| One of the great historic cities of the American South, Macon Georgia offers an exciting variety of year-round attractions to explore. Experience the romance and charm of antebellum mansions, interactive museums, Civil War sites, Native American and African American cultures, along with tributes to Georgia’s music and sports legends. In addition to all this, you’ll find several small colleges, including historic Wesleyan University, a thriving business center, and ample opportunities for dining, culture and sporting events.
Start your tour downtown in the historic center of Macon with fabulous Civil War era homes to explore, such as the Canon Ball House and Hay House, an extravagant Italian Renaissance Revival mansion that’s a definite must-see. Take in interactive history at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, where you’ll find mementos of famous Georgia athletes like Evander Holyfield and Hank Aaron; or the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to Georgia musicians of past and present, from Ray Charles and Little Richard to R.E.M. and the B-52s. Experience African American history at the Tubman African American Museum and the Historic Douglass Theatre.
Explore ancient Native American culture at the Ocmulgee National Monument which encompasses 683 acres of preserved archaeological remains dating back 12,000 years. Climb ancient Indian mounds, visit inside a ceremonial earth-lodge, hike along nature trails and study ancient artifacts.
The area surrounding Macon attracts tourists with the sandy beaches and sparkling waters of Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area, which features 35 miles of pristine shoreline for boating, fishing, camping, swimming, water skiing and picnicking. Just north of Macon you can explore a 140 year old cotton plantation at the Jarrell Plantation Historic Site.
Whether you’re here on vacation or on business, you’ll never run out of things to do. Click here for a list of attractions in Macon, Georgia.
Macon, Georgia, the city known as the “The Song and Soul of the South,” holds a treasure trove of potential story ideas. The Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau is eager to assist writers by gathering information, providing photos and coordinating interviews, as requested. Below are general topics of interest with brief descriptions; please call or e-mail the MBCCVB Communications Director at any time to discuss your ideas or needs.
Tourism/Visitors
Around Town Tours
For a convenient, enjoyable and affordable way to sightsee in Macon, try the Around Town packaged tours, which feature historic homes, interactive museums and trolley transportation. Available at the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
African American Heritage Tour
Explore historic sites and markers that preserve Macon’s rich African American culture and honor significant figures in arts, business, education and religion.
Girlfriend’s Getaway
The Macon-Bibb County CVB suggests Macon spas, salons, shopping, dining, attractions and nightlife to create customized itineraries that focus on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Lights On Macon
White-columned mansions and quaint Victorian cottages are illuminated on this self-guided tour of Macon’s fabulous Intown Historic District.
Attractions
Cannonball House, 856 Mulberry Street
Built in 1853, this Antebellum Greek Revival home was struck by a cannonball during the Stoneman’s Raid in 1864; today, the cannonball rests in the hall for visitors to see. Restored with furnishings of the period and listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.
Georgia Children’s Museum, 370 Cherry Street
Opened in 2005, the first phase of the museum includes an arts and media workshop, educational exhibits and a black box theatre for kids. Adults can relax with a cup of hot java in the Lost Parents Café while kids engage in hands-on activities.
Georgia Music Hall of Fame, 200 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Georgia counts among her musicians the Allman Brothers Band, Ray Charles, R.E.M., James Brown, Little Richard, Alan Jackson, the Indigo Girls, the B-52’s, Trisha Yearwood and hundreds more. Check out Travis Tritt’s 10-foot guitar or footage of Otis Redding at the Monterey Pop Festival. Exhibits, Music Factory Children’s Wing, Library, Music Store, concerts and events.
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, 300 Cherry Street
Drive a NASCAR simulator, shoot hoops, kick a winning field goal or relive Hank Aaron’s historic 715th home run. Learn more about Georgia athletes Jackie Robinson, Evander Holyfield, Nancy Lopez and legendary golfer Bobby Jones. The largest state sports museum in the country offers 3,000 artifacts, a 205-seat ball park theater, research library and gift shop.
Hay House, 934 Georgia Avenue
Built in the late 1850’s, the Italian Renaissance Revival palazzo covers 18,000 square feet on four levels and is crowned by a three-level cupola that rises over 80 feet above ground. When constructed, the home had hot and cold running water, an intercom system, central heat and an advanced ventilation system − all comforts far ahead of the times.
Sidney Lanier Cottage, 935 High Street
The great American poet Sidney Lanier (“Marshes of Glynn,” “Song of the Chattahoochee”) was born here. Lanier also practiced law, served as a Confederate soldier and played flute in Baltimore’s Peabody Symphony Orchestra. The Cottage hosts regular events, including Sidney’s Salon gatherings.
Tubman African American Museum, 340 Walnut Street
The Local History Gallery, Military Leaders Gallery and Soul on Rice are among the 14 galleries. The Tubman features changing exhibits, frequent events and educational programs, an expansive collection of African art and pieces by Romare Bearden, Kojo Griffin, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, P. H. Polk, Annie Greene and others.
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