It’s cherry blossom time in Macon, Ga. We lay claim to being the cherry blossom capital of the universe and the city’s more than 300,000 flowering Yoshino cherry trees are in all their glory for the 30th annual International Cherry Blossom Festival. We call it the “Pinkest Party on Earth!”
Macon is the prettiest place in the world in the spring. And while the blooms on the cherry trees will be gone by early May, you will see a world of beauty when you come for the annual NSNC Conference at the Marriott City Center hotel May 3-6.
We’re rolling out the pink carpet for columnists, bloggers and other types of writers to the first NSNC annual meeting in the Deep South. I promise an abundance of Southern hospitality in a perfect setting for fun and learning.
“Macon Whoopee” is our conference theme and I guarantee you’ll have the time of your life — tasting some of the best cooking you’ve ever had. We’ve lined up some Southern favorites for you. (No, we won’t force feed you grits.) You also will be able to admire the beautiful antebellum homes and explore this charming historic city’s rich musical heritage. Here is a wonderful video from public television that tells a little more about Macon. And don’t leave before watching this one.
On the first full day of the meeting, after interacting with some outstanding speakers and fellow writers, we’ll unwind Friday night at the Big House, where the Allman Brothers lived and wrote many of their songs. It will be a ’70s theme, and so everybody is encouraged to bring out their bell-bottoms, beads and mini-skirts. Or just come as you are.
We will follow up Saturday morning with more sessions with lunch in the park, a trolley/walking Rock Candy tour of downtown’s musical and architectural sites such as St. Joseph Catholic Church. Take a peek inside on this virtual tour. It may be the most amazing sanctuary you have ever seen.
Some of Macon’s Highlights from Gateway Macon on Vimeo.
Our Saturday night awards banquet, where we will honor New York Times columnist Gail Collins as the 2012 Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, will take place at the historic Hay House, which has been called the Grand Palace of the South. Watch this breathtaking virtual tour and you’ll see why.
Macon is located smack dab in the middle of the state of Georgia, within a 500-mile radius of 12 southeastern states with NSNC members in cities ranging from Memphis to Louisville to New Orleans to Daytona Beach and other parts of Florida.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to renew friendships and make new acquaintances while sharpening your skills and revitalizing your life as a column writer. And I promise you will eat well.
Make your hotel reservation and register now.
Some of Macon’s Highlights from Gateway Macon on Vimeo.
Ed Grisamore
The Telegraph
2012 Conference Chair
