5. BRUSH UP ON HISTORY IN MACON For an immersive journey through history—whether you’re interested in music, art, culture, architecture, stories of the Black and Indigenous experience in Georgia, and more—there’s no place like Macon. The charming town has an abundance of activities, landmarks and opportunities to see the paths that laid the foundations for life as we know it today. Begin your historic journey at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park , which may soon become Georgia’s newest national park. The national park would be co-managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, who were forced off the land in the first half of the 19th century. Occupied for more than 12,000 years by up to six Native American cultures, the land is central to the foundation and prehistoric origin of Macon. Before visiting the magnificent mounds, check the calendar for recurring programming at the site—including annual cultural events like the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration held in September, and the Lantern Light Tour (every year during Macon’s Cherry Blossom Festival ), where you’ll walk from the Visitor Center to the Great Temple Mound with a lantern and hear interpretive talks at various points along the paths. Continue down history’s path with a visit to sites relating to Black history, stopping first at the Tubman African American Museum . Named in honor of the courageous Harriet Tubman, the museum celebrates African American art, history and culture. Tour the museum for a nine-panel mural by Georgia artist Wilfred Stroud depicting the origins of men and women from Africa to America, an exhibit on African American inventors, and one on Macon’s musical heritage—from Little Richard to James Brown and the Allman Brothers Band. Next, head to Mercer Music at Capricorn ’s sound studios and museum, considered one of the birthplaces of Southern rock. Here you can listen to songs from the Capricorn Records catalog (including tunes from Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and others). Plus, talented musicians still perform, rehearse and record at Capricorn today. Fans of architectural history will love the distinguished Hay House , an expansive, four-story Italian Renaissance Revival marvel where construction ended in 1859. Take in opulent design details, like soaring 35-foot ceilings and a magnificent collection of porcelains, stained-glass windows, paintings and more. Feeling famished from all that history? Dine at Rookery , which opened during Capricorn Records’ heyday and serves burgers inspired by the Allman Brothers, Ray Charles, Little Richard and more. If you’re in the mood for something a little more specifically Southern and indulgent, try H & H Soul Food . The Macon institution is history itself, having been founded in 1959 and famous for classics like fried chicken, collard greens and mac ’n’ cheese, all of which wash down perfectly with an Arnold Palmer. You can get a literal taste of history in one of Georgia’s most celebrated cities. Find your home away from home at another Macon gem—the 1842 Inn , a B&B that exemplifies Southern hospitality. You’ll enjoy nightly hors d’oeuvres and mint juleps in the parlor, an elegant courtyard and gardens, an expansive front porch and sweet in-room amenities like fresh flowers. 16 #EXPLOREGEORGIA MERCER MUSIC AT CAPRICORN, EXPLORE GEORGIA/CALEB JONES
Official State Travel Guide 2024 Georgia Official State Travel Guide: Page 16
