Hello 2023! We’ve rung in another year, and I’m sure you’ve set some goals for yourself to complete over the next 12 months. Did you know that more than 50% of Americans set New Year’s resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle? In downtown Macon, there are many ways that you can do that and have a great time in the process.
Below are five healthy choices you can make in downtown Macon in 2023:
Take a walk
Macon is blessed with the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, a 13-mile trail that runs along the Ocmulgee River. The trail leads into downtown Macon and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which is on its way to becoming a national park. My favorite part of the trail is at Amerson River Park, where you can view the river amid the shade of gorgeous trees. If walking the trail is not your vibe, plenty of downtown residents also spend time strolling the streets before and after work to get in their exercise and see the lively events happening downtown.
Adios martini, hello mocktail
It’s that time of year: Dry January. After all those decadent, boozy beverages with family, many people opt to take a break in January. Saving on calories and giving your body a break is great and easy to do in downtown Macon. Did you know that you can order a mocktail — a nonalcoholic mixed drink — at almost any bar in downtown Macon? My favorites come from The Monkey’s Paw Tiki Lounge, a speakeasy bar above Downtown Grill. This month, downtown Macon is coming together to do something extra special while staying sober. Head to JBA on Jan. 20 for its “Dare to Live” benefit show in honor of Daron Kline, a downtown Macon friend, neighbor and team member who needs living-saving liver surgery.
Sub a veggie burger for a cheeseburger
We’ve all had way too much Southern cooking over the past few months. It’s hard to resist that comfort food! When the craving is strong, but you need something a little lighter, try the veggie burger from Ocmulgee Brewpub. It will change your life. Order this delicious sandwich as the “Veggie Trail,” or create your own burger with a veggie patty. Pro tip: Add chipotle mayo to your burger.
Order a salad for half-off
Every Monday, Cashman’s Pub has your back with half-off salad deals all day long. These are great, fresh salads in the heart of downtown Macon. The restaurant has five different salads to choose from, and you can even enjoy trivia if you stop by for dinner! This deal is too good to miss.
Grab a protein shake or loaded tea
New to downtown Macon is The Burrow Nutrition, a protein shake and loaded tea shop. Located on Plum Street, this adorable shack is bringing the diet game to a new level. Each of the loaded teas are keto diet friendly, sugar free, and have only 13 to 25 calories. The protein shakes have 24 grams of protein and 21 vitamins and minerals, are low in sugar and can serve as a full meal replacement. There are 50-plus flavors to choose from.
