Downtown Macon entrepreneurs and restaurants want to play a starring role in folks’ summer plans as they cook up ways to bring customers in to spend a little money during a traditionally slow time for business.
While many people plan out-of-town getaways, NewTown Macon has some seasonal incentives to stay in town with its “Staycation” June 30 to July 6 and next week’s 2025 French Fry Fight July 9-11.
Plus, Visit Macon is planning a Blockbuster Summer for movie enthusiasts to capitalize on the July 11 release of the new Superman movie featuring downtown’s Terminal Station as The Daily Planet.
James Gunn, DC Studios co-chair and the writer and director of the new Superman movie, proved to be a tourism ambassador with this quote that now graces Visit Macon’s website: “Macon couldn’t have been a more hospitable and fun town.”
Due to the Fourth of July falling on Friday, this month’s First Friday activities shift to July 11, the first day moviegoers get to see the latest version of The Daily Planet.
Visit Macon’s team has dedicated a Blockbuster Summer webpage to list the activities and attractions for movie buffs from early July through the Macon Film Festival Aug. 21-24.
“There’s been so many films done in Macon, and there’s so many different stories to tell,” Visit Macon Marketing Director Marisa Rodgers told the Downtown Macon Community Association in June.
Look for tours of movie locations, including sites used in the filming of Superman, Black Widow, The Color Purple, and the Jackie Robinson biopic, 42.
Through digital marketing strategies, Rodgers hopes to intercept Hollywood fans who could be headed through Macon to other destinations on Interstate 75.
“We know if they’re going to Florida for the summer, if they’re traveling through our space and normally, probably wouldn’t have pulled off the interstate. We can target those individuals and just try to get them off the interstate, get them into the market, into your businesses, into doing something in Macon, maybe staying for one night,” Rodgers said as she encouraged business owners to take advantage of this opportunity. “We’re telling the story of this enormous movie that’s going to be a huge talk of the summer that was filmed right here in Macon. I mean, The Daily Planet. It’s a big deal.”
Main Street Macon Manager and NewTown’s VP of External Affairs Emily Hopkins encouraged businesses to throw a little marketing magic on regular events like trivia at Just Tap’d, taking on a blockbuster movie theme in July.
“I think that’s going to be a really great way, right now this summer, to get people in your doors, especially as part of this campaign,” Hopkins told the business owners. “Because what I think we’re going to see this summer, especially, is that people are holding on to their dollars a little bit tighter than they have previously. So anything you can do to add value to what you’re already offering is what’s going to help you make more sales.”
Staycation and French Fry Fight
NewTown also created Macon’s “Staycation” concept to encourage local residents to save on vacation expenses by staying closer to home.
A $10 all-access pass unlocks about $100 worth of discounts, deals and exclusive events through July 6.
Fall Line Brewing Company’s Kaitlynn Kressin said it’s a great time to see what downtown Macon has to offer.
“Downtown businesses are open and ready to offer fun for the whole family during this weeklong promotion,” Kressin said in a Staycation news release.
This year’s French Fry Fight serves up three days of culinary competition among Macon restaurants to capture the Super Spud Trophy.
Nearly two dozen eateries will be serving up shareable appetizers or entree portions of dishes featuring french fries as a main ingredient.
Cashman’s Chicken Pot Fry criss-crosses potato strips in a pot pie spinoff, while Fatty’s serves up pizza loaded with potato wedges, and Sweet Eleanor’s delves into dessert with Bavarian Cream Churros.
French Fry purists can sample Francar’s Triple Play Fries with three different fry styles, sauces and seasonings or could branch out for a number of concoctions at Biddy’s, Braddock’s Cask and Table, Daisy Tequila Bar, Fall Line Brewing Co., Just Tap’d, Kinjo Kitchen + Cocktails, Kudzu Seafood, La Bella Morelia, Longleaf Distilling Co., Loom at Hotel 45, Macon Water Ice, Ocmulgee Brew Pub, Oliver’s, Parish on Cherry, Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen, The Rookery, Satterfield’s, Social Duck and Vintage Restaurant at Marriott City Center.
Diners are asked to vote for their favorite dishes, which are expected to be priced between $12 and $15. Winners will be announced once votes are tallied.
— Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities for The Macon Newsroom and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.
