Stately Oaks
Stately Oaks
4.5
About
Stately Oaks is an 1839 antebellum house listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its plain Greek Revival architecture is representative of the era in which it was built. It was originally constructed in 1839 by Mr. Whitmill Allen who sold his home to Robert McCord in 1858 and then moved to Tyler, Texas. It is located in Jonesboro, GA., the very city where Scarlett had to pay the taxes on Tara. Even though Tara only existed in Margaret Mitchell's imagination, she placed Tara in Clayton County where she had visited relatives who lived on a large plantation south of Jonesboro. Many of the stories she heard as a child are in the movie. Clayton County is truly home of Gone With the Wind. Also on site, are a one room schoolhouse, a tenant cabin, cook's house, country store, blacksmith shop and Native American Indian Village.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
70 within 3 miles
Attractions
52 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Rebecca G2 contributionsA Great Experience AwaitsWe had a wonderful time. The grounds were beautiful and the house was immaculately well preserved. Darlene was our docent and was so knowledgeable. We learned so much from her. There is so much history here! Just be advised that the site is open Friday and Saturday noon to four. (As of 4/23) Please come here! It’s worth every second! (Couldn’t upload photos but it’s absolutely gorgeous!)Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2023
- Nilufer P2 contributionsLearned a lot about the history today..Was a very educational visit. Becky and Darlene were very friendly and knowledgeable guides. Learned about history at the same time had fun. These two Ladies make this visit fun. Will come back around Christmas time again. I will tell my great experience to all my Texas friends. Great job Becky and Darlene !Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 23, 2023
- macgulley20235 contributionsKnowedgeable docent, great excursion into historyA fascinating trip into one of the dark times in our country's history. So much time, effort, and money spent to preserve the stories and artifacts so we can hopefully learn from, and not repeat past mistakes. Ms. Darlene is very knowledgeable and engaging and spun story after story of the home's history and the individuals who had lived there and put it all in the context of the (un)Civil War and that time period—definitely an enjoyable and educational place to visit. If you're near Jonesboro, GA it's definitely worth stopping in.Visited August 2023Written August 20, 2023
- Gregory D1 contributionGreat Visit to a Historic PlaceHad a great time with docent Darelene give us the guided tour in period clothes. As a bonus there are some paranormal things on the groinds if you are into that. Had a hint of women's perfume out of nowhere and go away in Women's parlor sitting room, had a strong smell of burning hickory bbq coming from old kitchen building, but no fire or bbq near there, and had the school house open a bit on its own. Parwnts had fun as well.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 11, 2023
- ibroders1976Mesa, Arizona3 contributionsHistorical Manor VisitationUpon arrival, on 09/22/2023, we were given a warm welcome by our Stately Oak's docent, Miss Darlene, who was dressed in period clothing to further set the mood of our visitation. She immediately established a personal connection with us and maintained it throughout the tour. Graciously and passionately (laced with humor), she shared her knowledge, insight, and ideas through interaction and engagement of our intellect, feelings, emotions, and senses. She deepened our awareness and hunger for more history and facts through questions and answers. We were completely immersed in the history and heritage of this majestic home with its beautiful furnishings, decorations and grounds, and the spirit of those who lived there to tell the story. Today, as I reflect on our visit to, "Stately Oaks Mansion," I am still deeply impacted. We were taken back into time where we physically walked in a home, beheld all that the walls contained not only with its ornate elaborations, but to know there were living, breathing souls as its inhabitants that passed on a legacy. To sense the, pain, panic, partnership, perseverance, potential, power, prayers and plans as residents and community suffered and struggled together for survival during the antebellum period and their future was life changing. As an outsider looking in the realization of their deep faith, help and hope was obvious. We also appreciated the opportunity afforded us to listen and learn about the writing of Margaret Mitchell's novel, "Gone with the Wind," and the numerous similarities tied to Stately Oaks that were inspired by people of Clayton County and her family's experiences. Thank you to the Jonesboro/Clayton County Inc., Historical Jonesboro, its numerous Volunteers and Miss Darlene, for bringing the past into our future and allowing us to connect and experience the family and friends of Stately Oaks and the Jonesboro Community whom we embrace and will remember. IreneVisited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2023
- Dream350512411201 contributionGreat Experiencewe had Connie and John who were amazing and informative. we learned so much. I wished the gift shop could have been open. It really added to my RV trip to Stone Mountain. I can't wait to go back again.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 22, 2023
- Lynn MMonroe, New Jersey130 contributionsA piece of historyThe outside of the home is beautiful. We were greeted by two women in costume. They were very knowledgeable about the house and it’s history. It was a long time to stand for a group of mostly senior citizens. I chose not to go upstairs. Sitting on the rocking chairs on the front porch brought me back to the 1860s. The country store had interesting items for sale. Our group had dinner in the schoolhouse. The food included fried chicken, black eyed peas, and grits. I could have done without the blessing over the food.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 3, 2023
- Jeff TGriffin, Georgia13 contributionsInteresting Historical HouseWe enjoyed our visit to Stately Oaks. We took the house tour and the two staff members did a great job describing the history of the house and life from that era. They were both dressed in hoop skirts from that time. There were other buildings on the grounds consisting of a kitchen, crop sharer’s house, school house, well house, and an old country store. This is well worth the visit if you are in Jonesboro on a friday or Saturday.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 11, 2023
- Robin R1 contributionA breath of fresh airTraveled in a day trip group. Darlene was a very informative and gave much insight to the historical background as well as the gentleman who showed us the upper level of the home. I am truly amazed at how much care & love these volunteers of the historical society take to preserve this building, and smaller ones, the yard, etc... We enjoyed an outstanding home cooked lunch, and the service and extra touches will be memorable to this trip. Its a shame many are missing this quaint treasure. For an added treat we ventured to the museum downtown. It was a memorable, relaxing break to go back for a few hours to a simpler time. A must see for those who want to step back a couple centuries while you still can or a movie goer on classic film.Visited December 2023Traveled soloWritten December 9, 2023
- David MMechanicsburg, Pennsylvania131 contributionsVisit to take step back into interesting historyStep back in the Old South with this tour and discover interesting facts about the origins of Gone with the Wind. While this isn’t the Tara mansion, the stories behind this mansion helped Margaret Mitchell write her book. Our tour guide Ashleigh was fascinating and funny . She explained how a mansion would operate in the 19th century. If you’re in the Jonesboro area this stop is well worth it. There are also out buildings to explore. This is a rare old mansion where you can go upstairs. Wonderful tour . Better if you get Ashleigh as tour guide!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
226
Very good
66
Average
18
Poor
3
Terrible
6
LAURIE S
Buckhannon, WV439 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Property is only open Friday through Sunday. Tours are on the hour. Get the house ticket which includes everything-senior discount available. Steve our docent had wide breadth of knowledge with the ability to connect historic facts with everyday sayings. He was patient and didn’t rush through the rooms. Outdoor buildings are either reproductions or moved from other locations. Outdoor bathrooms very clean. Gift shop on property. Use gps as carriage lane leading up to property is not marked.
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin R
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Solo
Traveled in a day trip group. Darlene was a very informative and gave much insight to the historical background as well as the gentleman who showed us the upper level of the home. I am truly amazed at how much care & love these volunteers of the historical society take to preserve this building, and smaller ones, the yard, etc... We enjoyed an outstanding home cooked lunch, and the service and extra touches will be memorable to this trip. Its a shame many are missing this quaint treasure. For an added treat we ventured to the museum downtown. It was a memorable, relaxing break to go back for a few hours to a simpler time. A must see for those who want to step back a couple centuries while you still can or a movie goer on classic film.
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rodney t
1 contribution
The verbal credentials of this house's docents, the feeling portrayed made history become a reality.
Oct 2022
Plantation house used to design Tara in the movie Gone with the Wind. Excellent and very knowledgeable docent(s) that filled in many holes in the movie. Excellent Southern dinner in the old schoolhouse on sight. The docents take storytelling to a new level. Many scenes for the movie were developed in or near this building.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L Anders
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Family
Our teenage daughter, an avid fan of Gone with the Wind, was thrilled as we drove up to the beautiful Stately Oaks, a surprise stop over on our way home from our beach vacation. The tour guides adorned in period dress were knowledgeable and entertaining as they helped you step back in time to the Civil War days. Adding interesting details of the life of Margaret Mitchell and the inspiration for her writing of Gone with the Wind and the subsequent making of the movie just enhanced the experience. Included on the grounds were a small school, original log kitchen, outhouse and country store. It was well worth the extra 2 -3 hour stop over on our trip! When asked how many stars she would rate the experience out of 5, my daughter quickly responded -“20!”
Written July 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie J
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
Darlene was a great historian and story teller. A very personalized tour with a peak into history and real people’s lives. This was exactly what we were looking for. If you want to get out of the city and experience small town and southern history, highly recommend.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and review. We are proud to have Darlene as one of our volunteer docents. She will appreciate your kind remarks.
Written August 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Walter H
Fayetteville, GA, United States4 contributions
May 2021
This made for an interesting afternoon in the Jonesboro area. The house is lovely and gives some insight into the mid 1800 plantation homes of Georgia. Amazing how this large home was relocated to the present sight and saved for history. Steve our guide, was fact filled and gave us a very interesting tour. The house is filled with all sorts of interesting trivets from the past to keep your attention around every corner. The house is well preserved as also all the artifacts inside. While the grounds could use a little work, it shouldn't discourage anybody from discovering the historical treasures within, as this is where the history lay. I would allow 2 hours to enjoy the house tour and the grounds.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Mechanicsburg, PA131 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Step back in the Old South with this tour and discover interesting facts about the origins of Gone with the Wind. While this isn’t the Tara mansion, the stories behind this mansion helped Margaret Mitchell write her book. Our tour guide Ashleigh was fascinating and funny . She explained how a mansion would operate in the 19th century. If you’re in the Jonesboro area this stop is well worth it. There are also out buildings to explore. This is a rare old mansion where you can go upstairs. Wonderful tour . Better if you get Ashleigh as tour guide!
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn K
1 contribution
May 2022
A recent visit to Stately Oaks Antebellum Home and Historic Community was outstanding! I remember taking my parents to the historic home back in 2008. I don’t remember hearing as much about the history of the times. This recent visit on May 20th showed us the pride the historians have for the historic home and surrounding area. This visit, the hostesses shared the history of the Civil War Era. Two ladies met the small group of six visitors in antebellum dresses. The home is decorated beautifully in time period pieces. We were given a tour of the upstairs, also. I learned a lot of things about beds and how they took baths. Oh my gosh! Thank goodness I did not live in those times. I also loved the story of the story of the Courting Candle. The Stately Oaks in Jonesboro is worth a visit! Take your out of town guests! They will love it!
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asha F
Milwaukee, WI5 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
My husband’s grandmother is a big fan of GWTW and took her on a weekend trip to see some of the films inspiration and was delighted to tour the Stately Oaks home. Our tour guide was wonderful and noted all the interesting facts I had never heard about. It’s worth an afternoon visit and would recommend to anyone who’s visiting the area.
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KMac
Oregon Coast, OR1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Friends
Darlene the tour guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant. The tour does not take your whole day and easily fits into an afternoon. Grounds are sweet and little gift shop has some cute treasures all reasonably priced.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oliveapple2017
Highland, MD3 contributions
We are interested in the contributions of the enslaved workforce at Stately Oaks. Are their their daily lives, worship practices, cultural traditions or living conditions actually interpreted on the plantation tours?
rampant409
huntsville al3 contributions
Is there a charge for this tour?
Gene R
Morrow, GA22 contributions
Yes, there is a fee. Varies, depending on age and/or status (seniors, students, military, etc.)
Angela F
Edinburgh, UK31 contributions
We are looking to stay in Atlanta on 24/5/15-26/5/15 and would like to know how to get out to Stately Oaks. We do not drive abroad ourselves. I cannot find a tour company that does this - can you help?
Bee1Jay
Walkerton, Canada35 contributions
There is admission price --- $12 for adult $9 for ages 55 and older
Well worth the cost of admission to see the house, the antiques and hear the story of this house and area.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingStately Oaks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Stately Oaks
- Stately Oaks is open:
- Fri - Sat 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Stately Oaks:
- (0.61 mi) Beautiful 1920's Bungalow
- (7.94 mi) Hampton Inn Atlanta/Fayetteville
- (4.31 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Morrow
- (4.76 mi) Holiday Inn & Suites Stockbridge/Atlanta I-75
- (4.48 mi) Best Western Southlake Inn
- Restaurants near Stately Oaks:
- (0.39 mi) CJ & Kids Soul Food
- (0.44 mi) Fig Tree Cafe
- (0.65 mi) Slutty Vegan
- (0.88 mi) Taste of Thailand
- (0.84 mi) KFC