City: Atlanta, GA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (404) 261-1776

Address: 391 West Paces Ferry Rd. NE

Description: The Georgia Governor’s Mansion was dedicated in 1968. Like the state’s first Governor’s Mansion, built in Milledgeville in 1838, the modern mansion is in the Greek Revival style; it was designed by Georgia architect A. Thomas Bradbury. The 24,000-square-foot house is the property of Georgia’s citizens and, by law, remains the same even when its primary resident changes. Neoclassical paintings and furnishings from the 19th century complement the mansion’s design. On the main floor are a library with many books by Georgia authors and the state drawing and dining rooms. The second floor is the first family’s private home and includes the large Presidential Suite for visiting dignitaries. The lower floor of the mansion boasts a ballroom that seats 150 for dinner. The Governor’s Mansion is open to the public each week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The tour is self-guided, but hostesses in each room explain items of significance. The tour is free, but reservations are required for groups of 15 or more. Drive up to the main gate; there’s parking on the 18-acre grounds. While you’re at the mansion, you may wish to visit the Atlanta History Center, which is just down the road.