Macon, Ocmulgee Mounds earn nationwide recognition
It comes as Macon-Bibb County continues the method of shopping for the positioning of the previous Bibb Mill, simply outdoors the park.
MACON, Ga. — After appearances on “Jeopardy!” and CBS Mornings this 12 months, Macon is as soon as once more within the nationwide highlight.
In style journey journal Conde Nast Traveler referred to as it among the best locations to journey in 2023. Gary Wheat with Go to Macon expects it will have a big effect on tourism.
“These journey guides are issues that folks by the thousands and thousands view,” Wheat mentioned.
That is why this 12 months, it was Go to Macon’s aim to get journey writers to city.
“To be on-line and featured with numerous fantastic locations around the globe; not simply in America however around the globe, is sort of an honor, and one which we don’t take calmly,” Wheat mentioned.
He says a revitalized downtown and rising music tradition assist Macon stand out. The nightlife and Ocmulgee Mounds Nationwide Historic Park assist too. The park is the topic of the most recent nationwide headline from Conde Nast Traveler. The highlight comes simply months after Macon-Bibb commissioners determined to purchase the positioning of the previous Bibb Mill to develop the world close to the park.
“I believe it is important, as a result of that is a gateway into our group and a significant gateway into our tourism property, whether or not that is in east Macon at Ocmulgee, or the downtown hall the place numerous our sights reside,” Wheat mentioned.
He says it will put together Macon for an inflow of vacationers if the park turns into an official nationwide park.
“By the 12 months 2030, if we go to a nationwide park and protect, we will anticipate over one million guests a 12 months to the park,” Wheat mentioned.
Now, about 200,000 go to the park annually. Wheat says the rise is why there are plans for a brand new resort within the growth. They plan so as to add RV tons, too.
“You want good RV sights to carry them in and provides them a spot as a result of they’re RVers,” Wheat mentioned.
That is not all. He says they could additionally embody a tribute to Macon’s historical past.
“As we enter the bicentennial 12 months, we’re working with the bicentennial committee on that, what that appears like,” he mentioned.
Wheat says they could need to get artistic with resort area and have a look at different areas of Macon to account for the rise in vacationers. He says they could even contemplate re-purposing previous downtown buildings.
County spokesman Chris Floore says they’re nonetheless planning to purchase the Bibb Mill property, however they’re within the ‘due diligence’ course of now. As soon as they end that, they’re going to full the acquisition and meet with builders to get began on a extra concrete plan.
