32 American College Towns That Feel Like Stepping Back in Time
24. Macon, Georgia: A Soulful Southern Time Capsule

Macon, home to Mercer University, is one of Georgia’s most historic cities, steeped in Southern charm and cultural legacy. Antebellum mansions line the streets, reflecting the city’s pre-Civil War grandeur, while Macon’s deep musical roots—Otis Redding, Little Richard, and The Allman Brothers Band all hailed from here—keep the town’s vibrant soul alive. The city is also home to the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, held each spring, when Macon’s streets are blanketed in pink petals, creating a scene straight out of an old Southern novel.