Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to support this blog, my special-needs dog, and my traveling habit. I was a guest of Red Roof Inn. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t solve the clues/riddles during the Candyman’s Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt but I found these fun and free things to do in Georgia.
Oh, Georgia. You’ve been on my mind since my whirlwind visit the first week of October. It was kind of a fluke. I heard about the Candyman’s Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt for a candy factory. However, the Florida hunt is sold out. But, I snagged a ticket for the Georgia hunt, the first of 50 hunts.
With my dog in tow, we hit the road and found these fun things to do in Georgia.
Drove Backcountry Roads and to See Cotton Harvested
I love driving backcountry roads and enjoying scenery and everyday life of a destination. Georgia has plenty of backcountry roads and I drove them as often as possible, although it drove Siri – my navigation – crazy. What I love about this time of year in Georgia is the cotton harvest (mid-September to December). Being a girl from Western New York who lived across the street from a cornfield, I know what a harvest is. For whatever reason, seeing cotton harvested and knowing it’s converted into something I wear is fascinating. I realize the Georgia tourism office probably wouldn’t rank pulling over on the roadside to watch huge machinery gather the cotton, if you’ve never seen it, stop and enjoy it.
Discovered Macon’s Music History
Macon’s musical heritage is deep and diverse. Some of the musicians with ties to the city include Sidney Lanier, Little Richard Penniman, The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, Etta James, and Ike and Tina Turner. Rock Candy Tours offers walking and riding music history tours of downtown Macon.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for that. I should have found the Macon’s Music History brochure. From what I read, there are more than 40 points of interest and it’s a self-paced, self-guided music tour.
Gravesite of Four Members of the Allman Brothers 
Overlooking Carnation Ridge and Allman Brothers Gravesite
The musically-related activity I did do was visit Rose Hill Cemetery and pay respects to Gregg Allman; his brother Greg; the band’s original bass player, Berry Oakley; and the band’s drummer, Butch Trucks. It was a bit of a closure from my visit through Macon on June 3, 2017, the day of Gregg’s funeral. Plus, he was a resident of a Southwest Florida community near me.
The cemetery opened in 1840. Roads in the cemetery are single lane and narrow. Parking is limited. I appreciate that Rose Hill Cemetery is pet-friendly (keep ’em on a leash and pick up after them). The Allman Brothers burial site is by Carnation Ridge. I found a parking spot by the by Confederate Soldiers’ Square which has more than 600 marked graves of Confederate soldiers. Then, I then walked up, to the ridge and then down to the burial site. I noticed some painted rocks and mushroom figurines by the headstones.
Of note, an unknown number of slaves are buried in the Oak Ridge section of the cemetery. Rose Hill Cemetery is at 1091 Riverside Dr, Macon.
Explored Senoia, Where The Walking Dead TV Show Films
I’m a fan of The Walking Dead television series and Senoia is one of the locations where the show films. It’s home of the fictitious town of Woodbury and Alexandria Safe-Zone. I knew the Candyman’s riddles didn’t lead to Senoia but since I was relatively close, I made a detour.
Seeing the Woodbury water tower and walls of Alexandria, along with the windmill, was very cool. Read more about my quick trip to Senoia in this blog post about visiting the town where The Walking Dead films.
Partied at Barbie Beach in Senoia
Okay, I didn’t party at Barbie Beach but I stopped to see what the hype was all about. Let me tell ya, if you appreciate quirkiness and if you’re in the area, make a stop! Located outside Senoia on GA-16 in the lawn of Steve and Lynda Quick, the scene frequently changes. Barbie Beach was an Oktoberfest-themed bar scene with Barbies, GI Joe, superheroes, Disney princesses, and friends having a grand old time. Read more about Barbie Beach it in this post. (4397-4679 GA-16, Senoia, GA 30276)
Walked Through History at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins
From the initial riddle in The Candy Man’s Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt, I knew it had something to do with the Cold War. I knew the second riddle had something to do with a welcome or visitor center. With assistance from my team, I ended up at the Museum of Aviation at the Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, looking for a Korean War-era plane.
I roamed the grounds looking under and in planes and under signs, searching for the Gold Ticket. There are more than 75 individual aircraft on display – inside and outside. I didn’t find the Gold Ticket, because it wasn’t there, but did enjoy reading up on the history of aviation. ,
The Museum of Aviation opened in 1984. It’s the second largest museum in the United States Air Force and fourth-most visited museum in the Department of Defense. It’s a wonderful place honoring veterans and their families.
Dogs are not allowed – so I left Radcliff in the car with the AC running and checked in on him every 7 minutes. Admission and parking are free. The Museum of Aviation is located 1942 Heritage Blvd, Warner Robins, GA 31098; museumofaviation.org.
Saw a Cold War-Era Missile in Cordele
A Titan I missile from the Cold War sits in a gas station parking lot in Cordele, just off I-75 on Highway 280. Cordele’s geographic location fit the first riddle and one of my team members told me about this missile. When I arrived, another treasure hunter was there, certain it had to be there. I was certain, too, and after spending about an hour in that area – searching, using the facilities, refueling, and eating, I gave up.
Called Air Force Pad No. 1, it stands 98 feet high and it’s location here was initialed by the Rotary Club of Cordele President, John S. Pate Jr. It has sat here since July 17, 1969.
If you’re traveling along I-75, this is a great pitstop to refuel both your car and body. There are plenty of restaurants nearby. Find Air Force Pad No. 1 at 1815 E 16th Ave, Cordele, GA 31015
Where to Stay While Exploring Fun Things to do in Georgia
Georgia is a big state with many great lodging options. During my road trips, since I travel with my dog, I look for dog-friendly, budget hotels. Over the last couple of years I’ve been staying at Red Roof Inns. For the Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt, Red Roof hosted me at the Red Roof Inn & Suites in Macon. (2720 Riverside Dr., Macon, Ga.)
Red Roof Inn & Suites in Macon, Ga.
This place is gorgeous and although not located downtown, it was easy to find and I felt safe. Physically safe from crime and COVID-19. Plus, they have interior entryways.
The hotel is AAA Approved and Diamond Rated. My room and lobby looked new. The bed in my room was extremely comfortable. Of course, I was exhausted and slept soundly. The room was has the essentials, like free Wifi, flat-screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, desk and chair, and seating area. With my aging eyes, light is important and there’s plenty of it. Water pressure in the shower was perfect, too.
In addition to being dog-friendly, one of the special things I like about the Red Roof Inn brand are the packet of branded tissues. During these days of traveling during a pandemic, these packets of tissues are a gem!
I also appreciated how friendly the staff are at the hotel.
Red Roof’s Cleaning Protocols During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The hotel, along with all Red Roof properties, are implementing the Red Roof RediClean™ Cleaning program. I saw signs about social distancing, the elevator was limited to two people, and the continental breakfast is takeaway vs. eating in the breakfast area. BTW, they have a make-your-own waffle machine for breakfast and for me, making these is a treat! They also have other goodies like breakfast breads, fruit, juices, and coffee.
Enhanced sanitation is happening in common areas and in hotel rooms (cleaning everything from TVs to remote controls and doorknobs to light switches and every other piece in the room). Guests are asked to wear facial coverings and staff follow CDC protective measures. Learn more about the Red Roof RediClean protocols in this press release.
I’m heading out on another road trip treasure hunt and will be keeping an eye open for a Red Roof Inn to rest and solve the riddles!
On to the Next Treasure Hunt!
Thank you David Klein, aka The Candyman, for the Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt. I did not find the $5,000 treasure but my world has been enriched through another journey through America.
Posts Related to the Candyman’s Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt
- I Bought an Entry into the Candyman’s Gold Ticket Treasure Hunt. Now What?
- Things to See in Georgia: Senoia, Where The Walking Dead Films
- When Plans Change, Watch the Sunrise at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia
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