Macon, Georgia

Have you ever thought about visiting Macon? Are you from Macon and want to get to know your city a little better? Well I am excited to tell you all about my hometown and why I love it and think it is worth a visit! Besides, it only felt right to spotlight Macon as my first official blog post. I can’t wait to tell you about all the history of the city, the must see and do places, the most delicious places to eat, the best bars for a night out or to just grab a drink, and of course, the best places to stay during your visit!

First, if any of you know me well then you know I am a nerd at heart and I love history and believe learning the history of a city you visit is vitally important to really understand the culture of that city. Macon, also called the “Heart of Georgia”, was founded in 1823 after many settlers moved here due to the development of Fort Benjamin Hawkins, which served as a trading post between the European settlers and the Creek Indians, while it also served to protect the growing community. This fort served as a major military distribution point during the War of 1812. The new city of Macon began to quickly flourish due to its location on the Ocmulgee River. It later served as the official arsenal of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Macon, also served as the temporary state capitol of Georgia in 1864. The Macon City Hall served as the capitol building and also as a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Later in the 20th century, Macon continued to grow and flourish as a main transportation hub for the state of Georgia due to its large railroad system, which lead to the building of the well known, Terminal Station, which is still located downtown today. Over the years Macon has continued to grow and develop. The last five years have brought about many great changes for the downtown area, including many new restaurants, bars, museums, shopping, and increased safety for its residents and visitors. It is located in the middle of the state of Georgia and is about 1.5 hours from Atlanta and 2.5 hours from Savannah.

Things to do in Macon, GA

1. Ocmulgee National Monument

The Indian mounds are definitely a place to visit on your trip to Macon. Bring your tennis shoes! These grounds served as the settlement for many indigenous Indian tribes that occupied the area, now known as Macon. The large man made mounds served as ceremonial and burial grounds for these ancient tribes. The Ocmulgee National monument has a Visitor’s and Information center that can be visited for free. The Visitor’s center features historical information and films about the mounds, artifacts from the early tribes, and of course, a gift shop! The park has lots of beautiful walking trails, and you can even climb a stair case to the top of one of the larger mounds for a great view of downtown Macon! Every year during the month of September, the parks hosts the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration and Pow Wow. This celebration is the largest Native American gathering in the Southeast and features craft vendors, live demonstrations, and Native American dancers. This site is a must see when visiting Macon, and is completely free.

2. The Big House

Macon has been home to many notable musicians and artists such as The Allman Brothers, Little Richard, Otis Redding, and Jason Aldean. The Big House is where the original members of The Allman Brothers Band and their families called home from 1970 to 1973, while recording at Macon’s Capricorn Studios. The original band was made up of Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Berry Oakley, Dickey Betts, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe Johanson until the tragic deaths of best friends, Duane and Berry, one year apart from each other in 1971 and 1972 due to motorcycle accidents. The band went on to become one of the most well known and talented Southern Rock groups in music history. The Big House has been transformed into a museum that visitors can stop by to learn of the history of the band and Southern Rock, and to see the home, as it was then, of the band members, their wives, and their children. The entrance to the museum is $15/ person and allows you to tour the museum, enjoy the backyard gardens with a stage set up where performances are occasionally held, and to visit the gift shop to purchase some Allman Brothers apparel! “Soulshine is better than sunshine. It’s better than moonshine. Damn sure better than the rain. You gotta let your soul shine until the break of day.” – The Allman Brothers Band 1994

3. Rose Hill Cemetery

Alright, so I know that maybe a cemetery was not at the top of your sight seeing list, but the 80 acre Rose Hill cemetery should be. Rose Hill was first opened in 1840 and is the resting place for many notable Maconites throughout history, including 600 Civil War soldiers. It was also a hang out spot and music inspiration for the Allman Brothers Band. The cemetery is full of grassy fields, large beautiful trees and plants, and is situated right along the Ocmulgee River. Many locals come to the cemetery for morning jogs, leisurely strolls, and for peace of mind. Three members of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane, Berry, and Gregg, are buried here side by side, down close to the river, which brings many visitors to the cemetery. This is definitely a recommended stop and is a great place to visit around dusk for sunset views of downtown Macon.

4. Georgia Sports Hall of Fame

If your interested in sports, this would be a great stop for you and is located right in downtown Macon. The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is the largest state sports museum in the USA. The museum displays over 3,000 artifacts of sports memorabilia. Admission is $8/per person for adults.

5. The Tubman Museum

The Tubman museum is also a must see attraction on your visit to Macon. The Tubman museum is named after Harriet Tubman, who is well known for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad. In her later years, Mrs. Tubman was a strong activist in the struggle for women’s suffrage. Admission to the museum is $10/person.

6. The Cannonball House

The Cannonball House is a notable historic home located in downtown Macon. This house got its name from the cannon that was shot through the home during the Civil War. Tickets are $8/person and includes a 45 minute tour of the home, the two story brick kitchen, and the slave quarters in the back of the home. This museum gives the visitor a glimpse into what homes would have been like in the Civil War period, an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts, and a large collection of historical pieces and information on the establishment of the Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Mu sororities, which both began in Macon.

Other great places to visit in Macon include the Hay House, Museum of Arts and Sciences, Amerson River Park, and Lake Tobosofkee.

Best Places to Eat in Macon

1. H&H Soul Food Restaurant

H&H is without a doubt the best and most historical restaurant in Macon. H&H was found by Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, also known as “Mama Louise”, in 1959 and has been serving up delicious southern cooking ever since. H&H is well known for the relationship Mama Louise had with the Allman Brothers Band. Mama Louise had a very close friendship with the band and always made sure “her boys” were fed when they were just a young band trying to make it big and times were tough. H&H is open for breakfast and lunch and is a meal you will want to come back to Macon just to get.

2. The Rookery

So if we are being honest, the Rookery is my FAVORITE restaurant. My boyfriend knows to not even ask where I want to eat unless he wants to eat at the Rookery. The King Bee wrap is to die for, along with a tons of delicious burger choices such as the Jimmy Carter Burger, The Midnight Rider, the Big O burger, the Allman Burger, and the Johnny Jenkins Burger. They also have a full bar with lots of good drink choices and delicious milkshakes. You won’t go wrong grabbing lunch or dinner here.

3. Nuway Weiners

Nuway is a Macon staple, for sure, serving up delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, and biscuits . It was first opened on Cotton avenue in 1914 and now has nine locations around central Georgia. “I’d go a long way for Nu-Way!”

4. Downtown Grill

If your looking for something a little more upscale, Downtown Grill is the perfect place. It hosts a delicious menu of fine dining and a top notch wine list. It is noted to be the location where Gregg Allman proposed to Cher. This marker can be found out in the front of the restaurant. Parking can be a little difficult due to its location in an alley way, but valet parking is available.

5. Ingleside Village Pizza

Ingleside Village Pizza is a short drive from downtown and has some of the most delicious pizza, a good beer selection, and the most fun atmosphere. The inside is decorated with some of the most unique memorabilia and decor, making it a fun dining experience. It is located in Ingleside village which also has many cute little shops and is next door to the Society Garden, a fun outdoor garden with frozen wine slushies and outdoor music.

6. Taste and See Coffee Shop

Hands down the best coffee shop in Macon! They serve delicious coffees, milkshakes, pastries, and sandwiches. The inside of the shop is so pretty and feels like your in a cabin. The inside has a large cozy fireplace and the outside patio has a fire pit for cool winter nights. It is my boyfriend and I’s favorite study spot. The staff are always so friendly and welcoming.

Other delicious restaurants to try on your visit to Macon include, the Bear’s Den, Fish’n Pig, Oliver’s Corner Bistro, and Decadent Desert Bar.

Best Bars and Nightlife in Macon

1. The Crazy Bull

Crazy bull is popular bar in downtown Macon that has live music every night on the weekends and has a lot of new and up and coming artist perform there. I have gotten to see Brett Eldridge, Sam Hunt, Luke Combs, Jon Pardi, and Frankie Ballard perform here. Of course, if you visit you will have to take a free ride on the mechanical bull!

2. Macon’s Dueling Piano Bar

One of the newest bars to Macon! Delicious drinks and a fun night of entertainment is sure to expected!

3. Reboot Retrocade and Bar

This is a fun bar to visit for tasty drinks and tons of arcade games, pin ball machines, and video games to play! It makes for a fun, but low key night out on the town.

4. Late Night

Another new bar to downtown Macon is Late Night. This bar is a little more upscale with a classy drink menu and a little tighter dress code. It is a beautiful bar with great music and a great crowd!

5. Just Tap’d

Just Tap’d is a popular tap room located downtown. They have a huge selection of beer on tap, yummy food, and weekly trivia nights!

6. The Society Garden

The Society Garden is a couple miles from downtown but features a beautiful beer garden area with outdoor seating, delicious drinks, yard games, and an outdoor stage with live music. Great place for a chill night out or for date night!

Other bars to visit include The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom, Barefoot Tavern, Ocmulgee Brew Pub, and Piedmont Brewery.

As you can tell, Macon has a special place in my heart and is a place I believe everyone should come for a visit! Let me know if your in town, and we can grab some coffee! Macon is a a city with abundant southern charm, deep history, and friendly and welcoming locals! I’m proud to be “Macon made”.