The Robins Region Offers ‘Round the Clock Fun
The Robins Region offers tons of activities all within 20-minute drives.
The Robins Region’s central location and network of charming hometowns open up to a multitude of things to do – all within short drives. Twenty is the magic number, as in minutes for a drive to any of Houston County’s communities as well as to neighboring Macon.
In This Article
Home Base: Warner Robins
Warner Robins being at the region’s core provides locals a breath of fresh air – literally. Open-air activities are plentiful, thanks to the proximity to Houston Lake.
Long a magnet for anglers and home to a country club, the lake provides opportunities for kayaking and paddle-boarding. Foray into the tree-lined Fountain Park for pavilion barbecuing, playgrounds, and pup-friendly walking trails. Life at Walker’s Pond is just as the name implies – it is a tranquil lake with a breezy trail covering just over a half-mile.
Robins residents can up the ante for fun at Rigby’s Entertainment Complex. This massive funhouse is a go-to for an all-age good time, thanks to a water park, roller rink, an arcade, billiards, go karts, laser tag, and mini-golf. Over at the Museum of Aviation, residents can tap into the area’s military and industrial beginnings. Catch the Thunder Over Georgia Air Show, which occurs there about every three years, or lawn lounge to raise museum funds during the annual Hayneville JamFest, which is held in Hawkinsville.
Warner Robins has long been a magnet for families, and continued population growth has evolved to include more people of all ages and life stages looking for peaceful suburban living. With five theaters, a good selection of local eateries and multiple music venues within reach, Robins’ centralized location also beckons lifelong culture seekers.
20 Minutes South
Perry is situated 20 minutes south of Warner Robins and is the seat of Houston County. There, weekend revelers can nosh on the area’s best bites during
Food Truck Fridays: The monthly lineup gathers more than 20 mobile eateries, features live music, and puts together a kids’ zone for the little ones. April’s annual Dogwood Festival lines downtown’s walkable streets with local artisans, makers and more – all anchored by the gleeful Ultimate Air Dogs competition.
Daily life in downtown Perry brims with quirky charms and family-run businesses. Pedestrians can start the day within the comfy coffee spot or get whirled back in time at a vintage-inspired soda shop. There is also ample shopping to be done, thanks to local boutiques, a consignment shop, a bridal store and a design center. Once the meandering is done, visitors can grab a meal-to- go from the casserole bakery (yes, it is a thing!) and sip an iced tea al fresco.
20 Minutes North
Macon, located across the county line, is a frequent destination for those who live here for its historic facades, music attractions and nightlife. The Allman Brothers Band, Otis Redding and Little Richard called Macon home, and the city’s musical devotions live on daily: The City’s Rock Candy Tour takes participants to iconic landmarks and highlights spaces like the Douglass Theatre and Tubman Museum.
Five colleges and universities have infused Macon with a refreshing spirit and modernized diversity still rooted in Southern congeniality. This unique cultural enclave is bustling with art galleries, taprooms and welcoming bars. Plus, the area is home to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, where visitors can delve into Georgia’s centuries-old Native American heritage. Sports lovers can get their kicks in at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame or take in the Macon Mayhem, Macon Bacon or Mercer athletic teams.
Pro Tip: Macon is all the more picture-perfect during its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Weekend Getaways
While locals love these short day trips, of course there’s more not much farther away! The Middle Georgia Regional Airport recently launched daily flights to Washington, D.C., via the Baltimore Washington International Airport, with fares as low as $69 one way. This quick access to the nation’s capital, coupled with the airport’s notable charters, makes a weekend escape all the more accessible.
By road, Atlanta is a mere two hours northwest, where people can indulge in dizzying options for world-class food, arts, thriving multicultural communities and shopping this urban center provides.
If the more subtle sea life is calling, the picturesque city of Savannah and its sister All-American beach town, Tybee Island, are just three hours to the southeast of Warner Robins. With walking tours on River Street and beyond, loads of local shops and famously good food, Savannah has long been one of America’s most beloved retreats. With a well-timed trip and proper planning, Robins road-trippers can make a pitstop in Dublin for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival, before continuing on to their coastal rendezvous.
If you’d like to learn more about the Robins Region area, check out the latest edition of Livability: Robins Region.