By Bloomberg Pursuits
Go (Way, Way) Back in Time in Central Georgia
Macon occupies a key place in American Indian and Black history—and with its bicentennial in 2023, the city is ready to show it all off. Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is a prehistoric riverfront site where the Muscogee Nation lived for more than 12,000 years. Housing more than 2,000 American Indian artifacts and offering 6 miles of trails, it’s expected to be named Georgia’s first national park when a three-year federal review concludes soon.
In the historic downtown, stay at the former bank turned 94-room Hotel Forty Five, part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection. There’s also the Woodward Hotel, named after the owner’s grandfather, an English professor; expect books of Southern literature in its nine luxe rooms. Situated on an alley surrounded by buzzy local eateries, it has rooftop patio views. The city’s culinary scene is home to more than a dozen Black-owned restaurants, such as Macon soul food institution H&H Restaurant and plant-based barbecue favorite Southern Vegan Soul Cafe.
Macon’s pop-music roots can be found at the Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum, which memorializes the record label for Otis Redding, Al Green and the Allman Brothers. Oprah already gets the vibe—she was spotted here while producing the musical remake of The Color Purple. Filmed around town, it’s due out in December.
When to go: Spring and fall offer prime weather as well cultural riches, including the Cherry Blossom Festival and the rich musical happenings sponsored by Mercer University’s McDuffie Center.
When not to go: July and August can be oppressively hot; January and February are quite dreary.
Whom to call: Travel Expert
