Cherry Blossom - trip report. Macon, GA
 

No, we did not go to Washington, DC but to Macon, GA. Just to compare, Washington, DC has 3,000 cherry trees vs. Macon with over 250,000.

It was a very brief visit. We arrived Sunday early afternoon, checked in to Residence Inn, took a self-guided tour map from the desk and drove Downtown. Our expectations weren’t too high but moment we got to Third Street we became astounded. There were four blocks of fully blossoming cherry trees. Two rows of cherry trees are planted on divided very wide street with a walkway in between them. Besides cherry trees there were amazing azaleas of many colors in a full bloom. The area, business section of the town, seems deserted. Maybe because it was Sunday or maybe because Cherry Blossom Festival took place March 18th - 24th. However, at the time of the festival blossoms were out only 50%.

We parked our car, crossed an empty street and walked into a heaven. We were surrounded by scented blossoms of cherries, blooming azaleas, blue sky, temperatures in low 70s in addition to a gentle breeze. We were alone walking among breathtaking displayed. One couple walked by, three women taking pictures, another young couple, a little further we passed a homeless man sitting with his dog on a bench. We took endless pictures while being swept up in the amazing show of Nature.

Then we drove to the other end and strolled among more blossoming cherries that intoxicated all our senses. We inhaled sweet scent while sitting on a bench. Not even one person walked by.

From this heavenly displayed we drove a short distance to Coleman Hill that looked inviting on the map we had. As we drove we were flabbergasted with more cherry trees in a full bloom and old beautiful massive houses along Georgia Avenue, College and Bond Streets. From a brochure we learned that 5,500 buildings and 11 historic districts in this one town are on the National Register of Historic Places. We walked down from the hill to the Monument in memory of Carl Vinson, US Representative for 50 years from this area. More of intoxicating cherry blossom and blooming azaleas surrounded us.

As I admired specific trees and branches covered with sweet blossoms my husband, always interested in history, read about many houses in this area. He pointed out Woodruff House, 1836 Greek Revival Mansion. Across the street stood gracefully restored Hay House. Sidney Lanier Cottage, Cannonball House, 1842 Inn were in the same area. We were longing to see them all but sadly we had such limited time. At this moment we knew we’ll be returning to Macon soon. April 29th -May 1st Macon’s Gardens, Mansions and Moonlight Tours take place but sadly we won’t go this time as we are busy moving to our new house.

Our last stop this Sunday evening took us to Rose Hill Cemetery. On the way we noticed more cherry trees along the street, in front yards, back yards, front gate of the cemetery, inside the cemetery. Every single tree was covered with blossoms. Rose Hill Cemetery is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has many old graves located on terraced hills among cypress trees including Union and Confederate soldiers from other cemeteries in the South.

Macon has not only more than 250,000 cherry trees but is rich in history. We promised to return to the town that captivated us on this Sunday afternoon. We will take a tour of the Hay House, visit Georgia Music Hall of Fame, check out Tubman African American Museum, take trolley historic tour of downtown, go inside some of the beautiful old houses and see gardens. Across the river we hope to spent some time visiting Ocmulgee National Monuments and Indian Mounds where on 683 acres 12,000 years old archeological remains are preserved.

Monday morning as we were leaving Macon along the highway and long local roads we became alert to more cherry blossoms and rich lilac colors of prolific wisterias. There were also many dogwood trees scattered in the Oconee National Forest we drove through.

Thanks, Wildflower, for your trip report. Many thanks for the heads-up about the upcoming tour of homes. I'm not far away, so I'm going to try to make that!

Did you travel from Asheville just for a trip to Macon or were you already in the area? Good luck on your new house!

You hit at the perfect time. I drove through Macon last weekend, and the trees along the interstate were beautiful. I lived in Macon at one time, and recognize your description of Cherry Street. It is amazing to walk through the rows of blooming trees. But downtown would be deserted on a Sunday.

so this post got me interested--if i venture to macon this weekend, will i still be able to get a good glimpse of the cherry blossoms in bloom? or has my time passed?

sad to say, i've lived in georgia my entire life but have yet to make it down to macon during this time of year...

Thank you, starrsville. We had to pick up some plants in Georgia so we figured two more hours South is not too bad. But we really wanted to go just to see cherry blossoms. 250,000 blossoming cherry trees! It was so worthy and we are planning on going there next year for this special event. We drove on route 25 from Flat Rock. It was a very easy drive on Sunday morning, all roads were almost empty.
ebgibbs, Macon is a charming town and almost empty Third street on Sunday added even more appeal to it.
fastnbulbous, I trust you will make it to Macon this weekend. Lets hope for cherry blossoms to stay on so you can enjoy seeing them and and be intoxicated by their sweet smell.