Many people come to Georgia expecting to see scenes from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind. There are museums in Marietta and Jonesboro dedicated to the movie and the novel, and the Margaret Mitchell house in Atlanta displays a little about the life of the famous author. But in the North Georgia community of Sautee, there’s a two-story plantation house filled with memorabilia about Rhett and Scarlett.

Scarlett’s Secret sits in the shady greenery along Hwy. 17, framed with hydrangea blooms and ivy. The path to the front door is graced with concrete rabbits peering through the shrubs to greet visitors.

“They’re from ‘Scarlett O’Hare,” explains proprietor Betsy King, who says she has been a collector for 45 years. The dress, like the one that Scarlett made from the draperies, is her favorite. Her treasures are displayed throughout the gift shop/museum, which is furnished in period pieces similar to what Scarlett would have used. In one window is a Christmas tree completely decorated with pieces from the movie. Don’t you know someone who would love to have a dashing Rhett Butler figurine hanging from her tree?

Shelves are lined with Scarlett dolls of several varieties, dressed from hat to shoes as the famously stubborn heroine did in scenes from the movie.  In addition there are plates with the photos of Clark Gable, Vivian Leigh and other stars of the movie, coffee cups with quotes, signs, prints, cards and music boxes. Many of the items can be ordered on-line through the website.

There is no admission price and the house itself is lovely. Call in advance to order tea and dessert on the veranda. Gloves and hats are not required. (But you can’t go wrong with a good hat, right?) 

Scarlett’s Secret is located at 1902 Hwy. 17 in Sautee (between Helen and Clarkesville.) Scarlett may not have made it this far north, but she would have lingered if she had!