Make the drive to Macon, Georgia for an epic celebration of cherry blossoms.
Cities likeDCandNew Yorkmay be well recognise for bright pinkish blossom that draws thousands of visitors each spring , but there ’s a cherry prime name and address pucker away in rural Georgia as well .
Located in the central part of the Peach State , the small city of Macon translate into a pink - hued oasis each spring , with more than 350,000 Yoshino cherry bloom trees in full efflorescence . To fete , the city goes all out by throw what they delineate as “ The Pinkest Party on Earth . ” Now entering its forty-second year , The International Cherry Blossom Festivalof Macon is slate to take place from March 15–24 , boast a slew of special events , themed food and drink offerings , musical performance , and so much more .
New this class is a pink - hued food for thought festival calledPink Provisions Party on Popular , where attendees can essay an raiment of insect bite and beverages from local restaurants root on by cherry red blossoms . If you ca n’t make it to the March 15 event , The Pink Provisions Trail lasts for the full ten - daylight fete , so you may pop by each of the participating bars and restaurants to partake in the playfulness .
Photo courtesy of The International Cherry Blossom Festival of Macon
Throughout the festival , visitor can also embark onhot melodic phrase balloon ride at Carolyn Crayton Park , condition out an adorable Weiner Dog Race , see a parade , participate in apink poodle scavenger huntdowntown , and attend the glamorousCherry Blossom Ball . Music lovers are also in hazard : This class , the festival is pulling out all the stops with performances by state music stripe Parmalee ( Saturday , March 16 ) , rapper Lupe Fiasco ( Friday , March 22 ) , Bryce Leatherwood , succeeder ofThe Voiceseason 22 ( Saturday , March 23 ) , acclaim country singer - songwriter Ernest ( Sunday , March 24 ) , and more .
Drive time:
1 hour , 20 minutes from Atlanta , Georgia
More things to do in Macon, Georgia:
Despite its small size , Macon is also a surprising hub for music tourism . visitant can tour the childhood home of rock ‘ n ’ roll icon Little Richard , who was assume here in 1932 . From there , continue ontoCapricorn Records , where artists like The Allman Brothers Band , Marshall Tucker Band , and Lynyrd Skynyrd all record top hits , which now offers a selection of photos , artefact , and interactive listening place . Fans of the Allman Brothers need not miss a visit toThe Big House Museum , where members of the set — along with their friend , families , and roadies — live for several year in the early ’ 70s . TheOtis Redding Museumfeatures a collection of original lyrics , sound messages , photo , and more from the vocaliser - songster ’s family ’s personal collection . For more music - themed fun , head toFresh Produce Recordsto split some vintage vinyl or catch some live medicine and amusement offerings at local spots like theHummingbird Stage & Taproom , Grant ’s Lounge , or the near 100 - year - oldMacon City Auditorium .
Best restaurants and bars in Macon, Georgia:
Macon brag a burgeoning food and salute fit to suit just about everyone . For superb soul food for thought , look no further thanH&H , which offer favorites like chicken and waffles and all sort of biscuit concoction . Nu - Way Weinershas been serving ‘ dogs since 1916 , whileDovetailoffers originative southern culinary art like smoked pork barrel belly bites with cherry coke BBQ sauce . Downtown Grill , formerly known as Le Bistro , is a celeb - have intercourse steak and seafood haunt — and , fun fact , it ’s actually where Gregg Allman proposed to Cher . It also serves as the gateway to a new rum speakeasy , The Monkey ’s Tiki Paw .
Where to stay in Macon, Georgia:
For a dress shop hotel experience , considerThe Woodward , which has just nine elbow room and suites . It ’s handily confiscate to theCapitol Theatreand sport an on - site speakeasy - style cocktail sofa , Quill , along with a breezy rooftop patio for al fresco sipping .
abuse back in prison term with a check at the1842 Inn , where the elegant rooms and common space — including four sitting room and a subroutine library — are housed in two century - old homes . look elaborate draperies , English antiques and painting , tapestries , and more . Sip Mint Juleps out by the court , munch on fresh - baked cookies , or snag a place on one of the 17 wrapper - around verandas or talkative porch .
Famous for its Queen Anne prim computer architecture , Burke Mansionoffers an equally lavish experience . The historic property feature just four rooms and suites , plus a individual guest cottage useable for rent .
The pink-hued fountain during The International Cherry Blossom Festival of Macon|Photo courtesy of The International Cherry Blossom Festival of Macon
Photo courtesy of The International Cherry Blossom Festival of Macon
