From Atlanta, cruise southeast until you hit Macon. Often called “The Heart of Georgia,” this charming town has strong ties to musical legends – like Otis Redding, Little Richard, The Allman Brothers Band and The Marshall Tucker Band – and is home to the legendary Capricorn Sound Studios and Museum. Over the years, many rock and soul legends have recorded hits in this still-active studio. What’s more, the studio has preserved artifacts from their hit-making sessions, creating a now-extensive collection of music memorabilia you can admire.
Continue your musical journey at the Otis Redding Museum, just a ten-minute walk away. Dubbed the “King of Soul,” Redding spent a good chunk of his early life in Macon – and his namesake museum explores his life and impact. From there, it’s a five-minute drive to The Little Richard House, where you can see the childhood home of this rock and roll pioneer. Rock icons The Allman Brothers Band have their dedicated museum – named The Big House Museum – two minutes away, filled with even more captivating rock history. Set off on a self-guided tour of these sites with the free Macon Music Trail Mobile App.
While much of Macon’s history is tied to catchy choruses, there are plenty more stories to discover here. The site now known as Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park has been inhabited by humans for over 17,000 years: Now, it’s your turn to encounter Native American history by climbing atop Great Temple Mound, strolling the boardwalk and taking part in cultural celebrations. Then, cross the Ocmulgee River to discover oft-untold stories of Black Americans at the Tubman Museum, the largest museum in the Southeast dedicated to preserving Black history, culture and art.