Macon's Cherry Blossom Celebration

Day 1

Day 1: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Sit back, relax, and leave the driving to us as we begin our springtime adventure aboard a spacious, comfortable Burlington Trailways motorcoach. Departing from the available location most convenient for you, you’ll be greeted by your friendly onboard tour host and experienced professional driver—both dedicated to making your journey enjoyable from the very start. Along the way, we’ll make a stop for lunch and a rest-and-refresh break before arriving in Paducah, Kentucky for an overnight stay at the highly rated Drury Inn. Known for its inviting hospitality, the Drury Inn offers clean, comfortable accommodations and outstanding guest service. This evening, unwind at their signature 5:30 Kickback®, featuring a rotating menu of hot food, cold beverages, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere—perfect for mingling with fellow travelers and settling in for the night.

Day 2

Day 2: Friday, March 20, 2026
Enjoy a hearty start to the day with Drury Inn’s hot breakfast buffet before we hit the road toward the scenic beauty of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our first stop is the enchanting Rock City Gardens, a mountaintop wonderland bursting with natural beauty. In spring, the trails come alive with vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and breathtaking panoramic views. Stroll past towering rock formations, winding paths, and the famous “See Seven States” overlook—all at your own pace. Upon arrival, enjoy an included box lunch to savor at your leisure while surrounded by Rock City’s blooming charm.
Next, we head underground to explore the awe-inspiring Ruby Falls, home to America’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. Journey through fascinating cave formations before reaching the dramatic 145-foot waterfall, beautifully illuminated in a breathtaking display.
We end the day with an overnight stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga, where you can once again enjoy the 5:30 Kickback® Reception—featuring complimentary hot food, refreshing beverages, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Day 3

Day 3: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Enjoy another warm and satisfying breakfast at the Drury Plaza before we journey deeper into Georgia’s picturesque landscape. Today’s highlight is a visit to the breathtaking Gibbs Gardens, one of the nation’s premier estate gardens, especially dazzling in springtime. Wander through more than 300 acres of expertly manicured grounds, where thousands of blooming flowers—tulips, daffodils, dogwoods, and azaleas—create a kaleidoscope of color across serene hillsides and reflective ponds.
You’ll have time to explore at your leisure and enjoy lunch on your own at the Arbor Café, nestled right within the gardens. After this peaceful and scenic stop, we continue on to Macon, where the cherry trees and Southern charm await.
This evening, we’ll gather for an included dinner at a favorite local restaurant, a perfect welcome to our two-night stay. Accommodations will be at the Hilton Garden Inn or a similar quality hotel, offering comfort and convenience as we settle in for our Macon experience.

Day 4

Day 4: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Wake up in the heart of cherry blossom country and enjoy a warm, Southern-style breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a day that captures the spirit of springtime in Macon. Today, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom—a delicate pink canopy that transforms the entire city into a floral dreamscape.
We begin with the Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon’s signature celebration and a true feast for the senses. Stroll through festival grounds filled with live entertainment, artisan booths, tasty treats, and joyful energy that radiates from every smiling face. This beloved tradition highlights the best of Southern hospitality and community spirit.
Then, find your spot and take in the Cherry Blossom Parade, a vibrant display of pageantry and hometown pride. Floats festooned in blossoms glide down the streets, accompanied by marching bands, twirling dancers, and whimsical characters that bring the celebration to life. It’s a spectacle that delights all ages and captures the essence of Macon’s springtime magic.
Tonight, prepare for a truly unforgettable experience at the Piedmont Grand Opera House. Located in the heart of downtown Macon, this historic gem has been a centerpiece of the city’s cultural life since it opened in 1884. Originally known as the Academy of Music, this beautifully preserved venue has hosted everything from vaudeville acts and traveling Broadway shows to orchestras, ballets, and legendary performers such as Will Rogers and Sarah Bernhardt.
Stepping inside the Piedmont feels like taking a graceful step back in time. The theater’s ornate plasterwork, gilded balconies, and rich red velvet drapery create a truly elegant atmosphere, while modern updates have preserved its charm without compromising comfort. With seating for over 1,000 and superb acoustics, it’s still very much a working performance space today, hosting local theater, touring acts, concerts, and community events. You’ll enjoy a private tour of the opera house, learning its storied past and artistic legacy before taking your seat—on stage!
That’s right… Dinner will be served on the grand stage itself, surrounded by velvet curtains, ornate balconies, and the glow of theater lights. Dine like a star and soak in the ambiance of a place where music, drama, and elegance have lived for generations.
As the curtain gently falls on this magical day, return to your hotel with a heart full of memories and a camera roll full of pink perfection.

Day 5

Day 5: Monday, March 23, 2026
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a morning steeped in history and elegance. Our first stop is the magnificent Hay House, a National Historic Landmark and a true architectural gem of the South. Often called the “Palace of the South,” it is one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture in the United States. Completed in 1859, the house was designed by renowned architect John S. Norris and was the home of Willis and Jane Hay, a prominent local family. The mansion spans four levels and features neoclassical design elements, including intricate plasterwork, exquisite marble fireplaces, and hand-painted ceilings.
One of the most striking features of the Hay House is its central rotunda topped with a stunning 80-foot-tall cupola, offering panoramic views of the city of Macon. As you walk through the grand halls, you’ll encounter rooms filled with furnishings and artifacts that reflect the wealth and taste of 19th-century Southern aristocracy. The attention to detail, from the stained-glass windows to the hand-carved woodwork, is nothing short of breathtaking. The house was designed not only for beauty but for entertainment and luxury, with spaces like the drawing rooms and formal dining areas that once hosted grand social gatherings. Today, it’s a museum that offers guided tours, telling the story of both the Hay family and the cultural evolution of Macon. It’s one of the best-preserved historical sites in Georgia and an essential stop for anyone looking to understand the history, architecture, and charm of the South.
After immersing ourselves in the splendor of the Hay House, we begin our journey northward, retracing our steps through Georgia’s picturesque landscapes. Our destination for the evening is the Drury Plaza Hotel Chattanooga, where comfort and hospitality await. Upon arrival, unwind and enjoy the hotel’s renowned 5:30 Kickback®, featuring a rotating menu of hot foods and refreshing beverages—a perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.

Day 6

Day 6: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
After enjoying a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, we continue our journey through the heart of the South toward one of Tennessee’s most treasured historic estates: the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, located just outside of Nashville. Steeped in Southern history and charm, Belle Meade tells the story of American heritage, equestrian excellence, and hospitality.
Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the 1853 Greek Revival mansion, once home to the Harding and Jackson families. These families turned Belle Meade into a world-renowned thoroughbred horse farm, known for breeding some of the most successful racehorses in history—including descendants that went on to win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and more. As you explore the mansion’s opulent interiors, you’ll be transported to the elegance of the 19th century, with period furnishings, original artwork, and stories that bring the estate’s legacy to life.
Following the tour, you’ll have time to explore the beautifully preserved grounds at your own pace. Stroll through the shaded arboretum, visit the original dairy, carriage house, and slave quarters, or browse the charming gift shop for locally made treasures. Be sure to stop by the on-site winery, located in the historic carriage house, where you can sample Belle Meade’s selection of handcrafted wines—from full-bodied reds to refreshing whites—produced with traditional techniques and Southern flair.
An included lunch is served on the property, offering a delicious taste of Southern fare in a peaceful, elegant setting that reflects Belle Meade’s gracious hospitality.
After this memorable visit, we continue on to Paducah, Kentucky, where we settle in once again at the Drury Inn for our final overnight stay. You’re welcome to enjoy the Drury’s 5:30 Kickback® Reception, featuring complimentary evening snacks and beverages. Or, if you’d like to explore a bit more, the hotel is within walking distance of several local restaurants, offering everything from classic American comfort food to flavorful international options—perfect for a relaxing dinner of your choice.

Day 7

Day 7: Wednesday, March 26, 2026
Enjoy one final hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning before boarding our comfortable Burlington Trailways motorcoach for the journey home. As we travel through familiar landscapes, take time to relax, reflect, and reminisce about the vibrant cherry blossoms, elegant mansions, and unforgettable experiences shared along the way. We’ll make a stop for lunch and a rest break as we make our way back to your original departure point.
This tour has taken us from the rolling hills of Tennessee to the pink-canopied streets of Macon, Georgia—celebrating spring’s arrival with color, charm, and Southern hospitality. From the grandeur of the Hay House to dinner on stage at the Grand Opera House, and the peaceful beauty of Gibbs Gardens to the historical richness of Belle Meade, each stop has added a new layer to a journey full of discovery.
As we return home, we do so not just with souvenirs and fabulous photos, but with blooming memories and new friendships made along the way.