"Gone with the Wind" Walking Tour (Self Guided), Atlanta

The Margaret Mitchell House and Museum offers a focused look into the life of the author of “Gone with the Wind” and the Atlanta that shaped her work. The site places visitors in the social and cultural landscape of the early 20th century, tracing Margaret Mitchell’s background, career, and the publication of a novel that became one of the most influential books in American literature.

The historic “house” itself is actually the first-floor apartment where Mitchell lived with her husband in the early 1930s. The interior has been recreated with period-appropriate furnishings to reflect the modest setting in which she wrote much of Gone with the Wind. Although the objects on display were not owned by Mitchell, the apartment conveys the everyday domestic environment she once jokingly referred to as “The Dump”, as the apartment was small, plain, and far from fashionable, especially by the standards of Atlanta society at the time.

Following its reopening in 2024, the museum’s interpretation now centers on the exhibition “Telling Stories: Gone with the Wind and American Memory”. As you enter the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, you begin in the interpretive gallery spaces that introduce Margaret Mitchell’s life and the Atlanta of the early 20th century. Exhibits here provide background on her career as a journalist, the social environment she moved in, and the circumstances that led to the writing of Gone with the Wind. From here, you move into the recreated first-floor apartment. To your left, is the living room, furnished with period-appropriate decor.

After exploring the apartment, the visit continues in the museum’s exhibition area, which examines the novel’s cultural impact and directly addresses how it shaped popular narratives about slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Finally, proceed to a separate building behind the apartment. Here, you’ll find documentary footage on the making of the 1939 film adaptation, original casting material, and visual coverage of the Atlanta premiere through photographs, newsreels, and newspaper articles. The visit is primarily self-guided, supported by a free audio tour available.

The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta has a rich and fascinating past. It first opened its doors in 1911, and quickly became one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. Its prime location on Peachtree Street, just a few blocks away from the Fox Theatre, made it a popular destination for theater-goers and celebrities alike.

Over the years, the Georgian Terrace has been the site of many important events and milestones, having hosted many notable guests throughout the years, including President Calvin Coolidge, Walt Disney, and Elvis Presley. In 1936, the hotel played host to the premiere of "Gone with the Wind," and Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, and other cast members stayed here during the film's Atlanta premiere. The hotel also served as a temporary home for soldiers during World War II, and later became a hub for civil rights leaders during the 1960s.

The building has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout its history, but has managed to maintain its historic charm and elegance. Today, the hotel boasts 326 guest rooms, as well as a variety of dining and event spaces.

Visitors to Atlanta can still experience the grandeur and history of the Georgian Terrace by booking a room or dining at one of its on-site restaurants. The hotel's iconic architecture and storied past make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Atlanta's history and culture.

Completed in 1980, the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library building is the last creation of Bauhaus-movement architect Marcel Breuer. Designed in the brutalist style, it is largely praised as a "masterpiece" by architectural experts.

The library replaces the original Carnegie Library which was co-founded by Margaret Mitchell's father, and as such it acknowledges its predecessor's connection to "Gone With the Wind". Here, in the Special Collections Department on the 5th floor, you will find the Margaret Mitchell permanent exhibit donated to the library in keeping with her own wish, as part of a bequest outlined in the will of her second husband, John Marsh.

On August 11, 1949, Margaret was struck by an automobile while walking to a movie theater along Peachtree Street. She died five days later. A week after the author's death, the staff of the Atlanta Public Library established a small memorial collection in her honor.

The collection features numerous items, including Mitchell’s Remington typewriter (the one she used to write "Gone With the Wind"), her 1937 Pulitzer prize and American Book Award. Among other essential artifacts on display are Margaret’s library card, photos, various important editions of "Gone With the Wind", pieces of ephemera, as well as her personal books and reference publications used to fact-check her novel.

Across the street there is a monument dedicated to Atlanta’s most famous writer.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, Georgia, lies Historic Oakland Cemetery-a captivating oasis that offers a serene escape from the bustling cityscape. Established in 1850, Oakland Cemetery spans across 48 acres and holds the stories of more than 70,000 souls. Far from being just a resting place for the departed, this beautiful landmark intertwines the past with the present, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

A visit to Historic Oakland Cemetery is akin to walking through an outdoor museum, where art, architecture, and nature blend harmoniously. As one of the city's oldest public parks, Oakland Cemetery stands out with its collection of Victorian-style sculptures and mausoleums. Winding paths invite visitors to wander among a stunning array of magnolia trees, blooming azaleas, and ancient oaks.

Oakland Cemetery is the eternal home of many notable individuals, including former mayors, governors, and Civil War soldiers. It also commemorates the lives of famous Atlanta citizens such as author Margaret Mitchell, known for her timeless novel "Gone with the Wind," and golfer Bobby Jones. These stories, and many more, paint a vivid picture of the city's cultural heritage and societal evolution.

A stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery is a journey through Atlanta's past-a chance to connect with its rich history, marvel at its architectural beauty, and pay tribute to the lives of those who helped shape the city. As both a solemn resting place and a dynamic cultural attraction, Oakland Cemetery is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the multifaceted spirit of Atlanta, Georgia.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the most interesting places to see in Atlanta, full of history, beauty, secrets and stories across its many sections.
Tours are inexpensive and led by intelligent guides who engage people in conversation, and provide facts about the notable Georgians buried here, including civil rights leaders, governors, and mayors.
The space itself is massive with many well-preserved and ornate Victorian-era headstones, monuments, and mausoleums, as well as numerous walking trails and stately trees that cast plenty of shade throughout.

Tips:
Stop by the Visitor Center when you first arrive to get a few bottles of water and to find out about the guided and/or audio tour if you're so inclined.
The 'Capturing the Spirit of Oakland' Halloween tours occur over two weekends near the end of October and are sold out quickly each year.