The Soul of the South resides in Macon, Georgia, with more acreage listed on the National Historic registry than any other Georgia city. Only Savannah tops Macon for its striking old buildings. Having been spared the ravages of General Sherman's murderous march to the sea, Macon is filled with delightful white-columned antebellum buildings which stand as a testimony to the city’s rich historical past. Through a $36-million revitalization project launched in 1999, much of the original charm of Macon has been restored.
Known as the cherry tree capital of Georgia, Macon has over 275,000 Yoshino cherry trees which bloom in late March and attract visitors from all over during the city’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival. Home of rock legend Little Richard and birthplace of Southern poet Sidney Lanier, Macon is filled with a variety of interesting cultural offerings, educational institutions, sports arenas and entertainment venues. Come and vacation with us, and see how much there is to discover in Macon, Georgia.
Not sure how to start your Georgia vacation? Then check out our Super Savers Vacation Offers.
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.
Southern
Colorful Culinary History
Macon is home to Nu-Way Weiners, the 80-year-old hot dog stand with the trademarked misspelled sign, and Fincher’s, whose Blue Ribbon bar-b-que traveled to space on a NASA mission in 1989. Mama Louise Hudson of H & H Restaurant regularly gave free plates of food to a scraggly group of starving musicians who, when they hit it big as The Allman Brothers Band, took her out on the road with them. The novel Whisper to the Black Candle tells of Anjette Lyles, a beloved Macon restaurateur who rid herself of four family members with arsenic. Macon enjoys a variety of locally owned and acclaimed restaurants, from charming bistros to down-home soul food kitchens.
Wini McQueen
Internationally acclaimed folk-art quilter, painter, textile designer, writer and social activist Wini McQueen explores her personal history, as well as the history of African and African American cultures, in her work. She developed a photocopy-transfer technique to create works of art on fabric. Her quilts are in the permanent collection at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art and Macon’s Museum of Arts and Sciences.
Chuck Leavell
Twiggs County tree farmer Chuck Leavell is not only a nationally recognized conservationist, but he’s also been an unofficial member of the Rolling Stones for the past 25 years. Other credits include recording and/or touring with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Train and many others. A solo artist and author of two novels, Leavell’s most recent project is an illustrated children’s book entitled The Tree Farmer.
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.
|
