The Southern Literary Trail: A 5-Day Journey
This 5-day road trip is an immersive journey into the heart of American literature, exploring the landscapes and homes that shaped some of the South’s most iconic authors. From William Faulkner’s Mississippi to Flannery O’Connor’s Georgia, this itinerary is a pilgrimage for book lovers, tracing the roots of Southern Gothic and the rich storytelling traditions of the region. Prepare for a unique and inspiring adventure through the literary heartland.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: William Faulkner’s Oxford, Mississippi
Begin your literary pilgrimage in Oxford, Mississippi, a charming college town that Nobel laureate William Faulkner called home. Start your day at Rowan Oak, Faulkner’s beautifully preserved antebellum home, where you can see the outline of his novel “A Fable” famously written on his office walls. Afterward, wander through the historic town square, the inspiration for his fictional Yoknapatawpha County, and visit Square Books, one of America’s most beloved independent bookstores. For lunch, enjoy a classic Southern meal at City Grocery. In the afternoon, explore the University of Mississippi campus and pay your respects at Faulkner’s grave in St. Peter’s Cemetery. This first day is a deep dive into the world of a literary giant.
Literary Landmark: Square Books
Consistently ranked among the nation’s best bookstores, Square Books is more than just a shop; it’s the literary heart of Oxford. This article from Garden & Gun explores the history and significance of this iconic institution, making it clear why it’s an essential stop for any book lover visiting the South.
Day 2: The Delta & Tennessee Williams
From Oxford, drive west into the vast, flat landscape of the Mississippi Delta, a region whose stark beauty and deep history inspired countless writers and musicians. Your destination is Clarksdale, the childhood home of playwright Tennessee Williams. Visit the historic St. George’s Episcopal Church where his grandfather was rector and see the rectory where he lived. The town hosts an annual Tennessee Williams Festival. The Delta’s influence is palpable in the settings and characters of his plays. For lunch, experience a Delta institution at Abe’s Bar-B-Q, located at the legendary “Crossroads.” In the afternoon, explore the Delta Blues Museum to understand the musical soul of the region that so deeply influenced its literature. Stay the night in Clarksdale for a truly immersive Delta experience.
Literary Lodging: The Clark House Inn
To fully immerse yourself in the world of Tennessee Williams, consider a stay at the Clark House Inn in Clarksdale. This historic home was once the residence of Williams’s grandparents, offering a direct connection to the playwright’s formative years in the Mississippi Delta.
Day 3: Eudora Welty’s Jackson, Mississippi
From the Delta, drive approximately 2.5 hours south to Jackson, the state capital and home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty. Your main destination is the Eudora Welty House and Garden, a National Historic Landmark that has been perfectly preserved exactly as she left it. The tour offers an intimate look into her life and creative process. For lunch, head to the Fondren district, Jackson’s arts and culture hub, and grab a bite at Walker’s Drive-In for an upscale take on classic diner food. In the afternoon, visit Lemuria Books, another of the South’s great independent bookstores. In the evening, enjoy dinner at The Mayflower Cafe, a Jackson institution that has been serving classic Greek-inspired Southern dishes since 1935.
Don’t Miss: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
While in Jackson, a visit to the powerful Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is essential. It provides crucial historical context for the world that shaped many of the state’s most important writers and is a vital part of understanding the Southern experience.
Day 4: Flannery O’Connor’s Andalusia Farm, Georgia
Today involves a significant drive as you head east into Georgia. The 4.5-hour drive from Jackson takes you to Milledgeville, the former state capital and home of Flannery O’Connor, a master of the Southern Gothic style. Your destination is Andalusia Farm, where O’Connor lived and wrote some of her most famous works. The recently restored farm offers tours of the main house and grounds, where you can still see the peacocks she famously raised. It’s a fascinating look into the life of a singular American voice. For lunch, enjoy a classic Southern meal in downtown Milledgeville. Afterward, begin the 1.5-hour drive to Atlanta, where you’ll spend the night, preparing for the final day of your literary tour.
A Guide to Southern Gothic Literature
To fully appreciate the world of authors like Faulkner and O’Connor, it helps to understand the Southern Gothic genre. This guide from MasterClass provides a great overview of its key themes, from grotesque characters to decaying settings, which will enrich your visits to their homes and the landscapes that inspired them.
Day 5: Margaret Mitchell’s Atlanta
Conclude your literary journey in Atlanta, the city that gave the world “Gone with the Wind.” Start your day at the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown, where Mitchell wrote her epic novel. The tour of her apartment offers a glimpse into her life and the creation of this literary phenomenon. Afterward, visit the Atlanta History Center, which features extensive exhibits on the Civil War and the Old South that provide context for the novel. For a final literary stop, visit Oakland Cemetery, the final resting place of Margaret Mitchell and a beautiful example of a Victorian garden cemetery. This final day brings your journey through the Southern literary landscape to a memorable close.
Insider Tip: Combo Tickets
The Margaret Mitchell House and the main Atlanta History Center campus are in different parts of the city, but they are operated by the same organization. You can purchase a combination ticket that grants admission to both sites, which is more economical than buying separate tickets. Plan your day accordingly to visit both locations.
Itinerary Snapshot
- Trip Duration: 5 Days
- Start/End Point: Oxford, MS / Atlanta, GA
- Key States: Mississippi, Georgia
- Approx. Driving Distance: 500 miles
- Focus: Literary History, Southern Gothic, Author Homes