Food Feature: Mint juleps and magnolias

Springtime and cherry blossoms, that’s what Macon is known for. In search of my rural roots, I found both when I visited the 1842 Inn — the only inn and B&B in Macon. For a town steeped in history, many of the large Southern homes remain private family dwellings. As for me, I’m glad the 1842 Inn is a one-of-a-kind. Sitting statuesquely atop a hill overlooking the city, this white-columned Greek revival mansion commands attention. The wrap-around veranda with forest green, rattan furniture is the place I chose to sit and sip mint juleps as the afternoon sun retreated behind the magnolias. Now, that’s Southern! The inn sits on two acres that include lovely formal gardens, butterflies, flowers and fountains.
The 21 guest rooms are interspersed with antiques or quality reproductions. Oriental rugs, fine crystal and oil paintings gave me time to reflect on an era that has passed. Yet I felt just as comfortable roaming the grounds in Birkenstocks as I would have in period dress. When you wake in the morning, enjoy breakfast either in the formal gardens or in the parlor in front of the fireplace as I did. You may also choose to have breakfast served in bed and revel in the luxury of the surroundings.
The main portion of the house was built in the year of its name by John Gresham, the former mayor of Macon, also an attorney, judge and cotton merchant. During the 1900s the house was bought by the B.F. Adams family and was modified but remained a private dwelling until 1930. Between 1930 and 1983, the inn was an apartment property. From 1983 to present, the 1842 has operated as a bed and breakfast — charisma intact. The main house includes two parlors with fireplaces, parquet flooring with rich inviting accouterments and 12 guestrooms. The separate Victorian Cottage was built in 1900; in 1983 it was divided in half and moved to its present location across the courtyard from the main house to accommodate more rooms — all with either king or queen-sized beds and 12-foot ceilings. The rooms have state-of-the-art data ports, television with cable and phones with voice mail. That’s what I consider roughing it.
Are there ghosts lurking? Of course. What kind of mansion would this be without a few ghosts? So the story goes: They are friendly, and when you’re stretched out on your bed in the evening, relaxing with warm milk and cookies, you just might hear the footsteps of one walking before you.
The 1842 Inn is located in Macon, Ga., about 84 miles southeast of Atlanta. Prices range from $170-$260. For more information call 912-741-1842 or visit the website at www.1842inn.com.