Trails in the South: Southern Literary Trail
As you know, the South definitely has its stories, story makers and important places to both. Everyone knows about Ernest Hemingway and Sloppy Joe’s in Key West, as well as William Faulkner and his home, Rowan Oak in Oxford, Miss.
Of course, this is just the beginning. Many of literature’s best-known authors and characters have come from the region.
Highlighting this fact is the Southern Literary Trail. Focusing on Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia (no offense to the other southern states), the trail introduces you to the writers, their homes and other places important to their works. Now in March 2009, the trail will hosts the first tri-state celebration/festival, Trailfest 09.
However, if you can’t wait that long, you can always do some exploring on your own.
For instances…
In Mississippi, you can visit Greenville and the Greenville Writers’ Exhibit. Housed in the William Alexander Percy Library, it includes original documents and manuscripts from such writers as Shelby Foote, William Alexander Percy and others who resided in the town.
While visiting Alabama, be sure to head to Montgomery to learn more about one of the city’s most famous, or perhaps it should infamous, couples – Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. You can learn more about their life by touring the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum.
When you are in Georgia, make your way to Joel Chandler Harris’ home, the Wren’s Nest, Atlanta’s oldest house museum. I would recommend not to settle for just a tour (don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing with it), but go on a Saturday, so not only can you tour, but also listen to storytellers. By doing that, you can really experience the essence of the museum, and perhaps even Chandler.
Take a detour from the trail and visit Eatonton, where Chandler was born. Located about somewhat over an hour from Atlanta. It’s here you can 
find and explore the Uncle Remus Museum.
This is just a sampling of what the trail has to offer. It’s a must-do for anyone who loves southern writers and literature.
Apryl Chapman Thomas
Photo credits: (top left) Open Book, flickr, creative commons by smellyknee; (top right); Rowan Oak, flickr, creative commons by CodeCutter; (middle) McCormick Book Inn, flickr, creative commons by RoyJr; (bottom left) Brer Rabbit Statue in Front of the Putnam CC, flickr, creative commons by rustytanton; (bottom right) Uncle Remus Museum, flickr, creative commons by drivebybiscuits
Comments Off