As published in The Florida Villager.
LaGrange, Georgia: A Southern Surprise Worth Savoring
I arrived in LaGrange, Georgia, expecting a charming Southern town, but I left with something much more—a collection of experiences, conversations and unexpected discoveries that made me feel as though I had gotten to know the heart of the community.
My first stop, fittingly, was Pretty Good Books, because I am a book lover and rarely pass up an independent bookstore. Housed in LaGrange’s oldest non-residential building, dating to 1844, the shop has plenty of character. I was greeted by Poe the Cat, who seemed to understand that book lovers need a proper welcome. Browsing the shelves felt less like shopping and more like settling into a place that has stories of its own.
History took center stage at Hills and Dales Estate, the beautifully preserved home and gardens of the Callaway family. The estate offers a glimpse into another era, but what I enjoyed most was wandering through the grounds and imagining the lives of the people who once called this place home. It is the kind of place where history feels personal rather than distant.
Another memorable stop was the Biblical History Center, which I found exceptionally well done. It is educational without ever becoming overwhelming, and the walking tour brought the biblical world to life in a way that was easy to appreciate. Visitors can also experience a Biblical meal in a replica of a Jerusalem Biblical Meal Room, based on one discovered at Pompeii. Even for someone who isn’t a history scholar, the experience makes the past feel remarkably alive.
Then there were the places where I simply enjoyed being in the moment. At Red Door Antiques, I began exploring the shop and somehow ended up having a wonderful conversation with the owners over wine. Those are the encounters I treasure most when traveling—the ones that aren’t on an itinerary and can’t really be planned.
I also loved meandering through the Marketplace at Lafayette Square, where I had the pleasure of joking around with Al, the owner. During the wine stroll, he had put together a food spread that could have put any caterer to shame. It was generous, delicious and, most importantly, fun. There was a genuine sense of community that made the event feel less like a tourist attraction and more like being invited into someone’s neighborhood.
Of course, no Southern town should be explored without sampling the food. At Taste of Lemon, housed in an old church built in 1892, I found exactly what I was hoping for: no-frills, good old Southern cooking. And the pineapple casserole? To die for. It was one of those dishes that makes you understand why some recipes become cherished traditions. Venucci is an intimate Italian restaurant on Main St., with portions that two people can definitely share. The menu was extensive, but I finally decided on the Chicken Tortellini Carbonara and was not disappointed.
And then there was Nutwood Winery, another opportunity to slow down, sip something good in the way of their wine strawberry slushie and enjoy the scenery. By this point in my LaGrange adventure, I had learned that the best way to experience this town isn’t to rush from attraction to attraction. It is to linger—to talk to people, taste the food, browse the shops and let the day unfold.
LaGrange surprised me. Yes, it has beautiful estates, fascinating history, good food and wine. But what stayed with me were the people and the little moments between the sights. LaGrange isn’t simply a place to visit; it is a place to experience—and, if you’re lucky, to feel just a little bit at home.
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