Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/646776
102,000 sq. ft. of modern, light infused space. Stretch out a little into the Macon Coliseum with a 9,252-seat capacity adjacent to the Convention Center or take advantage of an additional 5,000 sq. ft. at the 220-room Marriott hotel connected by a glass-enclosed corridor. Beyond the Center you will find a wonderful variety of unique spaces throughout the city of Macon. Choose one of five distinct clusters designed for planning a meeting with spaces, hotel rooms, attractions, and restaurants within close proximity. When the meetings are over, take time to marvel at Macon's gorgeous museums, mansions, and musical land- marks. Macon has dozens of antebellum homes, with three – The Hay House, the Cannonball House, and the Sidney Lanier Cottage – available for public touring. Macon also has wonderful museums dedicated to art and culture, including the Tubman Museum, which is the largest museum in the Southeast dedicated to African- American art, history and culture; and the Museum of Arts and Sciences, which not only has art, but a mini- zoo and planetarium. In Macon, you'd be hard-pressed not to find an event or festival taking place. Macon has festivals for every season! Their largest and most well known festival is the International Cherry Blossom Festival, a 10-day event that starts the third week of March. Because Macon boasts over 300,000 Yoshino Cherry trees, the city is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. Other festivals include the Mulberry Street Arts Festival, Fired Works, the Pan-African Festival, Bragg Jam, Macon Film Festival, the Ocmulgee Indian Celebration and the Georgia Wellness & Fitness Festival. Strolling through one of these festivals is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Want more walking options? Macon's Farmers and Crafts Markets provide plenty of opportunities to buy Georgia Grown products while enjoying additional exercise. The Macon State Farmers Market, the Mulberry Street Market at Tattnall Square Park, and the First Saturday Village Market at Mercer Village are just a few of the possibilities. Often referred to as a "City Within a Park," Macon's wide avenues and extensive network of community parks and walking trails allow visitors to experience Macon's natural beauty on foot. B M & T ••• January/February 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 Edgar H. Wilson Convention Center Photo Credit: Joo Lee