It’s the season where the breeze begins to chill and the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin hangs in the air. The streets of Milledgeville offer seasonal delicacies in our locally-owned restaurants, bars, and bakeries. There is everything from warm, crispy apple pie to seasoned soups and craft cocktails to help get you into the fall spirit. Here are the top places you really autumn know...
SOMETHING TO SIP
1. There is something about sipping a hot beverage on a cold day that just warms your soul. When you are meeting a friend for coffee in the morning, shopping around downtown in the afternoon, or simply wanting to treat yourself, a warm seasoned drink is bound to make your day brighter! Blackbird Coffee is serving cozy creations like the caramel apple cider, vanilla caramel latte, and their own indulgent Fogle chai latte, made with notes of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon.
2. A quaint coffee shop near Georgia College’s campus, Morning Grind offers a variety of coffee drinks and a revolving selection of locally made baked goods. This year’s fall specialty beverages include a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Apple Pie Latte, Oatmeal Creme Chai, Shaken Pumpkin Spice, and the Warm & Cozy Latte, made with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted marshmallow. Their baked goods do vary day-to-day, but offerings like monkey bread or apple cake are just another way to bring in the seasonal flavors.
3. If you are looking to grab drinks with some friends, stop by Amici for Unique autumn-themed cocktails! Indulge in a Smoked New Fashion, New Island Berry Sangria, Pumpkin Spice White Russian, or S’mores Martini from their fall menu. The atmosphere is friendly, offering great seating where you can talk with your pals or watch the big game with a basket full of wings!
4. Take your usual margarita up a notch at Aubri Lane’s and add an Apple Cider Margarita to your dining experience. This blends the crisp sweetness of apple cider with the tangy kick of lime and tequila, creating a perfect fall twist on a classic cocktail.
SOMETHING SAVORY
5. It’s soup season! Get our hot flavorful soups at our favorite restaurants around town--they are just too good to pass up! Buffington's is known for its award-winning Bob Marley soup, a creamy Caribbean base with chicken, rice, and a kick. Listen to live music as you savor your soup and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Bring your friends and family for evening entertainment and great food this fall.
6. Doing their best since 1993, The Brick's constant goal is to keep their customers' bellies full and their hearts happy by providing the best food possible. The tomato soup is a true crowd-pleaser, with its rich, creamy texture and bursts of fresh, flavorful tomato in every bite. It’s a standout favorite! It is no wonder that it was awarded the “100 Plates Locals Love” distinction by Georgia Eats, Explore Georgia’s culinary guide. While you're soupin', sip on Fall Line Brewing's Oktoberfest beer for a complete taste of fall.
7. Drive down 441 to Stacked for more delicious sandwiches and soups for your tasting. Try the seasonal Grilled Jalapeno Popper – jalapeno cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon which pairs perfectly with one of Stacked’s rotating soups. They routinely serve roasted red pepper, loaded baked potato, and chicken noodle as well as other choices.
8. Located in downtown Milledgeville, Cravings is heating things up with its fall soup selection. With daily specials, you can enjoy a variety of soups like potato, broccoli, Italian wedding, and clam chowder—each day brings something new to try. They also offer a variety of gourmet sandwiches that pair nicely with a cup of soup. Their Gobbler sandwich with turkey, lettuce, tomato, mayo, cream cheese, and cranberry jelly on buttermilk bread, is perfect for an autumn lunch.
9. For a flavorful meal, head to The Pickle Barrel, a local favorite. Their chili or cheesy potato soups pair delightfully with their signature beer batter fries (we recommend making them loaded with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream and chives!) or a basket of PBC’s famous wings tossed in one of their 11 homemade sauces.
9. A local favorite for Thai food and sushi, Kai Thai is offering a variety of seasonal meals in addition to their extensive menu. Their seasonal staple, the Pumpkin Curry, has returned in addition to their Pumpkin Spice Boba Milk Tea for another year. If you prefer your seasonal drink to be spiked, indulge in one of Kai Thai’s limited-time cocktails like the Salted Caramel White Russian, Salted Irish Cream, and Apple Cranberry on the Rocks, made with Apple Crown Royal and cranberry juice.
SOMETHING THAT’S SWEET
10. Everyone knows fall for its abundance of candy and tasty desserts. Milledgeville has the perfect places for you to grab a delicious dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Coasties Bakery is showcasing all the fall flavors with Pumpkin Chai Cheesecake Gourmet Cookies, Snickers Gourmet Cookies, and Cinnamon Apple Scones, and freshly baked cinnamon rolls.
11. Doodle’s Bakery is the place where creativity and Southern traditions meet. Locals rave about their beautiful buttermilk pies, apple pies, and pumpkin caramel cupcakes. They also have homemade soups and chilies that you can take to go for the days when all you want is to curl up in a blanket and watch a good movie or read a book.