Planning a Trip

Getting There -- From Macon, take I-75 South to Cordele; exit there onto U.S. 280 and head west through Americus to Plains. From Callaway Gardens, take U.S. 27 to Pine Mountain, turn left on Ga. 18 to I-185, and then take I-185 South through Columbus to U.S. 280; head south (or east) on U.S. 280 into Plains.

Visitor Information -- If you stand in the middle of the street, you can almost see the whole town, including Billy Carter's former service station, which used to sell beer to newspeople when Billy was alive. For a do-it-yourself walking or driving tour to points of interest, stop in at the Georgia Visitor Center, east of Plains at 1763 Hwy. 280 W. (tel. 229/824-5373; www.plainsgeorgia.com), open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. The staff there will furnish maps and brochures.