Zebulon

I was drawn to this gem when I found it on the map because of Zebulon Rd. in Macon. Having grown up and spent most of my life in and around Macon, Zebulon Rd. has always been a fixture. Once I saw that a town not too far away shared the same name, I knew I would one day have to visit it. Recently, we finally made the trek down GA Hwy 18 to this beautiful little town, and we plan to go back.

Nestled in the seat of rural Pike County, Zebulon, GA, greets you with its quaint, picturesque downtown. Like so many other small towns in the state, Zebulon’s town square is comprised of restaurants and shops in historic buildings standing along streets that wrap around the courthouse. Now, the Pike County courthouse in Zebulon may look familiar to you, as it can be spotted in the movie Murder in Coweta County with Andy Griffith and Johnny Cash. And while we’re on the subject, the names of the town and county may also ring a bell, as both were named in honor of Zebulon Montgomery Pike, war hero and explorer who participated in the Louisiana Purchase, discovered Pike’s Peak, and served in the War of 1812.

While not a bustling metropolis, downtown Zebulon does offer great dining and shopping. We didn’t get to check out the boutique, the pirate-themed restaurant, or the BBQ joint, though we will certainly be back to check them out at another time and recommend them to anyone visiting this town. We did, however, stop by the bookstore — A Novel Experience — and the 1828 Coffee Co., a great little coffee shop that feels like you’re sitting in someone’s house from…well…1828.

A Novel Experience features bookshelves arranged by genre in nooks and corners that immerse the book-lover in their own little world. From Southern writers to romance, thrillers, fantasy, and even a children’s section arranged by grade level, this place is paradise for every reader. There is even a section in the back with chairs so you can relax and devour a few pages while you browse. And don’t forget to pick up a “Where’s Zebulon?” t-shirt while you’re there!

Walking into 1828 Coffee Co. feels like walking into the past, but don’t worry, the staff and drinks are from our time. They have your standard and favorite coffees and teas, but they also have their own flavors and combinations as well. We recommend trying one of the coffee shop’s unique coffees and sitting by the windows in the back. Also, try sitting somewhere besides the main floor.

Once you’ve quenched your thirst with a coffee or tea and satisfied your appetite with BBQ or wings, it’s time to check out the town. As with many small towns, Zebulon offers beautiful Southern homes as well as buildings that have been abandoned and neglected, showing what time and age can do to a place like this as the population and its needs change over the years. Download the Pike Pathways app (available on the app store) and take a self-guided driving tour through the history of the town and the county.

Incorporated in 1825, this small town had 1,174 residents as of the 2010 census, putting it on the Nowhere, GA, map. It is this town’s charm, though, that has put it in our hearts and on our list of favorite places to visit. We will definitely be returning, and hopefully we’ll run into some of you when we do.

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