Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1389434
Macon Rocks opened in late March and is a prime example of a business that delights locals but generates significant tourist visits. "People from here have taken to climbing, but we're seeing 75 percent of our business come from outside Middle Georgia," said Bryan Nichols, Macon Rocks co-owner along with Kevin Reaves. "People have come from Jacksonville, Albany, Atlanta and way farther away out of state. We always wanted to make a family-friendly place giving more to do downtown but never thought so many would come from so far. It makes sense, though. If it's your thing, you look for new places to climb and go wherever. Rock climbers love a good road trip." Nichols said that a er pickleball, rock climbing is the fastest-growing U.S. sport. He's attended climbing conferences, done the research and everything else to make sure Macon Rocks works and works well. Even though Nichols and Reaves are full of good ideas like early downtown lo s, the Taste and See Coffee Shop & Gallery and Nichols' brainchild, the Main Street Christmas Light Extravaganza, the climbing idea came from Nichols' wife, LeAnn: "This was six years ago and I thought, 'Oh no, what is this?' Turned out she was right." Nichols said LeAnn was looking around Macon Rocks weeks ago and said, "This place isn't big enough." Right again. Plans are underway to expand next door to what was the Capricorn Records business office. Music history abounds around Macon Rocks location at 527 D.T. Walton Sr. Way, formerly Cotton Avenue, and it's not lost on the double meaning of the Macon Rocks name. The climbing gym offers options like top rope climbing, bouldering, auto belays and lead routes for beginners and advanced climbers of all ages. All must sign waivers and complete orientation. Classes are available, and needed equipment is on hand with single-visit day passes and multi-visit memberships offered. An event room for birthday parties and such allows full view of the wall, and there's a 24-hour fitness facility with showers independent of the climbing gym. "I think we got it right and are making it better," Nichols said. "I overheard a guy say he liked it better than the place in Atlanta and liked our atmosphere better. I thought, 'OK! That's what I want to hear!' Atmosphere means a good experience, which is important to us. We saved a historic building, people are having fun and they're coming to Macon and to downtown so it's a win, win, win. That's what we want to see in all we do – we want everybody to win." MACON ROCKS CLIMBING GYM 48 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2021