College Hill Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Indian mounds in the distance
Indian mounds in the distance
One of Georgia’s most distinguished structures, the Johnston-Felton-Hay House in Macon was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was built from 1855 to 1859 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, a marked contrast to the more restrained Greek Revival architecture of the antebellum period. The 18,000-square-foot mansion spans four levels and is crowned by a three-story cupola. Commissioned by imaginative owners and constructed by the most skillful workers of the time, its technological amenities were unsurpassed in the mid-19th century: hot and cold running water, central heat, a speaker-tube system, in-house kitchen and an elaborate ventilation system. Only two families lived in Hay House over three generations. Most of the museum’s furnishings date from the Hay family’s occupancy (1926-1962). A few pieces are from the Johnston family (1860-1896), most notably the Eastlake-style dining room suite. The most important piece in the collection may be the 1857 marble statue, "Ruth Gleaning," by American expatriate sculptor Randolph Rogers. The Johnstons William Butler Johnston was no typical nineteenth-century Southerner. He obtained his substantial wealth through investments in banking, railroads and public utilities rather than from the agrarian cotton economy. In 1851, he married Anne Clark Tracy, 20 years his junior, and the two embarked on an extended honeymoon in Europe. During their trip, the Johnston's visited hundreds of museums, historic sites and art studios. They collected fine porcelains, sculptures and paintings as mementos of their Grand Tour. The Johnston's were inspired by the Italian architecture they observed and, upon their return to America, constructed a monumental Italian Renaissance Revival mansion in Macon. The Feltons Completed in 1859 and called the "Palace of the South," the residence was decorated and furnished in accordance with wealth and good taste. It became a beloved home for the Johnston's, their daughters and their extended family. After the death of Mrs. Johnston in 1896, daughter Mary Ellen and her husband William H. Felton lived in the house. They remodeled and redecorated parts of the house, updated the plumbing and added electricity. The Hays After the deaths of Judge and Ms. Felton in 1926, Felton heirs sold the house to Parks Lee Hay, founder of the Banker's Health & Life Insurance Company. The Hays substantially redecorated the house to reflect the changing character of twentieth-century living, and the house at 934 Georgia Avenue continued to be recognized as a local landmark for gracious living during the Hay ownership. After Mrs. Hay's death in 1962, her heirs established the P.L. Hay Foundation and operated the house as a private house museum. In 1977, ownership of the house was formally transferred to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The house has been operated by the Trust since that time and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Cannonball House
Cannonball House

Popular places to visit

Hay House

Hay House

Find out why this stately Italian Renaissance Revival-style mansion has earned the nickname Palace of the South.

Hay House
Central Georgia

Sidney Lanier Cottage

You can browse the exhibits at Sidney Lanier Cottage, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Macon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's live music.

Sidney Lanier Cottage
Cannonball House

Cannonball House

You can browse the exhibits at Cannonball House, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Macon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's live music.

Cannonball House
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Mercer University

Explore the campus of Mercer University during your trip to Macon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's live music.

Mercer University
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Macon Coliseum

Catch an event at Macon Coliseum during your trip to Macon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's live music.

Macon Coliseum
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The Shoppes at River Crossing

During your trip to Macon, you can enjoy retail therapy at The Shoppes at River Crossing. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

The Shoppes at River Crossing

Activities

Ocmulgee Mounds

Ocmulgee Mounds Smartphone (GPS/APP) Guided History Walking Tour

AU$11
per adult
Ocmulgee Mounds Smartphone (GPS/APP) Guided History Walking Tour
Awesome Scavenger Hunt: The Mysteries of Macon

Awesome Scavenger Hunt: The Mysteries of Macon

AU$18
per adult
Awesome Scavenger Hunt: The Mysteries of Macon
See all activities in Macon

Our pick of the best College Hill Hotel Deals

1842 Inn

1842 Inn

3.5 out of 5
353 College St Macon GA
The price is AU$285 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$285
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this golf B&B in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Wonderful old house, friendly staff and excellent breakfast

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

1842 Inn
Well Equipped Clean Comfy Downtown APT with Parking

Well Equipped Clean Comfy Downtown APT with Parking

Macon GA
The price is AU$222 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$222
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sidney Lanier Cottage and Carmichael House are ...
Well Equipped Clean Comfy Downtown APT with Parking
Best Western Riverside Inn

Best Western Riverside Inn

2.5 out of 5
2400 Riverside Dr Macon GA
The price is AU$132 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
AU$132
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,519 reviews)
Nice stay, clean room, not noisy and breakfast was good. Had a bathroom door that couldn't close and bathtub drain backed up during showers in the morning..both reported to front desk and they were apologetic. We would stay again.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Best Western Riverside Inn
Wingate by Wyndham Macon I-75

Wingate by Wyndham Macon I-75

2.5 out of 5
100 Northcrest Blvd Macon GA
The price is AU$140 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
AU$140
12 Mar - 13 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,054 reviews)
Room was very clean..staff very friendly

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Wingate by Wyndham Macon I-75
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon

2 out of 5
2020 Bowman Park Macon GA
The price is AU$126 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
AU$126
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews)
Clean. Confortable. Great location. I really like the breakfast options

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon
Red Roof Inn & Suites Macon

Red Roof Inn & Suites Macon

2 out of 5
2720 Riverside Drive Macon GA
The price is AU$106 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
AU$106
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Room and baths dirty, bed creaked, remote control didn’t work.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

Red Roof Inn & Suites Macon
See all 388 properties in College Hill
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Other neighbourhoods around College Hill

One of Georgia’s most distinguished structures, the Johnston-Felton-Hay House in Macon was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was built from 1855 to 1859 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, a marked contrast to the more restrained Greek Revival architecture of the antebellum period. The 18,000-square-foot mansion spans four levels and is crowned by a three-story cupola. Commissioned by imaginative owners and constructed by the most skillful workers of the time, its technological amenities were unsurpassed in the mid-19th century: hot and cold running water, central heat, a speaker-tube system, in-house kitchen and an elaborate ventilation system. Only two families lived in Hay House over three generations. Most of the museum’s furnishings date from the Hay family’s occupancy (1926-1962). A few pieces are from the Johnston family

Macon Historic District

While visiting Macon Historic District, you might make a stop by sights like Hay House and Grand Opera House.

Macon Historic District
Macon skyline

Pleasant Hill Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in Pleasant Hill Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and Hay House.

Pleasant Hill Historic District
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Tindall Heights Historic District

While Tindall Heights Historic District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Hawkins Arena and Tubman Museum.

Tindall Heights Historic District
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House featuring interior views and a house

Vineville Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Vineville Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and Hay House.

Vineville Historic District
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Cherokee Heights Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Cherokee Heights Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and Hay House.

Cherokee Heights Historic District
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia, preserves earthworks built before 1000 CE by the South Appalachian Mississippian culture. Great Temple Mound, Lesser Temple Mound and trail

North Highlands Historic District

While North Highlands Historic District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Macon Coliseum and Hay House.

North Highlands Historic District

College Hill Travel Guide

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