Here’s why you should make your way to Macon in 2023!
Jump into the new year with the latest restaurants, attractions, and events during Macon’s historic Bicentennial celebration!
Have you heard the buzz? National publications have been raving about Macon's attractions, plans to designate the country's next national park and our vibrant music scene.
What has everyone so excited? According to Frommer's "Best Places to Go in 2023" article, in the spirit of continuing the legacy of Macon legends such as Otis Redding, Little Richard, and The Allman Brothers Band, "Current artists can contribute to that musical legacy at the city’s new 10,000-seat amphitheater, due to be finished in summer." Conde Nast Traveler cites our economic growth sharing, "Since 2015 the city of Macon has seen 98 new businesses, 30 bars, and live music venues, and 50 new restaurants pop up." With our vibrant and walkable downtown, culinary delights, and unique small businesses continuing to set up shop in Macon, there's never been a better time to visit Macon!
Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Designation
Perhaps one of the biggest conversations being had right now not just locally, but by our nationally elected leaders, is the designation of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. Soon, Macon will have the newest National Park and Preserve in the US. The Associated Press recently published a deep dive into what this designation means for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation that calls the region their homelands and preservation efforts. "If approved by Congress after a three-year federal review wraps up this fall, the mounds in Macon would serve as the gateway to a new Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve, protecting 54 river miles of the floodplain where nearly 900 more sites of cultural or historic significance have been identified," states the Associated Press. Plus, Macon would see over 3,000 new jobs and it would generate roughly 30 million for the economy. An announcement on the park's designation is expected to come in 2023!
Bicentennial Celebration
To honor the past, present, and future of Macon-Bibb County, the county is kicking off a massive yearlong 200th Anniversary celebration. Annual events you know and love, such as the International Cherry Blossom Festival, will have new activities and twists to honor the county's milestone. Follow Macon200 on Facebook to learn the latest on announcements and Bicentennial events! A Bicentennial website will launch on the first of the year.
New Restaurants on the way or already open!
OPEN: Tenmii Japanese Eatery - 1625 Bass Road, Macon, GA
OPEN: Pearl Passion Cuisine - 470 1st St, Macon, GA
OPEN: Philosophie Wine Bar - 616 Poplar St, Macon, GA
OPEN: Macon Water Ice, Moved location and updated menu - 490 Cherry St, Macon, GA
OPEN: Quill at The Woodward cocktail bar, - 350 2nd Street, Macon Georgia
OPEN: ChickN'Cone - 860 Forsyth St suite 102, Macon, GA
OPEN: The Burrow - 609 2nd St, Macon, GA
OPEN: Cake N Shake - 5577 Thomaston Rd Suite 100B, Macon, GA
OPEN: The Library Taphouse and Kitchen - 1530 Mercer University Dr Suite 300, Macon, GA
OPEN: Georgia Potato Factory - 1530 Mercer University Drive Suite 500, Macon GA
OPEN: Churchill on Cherry Street, lounge and cigar bar, -- 557 Cherry St (Upstairs), Macon, GA
OPEN: K-DAAK Chicken - 3960 Northside Drive, Macon, GA
CONSTRUCTION STARTS MARCH 2023: Taco Mac - Bowman Road
New stores & attractions on the way or already open!
OPEN: The Bohemian Den, new location & updated inventory, - 502 Cherry St, Macon, GA
OPEN: Fresh Produce Records, new location, - 567 Cherry St, Macon, GA
CONSTRUCTION STARTED: LongLeaf Distillery, - 664 Second Street, Macon, GA
OPENING LATER SUMMER 2023: Macon Amphitheater - 3657 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, GA
CONSTRUCTION STARTED: Pickleball Complex, 32 court indoor pickleball courts, - Will be located in the former Belk of Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, GA
What's Happening Mall Edition from MaconBibbTV on Vimeo.
Click the links below to learn more about a few exciting reasons you should add Macon to your 2023 travel list.