Finding Flannery Day 3: Road Trip

When we rose this morning, we did so with a “Goodbye y’all” to  Springfield, KY, and “Howdy” to the long and unexplored (to us) road to Milledgeville, GA — all eight hours worth, and with a couple little stops for lunch and relief, make that nine.

There’s so much I’ve not had time to mention while working hard to hit the top layer of this incredible trip. My commitment to blogging daily means “Just the highlights, Ma’am” for now. But before I move on I must mention that despite being in the Bible Belt, we three Catholic travelers just experienced what is known as the Holy Land of Kentucky.

Photo: Karen Pieh Mahoney

Indeed, an incredibly rich Catholic heritage exits in the area surrounding Springfield. We felt we were among many kindred spirits; not far from our hearts after all. It was pretty cool. Just check out our jaunts around the area yesterday to see for yourself (see Day 2 post).

Now, having said that, it’s time to bring you into the loop of Day 3, which was 95 percent about traveling. In fact I was beginning to think all my photos for today’s post would be road shots.

Don’t get me wrong. It was an amazing journey. Three northern faith writers exploring the South together in search of Flannery O’Connor can’t help but make for a giddy ride, and it was full of that. We went through everything from country to city to country to city again.

 And from sunshine to rain back with a return to sunshine then clouds.

Then finally, with just a few sips of our water bottles left, there it was on the horizon — our first sign of our main destination: the stomping grounds of our heroine.

Around that time, we also learned why Flannery had such a hard time — or maybe such a fun time — with spelling. It seems to be in the water.

I wish I’d turned my camera on our youngest traveler, Christina, who was practically jumping out of her seat in the back as we came within a few miles of Flannery’s hometown. She’s largely responsible for planning this trip and was beyond ecstatic to see this longtime adventure turning into reality before her eyes. Karen and I weren’t so subdued either.

Karen and Christina

When we got to Milledgeville, we couldn’t believe it. The town downright impressed us. It was much more modern, tidy, and sparkly than we’d imagined.

The Inn where we’re staying the next couple nights exceeded our every expectation. What a cool pad!

That’s just the outside. Here’s a peek at the inside, including my temporary room, the Oak.

And the chair where I composed this post.

And…

We couldn’t help but gush at this little treasure of a city; a city many people have scratched their heads over while asking us, “Now where are you going again?”

It’s a neat little place that boasts Flannery’s digs, of course, but also what seems to be a very nice college, Georgia College & State University. We drooled over it and wish we’d have known about this place back in our college-picking days!

Then again there are no regrets, only moments to savor from the past and many to look forward to in the future.

Speaking of savoring, all that traveling made us hungry. After settling into our bed and breakfast — which is absolutely charming beyond imagining — we hunted down a restaurant that would offer a few Southern options, and seemed to choose right in landing on Buffington’s, where we had fried green tomatoes, catfish and salads, all the while a pair of musicians played a little bluegrass in the background.

I’ve long wanted to try fried green tomatoes and these ones, with their parmesan cheese on top and spicy dipping sauce, did not disappoint.

The catfish was mighty tasty, too, with its yummy crust!

Well, it’s been a long day and I’m short on words now, but my heart is full and remains ever so grateful. Tomorrow, we start making our way into the center of what this trip has been about all along, and we can’t wait to share a bit of our findings.

Magnolia bud

God bless and g’night from Milledgeville, GA!