Visit Macon
story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER photos courtesy of VISIT MACON
If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation, you do not need to look any further than the place “Where Soul Lives.” Macon, Georgia, is just a little over three hours away from Beaufort, and the streets are singing with excitement as a revitalization continues to bring new life into this historic city.
Downtown Macon now boasts 30+ entertainment venues, and with over 50 restaurants, more than three dozen shops and galleries, and two boutique hotels, this is the place to be. And if record stores are your vibe, Macon has two excellent options: Fresh Produce Records and Vertigo Vinyl.
It has been a huge year for Macon as they have opened the world’s largest pickleball facility and a new 10,000-seat amphitheater. Downtown Macon continues to thrive, with several new spots, including Sophia’s on Second (the dream spot for a girl’s night out), Sweet Eleanor’s divine desserts, Longleaf Distillery, and The Daisy Tequila Bar.
Music would not be where it is today without some of the key musicians who came to fame in Macon. Whether you are a self-proclaimed music buff or not, you’re sure to find yourself leaning in to listen and learn more about the music scene in Macon.
Native Little Richard perfected his “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop” in Macon, and James Brown cut the first demo of “Please, Please, Please,” leading to his first record deal. The Allman Brothers, the legendary group at the core of the genre now known as Southern rock, first got its start in Macon. The group signed with Capricorn Records in 1969 and lived in a home that’s now The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House. Visitors can see the world’s latest collection of Allman Brothers memorabilia at this interactive museum, where Dickey Betts wrote “Blue Sky” in the living room and “Ramblin’ Man” in the kitchen. See the pool table once owned by Gregg Allman and Cher, and Lamar Williams’ jacket that he wore while performing at a benefit for Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign in 1975.
Otis Redding is another music legend with ties to the city. As a teenager, he competed in talent shows at The Douglass Theater for the $5 prize and, after fifteen straight wins, was no longer allowed to compete. His wife, Zelma Redding, established the Otis Redding Foundation and Museum downtown in his honor, showcasing exclusive treasures in her family’s personal collection. The Otis Redding Center for the Arts is a multipurpose space open to students ages 5-18 who desire to explore their interest in all elements of music. It facilitates private lessons, workshops, and summer camps to help foster students’ creativity. Along with these other great musicians, Jason Aldean was born and raised in Macon.
If you visit Macon and are hoping to hear live music, you don’t have to travel far in any direction. For almost 50 years, Grant’s Lounge has hosted music legends, ranging from The Allman Brothers to Tom Petty and The Marshall Tucker Band. Every Wednesday night, you can enjoy the Macon Music Revue band, a celebration of music with ties to the city.
If you have a weekend to spend in Macon, plan to check into the Hotel Forty Five, Macon. This 94-room historic boutique hotel in downtown Macon is uniquely positioned at a 45-degree angle, thanks to Cotton Avenue’s diagonal trajectory. This innovative urban design, ahead of its time, made transportation of cotton barges to and from the river possible. Hotel Forty Five, Macon, features two event venues and three dining outlets: Loom restaurant, Hightales Rooftop Bar, and Reckon Coffee & Wine Bar. Hotel Forty Five, Macon, is just minutes from top attractions, including the Macon City Auditorium, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and tributes to music legends.
Make sure your first stop of the day is at Macon Bagels. While you might have to stand in line, trust me—it’s well worth the wait! They have every type of bagel imaginable, from classic plain to the flavorful adobo cheddar, paired with a variety of cream cheeses and add-ons, like eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple bagel with schmear or a fully loaded breakfast sandwich, Macon Bagels has you covered. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring!
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is truly a treasure. The sheer ingenuity and dedication it took to construct these monumental structures with the tools available at the time is a testament to the sophistication and resilience of the Native American cultures that thrived there.
H&H Soul Food is a must-visit for anyone in the area! The food alone is worth the trip — classic, hearty dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and BBQ brisket that feel like a warm hug for your soul. But it’s the story behind the restaurant that truly makes it special. Mama Louise Hudson’s kindness in feeding The Allman Brothers Band during their early days is legendary, and her connection to their success is a beautiful reminder of the power of generosity. Sitting down to eat at H&H feels like taking part in a piece of Southern music history.
We visited Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum, and took a tour. It was fascinating to walk through a space where legendary artists like The Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other icons of Southern rock recorded their hits. The studio played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of an entire era, serving as the birthplace of the Southern rock genre. The walls seemed to hum with the echoes of history, and you could almost feel the creative energy that once filled the rooms. For music lovers, this is a pilgrimage worth making.
Check out the Tubman African American Museum, which features and celebrates African American Art, History, and Culture and has been there for over 40 years.
Make sure to have dinner at Loom restaurant, enjoying the delicious Burrata, Fried Shrimp, or Blue Crab Cake as your appetizer, and savor the King Salmon or Grilled Prime Ribeye as you sip on one of their signature cocktails. Take time to slow down and enjoy sunset drinks at Hightales Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy beer, wine, or cocktails, such as Laid Back 2014 or Got the Feelin’, James Brown, 1968.
Visit the new Longleaf Distillery to savor their exceptional specialty cocktails. We had the pleasure of sitting down with owner Dave for an in-depth conversation about Macon’s vibrant downtown and all it has to offer. Be sure to try their signature Espresso Martini or the refreshing John Daly, both crafted with their premium in-house liquors.
Macon’s rich cultural scene is beautifully showcased in its historic venues. The Capitol Theatre, originally opened as a movie theater in 1916, now brings the community together with concerts and performances throughout the year, blending its vintage charm with modern entertainment. The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom is the perfect spot to catch live music, featuring national, regional, and local bands in an intimate setting. Meanwhile, The Grand Opera House, affectionately called “The Grand,” offers a diverse lineup of performances, from Broadway productions and concerts to comedy acts, all within its stunning, historic architecture. Each venue adds its own unique flair to Macon’s vibrant arts and entertainment landscape.
Don’t miss the chance to dine at Oliver’s Corner Bistro when you’re in Macon. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of great food, excellent service, and a welcoming ambiance that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
If you are taking your family with you, don’t worry, because Macon has something to please everyone in your family. For those with kids who love sports, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is the perfect place to visit. Check out the Mini-Zoo found at the Museum of Arts and Sciences or visit the Museum of Aviation. And if you need to wear out some energy, just head over to the Macon Rocks Climbing Gym!
If you’re looking to spend time winding the aisles of flea markets, check out Payne Mill City Antique Mall. Macon also boasts art galleries that can provide just the right finishing touch to your living space. Macon Arts Alliance is located in downtown Macon and features more than 200 artists.
With sights, sounds, and tastes like these calling your name, a visit to Macon will be hard to resist. Go to visitmacon.com to explore everything the city has to offer and start planning your trip.
