Macon Merry: A Holiday Guide to Downtown Macon by 11th Hour Macon

12 BEERS OF

Christmas Drink all 12 beers at Just Tap’d between December 1–24 and receive a FREE limited edition t-shirt!

And don’ t miss our other great Holiday Events: • Downtown Tacky Christmas Crawl from 4–11pm on December 8th. • Come take selfies with Santa at Just Tap’d during Christmas in Downtown on First Street from 2–6pm on December 15th. • Christmas Trivia at Just Tap'd from 8–9pm on December 18th. • Ocmulgee Brewpub will have the Christmas ale, “Slush Storm,” on tap all throughout December. • Bring the family to OBP on December 10th from 5– 9pm and enjoy one free kids meal with the purchase of one adult meal. A Christmas movie will begin at 6:30pm with FREE popcorn and crafts on the patio!

484 SECOND STREET DOWNTOWN MACON

488 FIRST STREET DOWNTOWN MACON

2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 2

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Handmade Holiday Artisan Crafted Jewelry & Gifts

486 First Street | Historic Downtown Macon | maconartsalliance.org

Happy Holidays from all of our families to yours

Stuff your family’s stockings with a gift card from Fatty’s Pizza or Parish On Cherry, so they can stuff themselves in 2019!

Fatty’s Pizza 344 2nd Street, Macon

Parish On Cherry 580 Cherry Street, Macon

Welcome This holiday season

SHOP LOCAL all in the convenience of Historic Ingleside Village!

The holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year. We wear our best selves, become community angels and Santa’s elves, give to strangers with an enthusiasm usually reserved for friends and family. That kind of love transcends any label we could place on our identities—and any price we could put on a gift. Every light, every ribbon, every selfie with Santa, each perfectly wrapped package, and every carol sung (in harmony or in the shower) make each moment special. Mainstreet Macon invites you to enjoy those moments in Downtown Macon and to hold onto that special holiday feeling all year long!

What’s Inside 08....... E VENTS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS MERRY AND BRIGHT 11.. ....... T HE MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW 13. . ...... A GUIDE TO GIVING 17........ H OLIDAY CRAFTS 19........ E ASY HOLIDAY RECIPES

Celebrate Christmas in the Village!

Saturday, December 1st 10am–3 pm

20% off storewide including retail, gift certificates, and gift baskets!

2370 Ingleside Ave, Macon 478-621-4150

Our Team

AARON IRONS Managing Editor

EMILY HOPKINS Contributor

ERIN HAWKINS Art Director

MELISSA MACKER Contributor

ASHLEY DOOLIN Contributor

SCOTT MITCHELL Contributor

Published by Mainstreet Macon and Creek Media LLC

530 Poplar Street Macon, GA 478.200.1185

Unique and locally made gifts 368 Second Street

Thursday-Saturday 2-6pm 8 & Sunday 12-4pm

Events to Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright Foundation. Shows at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm

COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING* 6:30PM THURSDAY, 11/29 Macon City Auditorium Join the third-graders of Macon-Bibb County Schools as they light our community Christmas tree on the steps of Macon City Auditorium. 'TWINKLE TOWN TOAST'* 5PM-8PM FRIDAY, 11/30 Macon Arts Gallery, 486 First Street Get in the holiday spirit with a welcoming warm-up hosted by Macon Arts Alliance and Macon Magazine, the event is open to all and complimentary. LIVE KICK-OFF CONCERT BY MACON POPS* 6PM FRIDAY, 11/30 Intersection of First Street and Poplar Street The Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza will kick off with a live concert by Macon Pops! Bring your own chair and sit under the lights while listening to performances by local artists of your favorite holiday tunes. MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA* 6-10PM 11/30- 1/4 Poplar Street Free and open to the public! The Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza is a feast for the eyes and ears brought to you by the Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Knight Foundation, and The Peyton Anderson

MARY POPPINS 8PM 11/30 & 12/1, 7, 8, 14, 15; 2:30PM 12/9 & 16; 7:30PM 12/6 & 13 Theatre Macon, 438 Cherry Street One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Tickets available at theatremacon.com beginning Nov 21. SHOP SMALL SATURDAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 Downtown Macon Shop local during Shop Small Saturday on December 1! Downtown businesses will have specials and deals. MAIN STREET MACON CHRISTMAS PARADE* 4PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 Downtown Macon Kick off the holiday season with one of Central Georgia’s favorite traditions! The parade circles Cherry and Mulberry Streets in Downtown Macon. Public parking is available. BEVERLY KNIGHT OLSON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL TREE LIGHTING* 6PM MONDAY, 12/3 Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital Join Navicent Health for the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital Tree Lighting and sneak peek of the new hospital lobby.

NUTCRACKER OF MIDDLE GEORGIA 7PM 12/5 & 6; 7:30PM FRIDAY 12/7; 2:30PM & 7:30PM 12/8; 2:30PM 12/9 Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia returns for its 34th season at the Grand Opera House! Witness the magic of this Christmas tradition at one of six performances! HOLIDAY JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW FEATURING COVERED BY COLBY 5-8PM THURSDAY, 12/6 Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Enjoy live music from Chance Moorman, wine, and awesome jewelry all in one night at Travis Jean Emporium! SELFIES WITH SANTA CLAUS AT THE MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS LIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA* 6PM 12/7-9, 14-16, 21-23 Poplar Street Take a selfie with Santa under the lights during the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza! Featuring real, live Reindeer on December 22! Carriage rides will be available on the same weekends for a fee. FIRST FRIDAY FEATURING SCARVES FOR S'MORES 5-8PM FRIDAY, 12/7 Poplar Street Bring new or lightly used winter

2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 8

clothing for those in need during the holiday season, and join NewTown Macon for s’mores under the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza. HOLIDAY SOIREE ART OPENING AND HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE 5-10PM FRIDAY, 12/7 Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Enjoy Arts and Crafts Reindeer Food Activites for the kids, Live Music and a Holiday Artisan Marketplace featuring some of Macon's most unique artists! DOWNTOWN TACKY CHRISTMAS CRAWL 4-11PM SATURDAY, 12/8 Downtown Macon Put on your tacky sweater and explore Downtown Macon!

HOLIDAY JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW FEATURING CHARM & RIDDLE 5-8PM THURSDAY, 12/13 Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Live Music by Southern Siren, Wine, and awesome jewelry from one of Macon's favorite silversmiths. THE GRAND MOVIE SERIES: LOVE ACTUALLY 7PM 12/14 Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street Nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: love. CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN* 2-6PM SATURDAY, 12/15 First Street and Rosa Parks Square Enjoy a Macon Makers Market on First Street, music, snow, free pictures with Santa in the Cellar at Just Tap’d Macon, music, crafts, a pop-up library, and more!

KID'S CHRISTMAS PAJAMA DINNER 5-9PM MONDAY, 12/10 Ocmulgee Brewpub 484 Second Street Enjoy 1 free kids meal with the purchase of 1 adult meal! Christmas movie starts at 6:30pm. Free popcorn for kids and Christmas crafts on the patio! CELTIC ANGELS CHRISTMAS 7:30PM TUESDAY, 12/11 Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street Celtic Angels Christmas encompasses holiday favorites alongside contemporary and original Christmas themes—all with a Celtic twist! Tickets at thegrandmacon.com.

HOLIDAY ELFIE SELFIES AT TRAVIS JEAN EMPORIUM 2-6PM SATURDAY, 12/15 Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Get a selfie when the elves as they take over Travis Jean Emporium! A CHRISTMAS CAROL 3PM SATURDAY, 12/15 Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street From Nebraska Theatre Caravan comes the beloved Dickens’ classic story, rich with thrilling ensemble music, alive with color and move-

ment, and sure to bring the joy of Christmas to audiences of all ages! Tickets at thegrandmacon.com. HOT CHOCOLATE AND COOKIES WITH SANTA 6-8PM 12/18 Decadent Dessert Bar 530 Poplar Street Visit Decadent Dessert Bar for photos with Santa Claus. Enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies from one of Downtown Macon’s newest restaurants! HOLIDAY LAST MINUTE SIP AND SHOP 5-8PM THURSDAY, 12/20 Travis Jean Emporium 522 Cherry Street Live Music from Louise Warren, Wine, and Artisan Market at Travis Jean Emporium! BLACK NATIVITY 7PM SATURDAY, 12/22 Macon City Auditorium 415 First Street Black Nativity is a soul-stirring rendition of the Christmas Story that features thrilling voices, exciting dance, and glorious gospel music. Tickets at maconcentreplex.org. CHRISTMAS SONGS & STORIES WITH JOHN BERRY 7:30PM SATURDAY, 12/22 Grand Opera House 651 Mulberry Street Returning to The Grand for the 22nd year, John’s special take on the Christmas season has become a Macon tradition. Tickets at thegrandmacon.com. * DENOTES FREE EVENTS

2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 9

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The Main Street Christmas Extravaganza Show

Macon's Main Street Christmas Lights Extravaganza drew over 100,000 people to downtown last year. For 2018, the show has expanded to four city blocks! Over 400,000 lights will adorn trees, bushes, and the unique features of the Poplar Street median. The lights will move in time to original music composed by Macon Pops, an innovative, high energy, and world-class orchestra that performs with musicians from around the country "We all know there's a music heritage in our DNA," says Steve Moretti, co-founder of Macon Pops. "But it is time to turn over a new chapter in our incredible music history book, and we feel this project accomplishes that. Getting to kick off the light show this year with a live concert makes this a unique experience for everyone. We could have easily picked "canned" music, but featuring a line-up of local talent makes this show so special." The Main Street Christmas Lights Extravaganza concert from Macon Pops will be held 6pm Friday, November 30, and the corner of First Street and Poplar Street. Originally, Bryan Nichols of Taste & See Coffee Shop and Gallery was inspired to bring an exciting holiday show to Maconâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and including music was important. "I really wanted to showcase the talent here in Macon," says Nichols. "Macon has a really beautiful downtown that has been and is continuing to be revitalized. We have some really awesome places to eat, great theatres, local shopsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and a great coffee shop. This event is free, which makes it a great venue for families to come and make lots of memories during the holiday season without breaking the bank."

Leave the stress of the holiday baking mess to us! Call Felicia's Cake Factory today for your holiday specialty orders— whole cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other tasty treats— we have you covered!

365 Third St. • Downtown Macon 478.703.5020 • feliciacakefactory.com

A Guide to Giving BY SCOTT MITCHELL

During the holidays, we often focus on gift giving and this can be overwhelming when there is someone on your list that has everything. This year, consider giving a donation to a local charity in their name. There are several local charities that need assistance to make children’s holiday wishes come true. The Mentor’s Project of Macon-Bibb provides year round mentoring for Middle and High School students and match donors to individual families during the holidays. Layaway Santa randomly selects layaways at local businesses to pay off so that families can enjoy the holidays without worrying how to pay for it. Kids Yule Love provides Christmas presents to the less fortunate children in Middle Georgia. Toys For Tots collects new, unwrapped toys to distribute to children during the holidays. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia offers a home where families can be together while their children are in our local hospitals. There are also many nonprofits in our community that do exceptional work to boost the health and vitality of Macon-Bibb. Consider making a donation to one of these transformative organizations: Historic Macon works to revitalize and preserve the architectural history of our community. NewTown Macon attracts, leverages, and invests in the self-sustaining transformation of Downtown Macon. Macon Arts Alliance fosters and supports the advancement of arts and culture in Central Georgia. Daybreak and Centenary Community Ministries offers services to our homeless populations. Cultural organizations and museums provide a place for us to expand our minds through learning, laughing, and playing. Donate to: Tubman Museum, Museum of Arts & Sciences, Theatre Macon, Macon Little Theater, Grand Opera House, Douglass Theater, 567 Center for Renewal, Ampersand Guild, Macon Film Festival, Bragg Jam, and Magnolia Soap Box Derby. Photos from top to bottom: The 2017 Mentors Project awards banquet, donate to Layaway Santa at gofundme.com/layawaysantamidga2018, enjoy the second year of Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza, and support the arts, like the Macon Film Festival.

2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 13

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Holiday Crafts BY MELISSA MACKER

The holidays are perfect for crafts! Be creative with ideas from local artists featured at The 567 Gallery. HEATHER MCLAURIN'S

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Homemade ornaments make great gifts! You can purchase air dry clay from your local craft store. For a stocking, flatten clay with a rolling pin, create the shape with a cookie cutter. For a snowman, roll two balls of clay for the body and head, two thin ovals for arms. Slightly flatten and attach to each other. Flatten another piece of clay for your scarf, attach where the head and body join. Smooth out the clay on the back of your snowman. Add details to your ornaments using a toothpick or pencil. Poke a hole at the top or create a paper clip hook for hanging. Dry completely and paint! CASIE TRACE'S

PAPER MITTENS

Kids can create “snow” by painting dots on black construction paper using white tempera paint and q-tips. Glue a clothespin to top of the snow-painted paper, set aside. Have the children draw a mitten shape on white paper and use oil pastels to create a patterned design for their mittens. Use watercolors to paint over the mittens. Oil pastels resist watercolor, so you can paint right on top of the design. Cut out dry mittens and hang from your clothespin! HEIDI CLINITE'S

SUGAR SCRUB

Sugar Scrub is cheap, easy and uses items found on the baking aisle of most grocery stores! Scoop several spoonfuls of coconut oil into a medium-sized bowl. Add white granulated sugar, a little at a time while you whisk or mix with a fork. until you reach the desired consistency. Finished Scrub should feel sandy. Scoop into 4 oz. mason jars, decorate with twine and handmade labels. Optional: Add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil! To remove dry, dead skin leaving you feeling silky smooth, simply rub onto wet skin then rinse. 2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 15

MACON MAYHEM Visit maconmayhem.com FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS December 27 CLAY WALKER January 17 ALL THAT JAZZ WITH PATTI LABELLE January 26 REO SPEEDWAGON February 6 RON WHITE March 2 MERCYME March 17 THE PRICE IS RIGHT April 6 GLADYS KNIGHT May 10

Seasons Greetings BY EMILY HOPKINS

Sir Henry Cole, founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, sent the first Christmas card in 1843 as an alternative to the time-consuming custom of lengthy letters. Since then, this thoughtful tradition has become creative and personal. With the holidays near, there are many ways to Shop Local while still dropping a spirited line to kith and kin. If It’s Paper in Ingleside Village offers boxes of greeting cards for every style amd beautiful paper products for stress-free holiday get-togethers. Local artisan Rhonda Miller specializes in afforadable, custom cards. Find her at Newtown’s Macon Exchange initiative at 368 Second Street that serves as a business incubator for local artists. Need a single card for someone special? Travis Jean Emporium downtown offers beautiful handcrafted foldovers and flat cards with a punny message and enamel pin that compliment any gift. Capture the perfect photo card with local photographers like Luke Usry (@lukeusry), Jessica Whitley (@JessicaWhitleyPhotography), and Maryann Bates (@mab18). More of a DIY photographer? Check out Selfies with Santa during the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza (also featuring reindeer on December 22!). Take customization a step further with a talented hand-letterer. Erin Hawkins (@MamaHawkDraws) offers beautiful hand lettering on paper and everything else. You can also learn from Erin through workshops at The 567 Center, Seventh Street Salvage, and Highland Hills Baptist Church. The Post Letters offers a calligraphy and design service led by Lauren Mauldin that offers custom invitations, stationery, and addressing. Replace your printer labels with a hand-addressed envelope!! Your Christmas card recipients are just as important as the card. Take the same time you spend selecting the perfect design and reflect on those in your workplace, place of worship, or neighborhood who may need extra cheer this season. Add them to your mailing list! Your Christmas card tradition can provide a connection to the community—and a little piece of joy!

2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 17

Easy Holiday Recipes BY ASHLEY DOOLIN

The holidays aren’t official until the baking starts. That moment when sweet smells begin flowing through your home like a Tchaikovsky concerto. Each aroma making your mouth water and giving you sugar plum dreams until you are given the green light to dive in. I am sharing with you today some of my favorite holiday recipes that your family can help in making and hopefully enjoy as much as mine does!

CHRISTMAS CONFETTI COOKIES INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup brown sugar

• 3 cups flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup sprinkles (or mini chocolate chips)

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 cup M&Ms

• 1/2 cup oil • 2 eggs • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS: 3. F old in sprinkles. Use cookie scoop to put on greased

1. Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter, oil,

cookie tray. Top with 4–5 M&Ms.

and sugars. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. 2. Add baking soda, salt, powder, vanilla and flour.

4. Bake at 350 for 7–8 minutes.

Mix well.

OLD FASHIONED KENTUCKY BOURBON BALLS INGREDIENTS: • 1 Cup Melted Butter

• 14oz flaked coconut

• 1 Cup Eagle Brand

• 2 lbs. powdered sugar

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• 3 shots of Buffalo Trace Bourbon

• 1 Tsp Pure Vanilla • 2 Cups Chopped Georgia

• 2 pkgs chocolate bark

Pecans + whole pecans for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Mix all of the ingredients except the chocolate together and refrigerate for 6 hours to overnight. 2. “Dough” mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls. Using a small cookie dough scoop, scoop and roll into balls by hand, placing on wax paper and re-refrigerating if rolled mix becomes to warm.

3. Melt chocolate bark according to directions on package. 4. D ip each bourbon ball into chocolate and place on wax paper, while still wet- push a whole pecan gently into the top, allowing the bourbon balls to harden and set. 5. Place bourbon balls into a container and refrigerate for freshness.

2018 MACON MERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE • PAGE 18

CHALLAH BREAD INGREDIENTS: • ¾ Cup plus

2 Tbsp whole milk • ¼ Cup plus 1 tsp Sugar

• 2 Tsp active dry yeast

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 egg yolk

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter,

• 4 Cups flour

• Sesame seeds

melted and cooled

• 1½ Tsp Kosher Salt

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat milk to 115 degrees in a small saucepan. Pour into a lrg bowl and stir in yeast and 1 tsp sugar. Let mixture rest for about 10 minutes. Surface of mixture should be foamy after 10 minutes. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted and cooled butter

4. Remove dough from bowl and divide into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece of dough into a 16 inch rope. Lay the dough rope side-by-side and pinch one end of the ropes together. 5. B raid the piece od dough: cross the left piece over the middle piece, cross the right piece over what is now the

and eggs. Stir in milk mixture, whisk together. Stir in flour, ¼

new middle piece, trying to do this as evenly as possible to

cup of sugar and salt until dough forms. Turn dough out onto

avoid large gaps between the ropes, continuing until you

a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, 6–8 minutes.

reach the end. Pinch together the ends and tuck both ends

3. Set the dough ball in a large bowl greased with cooking spray or butter and covered with plastic wrap, letting it rest until it doubles in size, about an hour. Punch the dough down, recover with wrap and let rest until it is slightly puffy, about 30 minutes.

underneath the loaf. 6. P reheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl whisk 1 egg yolk and 1 tblsp water together, brushing all over the surface of the loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. 7. Bake until the bread is a deep golden brown, 30–35 minutes.