What makes us such a top destination?
Did you know Macon, Georgia, was recently featured on the Condé Nast Traveler’s The 23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023? With its rich history, gorgeous scenery and charming downtown area, it’s easy to see why Macon is a perfect place to retire. Here you’ll find countless ways to spend a day, from touring museums and attending shows to hitting up a Macon Bacon baseball game at Luther Williams Field—there’s always something to do. Macon’s cultural institutions and access to outdoor recreation make it an exciting place for grandkids to visit during summer break. Our mild winters and warm summers also allow you to enjoy most of our beautiful attractions all year, proof that Florida doesn’t have the market cornered on warm weather states.
A Thousand Years of History
Macon has been an important city since before the Civil War, but more than a thousand years ago, this area was once home to Paleo-Indians and then later to the Mississippian culture of prehistoric Native Americans. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon is home to the world’s only reconstructed Earth Lodge and Early Mississippian temple mounds. The reconstructed council chamber of Mississippian culture features its original clay floor, dating back to 1015 A.D. Bask in the outdoors while exploring the Ocmulgee National Monument and the surrounding wetlands. Ocmulgee also has eight miles of trails, most of which are less than a mile long, making it a perfect outdoor activity for nature lovers at any level of fitness.
Macon’s historic contributions to rock and soul music always impress music buffs. We’re often called one of the “Birthplaces of Soul and Southern Rock” because of the music legends born here: Little Richard, Otis Redding, Duane and Greg Allman, to name a few! Drop by the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and see where one of the most iconic southern rock bands created their biggest hits. Travel back in time at the Museum at Capricorn Records, which houses hundreds of rock ‘n’ roll-related artifacts that tell a complete story of how Macon became known for music.
Enjoy Macon Like a Local
Better yet, take yourself to downtown Macon to experience the thriving live music and performing arts scene for yourself. If you love theater and live music, Macon boasts some of Georgia’s best performance spaces that host countless events throughout the year.
Touring stars and Broadway productions regularly stop at our majestic theaters and auditoriums. You’ll likely see some of your favorite artists on the marquees of the Macon Coliseum or the Macon City Auditorium.
Classical fans will enjoy the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra at The Grand Opera House, which is part of Mercer University. It continues the area’s musical tradition with performances ranging from opera, jazz and ballet to musicals and more.
Theater is alive and well in Macon. You can stay current with the latest Broadway hits at Theatre Macon. Its ensemble of professional actors invites you to examine the world around you through thought-provoking new and classic works. Or visit one of Georgia’s oldest regional theaters, the Macon Little Theatre, which continues to dazzle audiences with plays and musicals all season long.
Take a Walk on the Sunny Side
Hot weather isn’t for everyone, so we’re thankful that only a few weeks of the year make for inside-only days. You won’t want to waste a minute of plentiful sunshine and outdoor time in the spring, early summer and fall.
Without a doubt, the crown jewel of Macon’s outdoor attractions is Lake Tobesofkee. Located just outside Macon, this manmade lake has 35 miles of sandy shoreline and is one of the most fished lakes in the region. Grandkids will love splashing in the water and relaxing on the sand. It’s undoubtedly the best place to get your steps in along the walking trails that feature sparkling lakeside views.
Reliably sunny days ripen our peaches until they’re just right—it’s what we’re known for. Living in central Georgia means proximity to the farms where some of the country’s best produce is grown. You don’t have to trek to the side-of-the-road fruit stands; the farmers bring their goods into town. Who can resist delicious fresh fruit and summer corn (even if you don’t cook)? Macon’s most famous farmers market is the Macon State Farmers Market, which features a handful of area farmers and artisan bakers every day of the week, but the newest market is the Poplar Street Farmers Market held downtown every Wednesday.
Retire in Macon
Many retirees choose to move south to avoid harsh winters, and the nice thing about Macon is that you still get all four seasons (we just don’t have to shovel our driveways). You also get many of the cultural advantages of Atlanta but without the hassle and expense. There’s more to Macon than meets the eye; we hope you’ll look closer.
At Carlyle Place, residents take in all the fun of Macon as well as the conveniences of resort-style living on our expansive campus. We organize numerous group outings and transportation to local attractions, so you can focus more on having fun and connecting with your neighbors. Let us be your Macon tour guide this summer. Book your visit now by calling 478-405-4544.
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