Move over Savannah! This charming city is Georgia’s new tourist hotspot

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Call us nerds if you want, but we like to dive into the latest tourism sector reports packed with insightful nuggets.

Look – we don’t call ourselves Einstein, but here at Travel Off Path we know when the math comes along to herald the next trendy getaway.

In this case, let’s just say the proof is in a big bowl of banana pudding for a charming lake town that’s pushing Savannah aside as Georgia’s new tourist hotspot.

They may not have the weirdest baseball team in the world, but what they’re good at isn’t much of a curveball — think live music, Southern comforts, and the quiet lakeside life on the city’s quiet outskirts.

The most underrated Lake Town in the south

We get the pull of the coast, and Georgia is quite underrated there too with its cluster of hidden islands.

But don’t lose sleep over the laid-back atmosphere and serenity of the shores of Lake Macon.

Yes, right now it’s too cold for a dip, unless maybe you just got back from Finland, like me, and are now inspired by hot saunas and cold dives.

Otherwise, enjoy the beauty of Lake Tobesofkee’s wooded bays and rolling coastlines from a boat, take a morning stroll, or cast a mill to start your day.

Macon is much more of a waterfront oasis from spring through fall, with plenty of beaches to lounge around and swimming spots to cool off from Georgia’s sweltering summer heat.

Although unusual, just know there Are alligator sightings here, so that’s where I say, “How can I rent a kayak?”

Good question, Sam. You can do this by bringing your own water or by switching water to the landscape Ocmulgee River and the use of Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions.

Macon exudes charm and history

Macon has planted its flag as a destination in itself – no longer just a transit town where you might think to yourself, “what’s going on in this little town?”.

Downtown, College Hill and Vineville are packed with preserved streets oozing with charm, such as timeworn cathedrals and legendary storefronts filled with community goods.

But it’s not just quintessential Southern charm, with Mom n’ Pop shops and eateries lining the maze of historic streets.

You can turn back the clock even further…

One of the most fascinating locations in all of Georgia is right here in Macon: the Ocmulgee Hills.

Dating from approximately 900 – 1150 AD, this ancient indigenous site invites visitors to learn about Native American civilizations that flourished here long before European settlement.

But there’s no doubt that the locals are proud of their southern roots.

You can wander around places like Hay house and the surrounding neighborhoods for grand Southern architecture – far removed from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta and as delightful as Savannah without the hustle and bustle once the sun starts shining again.

Plus, Macon is home to some real gems when it comes to lodging. Our choice is the 1842 Inn for a timeless stay in a restored pre-war mansion

Is Macon Safe to Visit?

While Macon is undeniably a storybook Hallmark movie setting (minus the cheesy actors), there is one drawback travelers might worry about before traveling this way.

No traveler likes to feel out of place and have their head turned upside down when trying to enjoy a vacation.

According to very recently statistics Numerous sources reveal that “Macon-Bibb County infamously has the highest homicide rate of any metropolitan area, nearly five times the national average,” according to FBI data.

Looking through the online guidebooks, many say they love living in Macon, and some of these numbers feel skewed, while others say tourists should stick to the main parts of the city and go where your gut tells you you belong or not.

That’s all the more reason to enjoy Macon’s famous live music scene and stick with the locals. After all, Little Richard, Otis Redding and The Allman Brothers started their illustrious careers here…

The best way to get here

You may have heard that Spirit would anchor Macon’s Middle Georgia Regional Airportonly to pull the plug before launching.

Surprised anyone?

The good news is that Macon is a scenic drive from Atlanta, just an hour away, which happens to be one of the busiest and most connected airports in America.

Although A-town is notorious for bad traffic, once you leave the city limits, expect a journey from easy highways through pine country to a picturesque cityscape once you’ve settled in.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.

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