Academy Sports & Outdoors

Whether it's a musical performance, a dramatic production or a graceful ballet recital, the magnitude of each musical note and movement of each of the figures on stage will become even more dramatic when you see it at Macon's Grand Opera House. This entertainment venue holds much historic significance within its walls. Performers as diverse as Will Rogers, Sandra Berndardt, and Harry Houdini have all spent time in the limelight here as the have dazzled audiences with their unique talents. The structure was originally built in 1884 and still features one of the largest stages in the South.

Even though Lake Sinclair takes a little effort to visit, the drive to this popular outdoor aquatic attraction will please the nature lover in you as it is quite a picturesque tour of the Georgia landscape. Located in nearby Milledgeville, the lake attracts casual anglers as well as an impressive number of professional bass fisherman. Aside from offering a large population of bass, the body of water holds the distinction of being voted the cleanest lake in the state.

History buffs who take a special interest in the Civil War will want to make plans to visit the Andersonville National Historic Site. This is the prison camp that became the deathbed for 13,000 Union soldiers who were prisoners of war and suffered extreme neglect that lead to their deaths. The National Prisoner of War museum is also located here. This historic and dramatic attraction is only one mile north of the city of Andersonville, which itself is in close proximity to Macon.

Everyone from casual fans to hard-core followers of sports will experience something memorable when visiting the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. This very popular facility is the largest sports hall of fame in the country, and its vastly expansive collection of exhibits, memorabilia and vintage sports items has gained international attention. Among the many highlights, visitors can take part in various interactive exhibits that include a football goal, a NASCAR simulator and a basketball hoop. There's also the equally popular sports-based education exhibit section that spotlights how technology has had an indelible influence on the way sports is played and how it will likely effect its future.