Explore the heart of your community

Exploring Middle Georgia begins at home, right in the heart of each community. For some, that may mean a place of historical significance. For others, it means a well-defined downtown area.

Michael Taylor, owner of Between the Bread/Michael’s on Mulberry, opened in Macon’s Riverside Plaza in 1992 but moved downtown a few years later.

“A big part of our business was in catering and delivering lunches, and 99 percent of our orders were coming from downtown,” he said, adding that the business owners in the area all work together.

“If anybody needs anything, if somebody runs out of an ingredient, we all do what we can to help, and we support each other when we go out,” he said.

That family feeling is what brought Daphne’s Boutique owner Aprill Maxwell downtown as well.

“Downtown has a lot to offer -- a lot of restaurants, a lot for families. I love the community feel and how close everyone is. Other business owners send people to me, and I go out to eat at Molly’s, Doughboy Pizza or Bearfoot Tavern,” she said.

Maxwell opened her shop on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in May, offering handmade tutus, flower girl dresses, hair bows, bow ties and monogramming, and said it has been a good year so far.

“I really enjoy being downtown; I think it is growing,” she said.

That growth can be credited in part to events that bring people from all over to the downtown area, said Steve Mastrangelo, St. Joseph Catholic Church director of parish administration.

“First Fridays are very lively. I would love to see it offered more often. And the events like Second Sunday at Washington Park -- with jazz and other live music -- really spark the vitality of the community. I would love to see more jazz and outdoor music offered,” he said. “It does a lot to bring the community together.”

Just a few of the many other things to see and do in Macon include the following:

HISTORY

Fort Hawkins: Emery Highway, 478-742-3003. Cannonball House: 856 Mulberry St., 478-745-5982. Hay House: 934 Georgia Ave., 478-742-8155. Big House Museum: 2321 Vineville Ave., 478-741-5551. Douglass Theatre: 355 Martin Luther King Blvd., 478-742-2000. The Sidney Lanier Cottage: 935 High St., 478-743-3851.

FOOD

H&H Restaurant: 807 Forsyth St., 478-742-9810. The Rookery: 543 Cherry St., 478-746-8658. NuWay Weiners: 430 Cotton Ave., 478-743-6593. Market City Café: 502 Cherry St., 478-257-6612. Amanda’s Cakery: 321 Cotton Ave., 478-738-9504.

FOR THE KIDS

Ocmulgee National Monument: 1207 Emery Highway, 478-752-8257. Georgia Sports Hall of Fame: 301 Cherry St., 478-752-1585. Tattnall Square Park: College Street. Museum Arts Sciences: 4182 Forsyth Road, 478-477-3232. Ocmulgee Heritage Trail: Spring Street Landing, 478-757-8226.

SHOPPING

Fresh Produce Records: 451 Martin Luther King Blvd., 478-257-6666. Ocmulgee Traders: 455 Poplar St., 478-345-6162. Golden Bough Vintage Books: 371 Cotton Ave., 478-744-2446. Dot’s Forget Me Knots: 623 Cherry St., 478-745-5015.

AFTER HOURS

The Hummingbird Stage and Taproom: 430 Cherry St., 478-741-9130. Cox Capitol Theatre: 382 Second St., 478-257-6391. The Grand Opera House: 651 Mulberry St., 478-301-5470. Theatre Macon: 438 Cherry St., 478-746-9485. The Crazy Bull: 473 Second St., 478-621-4302.

WARNER ROBINS

Warner Robins got its start as the community of Wellston in a small area off Watson Boulevard now known as Commercial Circle, said Gena DeBoe, owner of Gena Jayne the Chic Boutique.

“Boss Watson’s house used to be right here in the circle, but it’s moved to Centerville. Originally, there was a bank, pharmacy and radio station right here, too,” she said, adding that her boutique is in one of the few remaining original buildings along what was once “just a little dirt road leading to the base.”

DeBoe, who also serves as the vice chair of the Downtown Development Authority, said the area celebrates its heritage with a festival each year, and the funds raised go back into its revitalization, including new sidewalks, flowers and trees.

“These buildings were destined to be torn down or fall down. This should be the heartbeat of the community. People come and bring pictures and reminisce, and we want a new generation to grow up shopping here, too.”

B.I.T. BBQ opened next door to DeBoe’s shop a few months ago and is doing well, she said.

“It’s a prime example of business coming back to this area. There’s a rumor we’ll be getting a coffee shop and a gym, and we’re developing an event where people can bring in cars and listen to live music, maybe adding arts, on the fourth Saturday of each month,” she said. “We want people to get accustomed to coming.”

There are plenty more restaurants, shops and things to see in Warner Robins:

HISTORY

E.L. Greenway Welcome Center (historic train depot): 99 Armed Forced Blvd. N., 478-922-5100. Museum of Aviation: 1942 Heritage Blvd., 478-926-6870.

FOOD

McCall’s Tastes to Remember: 1001 Watson Blvd., 478-328-7604. Thai Pepper: 1806 Russell Parkway, No. 1100, 478-225-2609. Emilio’s Cuban Cafe: 402 Ga. 247, No. 300, Bonaire, 478-225-9490. Pam’s Cakes & More: 4027 Watson Blvd., Suite 220, 478-971-1299. El Jalisciense: 1224 Russell Parkway, 478-328-0099.

FOR THE KIDS

Rigby’s Entertainment Complex: 2001 Karl Drive, 478-287-6465. Johnny G’s Fun Center: 815 Russell Parkway, 478-329-8002. Monkey Joe’s: 4993 Russell Parkway, 478-333-6336.

SHOPPING

Gena Jayne the Chic Boutique: 145 S. Commercial Circle, 478-225-9856. Sandee’s Boutique: 198 S. Houston Lake Road, 478-333-6461. Sassy Britches Bowtique: 1105 Russell Parkway, 478-929-4500. Baby Country Consignments: 1102 Russell Parkway, 478-923-5535.

AFTER HOURS

Cornerstone Modern Pubhouse: 1291 S. Houston Lake Road, 478-988-0399. Yesterdaze: 2607 Moody Road, 478-918-0660. Jus One More: 1238 Houston Lake Road, 478-988-0555. Warner Robins Little Theatre: 502 S. Pleasant Hill Road, 478-929-4579.

PERRY

The historic square in downtown Perry is home to many locally owned shops and restaurants.

Rusty Brown, owner of Rusty’s Grill & Bar at 807 Carroll St., said he chose downtown Perry for its “nice, hometown, Mayberry feeling.”

Serving authentic Italian cuisine and American classics, Brown offers something to entice every member of the family.

“We are in the people-pleasing business. I have to do better than the chains; I have to knock the ball out of the park every time. I want everybody to be happy and have a good experience every time they come here,” he said.

The Gentry Downtown Market, also on Carroll Street, keeps its customers happy with an array of gift items and treats.

“There are two barber shops nearby, and after people get their hair cut, they will come in to get ice cream,” said store manager Hanna Scott, who herself frequents the other shops and restaurants in the square.

“The restaurant next door (the Perfect Pear) has good food, and Sugarplum Tree has cute kids’ clothes,” she said. “I like downtown because I get to see people I know and interact with our customers.”

The following are a few more of the offerings in Perry:

HISTORY

Perry Area Historical Museum: 901 Northside Drive, 478-224-4442. New Perry Hotel: 800 Main St., 478-224-1000. Sam Nunn Museum: Houston County Board of Education Building, 1100 Main St., 478-988-6200.

FOOD

Coffee Cup on Carroll: 900 Carroll St., 478-224-5282. The Swanson: 933 Carroll St., 478-987-1938. The Perfect Pear: 922 Carroll St., 478-224-7327.

FOR THE KIDS

Go Fish Education Center: Perry Parkway, 478-988-6701. Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter: 401 Larry Walker Parkway, 478-987-3247. Peach Palette: 907 Carroll St., 478-224-3434.

SHOPPING

Ashley Marie’s Boutique: 913 Carroll St., 478-491-0286. Initial Reaction: 906 Carroll St., 478-987-0333. Two Friends: 926 Carroll St., 478-987-0751. Sugarplum Tree: 917 Carroll St., 478-987-0970.

AFTER HOURS

Perry Players Community Theater: 909 Main St., 478-987-5354.

MILLEDGEVILLE

Milledgeville also boasts a vibrant downtown area. Bordered by Georgia College and Georgia Military College, the area is of historic significance to the whole state.

Milledgeville-Baldwin County Convention and Visitors Bureau information specialist Tamara Hendricks recommended visitors take the guided trolley tour, which highlights the Old State Capitol, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Lockerly Hall and the Brown-Stetson-Sanford House. A new trolley recently has come into operation for the city, she said.

Cathy Keith, who moved to Milledgeville three years ago from Jones County, works downtown and frequents many of the area’s businesses.

“I’ve eaten at all the restaurants and have enjoyed getting to know the business owners. There’s a farmers market on Tuesdays and events on First Fridays. We spend a lot of time at the Riverwalk at the (Oconee River) Greenway,” she said. “We wanted to move closer to town, and Milledgeville was the right fit for us.”

Downtown Milledgeville has much to see and do:

HISTORY

Old Capital Museum: 201 E. Greene St., 478-453-1803. Old Governor’s Mansion: 120 S. Clarke St., 478-445-4545. Central State Hospital Museum: Broad Street, 478-445-4878. Brown-Stetson-Sanford House: 601 W. Hancock St., 478-453-1803.

FOOD

Amici Italian Cafe: 101 W. Hancock St., 478-452-5003. The Brick: 136 W. Hancock St., 478-452-0089. Aubri Lane’s: 114 S. Wayne St., 478-454-4181. Ryals Bakery: 135 N. Wayne St., 478-452-0321.

FOR THE KIDS

Georgia College’s Natural History Museum: Herty Hall, Room 143, Wilkinson Street, 478-445-2395. Fun Factory: 1850 N. Columbia St., 478-453-2000. Baldwin Bowling Center: 184 Robertson Mill Road, 478-453-7545.

SHOPPING

The Lemon Tree: 117 W. Hancock St., 478-804-0054. Jack and Darcy: 112 S. Wayne St., 478-804-0146.

AFTER HOURS

Buffington’s: 120 W. Hancock St., 478-414-1975. Velvet Elvis Supper Club: 113 W. Hancock St., 478-453-8226. Capitol City Night Club/Chops Downtown: 119 S. Wayne St., 478-452-8119.

BYRON

Byron’s downtown area is small but vital.

Rosa Hamlin, owner of Rosa’s Gifts on Main Street, grew up in nearby Powersville and used to “come to town” in Byron. Her shop, open for almost three years, features Avon products and an assortment of items she uses to make gift baskets for all occasions and budgets.

“I love the location. I felt like it was perfect. We just needed a gift shop,” she said. “It’s close to home, and we need to be able to shop at home.”

The Drugstore Deli is nearby, serving soup and sandwich-type fare, Hamlin said, also recommending Martha’s Country Kitchen in the Peach Outlets.

“They have turnip greens, collard greens, squash, rutabagas, real food,” she said. “People also love Casa Mexico. Word of mouth really helps small businesses.”

HISTORY

Historic Railroad Depot and Caboose: 101 E. Heritage St., 888-686-3496.

FOOD

Casa Mexico: 311 North Ga. 49, 478-956-3044. Mongro’s Pizza and Burgers: 107 Chapman Road, 478-956-7728. Captain Jack’s Crab Shack: 107 Chapman Road, 478-956-7728. Martha’s Country Kitchen: 311 North Ga. 49, 478-508-0423.

FOR THE KIDS

North Peach Park: 497 W. White Road, 478-825-3334.

SHOPPING

Rosa’s Gifts: 112 Main St., 478-654-6311. The Big Peach Antiques Mall: 119 Peachtree Parkway, 478-956-1968. The Peach Shops: 311 N. Ga. 49, 478-956-1855.

This story was originally published October 3, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Explore the heart of your community."