A quintessential term intimately threaded through the American South, is antebellum.  Of Latin origin, it literally translates as pre-war, and describes the pre-Civil War architecture that the Old South gave rise to, following the birth of the USA, in the 1776 American Revolution. Antebellum architecture is classically characterised by Greek revival style plantation homes and mansions, with soaring columns and stately porches. 

These prestigious trophy homes were primarily built by wealthy planters, of British stock, as ostentatious statements of their power and stature, when cotton was king. In the pre-Civil War period, the Black slave trade and cheap labour primarily staffed these mansions and the plantations, as servants and farm workers. Thankfully, that era has long gone, but the legacy of the antebellum homes lives on, as an enduring visitor draw. Georgia boasts one of the best collections, with the Antebellum Trail stitching together 18 glorious towns, fanning our east of Atlanta. 

The star specimen is the storybook-pretty town of Madison, in Morgan County. Legend has it that General Sherman spared the town during his March to the Sea, because it was too beautiful to burn. But the truth is, Madison was home to pro-Union Senator Joshua Hill, who had ties to Sherman, so the town was safeguarded because of those political allegiances. Senator Hill rode out to meet Sherman’s army, reminding them to leave Madison alone. This unreservedly gorgeous township can easily be explored in a day. Start off at the Madison Welcome Center, pick up a brochure and take yourself on a self-guided walking tour of the town’s 50 antebellum treasures. Two essential stops are Rogers House and Rose Cottage. Built in 1809, the Rogers House is Madison's oldest home and is open daily for tours, as is the adjoining cottage which was the home of a former slave, Adeline Rose. 

The impressive Heritage Hall becomes even more striking when you learn that the building didn't always occupy its present location. The 1811 Greek Revival mansion was dragged over logs to its current location in 1908. Enjoy a guided tour of this house, which doubles as the headquarters for the historical society, where you can marvel at the rich period furnishings of this authentically decorated home. Stop by the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, which is housed in a restored Romanesque Revival schoolhouse. You’ll see the classroom where Oliver Hardy of Laurel & Hardy fame attended first grade, which has been preserved, as it was, when he attended.)

Alongside the antebellum architecture, Madison also boasts a wealth of Victorian and Queen Anne style mansions.  The town’s most photographed home is Hunter House, a triumph of spindle-work, which festoons the porch. Nicknamed the Gingerbread House, the 1833 property is quite the traffic-stopper.  A short drive from Madison brings you to another fine antebellum gem, Greensboro. Founded in 1786, and steeped in Old South tradition, the village’s historic centre brims with enticing homewares, jewellery, antiques and gift stores. Greensboro is also home to Goodwin Manor, a magnificently restored Antebellum style home.

Fancy staying over in a period property? Goodwin Manor lustily brings the dream to life. Surrounded by a  two acre pecan orchard,  the manor served as a private residence to the Goodwin family for over 100 years. But five years ago, the manor flung its doors open to the world, repurposed as an events venue and B&B. I was royally treated by the current owners, David and Janice Goodwin Kopp, who exemplify the legendary warmth and spirit of sweet Georgian hospitality. (Janice is a former PanAm flight attendant,  who clearly revels in lovingly treating her guests like long lost family.) Needless to say, Goodwin Manor is impeccably decorated, with each guestroom stylishly themed with period  furnishings. You’ll love lolling about on the porch, in one of the cane rockers, digesting the day’s sights in sweet Georgia. www.goodwinmanor.com

Fuel prices may be nudging their past highs of 2014 in this country, but an action-packed roadie is still a very affordable way to rip around the USA. And with Air New Zealand soon launching direct flights from Auckland to Houston,  touring the American South has never been so appealing.

By Mike Yardley, Newstalk ZB’s Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturdays.

Have you toured the Antebellum Trail? Feel free to share your tips.