There is a large Jimmy Carter Center in Atlanta, but this collection of exhibits may offer a more…read morepersonal picture of the man. This pastoral town was an oasis; where the surrounding countryside was waterlogged, run down, and still carries marks of the confederacy, this town was upbeat and well kept. Even the auto scrapyard was neat. The main exhibit is a schoolhouse. The schoolhouse-like the former president who once went there-is a throwback. A railhouse includes campaign materials from Carter's first presidential run, which is frankly incomprehensible in the modern political lexicon. Perhaps most touching is the farm three miles outside the town, on which I saw a rambunctious chicken returned to its coop and traded stares with some goats. It's just really difficult to try to square the experience of someone who grew up in this piece of Americana but also lived in the White House. Signage points out that even walking into the one-block downtown from where little Jimmy lived would have been a big deal. Conversely, where I used to live I once stumbled upon the White House by accident on a walk of comparable length. This place is another world, and President Carter's experience with farming and the simple life, much like the founding fathers, is likely to have been foundational to his politics as well as his own life. The park offers plenty of opportunities for contemplating such subjects.

Very interesting place to stop. The train depot was awesome. The memorial garden and grave site…read morewas fitting of a former President. He was a beloved man of Plains. A must see.

Overall, me and my family enjoyed touring this educational attraction. The existing staff were…read morelovely and did their job well. I do have some notes though. There was a decent amount of outdoor walking required to go through the exhibits. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, I just recommend either bringing a drink or visiting when the weather is cooler. During the walk we encountered a friendly dragonfly, which made it worth it. The village seemed to be understaffed, because only half of the buildings had guides to show us around. For the deserted buildings, we had to guess what things did what. The place we assumed to be the woodcarvers shop looked like there would normally be a staff person there, but their station was empty. this concerned me because we had smaller children in our party, and some of the sharp carving tools were left on the tables. Other than that, staff that were present gave wonderful demonstrations of the profession they represented. Most notably, the weaver and the blacksmith. The weaver walked us through the whole process from the cleaning of cotton to sewing the final fabrics together into clothing. The blacksmith worked in a functional smithery and showed us how they created a metal hook using actual fire and metal tools.

Great place to go back in time. So much fun to explore. The people that work here make the…read moreexperience. It's easy to tell they love to teach and care about this place. You get to go back in time to see how the blacksmith and woodworker functioned, tour the old buildings and learn their stories. It's just a great time.

I'm from here, but rarely visit the area anymore. Since it had been 20 years since I went to Radium…read moreSprings, I took my family out. It was insanely hot (100 degrees ACK) and since you can't get in the water because SWAMP, there wasn't anything to do but take pictures. Still, it's so gorgeous and I don't remember it being so clean and beautiful! There's a little island with seating you can take lovely pictures on and it's really secluded yet easy to find. While in town, I heard the city just approved a motion to get it cleaned up and ready to open up for swimming to the public again. Should be an amazing place and very necessary for the area once it's open again! There are clean bathrooms and a small courtyard area that feels like you've seen it in some movie. Really glad I went back there!

We were very disappointed. Their Wikipedia information online needs to be updated. The city must be…read moreusing some of the water because there isn't much there. It is running dry in spots and the surroundings area is run down and sad looking. Not worth the stop.

The Titan 1 was one of the first strategic, intercontinental ballistic missiles developed by the…read moreUnited States. The 98-foot-long, two-stage missile was fueled by kerosene and liquid oxygen, and was designed to carry nuclear warheads. Finding a Cold War-era Titan 1 Nuclear ICBM on the side of the interstate in plain view isn't an everyday occurrence although there are still 33 of these de-commissioned missiles on display around the country of the original 163 Titan 1s produced. Even though it's disarmed, unique and unusual the impact it's made on this town defy the laws of quantum mechanics. The missile was acquired from the Air Force in 1968 after it was declared obsolete and ineffective for use in a Global Thermo-Nuclear War maybe it's more effective as a landmark that could make the community of Cordele stand out, that was the dream of John Pate, president of the Cordele Rotary Club at the time, his intentions of attracting travelers on I-75 to boost the economical impact on this small town was surprising to most and somewhat self-serving to others. The Titan I, produced by the Glenn L. Martin Company, was a two-stage, liquid-fueled, rocket-powered ICBM(first stage - 300,000 pounds of thrust; second stage - 80,000 pounds of thrust) which incorporated both radio and all-inertial guidance. Deployed in a "hard" silo-lift launcher, the Titan I had an effective range of 5,500 nautical miles. This final resting place is the perfect solution and serves as a reminder that the threat of destroying the world in the name of peace is a ridiculous deterrent.

It's pretty hard to miss a hundred foot tall missile parked in a gas station lot alongside the…read morehighway. But here it is. The Martin-Marietta Titan I was the first multi-stage intercontinental Ballistic missile produced for the United States Air Force. Using a liquid oxygen and jet fuel propellant, it was the nuclear deterrent from 1959 to 1962 until it was replaced by the Titan II missile that lasted until 1987. Independent from launch through controlled flight until the ballistic release of the warhead, the warhead would then descend to its target by simple gravity and air resistance. You're not going to find too many of these babies still standing. I assume it's disarmed but you never know. [Review 14052 overall, 1374 of 2020, number 343 in Georgia.]

My sister and our kids had a picnic here and of course the kids needed the restroom at some point…read more We took our brood inside the plains visitor center because the kids were curious. The building looks like a log cabin from the outside. The grounds are landscaped with cute details such as a bird bath, art, bird feeders. The 2 ladies inside were super accommodating to our large group giving each kid a little gift-compose, whistle, etc. Worth the time and effort.

We must remember this time in our not so different past. This park is in remembrance of that time…read moreand those who literally changed the world. I particularly liked the fountain in the center of the park, a true tribute to that turbulent time. We need places like this, where the shadows of the past come back to life and their whispers can be heard by the generations that will come after we have long stopped our time upon this planet.

This is a great history lesson. It reminds you how much of an all hands on deck situation the civil…read morerights movement was. There are names you know and ones you'll learn about at the park. I encourage everyone to take time to learn the lessons and share it with others. This is not something you'll find in a textbook and most people never heard of Charles Sherrod so we must change that.

Wow! A must visit and spend time just chilling at this ever so nifty park / plaza dedicated to Ray…read moreCharles. The man on bronze at a piano with his music spilling into the air. . Swings and musical mosaics and piano key art. A river walk and little landing down by the river. Lots of green space. Just across the street from great restaurants and shops.

A very cool tribute to Albany's famous son. Ray Charles was born in Albany to a poor, single mother…read moreand it was from this humble beginning that this man, who began losing his sight at five and was blind at seven years of age, rose to become am iconic and influential figure in music. Ray Charles Plaza plays the music of this gifted musician through speakers by the statue, a testament to the genius of Ray Charles. In addition to the statue, the walkway is fashioned to resemble piano keys and beyond the music, the sound of the Flint River keeps time to the soundtrack played through the speakers. If you find yourself in Albany, stop by and visit this soulful tribute to this talented man, a man who humbly preferred to be called Brother Ray amongst his musician friends, for a brother is not above, but beside.

Southwest Georgia (SOWEGA) and Albany, in particular, often gets a bad rap. Amidst all of the…read morenegativity surrounding the citizens, many people often forget how much attractions the city actually offers. Of course Albany will NEVER be like Atlanta or Savannah in terms of things to do and events to see, but for a population of 100,000 plus there are quite a few gems located here. This, my fellow Yelpers, happens to be one of them. The Thronateeska Heritage Museum is basically a museum of about the history and origins of both Albany and SOWEGA as a whole. There are different types of exhibits that are open only at certain times of the day. Quite a few of the exhibits are geared towards children so this is something that young kids would probably enjoy. There is also a display of old Albany Herald newspaper clippings from way back into the 1890's. Additionally, there is also a science museum here which contains very educational information pertaining to the weather, the 1994 Albany flood, space, etc. all of which are free of charge (though they do accept donations). It doesn't get any better than that. I am somewhat of a historian. You probably couldn't tell upon looking at my black ugly mug, but I do love learning about things that have occurred in the past. It is fascinating to me how much things can change over a period of time. I spent hours reading the different volume of books about the history of Southwest Georgia. The staff were even nice enough to show a video presentation about the rural life of Southwest Georgia. There is a lot of educational value at this museum. If you have kids, this is not a bad place to spend a Saturday afternoon. It's free of charge so NO EXCUSES, lol.

We are Very Disappointe!! I called ahead before making the 40 minute drive and asked specifically…read moreabout the planetarium shows for Today, was told there are several options and the hours of operation, only to find the planetarium shows are Not showing today upon arrival!! My children, particularly my Utistic child who is leaving in a tantrum, are Very upset!!

Okay--what I want to know is why there are only four reviews, including this one? Come on,…read moreYelpers--you've reviewed gas stations, car rentals and dry cleaners in Macon. What's up? A gas pump more interesting than this gem of a museum? Get with it, folks!!! Ah, that felt good! Our senior's group from Kerrville, TX was on its way home and the Cannonball House was our only stop of the day. The majority of us were appreciative of all things Southern, so this was a special treat. The house's name is derived from a Union cannonball that crashed into the house during the Battle of Dunlap Hill on July 30, 1864. The Cannonball House was owned by Judge Asa Holt during the Civil War and is now owned by the Sidney Lanier Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy who saved if from demolition by the City of Macon. Thanks to these ladies, you're able to visit a Greek Revival mansion and not a parking lot! The House also hosts Father/Daughter Dances and Mother/Daughter Teas. And then there's--thank the Powers That Be--Miss Elizabeth's Academy for Young Ladies which "will instruct the girls in what it means to be a proper lady. Subjects covered: Introductions, sit like a lady, how to set a proper table and table etiquette, walking with confidence and Art of the Fan." And, lest you think the boys will escape, there's a co-ed course, too. My stogy old Southern heart sings with joy; civility and gentility are not dead!!! But I digress. The House is less a museum in the formal sense and more of a time capsule of Ante- and Post-Bellum Georgia. Architecture and period furniture buffs will be right at home here. The House consists of seven rooms. The Main Foyer with its period wall paper and imposing grandfather clock. The Family Room contains period furniture and portraits of the Holt Family. The Formal Dining Room houses a heavy wood table and silver serving sets including a large sterling punch bowl and ladle which survived the invasion of the Union Army only because it was buried. The Ladies' Bedroom contains period clothing, a hand-cranked sewing machine and a bed complete with a hand-tatted spread among other objects. Depending on when you visit, a collection of antique dolls may be displayed. Two Parlors display the furnishings of the founders of the Adelphean and Philomathean Societies which were organized at Wesleyan College, in 1851 and1852 respectively. These are the two oldest female societies in the world and continue to this day. Last, but certainly not least, is Judge Asa Holt's bedroom with its grand four-poster bed, marble-top table and chairs and a large bureau and chest of drawers. In my opinion, the Cannonball House should be on every tourist's itinerary. Seldom does one get such a personal glimpse into the lives of one of Macon's influential families. And if you're traveling with children, this is the perfect opportunity to make history come alive. For only $8.00 (as of this writing) you gain not only admission to the House but a guided tour as well. It's a bargain!

We enjoy civil war history and ole time ways of life. Our tour guide took us thru each room of the…read morehouse explaining the history of the house and the happenings of the time when the house was hit by a "cannon ball." It was really more of a large bullet like mortar. The house is in mourning-- all of the mirrors are covered by black cloth. There's even a casket in one of the parlor rooms. The tour guide says they do something different each month to highlight different traditions that were kept back in the day. The highlight of the tour for us was entering the servant's house and kitchen. Just as we walked in the room, we heard a squeaky toy sound. When I asked what that noise was - thinking it was a dog playing with a squeaky toy, she kinda hestitated and said we call him Matt. I thought, maybe that it was her grandson that she was watching during the summer. No. It's the little child that they hear playing sometimes. The ghost child they hear playing sometimes! Wow! Thanks for a terriffic tour!! We'll be back to investigate more of Macon history

I am a huge fan of these historical signs that are strewn about the landscape of our country…read more This one explains the naming of Victory Drive, which was to commemorate the ending of World War II. We must remember that the days past have led to where we stand today.