Macon, more than bacon in Georgia

Having the luxury of visiting friends is a great way to travel. Staying in touch with those near and far and getting some insider tips that ”outsiders” may overlook while visiting is also a big bonus. Maria (below) and myself have been friends for 20 years, and finally had a chance to re-connect in person after Covid. Following are just a few of the highlights.

Being an Allman Brothers Band (ABB) fan for some time now, I wanted to hit the touristy “Big House” which the band and their friends lived in from 1970-1973. It houses a beautiful collection of memorabilia, original instruments, clothing, tickets, poster’s- pretty much anything you can imagine.

Before going to the Big House, we had breakfast at H&H Restaurant. The owner, Mama Louise became the Allman Brothers surrogate Mama when they were in Macon. When they arrived home from touring, they were often found eating at H&H and being pampered by Louise. Pictured below is the mural from the side of the restaurant, as well as some other pics that line the restaurant walls and a fine example of the plate of food you will get when ordering breakfast. Delicious!

Macon has much to offer - as a matter of fact it recently made the New York Times “Best Places to go in 2023.” Self proclaimed the home of southern rock, Capricorn Studios and the Allman Brothers Band made their powerful music together from 1969-1979, putting Macon on the map. Other notable artists would record at Capricorn Studios like Otis Redding, James Brown and Little Richard.

A small museum sits atop the recording studio that is worth the visit if you are a music lover and into the history of music, otherwise it’s a pass. If you are a music lover, arrive at 10am for a tour of the recording studio, otherwise you’ll miss the chance.

Above: left James Brown, middle outside of Capricorn with the reflection of Macon in the glass and right Otis Redding.

Below: Part of the wall at Capricorn Studios museum. Get a look at all that music history!

The true tourist trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Rosehill Cemetery where some of the band members are buried. It’s a beautiful old cemetery which has some great views of the river and the city of Macon. Thankfully, there is a map to help you find the burial sites. It was fun to see but not a must do unless you like cemeteries.

Downtown Macon has some fun architecture, shops, restaurants, street art and breweries. The typical offices and services are found there as well, but as a visitor, there is plenty to do and all very walkable.

I always find a place for great beer. Macon was no different. Pictured here is a flight of beer from Ocmulgee Brewpub. In addition to great beer they have a nice selection of appetizers and main courses. Definitely worth a stop - especially on a beautiful!

Speaking of Ocmulgee, it’s just not an interesting name for a brewpub, but the name of a National Historic Park. The Ocmulgee Mounds are right outside Macon.

Originally established in 1936 as a unit of the National Park Service, the park has grown in size in large part due to a public/private partnership with the Park Service and the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative.

There are nice trails to walk and beautiful views from atop the mounds.

One of the mounds has been reconstructed, which is really worth visiting.

The area has been continuously inhabited for 12,000 years by Native Americans - until they were forced from the area. With the efforts of locals and the Park Service, the culture, artifacts and history are being preserved, shared and finally celebrated.

Like all good things, my trip was ending, but my friend’s Maria and Mike had one last experience to share with me - a wonderful sunset view from the Rooftop

Bar at Hotel Forty Five. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful sunset and wonderful last night for me in this wonderful Southern Gem of a city.