If you’re not leaving the city for the 4th of July, then has Macon got a surprise for you! And I mean surprise in a good way, not surprise in that walk-by-an-empty-storefront-doorway-and-meet-a-homeless-person-SURPRISE! -way. I mean in a more-than-your-money’s-worth-good-time-great-drinks-awesome-music-even awesomer friends- way. Man, Macon, I think I’m growing to love you!
Enlighten Me, Downtown Macon! April 14, 2009
Macon is an interesting town.
There are those who don’t think so, of course. This past First Friday, downtown Macon had an Easter Egg hunt, but the eggs were not your typical boiled eggs brightly coloured. These eggs contained prizes and gift certificates from businesses in the area. What a way to combine the upcoming holiday, First Friday and a marketing campaign for the downtown area. Yet when I read the article about it on macon.com, and the subsequent comments, one commenter made a remark about bringing their gun.
I wanted to say take the cannoli, leave the gun. But I stopped myself.
Snacking on Freshness and First Friday September 5, 2008
There is a new market, a Fresh Market, on Forsyth… or is it still Vineville. I know the split is at Napier, but it’s right on the cusp. For now, we’ll say in the Steinmart shopping center, even though that is also not the official name…
I am in love with the Fresh Market. It’s everything I ever wanted in a market, and more. I haven’t been to a Whole Foods/Trader Joe’s since I lived in California and I’m pretty impressed with the one we have here. The cheese corner alone was enough to put me in rapture. I went for the sushi but after having a quick glance around I realized that I needed to spend a leisurely Sunday in there just walking around and admiring it. Or stalking it, however you want to look at it. Fresh Market, you send me!
First Fridays always give me a little thrill. I enjoy getting out and seeing places that I love open past 6. On First Friday, there are other options, not just the bars and it’s good to see people I enjoy being around in this great, relaxed setting.
I know it can be tiring when people say we don’t support the activities in Macon, but sometimes, the activities in Macon don’t support us. First Friday is an event that supports the people and allows for the people to support them. It doesn’t take much to participate – restaurants either lose a dollar or two on drink orders or they stay open and gain a bit more income. Artists get a different viewing crowd and if they come away with one new fan, that’s a plus. First Friday is everything an activity in Macon should be for its citizens. It’s safe, it’s active and it’s full of choices. You can hear great bands, you can eat great food and you can see something interesting, even if it’s just someone walking down the street.
I know where I’m going to be tonight. Where will you be?
I’m Back! April 1, 2008
Actually, I’ve been back for nearly a week. I was in Europe, trotting the globe, having adventures, walking many, many, many, many miles in Barcelona, Rome, Ariccia, and Paris. Read about it here.
Of course, I got sick coming back home. It snowed in London, which I thought was a common thing, but what I learned is that it usually just gets cold and rainy – so I witnessed a phenomenon similar to Macon getting snow. And although it was beautiful, I was far more worried about being delayed and living in Gatwick than how pretty the snow was.
I loved traveling, but I found that I missed Macon. In fact, being away made me appreciate having this place to come home to, something completely surprising and unexpected. I missed my normal hang out days and people, I missed being at Joshua Cup at night with Matt and Mike and the assorted cast of characters that show up regularly. I missed walking around downtown, although I appreciate it more since I basically walked the entire city of Barcelona.
Yes, I missed you Macon and I’m back and getting better just in time for Cherry Blossom. Maybe Wednesday I’ll get some ice cream. I’m definitely going to the Mulberry Street Arts and Craft dealio. Of course, I can not skip First Friday (last month, I had this delicioso chocolate raspberry cake at Market City with a glass of wine to go with it, talked with a guy at the Contemporary Arts Exchange who had been to Barcelona – he got me really excited about Gaudi, and I had these really, really awesome petit fors from Xocolatl) because you never know what is going to happen when First Friday and Cherry Blossom collide.
First Friday February 6, 2008
I love First Friday. It has brought life to downtown Macon, one that those of us who always loved it and wished for it never thought could happen. Once upon a time, we were all huddled in our little hidey-holes, being creative, wishing more people would come downtown and see what it is we do down here and with First Friday, it’s happening. What is interesting is that you’re not always running into the same people. Whether you’re at the park at Cherry and Third or watching the park from Market City you still have plenty of opportunity to meet new people. Live music (when the venues are open), drink specials, and good friends walking around beautiful and historic downtown macon – can you really think of something better to do?
This past Friday, Meadows Fine Jewelry had its grand opening which was not only beautiful, but also delicious. I was supposed to go back Monday, so I’ll have to make a stop sometime this week to rectify the situation. There is a citrine bracelet and a frog ring that is calling my name.
I usually end my First Friday at the Contemporary Arts Exchange on Mulberry, in Eric O’Dell’s studio. It is an open and inviting circle that accepts anyone who wants to parlay, all of the weirdos who have felt neglected in their life, all of the college students who fear no one takes them seriously, all of the older people who have held downtown on their shoulders hoping it’s renaissance is happening now, any race or creed or genre. We stand around talking about movies and television, about books and music, we talk about past and present, about high school and life, about Oprah and wrestling. If your conversation is not going on, you start it. If your song is not playing on the iPod, bring your CDs. If you are lacking a painting or a drink, get one from us. The world is our oyster on First Friday and if you’re up for it, stay for First Saturday as well.
It’s been delightful meeting others, learning from them, laughing with them and supporting them in words and with money. So remember, if you see it, your probably can buy it and if you like it, you probably should.
