One-tank trip: Eatonton

By Lori Johnston

For the AJC

Updates to Eatonton’s Uncle Remus Museum and a new town museum in a renovated schoolhouse are among the changes visitors can see in this town, which turned 200 last year.

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Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce The Uncle Remus Museum expanded in 2009, adding a room devoted to Joseph Sidney Turner, who hired author Joel Chandler Harris as an apprentice.

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Eatonton joins other Georgia towns with historic homes along the Antebellum Trail.

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Don’t Miss

Uncle Remus Museum: A 2009 expansion to the museum includes an entire room in the log cabin with photos, books, newspaper clippings, furniture and other items in memory of Joseph Sidney Turner, known as the “little boy” in Joel Chandler Harris’ “Tales of Uncle Remus.”

The museum also includes wood carvings and artwork of Harris’ characters, including Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Fox, photos from Disney’s “Song of the South,” newspaper clippings, photos, portraits and a first edition of “Uncle Remus.”

Ga. 441 (three blocks south of the Putnam County Courthouse), 706-485-6856, www.uncleremus.com/museum.

The Plaza Arts Center: This former grammar school dating to 1916 on Eatonton’s Madison Avenue, was renovated and re-opened in 2008 with a town museum, 500-seat theater, classroom, recreation and other community arts spaces. The center (706-923-1655, www.theplazaartscenter.com) also is home to the Chamber of Commerce.

In the museum, they’ve recreated a turn-of-the-century downtown with storefronts and a soda shop, and the gallery is full of photos, newspaper clippings, memorabilia and other items mostly donated by residents. The classroom, meant to depict the school in the early 1900s, includes the original blackboard, old desks and photos of those early years.

Upcoming events include a performance by the Manhattan String Quartet at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 19 ($25-$45) and the 10th Annual Taste of Eatonton, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 5 ($20 advance, $25 at the door. 706-485-7701, www.tasteofeatonton.com).

Shopping: The downtown is centered around the Putnam County courthouse, where a truck filled with watermelons sat out front on the day of our visit. You can easily walk to the shops on Jefferson Avenue, which include antiques at Eatonton Market (706-485-5883), home accessories, jewelry and gift items at Fiddle Stix (706-923-5293, www.fiddlestixonline.com), gifts, accessories and Vera Bradley bags at Willow Tree and ladies apparel at the adjoining Maggie Lane (706-484-0406 for both stores).

Antebellum Trail: The Eatonton homes on this 100-mile route stretching from Macon to Athens are typically closed to the public, although you’re probably not alone if you stop and shoot photos of their exquisite exteriors. For a closer look, homes on the trail will be open to guests on April 21-25, 2010, as part of the anniversary of the trail designation, which was created 25 years ago. Tickets cost $25, which includes access to homes and special events; 1-800-709-7406, www.antebellumtrail.org.

If You Go

Eatonton is about 75 miles east of Atlanta.

Where to Stay

The Lodge on Lake Oconee. Three-story hotel with 81 rooms and free breakfast. Rates $119-$189. 930 Lake Oconee Parkway, 706-485-7785, www.thelodgeonlakeoconee.com. Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. Residential community with 146 guest rooms in golf cottages and villas, and amenities including a golf course. Rates $150-$475. 126 Cuscowilla Drive, 1-800-458-5351, www.cuscowilla.com.

Where to Eat

Hannah’s: New downtown Eatonton restaurant with brightly colored Key West-style décor and a menu to match, with fish, jerk wings and other sandwiches and salads on its lunch menu. Entrees $5.50-$8.50. 114 N. Jefferson Ave., 706-485-7212.

Pronto Slice & Pasta: Sit-down or take-out restaurant with funny-named sandwiches (the whachamacallit comes with ham, turkey and a red wine dressing), salads in bread bowls, pizza, calzones and more. Entrees $4.50-$15.95. 810 Oak St., 706-485-1116, www.prontoslicenpasta.com.

Information

Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. 305 N. Madison Ave., 706-485-7701. www.eatonton.com.