MACON, Ga (September 4, 2024) – Visit Macon and the Downtown Macon Visitors Center are proud to announce the purchase of Macon, Georgia's only guided tour company. Rock Candy Tours specialized in showcasing the spirit and legacy of Macon's rich music history and has offered weekly guided public tours and customized private guided tours for any group size for over 13 years.

Rock Candy Tours was founded in June of 2011, the day after the Georgia Music Hall of Fame closed, by Macon natives Jessica Walden and Jamie Weatherford.  Walden and Weatherford founded their company with the passionate belief that Macon's storied history didn't have to live in a museum, but already existed on its sidewalks, street corners and historic structures. Walden's legacy is tied to Macon's influence as the birthplace of Southern Rock. Her father Alan Walden and his older brother, the late Phil Walden, were Macon music pioneers who worked with Otis Redding and ultimately, the formation of Capricorn Records.

“When Jamie and I started Rock Candy Tours in 2011, it was in direct need to share Macon's legendary music history and make sure these stories had a place to live on. Since then, we have given tours to thousands and experienced Macon's growth and renaissance alongside our tour company. The best partner we could ever have in this endeavor has been Visit Macon.” explains Jessica Walden, former co-proprietor of Rock Candy Tours.

“It brings us great excitement to see this partnership now evolve to ownership, where Visit Macon will now operate Rock Candy Tours and its storied history, making sure it can scale its reach as a premiere tour company meeting the rapidly growing demand. More than anything, one of our greatest exports, Macon music's impact on American history, will have a wider reach than ever. And our audiences will have more access to learn about these landmarks, legends and songs through Visit Macon's visibility and operation.”

“Visit Macon has had a long partnership with Rock Candy Tours and has watched thousands of Macon visitors experience the guided walking & experiential tours that they have facilitated over the years.” says President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat.  “We are proud to add these tour experiences to our expanding visitor offerings. Providing a one-stop shop for now; walking, riding, food, special interest and experiential tours, in addition to our step-on guide service for group & bus tours, and the experiences we can offer our meetings and conventions!”

“When our visitors are looking for things to do in Macon, Georgia – maybe influenced by the National press attention we've received or the pending National Park designation – we hope they are starting with visitmacon.org or by visiting our Downtown Macon Visitors Center.” explains Kimberly Chambliss, Director of Visitor Services at Visit Macon. “We want visitors to find a wide variety of options catered to the exact interests and experiences that are important to them! Now, having Rock Candy Tours, we are able to quickly expand those offerings with tested and loved information and tour guides.  We are very excited about continuing to build on Rock Candy Tours' successes!”

Rock Candy Tours, now powered by Visit Macon, will continue to offer the following tours:

• Free Bird & Night Owl Walking Tour (music heritage)
• Rock & Soul Riding Tour (formerly known as the Rock & Stroll Tour)
• Macon Macabre Walking Tour
  • Each Friday during the month of October
  • Including a special Macon Macabre Tour and Ghost Hunt with Macon Beyond host Carrie Genzel and friends.
• Kegs & Stills Tour (highlighting Macon's breweries & distillery)

In addition to Visit Macon's existing tours:

• Soul Sights Van Tour
  • Every Friday & Saturday at 11am & 1:30pm
• Soul Sights Van Tour En Español (available upon request)
• African American Heritage Van Tour
• African American Music Experience

To book a tour or learn more about Rock Candy Tours' history, please go to rockcandytours.com.

For more information, please contact Visit Macon's Director of Marketing, Marisa Rodgers, at (478) 743-1074 x106 or email mrodgers@visitmacon.org.

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About Visit Macon: The mission of Visit Macon is to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon-Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination. Visit Macon promotes Macon, Georgia to travel writers, meeting planners, group tour operators and leisure travelers in an effort to bring people and revenues into the community and area businesses. http://www.visitmacon.org