College Hill Travel Guide

Macon

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.
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
Cannonball House

Popular places to visit

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

After visiting St. Joseph's Catholic Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Macon. Experience the live music and entertainment venues in this family-friendly area.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Hay House

Hay House

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

Hay House
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
Sidney Lanier Cottage

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
The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House

The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House during your trip to Macon. Take in the live music in this family-friendly area.

The Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House
Tubman Museum

Tubman Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Tubman Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Macon. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's live music.

Tubman Museum

Things to do

Ocmulgee Mounds

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

Rp125.625
per adult
Ocmulgee Mounds Smartphone (GPS/APP) Guided History Walking Tour
Macon Scavenger Hunt: The Mysteries of Macon

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: The Mysteries of Macon

Rp206.193
per adult
Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: The Mysteries of Macon
See all activities in Macon

Top hotels in College Hill

1842 Inn

1842 Inn

3.5 out of 5
353 College St Macon GA
The price is Rp2.115.869 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
Rp2.115.869
Rp2.517.635 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (672 reviews)
Breakfast was great. Innkeeper provided great service. Room was fantastic

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

1842 Inn
Best Western Riverside Inn

Best Western Riverside Inn

2.5 out of 5
2400 Riverside Dr Macon GA
The price is Rp1.247.270 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
Rp1.247.270
Rp1.569.200 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
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! (1,468 reviews)
Breakfast has a nice variety of hot and cold items. Lady who oversaw it was very nice and helpful. Area was clean.

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Best Western Riverside Inn
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon

3 out of 5
3944 River Place Dr Macon GA
The price is Rp703.694 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
Rp703.694
Rp1.139.607 total
20 Jan - 21 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Macon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.2/10 (1,001 reviews)
I had adjoining rooms with my daughter as requested rooms were large and spacious

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Macon

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Macon

3 out of 5
4630 Sheraton Dr Macon GA
The price is Rp1.501.781 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
Rp1.501.781
Rp1.811.322 total
1 Feb - 2 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,228 reviews)
The room was spotless. Staff was efficient and friendly

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Macon
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon

2 out of 5
2020 Bowman Park Macon GA
The price is Rp986.017 per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
Rp986.017
Rp1.268.759 total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
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! (1,003 reviews)
Happy with everything!

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Macon
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 Rp1.217.774 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
Rp1.217.774
Rp1.484.715 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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! (1,005 reviews)
Breakfast choice with hot food was great.

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Wingate by Wyndham Macon I-75
See all 380 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.

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 Tubman Museum.

Macon Historic District
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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 Tubman Museum and Grand Opera House.

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
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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