Offering the best of the South, Macon Georgia has plenty to do no matter what time of year you visit or how long you stay. Take your family to the south’s most incredible water park, watch an iconic concert at Macon’s historic stadium, try one of the city’s award-winning restaurants, or challenge yourself on one of many nearby adventure courses designed by world-class athletes. This comprehensive guide to Macon GA will help you plan your trip and choose the best things to do in Macon so that you don’t miss out on any fun!
What to eat when you visit Macon, GA
Macon is known for some great restaurants and it’s easy to see why, especially when the weather is nice. For example, visit the Ocmulgee Brewpub for excellent burgers with craft beer. If you like southern food, check out H&H Restaurant. This place has been around since 1959 and has served pretty much every notable person who’s ever visited Macon. And don’t worry about looking out of place if you come here on your own – everyone eats family style! You can get large portions that include everything from cornbread to peach cobbler if you get there early enough, but they usually run out by mid-afternoon. So be sure to call ahead if that’s what you want!
If you enjoy art or history, do not miss Dovetail in Downtown Macon. It’s the perfect choice for a celebration or a romantic dinner. Though it can get a bit noisy if a romantic restaurant is what you are looking for.
Where to stay in Macon
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Macon, consider checking out one of its amazing bed and breakfasts. For example, the 1842 House is a great B&B for a romantic weekend getaway! The 1842 House is conveniently located near popular attractions like Olde Town Square and Mercer University. The B&B has both breakfast and dinner options.
Another great option is The Burke Mansion B&B. The Burke Mansion is one of Macon’s most iconic buildings. Guests staying here enjoy three meals per day cooked by a professional chef and can access a mini bar if they need a quick snack. The owner of The Burke Mansion B&B is also known for his top-notch customer service!
What To See and Do in Macon
The city of Macon was named for Nathaniel Macon, a colonel during both Revolutions and later senator from North Carolina. In addition to numerous Civil War-era landmarks (more than in any other Georgia city), there are many preserved brick buildings downtown.
Walking around Macon, you can gaze at the many antebellum homes you'll find throughout the southern city. If there's one home to not miss during your visit to Macon it is the Hay House. The elaborate home was built in the 1800s and features elaborate stained-glass windows, pocket doors and exquisite decor. The home cost about $200,000 to build and in today's dollar, that would be about $4.5 million.
If your interest lies in more active pursuits, then head over to Mercer University for their sports museum. There are several historic homes that are open for tours as well as a few parks worth exploring. And don’t forget about Georgia Sports Hall of Fame! Georgia Sports Hall of Fame houses one of largest collections of sports memorabilia in all 50 states! Some say it is one of best museums ever created because it has so much variety (sports) while still being well organized.
Tubman Museum and Historical Society is also an excellent place to explore African American history in Georgia. If you’re interested in art or photography, be sure to check out two of Macon’s museums - Ocmulgee Heritage Center and High Museum of Art. The latter is home to three distinct collections - African American Art, Native American Arts and European Painting and Sculpture. If you want to do something a little more outdoorsy, then head over to Georgia National Fairgrounds for some live music! There are always plenty of events happening here including concerts by big name bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Alabama. And if that doesn’t excite you enough, then take a look at their schedule for rodeos, monster trucks shows and even demolition derbies!
All these things make Macon a great destination for families and friends alike! Of course you'll need a car to tool around Macon. Check out our certified BMW inventory here.