so when she told me that the owner of this bakery once worked for Stitt- it became Mission #1, immediately.
Sweet Georgia did not disappoint with their cookies and cakes- I got a little of everything. And their owner was super cool, he took the time to talk about his days working for Stitt and how he ended up in Americus after working around the South. Can you guess what brought him here? It was his brother- who owns Cafe Campesino! Gotta love small towns.
In fact- it was all so good that I ate it before I took photos. Whoops.
Next it was more shopping at The Kinnebrew Company, where I picked up a crisp white shirt, and a stop to peek in at the estate jewelry at Roberts Jewelry store.
Then it was time to check into the Windsor.
This is a breathtaking hotel, truly one of the prettiest I’ve ever stayed in. It reminded me a lot of the Jekyll Island Club with that same decadent feel. The hotel was built-in 1892, and “was a 100 room, five-story Victorian masterpiece architecturally designed with tower and turret, balconies, and a three-story open atrium lobby. It occupies nearly an entire city block, and was the site of numerous balls and celebrations. The hotel closed its doors in 1972 after almost 80 years in operation. In 1991, the hotel re-opened after a $6.5 million dollar renovation,” according to their website.
For the afternoon we just drove around, looking at all the beautiful historic homes. There’s really so much for the historic architecture enthusiast to take in!
Sadly, we missed making reservations for dinner because they were having their murder mystery dinner theatre- and it was all booked up. Instead, we had dinner at The Station- and drinks before at JJ’s Wings & Things- all in easy walking distance. Dinner was a bleu cheese steak and pork medallion with a pecan cinnamon sauce, and grit fritters on the side.
After dinner we would meet with Nicole’s friends, Dave and Michael, for drinks at the pub in the hotel. You can sit on their balcony and just enjoy being outside, above downtown, and have a drink. It was a really pretty sight.
The next day, we walked across the street to the brand new Juiced to get a healthy breakfast. And…. to help recover from the evening before.
Then, it was back to the hotel to rest up a little bit before getting Mexican at The 1800- and let me tell y’all- this was good Mexican! They even had tamales, which made me one happy girl.
It was after this that I would separate to get my hair and makeup done at The Look Salon, also next door to the Windsor. I don’t know what I would have done without Meredith!
Now it was time to pack everything up and head to Plains- where the wedding reception would take place!
Preston, Georgia
Preston is technically not in Sumter County, however we did make a brief stop there for the wedding. AND while on the way there, we spied an important historic sign:
Walter F. George.
As in the same Walter F. George that the Mercer law school is named for, where my boyfriend attends law school. A Macon connection! One that we did not expect.
Plains, Georgia
To back track just a bit, we moved from The Windsor Hotel to the Plains Inn for our second evening in Sumter County. The photos on the website really just don’t do this place justice! And no, I didn’t take any because I was just too excited.
You walk in through their antique mall, which is on the first floor, and check in at the front. Then walk through the mall and hang a right and go up the stairs to this amazing brick living area with a balcony overlooking the adorable downtown. Each of the rooms are decorated with a theme of a particular decade. And the fridge has a lovely assortment of goodies for later on.
It was also nice to have a quiet spot where we could get dressed without being rushed. And, to be quite honest, to practice taking selfies 😉
After the wedding we went into a venue behind the inn for the wedding reception. It was so awesome to meet new friends, hang out with old ones, and just having fun. I loved celebrating love with all my loved ones. (Cheesy- I know.)
The next morning… I was a little miffed. It’s greatly my own fault, but I had been on the fence about trying to see President Carter speak at Sunday School. I let someone talk me out of it based on the fact that I neglected to bring church attire, and ended up with a serious case of FOMO when I saw my friends post about being there and another one who got to read scripture. (Although I’m super stoked for her for getting to do that!) Suffice it to say, we will be back to catch this.
Even though we didn’t get to see Jimmy, we did get to tour around the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, the headquarters of his presidential campaign, and hear some first hand stories about Jimmy and Rosalynn from those who lived there. Plus, we got an amazing breakfast- and the stores downtown have the Sunday School schedule posted- haha! (No I’m not sharing.)
AND we got chocolate and peanut butter swirl ice cream, and some great antiques- and so many memories.
From here it was back to Americus to grab some Bird Dog BBQ on our way out-of-town, and we hit the road yet again. There were SO many places we didn’t get to see- like 13th Colony Distillery, so many places to eat….
The interesting thing is, whenever I finish up one of my Girl Meets City trips, I’m always anxious to get home. I’m ready for the drive or the flight to be finished and to be back where I belong. This was the first time that I didn’t feel the same anxiety. Maybe it was the discovery that the drive was easy and pleasant, maybe it was the fact that I saw so many of my Macon people at the events, maybe it was meeting new and fun people.
Maybe it was witnessing the fulfilment of love as my own grew, or perhaps it was even something about Sumter County. I didn’t want it to end, and I can’t wait to return.
Love to all y’all,
Molly
Awesome write up. Glad you enjoyed our little area. I was at the wedding/reception. Didn’t get to chat.
Come back sometime.
Bobby Ellis
Aw thank you, Bobby! I’m sorry we didn’t get the chance to meet. I really will come back soon, I loved my visit.
What a great post about our little town and county!! We constantly have visitors asking for “what to do in Sumter Co” advice.. now we can point them straight to your post! Thanks for pulling this together!
Aw thank you! Well, and I can now officially tell you that I’ll be back for the Hot Glass Cold Beer Festival!