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3 Days in Newnan-Coweta County, GA for Book Lovers

The literary history in Newnan-Coweta doesn’t just start and end with Murder in Coweta County. There’s so much more for book-lovers to enjoy during a weekend in this South Atlanta county.

Shop for your next read at local bookstores, see filming locations for your favorite book-to-screen stories, and visit the hometown of two of the South’s most famous writers — Coweta County, Georgia has plenty of readers to explore. You can even curl up with a good book in a storybook town or enjoy some quiet reading time out in nature.

I got the chance to explore the best bookish activities in Newnan, Senoia, and Moreland, and there’s so much here that I didn’t realize was just an hour south of Atlanta. If you’re a reader looking for a quick weekend escape, you’ll love this 3-day itinerary in Newnan-Coweta County.

Special thanks to Explore Newnan-Coweta for hosting me on this “readaway” trip! As always, all opinions are my own.

Cozy reading nook at The Veranda Historic Inn in Senoia, Georgia, with tall white bookshelves packed with books, a patterned sofa, and a small table holding a glass chess set. A stained glass window, floor lamp, and framed pictures tucked among the shelves make the space feel warm and lived in.

3 Days in Newnan-Coweta County Itinerary for Readers

Coweta County lies just south of Atlanta made up cities like Newnan, Senoia, and Moreland. It’s only about a 40 minute drive from Atlanta to Newnan, which is where this itinerary starts.

I recommend having a car for this itinerary since you’ll be driving all around the county. Plus, it’s pretty far out of the way to Chattahoochee Bend State Park, and you won’t be able to rely on rideshares there.

Day 1: Unplug and Unwind

Our first day of exploring Coweta County let us relax, unplug, and unwind with a stay at the quiet state park and a “silent” book club at Newnan’s best local bookstore.

Check-in at the Cottages at Chattahoochee Bend State Park

I got checked in at the cottages at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. This quiet state park is about 30 minutes from Downtown Newnan, so it’s perfect for logging off and enjoying a weekend of reading.

I stayed in Cottage 2, a 2-bedroom cottage with plenty of space and a screened-in back porch. I loved sitting out on the porch and reading!

The beds here were also very comfortable, so they were perfect for curling up with a good book just before falling asleep.

There’s no Wi-Fi at the cabins, and cell service can be a little spotty, so you’re really unplugged. Be sure to pack a physical book or download your eBook beforehand so you can access it offline.

Newnan Book Co.

Bright independent bookstore interior of Newnan Book Co. in Newnan, Georgia with white shelves labeled "HISTORICAL FICTION", "NONFICTION", and "PENGUIN CLASSICS", opening into a cozy seating area with a pale yellow sofa. A round display table of featured books stands in the foreground on warm wood floors, giving the shop a spacious and inviting feel.

After a little downtime at the state park, we made the drive into Downtown Newnan to visit Newnan Book Co. before dinner.

This is a charming bookstore that stocks all genres. They’re known for their various Book Clubs covering everything from murder mysteries to romances to fantasy to historical fiction.

We actually got to do a special “silent” book club that’s not yet on their regular calendar, but they’re thinking of making it a regular event. During a “silent” book club, everyone brings their own book, talks a little about it at the beginning of the meeting, and then you spend the rest of your time silently reading together. At the end, you can discuss what you’ve read and talk about how your book is going.

Dinner at Lilah Gray

For dinner, we ate at Lilah Gray, a tapas and cocktail bar in Newnan that’s cozy and intimate in its small space.

They offer reasonably-priced fine-dining with an ever-changing menu that highlights seasonal and local flavors.

I had the Southern Plate with Katsu Chicken, Collards, a Mac & Cheese Fritter, and a Biscuit. It was the perfect Southern meal. To drink, I recommend the Golden Hour with Bourbon, Apricot, Lemon, Honey, and Bitters for a bit of a twist on a classic Hot Toddy (that’s also cold instead of hot).

Relax at Chattahoochee Bend State Park

Narrow wooden porch with two rocking chairs and a small table, set beside tan cabin siding and a screened outer wall at a cottage at Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Newnan, Georgia. The porch looks out toward trees and another cabin, creating a quiet spot to sit outside.

I spent the evening back at Chattahoochee Bend State Park, relaxing in my cottage and reading a new book I’d bought from Newnan Book Co.

It’s so quiet and peaceful at the state park at night. It’s perfect for curling up with a good book before bed.

Day 2: Coweta’s Literary Darlings

On our second day in Coweta County, we learned all about two of the area’s most famous local writers and then spent some time exploring Downtown Newnan.

Hike the Boulder Trail

I spent a slow morning at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. They have a nice variety of trails, and I wanted something short and not too strenuous for a morning solo hike.

The park has recently added the paved, partially ADA-accessible Boulder Trail at the trailhead parking area at the front of the park. It’s about 1.3 miles one way, so 2.6 miles out-and-back, and that sounded like exactly what I was looking for.

The Boulder Trail is an easy flat walk along a paved greenway. It’s a great trail for walking while listening to an audiobook (remember to download one offline since there’s no Wi-Fi and spotty service in the park).

I will warn you that it gets much tougher once you’ve passed the ADA-accessible part. After about 1 mile, signs will tell you that the accessible trail is ending and that there are steep grades ahead — like 12%-20% grade hills! It’s a good work-out after that point!

It might have been a little more exercise than I bargained for, but it was still a nice and quiet trail for listening to my audiobook.

Explore the State Park and Check-out

After my walk, I took some time to explore the state park. I definitely couldn’t leave without stopping by the river, the park’s namesake bend in the Chattahoochee. There’s a recreational day-use area by the river that has picnic tables, a playground, and a boat launch for river access.

If you find yourself with more time in the park, they have plenty more trails. I’ve previously done the Wild Turkey Trail, a 9.2 mile out-and-back hike if you take it from Trailhead 1 at the front of the park, or you can access it from the Visitor Center for about a 6 mile hike, which is what I did.

There are also trails that run along the river, loop around the front of the park, and take you to an observation tower.

I stayed at the cottage pretty much until check-out time so I could fully enjoy the park’s peace and quiet.

Lunch at The Mad Mexican

For lunch, we ate at The Mad Mexican in Downtown Newnan. This fast-casual Mexican restaurant serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and nachos with a Southern flair.

(They also have a secret speakeasy in the back called The Pharmacy Speakeasy. I didn’t have time to fit it in this trip, but I did take a peek back there and it looks so swanky!)

I had the Mexi Bowl with ground beef, rice, black bean corn salsa, queso, pico, and ancho chipotle glaze. It’s the perfect portion size for lunch.

Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum & The Little Manse

After lunch, we went to the Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum. This little museum in the little town of Moreland honors the works of writers Erskine Caldwell and Lewis Grizzard.

Erskine Caldwell was born in Moreland and was known for his most popular books, God’s Little Acre and Tobacco Road. Lewis Grizzard spent his childhood in Moreland and is known for his humorous works like Shoot Low, Boys – They’re Ridin’ Shetland Ponies and If Love Were Oil, I’d Be About a Quart Low.

The Heritage Museum showcases personal effects from Grizzard’s youth, information on both writers’ lives, and antiques that relate to the history of Moreland.

In the park across the street sits Erskine Caldwell’s “Little Manse”, the 19th century farmhouse where Caldwell was born. Inside are art, memorabilia, and press about the novelist.

Explore Downtown Newnan

I had plenty of time in the afternoon to explore Downtown Newnan and walk around the square. There are a lot of great shops and restaurants, as well as some unique historical sights. Here are a few things I recommend you see:

  • Historic Coweta County Courthouse — 1904 classical revival courthouse with a soaring copper dome. This was the site of the infamous Murder in Coweta County trial. It’s an active courthouse, so you may be able to go inside and look into the Courtroom and Grand Jury Room.
  • Newnan Carnegie Library — One of the first Carnegie Libraries in Georgia and Newnan’s first public library.
  • Morally Gray Bookstore — Romance-focused bookstore where you can find some steamy reads.
  • Rock Salt Milk Bar — Homemade ice cream with unique flavors from Mexi Cocoa to Blackberry Earl Grey.
  • Foxtail Coffee Co. — Cute coffee shop with responsibly sourced coffee from around the world.
  • Leaf and Bean — Local coffee shop with coffee, baked goods, pastries, tea, cocktails, and wine.
  • Alan Jackson Mural — Large mural painted by artist Tim Davis honoring the legacy of Newnan native country music singer Alan Jackson.

Newnan Art Walk

Outdoor market table covered with small colorful paintings of rabbits, birds, and fish, displayed in frames and on wooden crates beneath a sunlit tree. Parked trucks and a brick building in the background place the cheerful art display in a downtown street market setting for Newnan Art Walk in Newnan, Georgia.

If you’re visiting during the spring or fall, you have the chance to experience the Newnan Art Walk. This twice-yearly festival held around the square in Downtown Newnan celebrates local art.

During the Art Walk, there are 40+ artists with booths set up around the square. Local businesses extend their hours so they can host store-front exhibits and demonstrations by local artists. I saved most of my shopping in Newnan for during the Art Walk so I could take my time exploring the art and the local stores.

Dinner at The Cellar Chophouse

For dinner, we ate at The Cellar Chophouse. This restaurant offers inviting upscale dining with a menu focused on hormone- and antibiotic-free, humanely raised premium cuts of steak, lamb, pork, and duck as well as fresh seafood.

I had the Petite Ribeye with French Fries and Steamed Broccoli.

Check-in at The Veranda Historic Inn

After dinner, we made our way to Senoia to check-in at The Veranda Historic Inn, a 1906 Greet Revival mansion that has a long history as a hotel.

This quaint Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay in the storybook town of Senoia. The rooms still contain many of the home’s original features, from pine floors to iron fireplaces. The wrap-around porch is perfectly Southern. And the upstairs library nook contains hundreds of books to choose from during your stay.

I stayed in the Magnolia Room, a bedroom on the second floor just off the library nook that overlooks the side gardens. The king-sized bed was comfortable, the bathroom was small but modern, and a partially-stained-glass window let in plenty of light.

The Veranda Inn is a great place to curl up with a good book. It even played host to Margaret Mitchell when she was researching for her book Gone With the Wind; one of the 10 guest rooms is named in her honor.

Book your stay at The Veranda Historic Inn here.

Day 3: Storybook Town

On our final day in Coweta County, we explored Senoia, a charming town known for its preserved streetscape and cinematic charm.

Breakfast at The Veranda Historic Inn

View through an open doorway into a quiet dining room at The Veranda Historic Inn in Senoia, Georgia with white tablecloths, dark wooden chairs, polished wood floors, and a crystal chandelier. Framed floral paintings and a glowing drink cooler along the far wall give the historic room a simple, old fashioned restaurant feel.

The Veranda Historic Inn serves a traditional country breakfast, included with your stay on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Enjoy a classic Southern breakfast of eggs, biscuits, meats, and other traditional dishes for a comforting and hearty morning meal to fuel your day.

Senoia Farmer’s Market

The Senoia Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from April through December. There is a wide selection of fresh produce, local homemade goods, artisanal products, and local makers selling their goods.

If you’re looking for breakfast or lunch, there are local food vendors like Nic & Norman’s Bar and Breakfast, Authentic Syrian Cuisine, Serrano Fine Tacos, Pinchos, Factory, and other vendors on rotation.

I highly recommend grabbing a donut from Finkles Bake Shop: they’re delicious and so worth standing in line for!

Explore Downtown Senoia

Downtown Senoia is so picturesque, it’s been used as the backdrop for tons of TV shows and movies. It’s probably most recognizable in The Walking Dead, which used Main Street as the fictional Woodbury settlement. But the town has also been used in Fried Green Tomatoes, Driving Miss Daisy, and the remake of Footloose.

Beyond its book-to-film cinematic charm, Senoia also has plenty of cute boutiques and delicious restaurants to explore. Here are some of the things I recommend you see while in Downtown Senoia.

  • Book Love, the bookshop of Senoia — Small indie bookshop with plenty of books, gifts, and even a tea and coffee bar.
  • The Woodbury Shoppe — The official store for The Walking Dead merch, unique souvenirs, and a museum of iconic props from the show.
  • Senoia Coffee — A cozy cafe with coffee, tea, breakfast, and lunch.
  • Nic & Norman’s — Southern-inspired restaurant owned by Greg Nicotero (senior producer/executive producer, special make-up effects supervisor, and primary director on The Walking Dead) and Norman Reedus (actor known for playing Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead).
  • The Walking Dead Locations Self-Guided Tour — A free self-guided walking tour where you can see 7 filming locations from The Walking Dead.

3 Days in Newnan-Coweta County Map

Ready to spend a weekend in Newnan-Coweta County, GA? Use the map below to find all the locations I’ve mentioned in this post.

I hope you found this 3 day itinerary in Newnan-Coweta County helpful!

Where to Stay in Newnan

Where to Stay in Senoia

The Veranda Historic Inn is Senoia’s only hotel. This quaint B&B with 10 historic guestrooms is the perfect Southern stay in this charming small town.

Just 1 block from Downtown Senoia, The Veranda Inn is walkable to local shops, delicious restaurants, and iconic filming locations from your favorite TV shows and movies.

More South Atlanta Travel Tips

Find more fun things to do in South Atlanta with these posts:


Ready to visit Coweta County, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

3 Days in Newnan-Coweta County, GA for Book Lovers

Did you find this 3 day itinerary in Newnan-Coweta County, GA for book-lovers helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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