Things to Do in Macon
Macon, Georgia, is the land of Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band
You'll also find mansions looking like they're straight out of Gone with the Wind. Monuments honor the Civil War days, and African American and Native American culture. Combine this with a forward-thinking Museum of Arts and Sciences, and you can keep busy while visiting this city.
From Native Americans to the Civil War
Explore the Ocmulgee National Monument and walk in the footsteps of Native Americans who arrived during the Ice Age. Around the 10th century, the Mississippian people came and built huge mounds that are still standing, thought to honor their chiefs. Explore the Earth Lodge, a replica of a ceremonial chamber. The original floor dates back to 1015. If you're in town the third weekend of September, you'll find Native Americans from throughout the Southeast gathering at the monument to share their culture and artwork. During the Civil War, this spot was the launching point for attacks in Central Georgia by the Union cavalry.
Fossils, Art and Following the Stars
Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences to get acquainted with Ziggy, a 40-million-year-old whale fossil. Or grab the kids and head for the Discovery House and its interactive Artist's Garret. Gaze into the Domed Mirrors and try to draw the abstract image of yourself. Visit the live creatures in the Mini Zoo or search for fossils in the "Ziggy Dig." Catch a star show at the Planetarium or make a special night visit to the Observatory. The domed roof rolls open, giving you a chance to view the night sky through the lens of a real telescope. You can also find collections of model ships, oil paintings of rock canyons by William Jones or colorful abstracts by Betty Bivins Edwards.
A Bit of Music History
The Allman Brothers Band Museum is dedicated to the group that gained fame during the early 1970s and helped put Macon on the music scene map. Tour the "Big House" where the band, their families and the roadies lived. Some of the bedrooms still have their '70s-era colors, so you might want to bring shades. The dining, living and old music rooms are filled with memorabilia. Be prepared for the bright blue piano in the kitchen and the walk-in closet filled with album covers, photos, posters and magazine covers. Feeling nostalgic? Pick up a psychedelic tie-dye T-shirt at the gift shop.
Soul Food, Caribbean Spice and Peanut Butter Burgers
The Bear's Den (1191 Oglethorpe St., Macon) has everything from fried chicken to creamy mac-and-cheese to fried okra. Top it all off with sweet potato pie, banana pudding or key lime cake. Check out the Tropical Flava (5201 Houston Rd., Macon) for a taste of the Caribbean. Jerk chicken is one of the specialties, rubbed with fiery spices before being grilled. Be brave and try a traditional meal of oxtails, cabbage, red beans and rice. The Rookery (543 Cherry St., Macon) is a pub famous for its dishes named for local celebrities. One of the most unusual is the Jimmy Carter Burger, made with peanut butter and applewood smoked bacon. If it's spice you're after, try the Jerry Reed Burger, loaded with pepper-jack cheese and jalapenos.
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