This week we recommend visiting the Cannonball House, deep breathing at the Ocmulgee Mounds and getting honest about your New Year’s resolutions. All that, plus the world-class artists happen to be playing Macon this week. 

Thursday, Jan. 5

Cannonball House

The Cannonball House, built in 1853, gets its nickname from the damage it took during the Civil War. The house now operates as a museum dedicated to the history of the South from the Antebellum to the Reconstruction ages. The museum has several exhibits including the Adelphean Collection, a display of furnishings and paintings owned by the founders of the Adelphean Society, the first national collegiate women’s society founded at Wesleyan College in 1851. There are 45-minute guided tours of the house including the two-story kitchen and servant’s quarters. 

Opens Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. with the last tour starting at 3:30 p.m.; Adults $12, Seniors and Military $10, Students (K5-College) $5, Children under 4 are free; 856 Mulberry St., 31201; (478) 745-5982; cannonballhouse.org

Friday, Jan.6

First Friday Downtown

It’s the First Friday of 2023 and downtown restaurants and bars are going hot chocolate crazy. Restaurants such as Baldinos (Jersey Shore hot chocolate) and bars like JBA (Casey’s Hot Chocolate) are offering their take on a classic hot chocolate. 

Be aware: the only locations offering non-alcoholic hot chocolate are Baldinos and Macon Water Ice. In addition, there are several art exhibits opening including an opening of Georgia-themed work by artist Claudia Hartley at the 567 Center for renewal. Right over the Second Street bridge, there is public ice skating at the Macon Coliseum. More information about the events can be found on NewTown Macon’s Facebook page.

Saturday, Jan. 7

Robert Lee Coleman at Grant’s Lounge 

Legendary guitarist Robert Lee Coleman’s shows are always a big draw. Coleman is a pioneer of the funk and soul movement, and as a Macon teenager he was hand-picked by Percy Sledge to join his band. Later, Coleman joined the “JB’s”, James Brown’s backing band. He put out solo albums in 2012 and 2018. At 78 years old, Coleman is a marvel of what the music of Macon has given the world.

9 p.m.; $12 tickets available at seetickets.us; 560 Poplar St., 31201; (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com

Sunday, Jan. 8

Ranger Meditation Program at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park 

In this new free series Park Ranger Caroline will lead a five-minute guided meditation in the park’s outdoor classroom, right across from the visitor center. After the meditation, people are encouraged to talk about their meditation experiences. It’s a great way to experience meditation for newbies and nature lovers alike. Since the event is held outside, attendees are encouraged to come dressed for the weather. The event will be canceled if it rains. 

2-2:30 p.m.; Free; 1207 Emery Highway, 31217; (478) 752-8257; nps.gov/ocmu

Monday, Jan. 9

Swan Lake | State Ballet of Ukraine at the Grand Opera House  

The State Ballet of Ukraine stops in Macon on their annual North American tour for one night only. The 55-member company will perform “Swan Lake” live on the stage of the Grand Opera House. According to the magazine “Point,” international attention to the war in Ukraine has caused an uptick in the support for Ukrainian art and artists with several of the ballet company’s shows selling out. So, it would be a good idea to buy tickets well in advance of the show.

7:30 p.m.; Tickets start at $35 at mpv.tickets.com; 651 Mulberry St., 31201; (478) 301- 5470; thegrandmacon.com 

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Storytellers: Failed Resolutions at Grant’s Lounge 

January’s featured storyteller is Patrick Cunningham who will tell his own story about his failed attempts to remake himself. Attendees are encouraged to sign up to tell their stories about their own failed resolutions. Attendees’ stories should be kept to five minutes. 

5:30-7:30 p.m.; Free; 560 Poplar St., 31201; (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com

Wednesday, Jan. 11

Senior Cinema at The Douglass Theatre: Bustin’ Loose 

The Senior Cinema series is a once-a-month film screening with free entry for patrons 55 years old and older. January’s film is “Bustin’ Loose.” This 1981 comedy stars Richard Pryor as an ex-con hired to transport a special needs teacher (Cicely Tyson) and her students from Philadelphia to their new school in the Pacific Northwest.  

2 p.m.; Free for ages 55 and up; 355 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, 31201; (478) 742-2000; douglasstheatre.com

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