History and Music in Macon

You can see the place where the 1991 movie — Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed (there's a photo op). And at the Whistle Stop Cafe, eat Georgia's delicacy — fried green tomatoes. The cafe is open daily 10am — 4pm, but call 478-992-8886 to verify.

Start your day with a hike around the Macon plateau. The prehistoric Native American site is an interesting place to learn about history and culture while enjoying the outdoors. Park near the visitor center and walk to the small archaeology museum that talks about the history of the Muscogee Creek tribe.
Then walk further to the reconstructed ceremonial earth lodge that is based on a 1,000-year-old structure excavated by archeologists. From here, you can continue to reach the Great Temple Mound via a half-mile walk or the park road. Other surviving prehistoric features in the park connect via five miles of trails and include a burial mound, platform mounds, and earthwork trenches.
If you visit in September, you can also see the annual Ocmulgee Indian Celebrations. The monument is open every day from 9am — 5pm and admission is free.

Once you arrive in downtown Macon, have lunch at the iconic hangout that is renowned for its creative burgers (such as the Vampire Slayer), hand spun milk shakes (even boozy ones), craft brews, live music, and an outdoor patio where you can people watch.
This is the only place where you can get a slice of bacon in a milk shake (order the Jimmy Carter Shake)! Also, make sure to look around the cozy interior that is decorated with music memorabilia and photos of famous artists who have dined here.
The Rookery does not take reservations and there is often a long wait, so put your name on the list and walk around Cherry Street.

This "Palace of the South" will transport you to the haydey of Macon. Built in the 1850s in Italian Renaissance Revival-style, the 18,000-square-foot, 24-room home was built in part by craftsman and artisans brought from Italy who were supervised by local master builder James B. Ayers. You can see some of the original furnishings, stained-glass windows, and faux finishes across all the floors.
Guided tours begin at 10am and the last tour starts at 3pm, from Wednesdays through Sundays. There's also a "Behind the Scenes" tour every second Saturday at 10:15am.
Purchase tickets through the Hay House website.

Explore Macon's rich music heritage with a knowledgeable local on this extensive walking tour that covers Macon’s local music history, important sites, historic buildings, and stories from the past and present. You will see the African American-owned Douglass Theatre, The Grand Opera House, and the Macon Symphony Orchestra, among many other places. Check the Rock Candy Tours calendar for guided tours or book a customized private tour. They also have food and ghost-themed tours!

Wrap up your day with dinner at Dovetail, one of the highest rated restaurants in Macon. The menu offers farm-to-table refined Southern dishes, an extensive cocktail list, and 70 distinctive whiskeys. The deviled eggs, homemade buttermilk biscuits and the cracked pie are highly recommended. Check out the small display shelf upstairs where you can purchase local honey, grits, and other items to take home.
Make dinner reservations in advance at the restaurant's website.

The Burke Mansion, built in 1887 by T.C. Burke, is a beautifully preserved example of Queen Anne Victorian architecture located in the heart of Macon's Historic Intown District, and is currently listed on The National Historic Register. With a limited number of guest suites and a well-appointed Guest Cottage, the mansion offers a unique hospitality experience for one-of-a-kind stays and special events.
From the hotel, you can also walk around Cotton Avenue and Cherry Street, exploring the many shops, restaurants and cherry trees around.