Great Escape: Rock Eagle in Eatonton

Can you think of a time in Georgia before high rises and neighborhood developments?  Take a trip to Eatonton, Ga., (about 1.5 hours on Interstate 20) for an Indian history lesson and -- what else -- a great Southern buffet!

The Rock Eagle Effigy Mound is located in the Rock Eagle 4-H Center, a UGA run park and facility adjacent to the Oconee National Forest.   Featuring Indian evidence that has been dated more than 2,000 years old, this 1,500-acre site has a huge lake and lots of natural habitat to explore.   

Go on a Saturday when they have events open to the public, such as “Saturday at the Rock.” These programs occur every third Saturday and provide a visit to the History Museum as well as a featured topic.  August 20 at 9:30 a.m. is Attracting Birds to Your Yard and features education and a bird feeder craft for only $5 (pre-registration required).  

If you would like to wait until the weather cools, go on November 19 and 20 when they host an arts and craft sale called Art at the Rock. 

Do you need a meal to complete your journey? Just make sure to visit any Sunday before November 20, when they are having the local favorite lunch buffet for $12. Southern fried chicken, roast beef, cornbread and all the fixins’ make the buffet one of the area’s favorites dining spots.   

Take a trip back in time and enjoy Georgia’s undeveloped beauty and effigies. Then, consider what type of mark you want to leave in Georgia history.