Our second day in Macon, GA took us to the Hay House. The Hay House, also known as the Johnston-Felton-Hay House, was built in the 1850s. The architectural style of this house is the Italian Renaissance Revival which was outside the norm given the time period as many home during the antebellum period were built in the Greek Revival style. While I adore a Greek Revival antebellum home, I was drawn to the Hay House because it was so different for it's time period...don't you agree?
This 18,000 square foot mansion is a dreamboat!
Our tour started in the lower level of the house. The gift shop and ticket purchase is in the lower level along with rooms to tour with reader panels and artifacts. Now off to the main level of the house!
I love pocket doors! I like how pocket doors have a special hiding place (being pushed into the walls) for when the rooms are being used but then can be closed (as seen above) to show their beauty.
The Hay House was lived in (as a family residence) from the 1860 to the 1960s. The house was given to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation in 1977.
The stained glass window (that opens) is the four seasons.
Closer view.
The entryway!
Always look up when you tour a historic home!
Our tour guide pointed out that something unusual about this room is that the chandelier hangs from the sky light.
Ready for the next level? The third level has partly been restored. However, we were able to tour all of the third level. It was really interesting to see the process of restoring such a grand mansion and also getting to see the completed works.
Steps leading to the Nanny Suite.
LOVE this bed!
This room is awaiting restoration.
Room currently being restored.
Our tour ended where it began in the lower level of the house with our tour guide showing us the family's speaker-tube system.
In addition to the speaker-tube system (seen above) the Hay House had running water (hot/cold), central heat, a pretty extensive ventilation system, gas lighting, and an in-house kitchen. One of these things alone would have made this house impressive for its time period but to have all these great features made the Hay House one of a kind.
Side view of this beautiful 'Palace of the South'
After leaving this beautiful place, we travelled to Juliette, GA to eat at The Whistle Stop Café. I grew up watching the film Fried Green Tomatoes. My Daddy and I still quote different lines from this film often so it was a given that being this close to Juliette we would definitely stop by for some fried green tomatoes.
This little 'town' consist of 1 road which when we were there was lined with cars and motorcycles. The wait time for us to get a table on the café was about 30 minutes so we decided that instead of going through the little shops that lined the street that we would walk around and take in the scenery. Half way into our walk, it started raining. We finished our wait time sitting on the porch of the café listening to live music, smelling the rain, and seeing the train pass through Whistle Stop.
Two trains came through when we were walking around the 'town'.
I love going to a restaurant and beverages being served out of mason jars!
The best fried green tomatoes I have ever eaten.
Macon, GA is a great place to explore. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Georgia in the near future. Any recommendations for places to visit/explore in Georgia?
Happy Travels,
Amber
No Comments Yet, Leave Yours!