IN THE HEARTLAND OF GEORGIA, the aroma of fragrant peach orchards mingles with the rustle of pecan trees swaying in the warm Southern breezes of summertime. Macon, Georgia, and the surrounding countryside, with its rich history and bountiful agricultural heritage, beckon travelers to immerse themselves in the vast array of experiences and flavors to be had. The local culinary scene is a vibrant mosaic of flavors, blending traditional Southern cuisine with worldly influences from innovative chefs and restaurateurs. From quaint diners serving up hearty breakfast biscuit sandwiches to upscale eateries offering farm-to-table fare, there’s something to tantalize every palate.
Any journey to the city begins with the perfect accommodations. Luckily, visitors are spoiled for choice with several unique and historic choices. At 1842 Inn, timeless charm and elegant grace envelop you from the first steps through its grand entrance. A bygone era of Southern splendor makes its presence known in each room, hinting to a rich history with plush furnishings and delicate accents that hearken back to a completely different time.
The beautiful Burke Mansion bed-and-breakfast, dating back to the 19th century, offers another luxurious option steeped in Southern charm. The mansion boasts impeccably appointed rooms, each exuding its own character and ambience. Guests are treated to modern comforts alongside period furnishings, ensuring a stay that is both generous and enchanting.
No visit here would be complete without indulging in the city’s lively culinary scene within easy reach from any hotel or other lodgings.
For a taste of the sea, look no further than Jim Shaw’s Seafood. This beloved eatery has been serving up fresh catches and coastal classics for nearly four decades. Plump shrimp, succulent sea scallops, and ultra-fresh redfish are just a few of the must-try menu items, but each dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.
Grow is a vibrant neighborhood nook embodying the essence of farm-to-table dining. The menu offers a culinary experience that celebrates the freshest ingredients sourced from local growers. With a commitment to sustainability and seasonality, Grow’s rotating seasonal menu tells a story of Georgia’s agricultural bounty.
How about a taste of its soulful Southern cuisine? H&H Soul Food is just the place to satisfy those cravings. Tucked away in a cozy corner of downtown, this country-style café has been dishing up hearty comfort food since the 1950s. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese to heavenly peach cobbler, each main, side, and dessert is a labor of love—a celebration of tradition and family that warms the soul and nourishes the body.
The taste of Southern comfort continues with the true Georgia barbecue up for grabs at Fresh Air Bar-B-Que, a local institution renowned for its mouthwatering ribs and tangy sauce. Its outstanding ’cue has stood the test of time since its inception almost 100 years ago, and the tender ribs, juicy brisket, and signature tangy sauces pair perfectly with the laid-back atmosphere and friendly service. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends and family for a hearty meal after a day filled with exploring the city.
BEYOND THE CITY LIMITS
The Georgia countryside unfolds with sprawling peach orchards and pecan groves, painting a picturesque backdrop for agritourism adventures. Visitors are invited to wander through the fragrant rows of peach trees, plucking ripe fruit straight from the branches, or to stroll beneath the majestic canopies of pecan trees, learning about the harvesting process firsthand. These farms not only offer a glimpse into Georgia’s agricultural heritage but also provide an opportunity to savor the freshest produce in idyllic rural settings.
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: PEARSON FARM
Pearson Farm sits a little more than 20 minutes away from downtown Macon and stands as a beacon of Georgia’s agricultural heritage, spanning more than 130 years and five generations of family tradition. This iconic farm is renowned for its delectable peaches and pecans harvested with care and dedication. From the first blush of spring blossoms to the rich abundance of spring and summer harvests, each season brings forth a bounty of nature’s finest offerings.
Visitors can stroll through the family’s packing facility and sample sweet treats like the homemade peach ice cream, taste the sweetness of freshly picked peaches, and savor the buttery richness of Pearson Farm’s signature pecans—a true testament to Georgia’s flavorful legacy. Can’t make it for a visit? Check out the online store and have freshly picked peaches, handmade peach preserves, and even peach-packed baked goods inspired by Mary Pearson, mother of the farm’s current caretaker, Lawton, shipped directly to you.
Lawton and his wife, Lanier, are currently raising the sixth generation of Pearson famers to take over in the next several years and look forward to watching them learn the ropes and possibly take on the family business someday.
“We’re constantly planning for the future and trying to best care for what we have. We hold a lot of pride in what we do and know that the knowledge to farm peaches is handed down through the generations in the same way that the farms themselves are. It’s a beautiful legacy that’s all about being good stewards of the land and of the crop.”
—Lanier Pearson
PRODUCER SPOTLIGHT: LANE SOUTHERN ORCHARDS
Lane Southern Orchards traces its roots back to 1908, when John David Duke started a small peach farm in Fort Valley originally named Diamond Fruit Farm. His grandson, Duke Lane Sr. (also known as “Big Duke”), took over many years later, and the farm continued to thrive. By the mid-20th century, Lane Packing Company—as it’d come to be known—had become a leading producer of peaches in the region, known for its commitment to excellence and top-quality crops.
The packing house in use now was completed in the early ’90s, but it’s still one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the industry today and is capable of packing nearly 1 million 25-pound crates of peaches per season. The company was acquired by a fellow fruit supplier and rebranded as Lane Southern Orchards in 2006, but the company’s current success serves as a testament to the Lane family’s legacy of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to their family farm that has expanded into 11,000 sprawling acres.
Since the early 2000s, they’ve expanded operations to include a wide range of agricultural products, including apples, pecans, strawberries, and more. Visitors are also encouraged to peruse and shop the facility’s expansive indoor market for some of the season’s best treats or stop by during one of the you-pick events to experience the joy of harvesting firsthand. The Peachtree Café & Bakery on-site serves an array of classic Southern fare and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Just remember to save room for the famous peach cobbler!
“Probably the largest difference between our operation and our neighbors are the retail store and café segments. These areas allow us to interact directly with consumers and obtain instant feedback from them on their impressions of our fruit, nuts, and other products. That feedback is invaluable in helping us make decisions to provide the products that our customers want.”
—Mark Sanchez, CEO
