Visit Pebble Hill Plantation to appreciate southern Georgia’s architecture, countryside and hospitality. Take guided and self-guided tours of historic structures and ornamental gardens. Browse collections of art and antiques and spot free-roaming wildlife. Established in 1826 as a farmstead growing cotton and tobacco, the plantation was sold and converted into a hunting estate in 1896.
Join a docent-guided tour of the Main House, a sublime neoclassical building completed in 1936. Note the Roman-inspired loggia and step inside to discover exhibitions of art, Chinese porcelain, period furniture, silverware and trophies. Admire the work of painters such as Alfred Munnings, Benjamin Marshall, John Emms and John James Audubon. Numerous pieces are from the sporting art genre and depict typical hunting activities that took place here in the 1900s.
Wander around the immaculate gardens surrounding the house. Breathe in sweet aromas and marvel at the vivid colors of azaleas, camellias, magnolias and roses. Have fun navigating through a maze of shrubs and walk into the arbor, which has a reflection pond and sundial.
Find other interesting buildings set amid the shady pines and oaks. These buildings include a dog hospital, fire engine house, pump house and stable complex. Don’t miss the wooden replica of Noah’s Ark, the interior of which is adorned with J. Clinton Shepherd’s mural of Noah, his wife and the animals they saved. Bring food to eat at the designated picnic and barbecue area.
See animals traversing the plantation’s 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) grounds and a dog riding on the wagons. Percheron horses, Tennessee Walkers and a Belgian mule live on the plantation. More information about past and present wildlife is on display in the visitor’s center.
Find the attraction about a 10-minute drive southwest of Downtown Thomasville. The most convenient way to get here is via rented car. Use the free on-site parking.
Pebble Hill Plantation is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Separate fees are applicable for entry to the grounds and Main House. Pick up a map for self-guided tours of the grounds at the visitor’s center. Some areas of the plantation might be unavailable if in use for private events.