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Macon is a city of about 155,000 people on the Ocmulgee River in central Georgia. Long before the city was founded, Native Americans built great earthen mounds here; Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park preserves 17,000 years of human history, including a reconstructed earth lodge more than 1,000 years old. The city itself was founded in 1823 and grew as a cotton trading center.
Macon is known for its beautiful antebellum architecture, with more than 6,000 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hay House, an Italian Renaissance Revival mansion completed in 1859, was one of the most advanced homes of its time, and the Cannonball House still bears damage from a Union shell. Mercer University's historic campus adds a college atmosphere.
Music is part of Macon's soul. Little Richard and Otis Redding grew up here, and the Allman Brothers Band formed in the city in 1969; their communal home, the Big House, is now a museum. Every March, more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom across the city during the International Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the largest in the world.
National park protecting earthen mounds built by Native peoples about a thousand years ago, including the Great Temple Mound and a reconstructed Earth Lodge with an original clay floor. Trails link the mounds and river wetlands. Entry is free, and the climb up the Great Temple Mound gives fine views.
Italian Renaissance Revival mansion completed in 1859, once called the Palace of the South for its advanced features like hot and cold running water and an elaborate cupola. Guided tours cover its art, rooms and hidden spaces. Book a tour time, and look out over the city from the upper floors.
Greek Revival house from the 1850s that was struck by a Union cannonball during an attack on Macon in 1864. The ball is still on display, along with period rooms and Civil War exhibits. Tours are guided and short, so it is easy to combine with Hay House nearby.
Historic terraced cemetery opened in the 1840s on hills above the Ocmulgee River, where Duane Allman and Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers Band are buried. Winding paths pass old monuments and river views. Visit respectfully, and walk down toward the river trail afterward.
Museum in the Big House, the Tudor-style home where members of the Allman Brothers Band and their families lived in the early 1970s. It holds guitars, clothing, posters and personal items. Music fans should allow at least an hour, and check opening days, which are limited.
Large museum devoted to African American art, history and culture, named for Harriet Tubman, with galleries of fine art, folk art, inventors and local history. It also hosts festivals and events. Allow two hours, and look for the large mural tracing African American history.
Family-friendly museum with art galleries, natural history exhibits, live animals and a planetarium, set on wooded grounds with nature trails. It is a good rainy day stop with kids. Check planetarium show times, and walk the short outdoor trail after the galleries.
Paved riverside trail along the Ocmulgee River linking Amerson River Park, downtown and the Ocmulgee Mounds area, with bridges, boardwalks and wetlands. It is great for walking and biking. Start at Amerson River Park, and bring water and bug spray in the warm months.
Large riverside park on the Ocmulgee River with trails, a canoe and kayak launch, playgrounds, picnic areas and open lawns. It is the northern anchor of the Heritage Trail. Bring a kayak for an easy paddle, and keep an eye on river levels after heavy rain.
Historic city center with restored buildings, local restaurants, bars and live music venues tied to Macon's rich music history, including the Capricorn Records studio. Murals and festivals add color. Walk Cherry Street and Poplar Street, and catch a show at a local venue at night.
Spring festival held each March when hundreds of thousands of Yoshino cherry trees bloom across Macon, with concerts, parades, a carnival and pink-themed events around the city. It is the city's biggest celebration. Drive the marked bloom trail and book lodging early.
Historic theater opened in the 1880s on Mulberry Street, with an ornate interior and a large stage that hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy and local performances. It is run by Mercer University. Check the season calendar, and arrive early to see the interior.
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