Heritage in the Hills

Against the backdrop of towering longleaf pines and centuries-old live oaks, a unique gathering of vintage Land Rovers made history at one of Georgia’s historic estates. The Red Hills Rover Rally, held last November at the Millpond Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia, transformed the historic hunting grounds into an adventurer’s paradise, where classic British engineering met Southern hospitality.

Millpond Plantation, a treasured landmark of Georgia’s Red Hills region, provided an incomparable setting for this special event. The 7,000-acre property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976, has been under the stewardship of the Wade family for over a century, maintaining its reputation as one of the South’s most prestigious estates since its completion in 1905.

The rally brought together an impressive collection of Land Rovers, from cherished vintage models to modern interpretations of the iconic British marque, with a handful of trucks and hunting wagons joining the caravan. Participants embarked on a carefully curated trail ride that showcased both the vehicles’ capabilities and the plantation’s natural splendor. The route wound through forests managed for over a hundred years for bobwhite quail habitat, creating an almost cathedral-like atmosphere beneath the canopy of longleaf pines.

True to the sporting heritage of both Millpond and Land Rover, the event balanced adventure with refinement. A mid-morning pause at the plantation’s 90-acre pond offered participants a chance to refresh with expertly crafted Bloody Marys while taking in views that have captivated visitors since the Victorian era. In the late 1800s, Thomasville earned international acclaim as the “Best Winter Resort” on three continents, according to Harper’s Magazine, drawing wealthy travelers south for its mild climate and “pine-infused” air.

The day ended at Millpond’s horse barn, where everyone came together for lunch and music. As people shared stories and made new connections over their meal, the space filled with conversation and laughter – a fitting way to close out the day’s adventures. Though usually home to horses preparing for quail hunts, today the barn served as a gathering place where visitors bonded over their shared appreciation for Land Rovers and the plantation’s rich history.

Adding to the weekend’s cultural significance, the Red Hills Rover Rally coincided with Thomasville’s 29th Wildlife Arts Festival, the Center for the Arts’ signature fundraising event. This created a perfect comfort food of Southern culture, where automotive enthusiasm meshed with artistic expression. The Wildlife Arts Festival, central to the region’s cultural landscape, supports year-round arts programming, educational initiatives, and workshops that enrich the community across all age groups and skill levels. The convergence of these events highlighted Thomasville’s unique ability to blend traditional sporting life with contemporary cultural celebrations.

The Red Hills Rover Rally represented more than just an off-road adventure; it offered a glimpse into two parallel traditions of excellence. On one side, Land Rover’s legacy of building vehicles that balance capability with refinement; on the other, Millpond Plantation’s century-long commitment to preserving one of the South’s most significant sporting estates. As the crowds dispersed and the last Rover departed Millpond’s historic grounds, it was clear that this gathering had achieved something special: a perfect marriage of classic engineering and Southern grace, where every muddy trail led to another timeless memory.

Southern Regional Technical College’s Automotive Program

I work for Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) here in Georgia. SRTC stands at the forefront of developing the next generation of automotive professionals across South Georgia. Through their comprehensive Automotive Technology program, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge diagnostic equipment for modern vehicles; as vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, skilled technicians are more crucial than ever. The program’s industry partnerships ensure students work with the latest technology, making them highly sought-after professionals in a field where qualified technicians are in constant demand. Students also learn to appreciate and maintain the region’s classic cars.

SRTC’s graduates enter the workforce ready to maintain and repair the vehicles, whether contemporary or historic, from beloved family heirlooms to complex contemporary cars and commercial trucks fleets.[To learn more, visit www.southernregional.edu]