This Georgia Town Is the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. Here’s How to Best Experience It.

The sheer number, combined with the celebrations residents put on during bloom time, is why Macon is lovingly called the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. There’s even an official Macon cherry blossom anthem that was released in 2020.

“It’s a, dare I say it, hidden gem,” Gary Wheat, president of Visit Macon, tells me over the phone. It’s a reason for visiting, he adds, as opposed to the cherry blossoms happening in a place where lots of people are already going regardless, like DC.

“I’ve been here five years, and one of the things that caught me was when the phones would start ringing from people asking if the cherry trees are blooming and if I could tell them exactly when they’re going to,” Wheat says. “And no, I can’t, but we do have our live webcam.”

The live bloom cam makes timing your visit a bit easier if you’re in the nearby area. And the webcam has become a bit of an attraction in and of itself — Wheat says the average time people spend on the cams is about four minutes, and there are more than 1.8 million views on the view counter.

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How Macon became the cherry blossom capital of the world

Macon is a haven for cherry trees thanks to William A. Fickling Sr. Fickling spotted a Yoshino cherry tree in his backyard in 1949 and didn’t know what it was because the trees were still rare in the South at that time. He learned the species on a business trip to Washington DC, and his love grew from there.

According to an oral account televised by WGXA, Carolyn Crayton, who became the executive director of the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission, told Fickling she’d love to see a thousand trees planted over 10 years in Macon. In response, Fickling told her, “I don’t know if I’m going to live another 10 years, so I’ll give you 10,000 in one year.” One thing led to another and now there are too many for one person to count.

Fickling’s 1990 obituary in the Los Angeles Times credits him with giving away more than 120,000 Yoshino trees over his lifetime. A plaque in Macon puts that number at more than 180,000 throughout Bibb County.

In 1982, the trees and their famous blossoms had solidified their place in Macon culture so much so that the Crayton created the Cherry Blossom Festival (the same one that’s held today).

The Fickling family carries on this legacy with annual updates to the cherry trees on Fickling Farm in north Macon four generations later to replace damaged trees and add new ones.

When do the cherry blossoms bloom and when is the cherry blossom festival in Macon?

Fickling kept a log of Macon’s cherry blossom bloom time for more than 10 years. By that data, the average peak bloom date is March 23. The exact date, however, depends on the conditions. Mild winters can lead to a later bloom, and there are microclimates across Macon so different parts of the city will see blooms at different times. Younger trees also bloom earlier, and while some trees can bloom for one week others bloom for two. Then, of course, there’s whether a storm comes through and takes all the flowers off shortly after they’ve come out.

The festival is planned far in advance for mid-March. For 2024, the festival will headline country music stars like PARMALEE and Grammy-nominated performer Blanco Brown. Dogs are more than welcome, they’re encouraged. If you can’t bring your own pup, you can see some dogs compete in festival events like the Ready Go Dog Show or the dock diving competition. There’s something for everyone, from pink pancake breakfasts to free donuts and ice cream in Third Street Park to the homemade floats and marching bands at the annual Cherry Blossom Parade.

Where to see cherry blossoms in Macon

You could just wander aimlessly and stumble on a bunch of blooming trees if you time a visit right. However, for the best cherry blossom views, Visit Macon made a driveable Cherry Blossom Trail with a map (find a digital version here or pick up a physical map in town) that runs from Carolyn Crayton Park to Bass Road.

Where to stay in Macon

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Burke Mansion

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Built in 1887, Burke Mansion is a luxurious bed and breakfast with adult-only accommodations (the minimum age requirement is 21 years old). It’s close to all downtown attractions and is one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Victorian architecture in the state. There are five guest suites and a well-appointed Guest Cottage. A stay here will be one to remember. Previous guests rave about the warm southern hospitality and little touches such as complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the downstairs library.

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Downtown luxury loft

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This beautifully decorated loft sits above an artist’s studio. You’ll find parking directly out front, and it’s located two blocks from downtown, and there are two parks within a short stroll. Throughout the apartment, large windows allow for plenty of natural light, and white walls are adorned with paintings by the owner and other pieces of carefully selected artwork. There’s one bedroom with a king-sized bed fitted with high-quality linens and a walk-in closet, and the bathroom has a custom-tiled shower with infinite glass and beautiful accents. Many of the pieces of art are for sale, or you can inquire about custom artwork for your own home.

Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $120 per night

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Chic apartment in the heart of Downtown Macon

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A guest favorite with an overall rating of five, this restored Victorian home is in the historic neighborhood in downtown Macon. The house has been divided into three stylish units. This unit includes a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom. Guests have access to a shared foyer of the home, front porch, and outdoor patio area. There’s one parking space per group, and it’s self check-in via an app-generated security code.

Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $98 per night

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One-bedroom bungalow near Macon’s best parks

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Located in a shaded neighborhood with two beautiful parks on either side of the street, this spacious one-bedroom bungalow has a lot of character. One of its key features is the southern front porch, where you can sit with a coffee after a day of blossom viewing. The house is split into two. The upstairs is occupied by the owners and has a separate entrance. The lower level — consisting of a bedroom, a living room with a pullout couch, a dining room, laundry room, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry space — is for guest use. Past guests state that the Airbnb feels like “home” and the hosts are amazing to work with.

Four guests, one bedrooms
Price: $112 per night

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