Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1515764
92 maconmagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 NICHOLAS (NICK) RIGGINS is a third-generation Downtown Macon business owner, a regular face at all the downtown dining and nightlife spots, a graduate of NewTown Macon's Developer's Academy, and a lifelong Maconite – all 27 years. A part of the father-son team behind the slick new cigar bar downtown called Churchills on Cherry, he's putting that know-how to good use. Churchills on Cherry opened last January, offering craft cocktails, a distinctive whiskey selection and full bar, and specialty dishes like she-crab soup, shrimp and watermelon salad with feta, Filet Oscar, and house-made cheesecakes. Anyone meeting the business-casual dress code can come up the steep stairs to the second-story downtown hideaway, but the lounge also has members-only events for those with a membership in their tiered cigar club programs – plus personal humidor lockers. A pro tip from Nick: if the front door to the stairwell entrance seems locked, but the bar is open, put some back into it and try again. If in doubt, call up to the bar. They'll smile and give you a hand. While of course, Nick gave us some great tips about Churchills in his Downtown Insider Guide, he's not gatekeeping the rest of the best Downtown Macon has to offer. So, Nick, what's a perfect night in Downtown Macon? I'll come down around midday, have some lunch someplace like VIBEZ or Oliver's, and then I'll head home for a power nap. Around seven I'll come back for dinner – maybe Dovetail or some tacos and tequila at Daisy. If we're not doing dinner, I'll come out around nine or 10, and we'll grab drinks somewhere relaxed like Bearfoot Tavern. From there, if we're having fun, we'll just stay out. We'll do JBA or Late Nite. Every weekend is different. One weekend might be The Hummingbird, another might be Quill. I love JBA because it's a different crowd, not all the same people, not just young adults. The cocktail room is great, but I also enjoy the darts and karaoke in the back. And Late Nite is fun because everybody likes to do a little dancing! And how about a perfect night at Churchills? Oh, you've gotta try the Agave Amber, a spin on a margarita. It's like a slow heat – sweet and spicy. If I see one come through the ticket well, I'll hop back there and make it myself because I just like making it with the fresh peppers. So you're a bartender, too? I know just enough to get in trouble. What about the food? I like to keep it simple – my favorite was the sliders, but lately I've been feeling the steak and fries. I've been trying to eat a little healthier for the new year, so I've been going for the Ahi tuna a lot. What makes Churchills unique? Why could it only be here in Macon? Well, I think it's a personality thing – my dad. Everybody knows him. He gets stopped by everybody and I'm always hearing, "Bruce, are you running for mayor yet?" This all started with Tic Toc North – the cigar club my dad had in his basement. People loved it, so we brought it downtown. So it's about the people? Absolutely. And that's my favorite thing about Macon. What is? There's such a camaraderie. You see people out, they're friendly, and then you become friends. You see people and can build relationships. Like, "I see Nick at Bearfoot every other weekend. Did you know he's opening a new restaurant downtown? Let's go!" That's one of the things that made me want to stay in Macon after I came home from college. I missed being able to go out and always find a friend. I think that's something really special about Macon. In this series, we turn to the passionate Maconites, those who call this vibrant city home, to curate their very own guides to experiencing Downtown Macon. Whether you are a resident seeking to rediscover your city or a curious visitor eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, these guides will open doors to new ideas and lasting memories. Discover what defines Downtown Macon: from feeling the energy of our bustling streets and exploring historic landmarks to savoring the mouthwatering cuisine and engaging with the vibrant arts and music scene. We'll let the insiders share more. M y M a c o n I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H N E W T O W N M A C O N I N S I D E R G U I D E S T O D O W N T O W N M A C O N