When it comes to fun things to do in Macon, Georgia, the list is plentiful. The city is brimming with music history, delicious food offerings, and even historical parks and quiet places. But, if you’re new to the city, how do you even begin to narrow it down? A recent visit to the city gave me plenty of insight to give you my narrowed-down list.
Things to Do in Macon, GA
Disclosure: We were graciously hosted by the fine folks at Visit Macon to give you the scoop on what to do when you’re in town. All opinions (and photos) are my own!
Tour a Seven Story Mansion
By far, Hay House is one of the most beautiful mansions we’ve ever toured. With its seven stories, each floor has so much rich history from the families that called it their home over the years.
If you want impressive, make the trek up to the 80-foot copula and check out the views that, once upon a time, only prominent men were able to view.
Visit an Homage to Harriet
When my daughter visited Rochester, NY, a couple of years ago, we learned plenty about the brave woman, Harriet Tubman and how she risked her life to save the lives of many slaves. In Downtown Macon, the Tubman Museum is a 49,000 square-foot space dedicated to the history, art, and culture of African Americans.
When you go, make sure to visit the upper level and delve into the larger sculptures – we found them fascinatingly-beautiful.
Walk Around a Free National Park Filled with Native American History
Open daily from 9am-5pm, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is a definite must-do, especially on good weather days. Featuring a 1,000-year old+ Native American earth lodge that you can actually walk inside and look around, you can also climb to the top of a massive mound that was used as a place where the elite tribesmen would gather.
Fun Things to Do in Macon – Tour the Allman Brothers Big House
I’m going to be honest; I didn’t know that the Allman Brothers lived in a massive home together for a few years. But after touring the Big House, I learned so much about the family band. Housing the largest collection of Allman Brothers memorabilia found anywhere, it was THE spot that Gregg Allman found the inspiration to write “Please Call Home”.
Fun Things to Do in Macon – Visit the Local Cemeteries
In the historical district of Downtown Macon sits several old cemeteries, each worthy of checking out. Rose Hill, probably the most famous of them all, is the final resting place of the Allman Brothers and it really is something.
Different from the northern cemeteries I’m used to, these ones have tiers and layers that you won’t find around my neck of the woods. The driving paths are narrow and steep, but the history of the Macon residents that rest in peace there is rich and wide.
Fun Things to Do in Macon – Get the City History
If you’re walking around Downtown Macon, make sure to pop into the Macon Visitor’s Bureau. Not only is there a lesson in the city’s history, there’s a short movie explaining even more. It’s here where you can buy Visit Macon merchandise, too.
My friends at Wanderu have written a real resource of an article featuring the best vacation spots in Georgia. A few I’ve been to, and several are on my travel bucket list!
Fun Things to Do in Macon: Where to Eat in Macon
It felt like I ate my body weight in delicious, southern-style food each day of our visit and I’m not mad at all. Additionally, many of the restaurants are dining landmarks and are worthy of a look around.
If you want to know where to eat in Macon, here’s my list of must visits:
The Rookery
One of Macon’s most notable landmarks, it’s the place for the best burgers in the city. Home to the Allman Burger and the Big “O”, they were named after the famous Macon musicians, The Allman Brothers Band and Otis Redding.
Ocmulgee Brewpub
Ocmulgee Brewpub marries craft beer with gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries and superfood salads. It’s an easy going spot to sit and enjoy some delish local food. Order at the counter, grab a seat inside or out, and wait for your food to be delivered to the table.
Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails
Kinjo Kitchen is a super hip spot for some tasty Asian fusion entrees and appetizers. With an East meets South take on food, the vibe is upscale but not stuffy.
Yollah
“Yollah” translates to a uniting force and that’s exactly what the Latin fusion restaurant does. And does it well. I love the fact that you can order single tacos or empanadas to get a variety of flavors and tastes.
H&H Soul Food
Open for late breakfast through brunch ( 9 a.m.-2 p.m.), H&H Soul Food was probably my favorite place to dine when in Macon. Founded in 1959, it’s one of those spots that combines true, southern cooking (there were deviled eggs on the menu – come on!) with the local southern music history. Just look around the walls and you’ll be in southern rock heaven.
Fun Things to Do in Macon – Where to Stay in Macon
Sure, there are several chain restaurants in Macon, but if you want that true Southern hospitality from the moment you check in until you hand back your room key, there’s truly no other choice but The 1842 Inn. With its “grand hotels meets country inn” vibe, from the moment we stepped foot onto the property we knew we were in for a beautiful visit.
We sat on the wrap around porch and drank afternoon tea (thanks, Gloria!). We also enjoyed a southern breakfast each morning of our stay, and sank into our comfy bed at night. But what I found most enjoyable was chatting with the staff. They made us feel like we were a member of their family – and that’s something I’ll never forget.
Did your favorite fun things to do in Macon make our list? Leave me a comment and let me know!