With temps soaring above 100 this weekend, here are 5 places to beat the heat in Macon
With a heat index of 110 degrees set to hit Middle Georgia this weekend, the last days of summer will be hot ones. Macon has plenty of places to cool off, though, and each one gives a different experience to beat the heat.
Here’s a list of some of the best spots to cool down in Macon.
Amstar 16
While it might not be the most popular hangout option anymore with streaming services available, the movie theater is a tried-and-true way to get out of the house, see friends and beat the heat in the summer. Amstar 16 on Zebulon Road has unique showings, too, offering old-school movies on most Sundays and showing revamped versions of classic movies regularly.
Even if a throwback movie doesn’t get you out to the theater, Amstar still has plenty of blockbusters running at the end of the summer. Barbie is still an option, with the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie also showing often. Grab some popcorn, bring a jacket and enjoy the show.
Hello Boba Cafe
A cold drink can be a great way to get through a hot day, and Hello Boba Cafe is one of Macon’s most interesting and popular options downtown. The store on Third Street serves milk tea, green tea and other drinks with multiple varieties of boba that you can drink in a cozy cafe setting complete with soft chairs, board games and even some manga and anime.
If boba isn’t your cup of tea, the cafe offers ice cream accompanied by Japanese Bubble Waffles as another option to beat the heat. Green tea and milk tea are both available without boba toppings as well, accommodating less adventurous eaters. The store also features its own reward program where you can work towards free drinks if the hot days keep coming.
Just Tap’d
Maybe you’re over 21 and looking for something a bit different than boba to cool down, though. Just Tap’d fits the bill, often featuring more than 50 different beers and ciders on tap that should appeal to any palette of legal age.
Even if some younger people are trying to get out of the sun, the taproom offers craft sodas and food in addition to their expansive beer roster, so there should be something for everyone. Paired with some TVs and multiple comfortable seating areas, a drink at Just Tap’d can be a fun way to avoid the sun for a bit.
Macon Water Ice
While downtown Macon has lacked a true ice cream shop for a little while, Macon Water Ice offers a more distinct Philadelphia take on a sweet, cold treat that fills the role just fine. “Water ice” is dairy-free, but features thinner layers than typical shaved ice or snow cones and has the flavor mixed in with water before it’s frozen.
The store moved downtown to Cherry Street in December and offers changing flavors daily and also features food options like a Philly cheesesteak. Lunch specials from 12-3 p.m. also make it a nice spot to visit in the afternoon, and even if the summer heat stretches late into the night, they open from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Macon libraries
You may have noticed one thing about this list – the options so far will all set you back some cash. One good option to help escape a sweltering summer day is a local library, and it won’t cost you a dime unless you’ve got some late fees.
Washington Library near downtown on College and Poplar Streets offers multiple seating areas where you can relax, read a good book and sit in the air conditioning. Kids can get out of the heat too, thanks to a children’s section with story times at every library in Bibb County.
This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 12:53 PM.