C
ommemorating its bicentennial year, historic
Pretty in
Pink
Come spring, this Georgia gem blossoms
to life as thousands of cherry trees bloom
across town, cloaking the landscape in
color and vibrance that reflect a broader
spirit of revitalization at work.
111 the cottage journal
Macon, Georgia, is in the midst of a flourishing
downtown revival, and there’s no better time
to discover all the city has to offer than during
the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Every March
since 1982, Macon hosts the popular festival to
honor the area’s profusion of Yoshino cherry trees
as they reach their peak bloom, boasting an
astounding 350,000 in comparison to better-known
cherry blossom icon Washington, DC, with 3,800
trees. A 10-day extravaganza ensues, complete with
parades, concerts, an arts and crafts show, and other
pink-filled fanfare.
As the town’s epicenter becomes swathed in the
signature shade, business owners embrace the theme,
painting their store windows and featuring menu
items inspired by the fruit trees. You can start off
your day with cherry French toast and pink grits
and carry on sampling anything from pink tostadas to
more classic treats like cherry ice cream. Quench
your thirst at local pubs and coffee roasters with
beverage specials such as cherry blossom pilsners
and coffee blends, and participate in this year’s
inaugural “Drink Your Pink” cocktail contest.
With deep roots in the music industry—touting
origin stories of legends like the Allman Brothers
Band, Little Richard, and Otis Redding—Macon’s
downtown district has been in a recent state of
restoration, transforming storied buildings to
make way for the city’s evolving contemporary
presence. An up-and-coming foodie mecca, it
is home to more than 50 restaurants serving up
international flavors with Southern soul, while the
cultural scene is thriving with 30-plus bars and
live music venues, five historic theaters, countless
galleries and shops, and two newly opened boutique
hotels. With so much to experience in this growing
town, the beautiful blossoms and festival will
simply be the cherry on top.
23 A
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For more information, visit maconga.org.
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TEXT BY ELIZABETH CZAPSKI
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VISIT MACON
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