Putnam County has a depth that surprises first-time visitors. Yes, there are two world-class lakes. But there's also ancient history, important literary heritage, natural beauty, and a county seat with genuine small-town charm. Here's what to do when you're here.
1. Get on Lake Oconee or Lake Sinclair
If you haven't been on the water, you haven't seen Putnam County. Both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair offer excellent boating, fishing, and swimming. Rent a pontoon, bring your fishing gear, or just find a good spot on shore to watch the water go by.
2. Visit Rock Eagle Effigy Mound
Rock Eagle is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the entire Eastern United States — a massive bird-shaped mound constructed from thousands of quartz rocks by Woodland peoples over 2,000 years ago. Free to visit, and genuinely awe-inspiring from the observation tower.
3. Explore Eatonton's Literary Heritage
Eatonton is the birthplace of two internationally celebrated authors — Joel Chandler Harris (Uncle Remus stories) and Alice Walker (The Color Purple). Both are honored with museums and historical markers throughout downtown. The Uncle Remus Museum and the Alice Walker Driving Tour are highlights for any visitor interested in American literary history.
4. Eat at The Yesterday Cafe
No visit to Eatonton is complete without breakfast at Yesterday Cafe. It's the kind of place that defines what a small-town Southern diner should be — and rarely is anymore.
5. Attend the Dairy Festival
The Putnam County Dairy Festival is a nationally recognized annual celebration of the county's dairy farming heritage. Live entertainment, food, carnival rides, and the kind of community spirit that you can only find at a genuine small-town festival.
🔗 Plan Your Visit to Putnam County:
Lake Oconee · Lake Sinclair · Rock Eagle Effigy Mound · The Yesterday Cafe · That BBQ Spot