Georgia Travel: Newnan Tour of Homes

Thirty-five miles south of Atlanta, sits the "City of Homes"-Newnan, Georgia. An interesting mix of old and new south, Newnan maintains a quaint historic downtown square along with number of Antebellum and Victorian homes throughout the city. One of the more well-known landmarks is a 1904 Neo-Greek Revival courthouse, which has made an appearance in several movies and television programs, including the television series, Matlock. If you are looking for a great taste of southern hospitality and stunning architecture, you'll find it in Newnan.

These are the Newnan hot spots you'll want to be sure to include in your itinerary:

MaleAcademyMuseum. Begin your tour of homes with a visit to the MaleAcademyMuseum. Located on the corner of Temple Avenue and College Street, the museum offers displays of clothing, furnishing, weapons, and arts from the 1800's through today. The museum, itself, is a historical marker, serving as a private boy's school from 1883 to 1888. It's also a great place to pick up information on local home tours, the Newnan Historical Society, souvenirs, and maps of the city.

Hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1pm to 3pm, Saturday & Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. Children under 12 are free. More information can be obtained by phone at (770) 251-0207

CowetaCounty Courthouse. Erected originally in 1829, the courthouse felt the effects of the Civil War when its walls were breeched in 1864. Re-built in 1904, the Coweta County Courthouse is a splendid neo-Greek Revival classic, featuring a cover dome, cornices, pediments and railings.

The courthouse is located in the center of the downtown Newnan square off Jefferson Street. Additional information on hours of operation and accessibility may be obtained from the CowetaCountyWelcomeCenter (770) 254-2627

While you are in downtown Newnan visiting the Courthouse, be sure to stop by the charming shops surrounding the square and if you are hungry, try some of the local fare too. A unique and fun food stop is the Redneck Café located at 11 North Court Square.

Antebellum Homes. Newnan boasts five historical home districts where you'll find a visual treat of architecture dating back as far as 1828. Two breath-taking visual treats include the Willcoxon-Arnold House which is now home to the Hillcrest Funeral Chapel, and the Arnold-Arnall-Shapiro House.

A listing of registered Antebellum Homes in Newnan and tour information can be found on the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society website: http://www.nchistoricalsociety.org/antebellum.htm

Victorian Homes. Along your tour of homes will be a number of stunning, restored Victorians. Queen Anne, Gothic, Colonial Revival-whatever your preference, you'll find a fabulous sampling of all Victorian architectural styles. A particular treat is the Thomas-Askew-Wilkinson-Evers Victorian Queen Anne located on 130 LaGrange Street, featuring a gazebo, wrap around porch, and intricate clockwork.

A listing of registered Victorian Homes in Newnan and tour information may be obtained on the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society website: http://www.nchistoricalsociety.org/victorian.htm

Additional area attractions the will appeal to history buffs, include the cities of Sharpsburg and Senoia, where you'll find more Antebellum and Victorian homes, along with several antique shops to browse. The nearby city of Mooreland might also entice you with the Lewis Grizzard Museum and the Erskine Caldwell Museum. Be prepared to stay in the Newnan area for awhile, you'll find a plethur of sights and activities to occupy your time!