In Macon, music isn’t just history — it’s a living, breathing creative force.
Sometimes referred to as a "small but mighty" music town, Macon, Georgia is celebrated for its outsized impact on American music. Call it energy, call it spirit, call it soul, but whatever it is that sparked the creativity of Little Richard, Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band, make no mistake – it's still here. Tap into Macon's legends, landmarks and local culture while you're at Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum. Stay in music-themed accommodations, tour the landmarks, eat and shop local, support live music – and be inspired.
A four-bedroom, three-bath rental that was once home to Duane Allman, is a dog-friendly property available for rent on AirBnB. The mural of Duane, by Kevin "Scene" Lewis, stands out among the vintage photographs, concert posters and stained glass treasures throughout the historic 1890s home that sleeps 11 guests.
Offering 22 short term rentals, most music-themed, near downtown Macon. Several of the properties, including spaces inspired by Widespread Panic and Little Richard, are located next door to Capricorn Sound Studios. Featuring modern amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and convenient access to local attractions
Both online and at its Downtown Visitors Center, Visit Macon provides an extensive guide to Macon hotels, BnBs, campsites and overnight rentals. Hotels within walking distance to Capricorn include Hotel Forty-Five, located directly across the street from the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, and the literature-inspired Woodward Hotel.
Former home to members of the Allman Brothers Band, the Big House museum is a must-visit pilgrimage for ABB fans. The immersive experience features rare instruments, photos, gear, memorabilia and more.
Just a block from the newly opened Otis Redding Center for the Arts, the Otis Redding Museum explores the King of Soul's music, legacy and deep roots in Macon, and carries exclusive merchandise.
The childhood home of Little Richard Penniman was saved from demolition, moved to its current location and opened in 2019 as a mini-museum and neighborhood center for events and gatherings.
Gallery West features iconic images of the Allman Brothers Band, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Chicago blues legends and more by noted music photographer Kirk West, alongside traveling exhibits and the work of select artists.
Download the Macon Music Trail app or book one of Visit Macon's guided tours, including the Free Birds & Night Owls Walking Tours on Fridays, the Rock & Soul Riding Tour and the African American Music Experience Tour.
While in Macon, be sure to tune into 100.9 The Creek, an independent radio station focused on American roots music and the sounds of Macon, past, present and future.
The family-owned musical instruments store has served Middle Georgia since 1962, carrying musical instruments, accessories and sound systems, as well as offering school band rentals and lessons.
About a 15-minute drive from Capricorn, Guitar Center is open seven days, features a wide selection of new, used and vintage instruments, accessories and gear, and offers repair and maintenance services.
Save plenty of time to browse Fresh Produce Records' massive inventory of vinyl, CDs, local music, import titles, apparel and much more, plus check their calendar for in-store events and performances.
A vinyl-exclusive shop focusing on limited edition and exclusive releases, Vintage Vinyl is known for its thoughtfully curated inventory, rare pressings, unique variants and Vault Box program.
For more than 50 years, Habersham's has carried jazz, blues, classical R&B, pop, soul, gospel, hip-hop and more in West Macon, with owner Phyllis Habersham Malone still carrying vinyl, CDs, cassettes and videos.
Drop in and meet "Laughing" Layfayette Haynes, a veteran DJ who has operated his Old School Records for nearly 60 years and knew all the legends – Little Richard, Otis Redding, James Brown, Percy Sledge and Eddie Kirkland.
A premier listening room with pristine sound and acoustics, Capricorn's Phil Walden Memorial Studio hosts intimate performances by local and touring singer/songwriters and bands.
More than a century old, The Grand is operated by Mercer University as a performing arts center presenting concerts, cultural events and nationally touring Broadway shows.
Located inside the McCorkle Music Building at Mercer University, Fickling Hall, a 200-seat venue, hosts recitals, operas, choral and vocal presentations, instrumental works and jazz ensembles.
The cultural landmark in downtown Macon opened in 1916 and today is operated by Mercer University as a vibrant performance space hosting live music, comedy and community events.
Local and touring bands, pool tables and late night menu, plus the glorious Grant's Wall of Fame, which pays tribute to hundreds of musicians and bands who have played the historic venue since 1971.
The corner dive bar presents homegrown talent every week, from Bob and Blender's Acoustic Campfire Jam on Tuesdays to regular appearances by local artists Matt McMillan, Alex Stone, Ash Tuesday, Caleb Melvin and more.
The family-friendly beer garden in the Vine-Ingle neighborhood features local and touring bands on Friday and Saturday nights, alternating Reggae and Blues on Sundays, plus lots of themed events.
The Atrium Health Amphitheater, Macon City Auditorium and Macon Coliseum, present a variety of nationally touring music and comedy acts among the three venues across the city.
Visit Macon's Concert Calendar provides a searchable source for live music in Macon at its music venues, performance centers, festivals, restaurants and special events like the monthly First Friday downtown.
Established in 1840, Rose Hill is the resting place of Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Berry Oakley and Butch Trucks, as well as Elizabeth Reed Napier and Martha Ellis, immortalized in two of the Allman Brothers' most beloved songs.
17,000 years of Indigenous songs, languages, ceremonies and lived memory are embedded in the sounds, the surroundings and the quiet energy of the sacred grounds.
A seven-foot bronze statue of the King of Soul sits peacefully alongside a fountain at the Zelma Redding Amphitheatre in front of the Otis Redding Center for the Arts, a destination for music education.
Pizza and recording go hand-in-hand and Fatty's downtown on Cherry Street has you covered with red- and white-sauce pizzas, calzones, breadsticks, salads and their Lil' Kluckers wings in a variety of flavors.
A favorite caterer of artists performing in Macon, Grow Fresh Local Food offers hearty entrees, salads, vegan and vegetarian selections, delicious sides and signatures like the Soul Bowl. Open for lunch only.
An institution in Macon's Southern Rock history, H&H is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, with signature biscuits, mouth-watering fried chicken, Soul Rolls and desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler.
Just one street over from Capricorn, Piedmont names all its house-brewed beers after songs and features a modern smokehouse menu and an arcade of vintage games, Skee-Ball and more.
A downtown Macon institution since 1976, The Rookery features hand-spun milkshakes, entrees, salads and burgers and sandwiches named for James Brown, Jerry Reed, Little Richard, Dr. John, Outkast and more.
After dark, if the band is craving an old-school steakhouse with a cigar and martini bar, just look for the plaque in the alley that says Gregg Allman proposed to Cher here in 1973 when it was called Le Bistro.
Celebrate a successful session at Dovetail, featuring seasonally inspired crafted cuisine and cocktails, an extensive whiskey and wine menu, and signature staples like seared scallops, deviled eggs and its decadent Cracked Pie.
Serving Japanese and Thai cuisine since 1992, Tokyo Alley's to-die-for dishes include the Cheese Rolls, Gyoza, Lemon or Orange Chicken, Red Curry Shrimp, Teriyaki Ribeye and the Southern-kissed cold Noodle Salad side.
If you're craving a little Creole while in Macon, you'll find a variety of gumbo selections and oyster dishes, signatures like Shrimp and Grits or Montford's Jambalaya and often local musicians like Trombone Love on the patio.
For fast delivery, takeout or in-restaurant dining, La Bella Morelia offers traditional Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex with standout dishes including Quesabirria tacos, Chilaquiles con Tinga and Molcajete.
A hometown pub and sports bar that's won multiple local culinary awards, Cashman's food rocks, from its burgers, chicken wings, tacos and salads to mouth-watering mains like Grilled Salmon, Steak Frites and Pot Roast.
With its roots in the Philadelphia-style frozen dessert, Macon Water Ice earns also consistently rave reviews for its huge cheesesteak sandwiches, wings, and specialties like Salmon Fries and Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Chz.
Find a taste of the Gulf Coast just two blocks from Capricorn with seafood baskets, po-boys, oysters, Jambalaya Hush Puppies and more indoors, and bar menu at the Wheelhouse Rooftop Bar.
Opened in 2026, Thai Smile's fresh ingredients are the base of their ramen, pho, stir-fried rice bowls, curries, classic noodle dishes and a variety of classic appetizers.
Put down the drum sticks, pick up the chop sticks and dig into classic Korean fare like Bimbimbap, Ramyun Bowls, Poke Bowls, K-street dishes, Spicy Napa Kimchi sides, Rice Punch and Dalgona – Korean Cafe Latte.
The Macon outpost of the beloved Atlanta-based restaurant chain features breakfast and brunch with a variety of biscuits, benedict and french toast dishes, vegan and vegetarian options, cocktails, mimosas and more.
Sides like Parmesan Risotto, Wild Mushrooms and Lyonnaise Potatoes are just as savory and delicious as signatures like Tuna Tartare, Caribbean Steak Mofongo, Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops and char-kissed fishes.
The gastro-pub and beer garden features loaded apps, brick oven pizza, entrees, and specialty burgers and sandwiches like the Guinness Braised Brisket , the Jameson Melt and the all-veggie Garden Panini.
The diner's walls are jam-packed with Macon music memorabilia while its menu pays tribute to the Allman Brothers with the Ramblin' Man breakfast plate, Blue Sky Burrito and burgers names for various members of the band.
An intimate spot where locals dine repeatedly for favorites, including the Caprese and Sweet Frites appetizers, Superfood Salad, the daily Risotto, the NY Strip and Honey-Bourbon Salmon.
With bagels hand-rolled in house daily, this mom and pop bakery features a variety of bagels, a rotating pastry menu and specials like The Out of Towner, with cream cheese & lox, the vegan Captain Planet and the "delizioso" Soprano.
Seasonal menus, outstanding wine selection, savory big plates and delicious sharable small plates including Mushroom Crostini, Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Roasted Beet Salad and Soup of the Day.
Locally brewed beer on tap, boiled peanuts and pretzels, superfood salads, gourmet burgers, wings and hand cut fries or tortillas loaded as Buffalo Chicken, Street Corn, Hog Wild or Second Street Philly masterpieces.
A great hangout with 64 craft taps, cocktails, wine, authentic Neopolitan pizza, charcuterie and the addictive Bear Food, a snack created by a Mercer University student to employ young adults with disabilities.
Eat in at the cozy bar or get it to-go with standouts including Honey Buns, Roasted Green Beans, Kale, Caprese Grain and Power Bowl Salads, Chicken Pot Pie, Lasagna and the tasty Cubano sandwich.
Two blocks and a straight shot from Capricorn sits Fall Line Brewery with mainstay and seasonal lagers, cocktails, wine, slushies and creative sandwiches like the Toasted Veggie & Brie, Cali Club & the Red Pepper BLT.
Located inside Hotel Forty-Five, Loom serves both light and full breakfast selections with dinner entrees including Brown Butter Gnocchi, Creole Coq Au Vin, the Cast Iron NY Strip and a daily catch special.
The upscale cigar and cocktail lounge also features one of the tastiest menus in Macon with Wagyu Slilders, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Scottish Salmon and specials during Jazzy Brunch.
Just two blocks from Capricorn, the welcoming coffee and dessert shop features Perc Coffee – roasted in Savannah – along with tea, smoothies, house-made desserts, creamy milkshakes, artisanal gelato and light sandwiches.
Fans of Boba, Anime and K-Pop feel right at home at Hello Boba with its signature Milk Blast drinks, Milk Teas, coffees and lemonades, all with the option of customized flavorings and Boba toppings.
Jumpstart your creativity with a shot of sugar from Shuster's hand-dipped ice cream as a scoop, sundae, banana split or in a float or shake, along with specialty and bulk candies.
If you're ready for a shot of energy during your session, take a stroll to The Mule Barn for an Americano, Cafe Con Leche, Hot White Molly or an Iced Crazy Mule, along with soups, sandwiches and fresh baked goods.
The family-owned coffee shop roasts all its own beans, purchased from small farms, and features a menu of coffees, teas, specialty drinks, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and bakery items.
