Situated in the heart of Georgia, Macon is an education, employment, and commercial core for the surrounding area. It is the birthplace of famous Georgia poet Sydney Lanier and home both the Georgia Music and Sports Halls of Fame. Macon is known for its rich sense of history and tradition as well as its strong vision for the future. It is also known for its sense of serenity and excellent quality of life. This unparalleled combination has drawn such diverse names as Evander Holyfield, Hank Aaron, and Little Richard to reside in Macon.
The city is also renowned for its great Southern cooking, friendly residents, well-maintained public facilities, and sheltered neighborhoods.
While Macon usually experiences all four seasons, it enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 45º in January and 81º in July. This climate makes Macon a great place for those who enjoy the outdoors. It also makes an ideal setting for the numerous fairs, festivals, and events that take place year-round.
Each year, Macon hosts a variety of special events that strive to cater to the diverse interests of its residents. By far, the largest festival undertaking is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival held in Macon each spring. With over 275,000 Yoshino cherry trees, Macon is known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.” This festival is one of Macon's most beloved events and pays homage to the residents who diligently worked to ensure that this tree, rare to the south, was planted throughout the community. Their efforts lend a delightful scenic touch to the region and have resulted in Macon being a model city for the Keep America Beautiful campaign. Today, people come from across the country to take part in this event, which is held during the peak of the blooming season.
Educationally, Macon boasts Macon State College, a public four-year unit of the University System of Georgia as well as two private colleges, Mercer University and Wesleyan College (one of the first colleges for women). Macon also has a large public school system and several private schools.
