VISIT MACON, GEORGIA AND THE 1842 INN

by Mary Ann Anderson

Tucked away in the city of Macon, which is set almost halfway between Georgia’s coastal plains and its mountains, you’ll find the quietly elegant 1842 Inn. As Macon’s only bed-and-breakfast inn, the 1842 Inn will transform you back to another time and place, one of moonlight and magnolias, of unparalleled luxury and elegance, and the grace and beauty of the Old South. 

One of the first things you’ll notice as you turn into the inn’s driveway are the stately magnolia trees that grace the front lawn of the main house. They stand as a testament to the southern heritage of not only the inn, but also to Macon. The grounds of the 1842 are a feast for the eyes. This is a calming place, with a bounty of intricately laid landscaping and formal gardens, dotted liberally with camellias and azaleas in every shade of pink, white, red, and lavender. The grounds add style and charm as a backdrop to the antebellum home. The inn is white while its black shutters provide a pleasing blend of light and dark without being overwhelming. The contrasting colors of the inn and gardens embody beauty and tranquility presenting a preview of even better things to come. 

No southern home would be complete without a verandah, and the 1842 Inn is no exception. The 18-columned wraparound porches of the main inn seem to have been built simply as a place to refresh and rejuvenate after a day of shopping or sightseeing in the Macon area. Or possibly, you may want to enjoy a glass of iced tea on a lazy, slow afternoon. Graced with an abundance of wicker and wrought iron furniture, greenery, and seasonal baskets full of vibrantly hued flowers, this quintessentially southern verandah offers an ideal place to unwind or read a book.

Nazario Filipponi and Edmund Olson, the inn’s owners, have managed to restore the historic home into a place that is as comfortable as it is  beautiful. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award, the Mobile Travel Association Four Star Award, and the American Bed & Breakfast Association Four Crown Award. 

The 1842 Inn is a Greek Revival antebellum mansion that consists of two period houses, the main house and the Victorian cottage. Stepping inside the reception area of the main inn, your surrounded by dramatic English antiques, paintings, and tapestries. The parlor and reception area boast a fireplace and windows overlooking the grounds. The attention to detail is astounding, from the delicate crystal chandeliers to the exquisite Oriental rugs covering the hardwood and parquet floors. 

 “The main house was built for the family of John Gresham,” says E.J. Nobles, manager of front desk services. “He was once mayor of Macon and also a cotton merchant. The house remained in the Gresham family until the early 1900s, when B.F. Adams and his family purchased it. The Adamses made some substantial changes, including adding two side porches, additional columns, and parquet flooring.” 

The Victorian cottage, built around 1900, is located across the courtyard from the main house. The cottage features twelve-foot ceilings, original heart of pine flooring, and a wide front porch.  

With many rooms in the main inn and cottage from which to choose, the 1842 Inn is more than just a hotel. Each of the 21 guestrooms is named for people, places, and things that are a part of Georgia’s history. The rooms have either a queen or king-sized bed, and many are romantic four-posters. Some rooms have fireplaces, while others boast Jacuzzi tubs. All have period antiques or reproductions, lush fabrics, and fresh flowers. In-room amenities include fine linens, private baths, custom bath accessories, and thick towels and bathrobes. 

Each room is enhanced by a lavish motif. For instance, the Dogwood and Magnolia rooms, named for the native southern trees, have their decorating themes centered on their resplendent blossoms. The Jefferson Davis room is named for the statesman who served as president of the Confederacy. The Cotton Merchant’s room is named for B.F. Adams, previous owner of the inn. No matter which room or suite you choose, you’ll find each cozy and warm.

The 1842 Inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast served at your choice of locations: your room, the gardens, or the parlor. The American breakfast plan is offered, for a nominal charge, and guests may select from a menu that includes fine southern fare items like grits and eggs.

While the 1842 Inn has no full service restaurant, guests are assured dining privileges at the private City Club of Macon. The concierge can make reservations and arrange for billing directly onto the guest’s folio at the inn. Specialties at the City Club include Medallion of  Venison, Black Angus Filet Mignon, and Baked Norwegian Salmon with Pistachio  Crust. 

There are other fine dining experiences to be found in Macon. Le Lavandier is an elegant restaurant in the true French tradition where diners are treated to the finest of atmosphere and food. Favorites include roasted duck in raspberry sauce, rack of lamb, and filet of tenderloin. 

Len Berg’s is a dining tradition in Macon, and a place you’re likely to rub elbows with local celebrities and politicians. Michael’s on Mulberry patrons particularly enjoy the filet mignon and crabcakes. A popular lunch spot offering quick fare of sandwiches and salads us Between the Bread Café. 

From your home base at the 1842, you can enjoy festivals and events in Macon.

  • The Cherry Blossom Festival, a ten-day celebration of events, performances, and exhibits set against the backdrop of more than 275,000 Yoshino cherry trees. Mid-March (912) 751-7429. 
  • The Secret Gardens Tour offers tours of select private gardens in Macon’s charming neighborhoods. Early May (912) 742-8155. 
  • The Tubman Museum Pan African Festival celebrates the Pan African culture and its contributions centered on the theme of love, peace, unity, and hope. Early May (912) 743-8544. 
  • Midsummer Macon holds a three-week program of arts education, participation, and exhibitions sponsored by the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan College. July (912) 477-1110.
  • Sweet Georgia Jam is all about Georgia’s rich musical heritage and the personalities who make it great. September(912) 743-3401. 
  • The Ocmulgee Indian Celebration focuses on Native Americans and their colorful history. September (912) 752-8257.
  •  The Georgia State Fair has entertained visitors for more than 144 years, making it the longest running fair in the Southeast. October (912) 746-7184. 
  • White Columns and Holly is a celebration of the holiday season with performances and tours. Thanksgiving through New Year’s (912) 743-3401. 
  • First Night Macon is a family oriented evening designed to ring in the New Year with special events and fireworks. New Year’s Eve (912) 743-6940. 

There is a myriad of things to do in Macon during your stay at the 1842 Inn. 

  • Tour downtown and historic Macon on Mitsi, the Intown Trolley, provided by Macon Transit Authority - (912) 746-1318, or with Sidney’s Tours - (912) 743-3401 
  • From country legends to big band sounds and southern rock, you’ll find it all at Georgia Music Hall of Fame - (912) 750-8555 
  • The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame contains memorabilia from Georgia’s legendary teams and athletes - (912) 752-1585 
  • Experience Georgia’s African-American culture, history, and art at the Tubman African American Museum - (912) 743-8544.
  • You’ll find everything from art objects to zoological specimens to planetariums at The Museum of Arts & Sciences - (912) 477-3232
  • Rose Hill Cemetery is one of the oldest surviving public cemetery parks in the U.S., and includes the graves of Confederate soldiers and Duane Allman and Berry Oakley of the Allman Brothers Band -  (912) 751-9119. 
  • The historic Douglass Theatre is a film, performance, and meeting venue that pays tribute to African-American’s influence on film and theater -  (912) 742-2000
  • Starcadia Entertainment Park is a delight for children of all ages - (912) 475-9880, extension 12.
  • The Cannonball House, an authentic Greek Revival home built in 1853, was the only house in Macon struck by a cannonball during a Union Army attack in 1864 - (912) 745-5982. 
  • The Hay House is an Italian Renaissance Revival mansion and one of the finest houses to survive from antebellum America—(912) 742-8155. 
  • The historic Sidney Lanier Cottage is the birthplace of the noted 19th Century poet and musician, Sidney Lanier - (912) 743-3851. 
  • The Ocmulgee National Monument provides witness to 12,000 years of Native American Indian  heritage - (912) 752-8257

For more information on the 1842 Inn, located at 353 College Street, Macon, Georgia, 31201, call (478) 741-1842 or (800) 336-1842, or visit their website at www.1842inn.com . Rates range from $165.00 to $255.00 per night, double occupancy, and include continental breakfast, morning newspaper, evening hors d’oeuvres, evening turndown service, and access to nearby private dining and health clubs. Packages are available. 

The 1842 Inn has kept the traditional antebellum home theme in restoring the inn, yet it seems to surpass all of your expectations of the Old South and everything it should represent. This is a place that blends the amenities of a grand hotel with the ambiance of a country inn. The 1842 Inn is all mint juleps, magnolias, and southern sunshine. But perhaps most of all, it  is a delightful surprise waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

 

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