Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1532159
12 maconmagazine.com | February/March 2025 M acon was named one of The Wall Street Journal's " 10 Best Places to Visit in 2025." This title doesn't come from having a lackluster palate. These editorially procured lists boast on Macon because our soul has been wafting in the winds, created for us to steward for ward. We have a flavor that is unmatched and a responsibilit y to share it . W hether our artists are waiting for their home studio masterpieces to set as you envision a portrait on your wall, our brewmasters are building new beers while your kids run wild in the beer garden, or our bakers expand their small businesses as you contemplate your next move at the cafe, our flavor is woven in who we are... And you better believe there's a stor y behind it all. Maybe you also heard we were named the most affordable cit y to buy a home last year?* Take that with a grain of salt because 22% lived under the federal povert y line in 2022, and an additional 35% lived from paycheck to paycheck, according to a United Way report . If you know what it means to live without knowing how you'll make rent , questioning if you'll lose your dignit y, or fearful you won't be able to keep food on the table – and will anyone care? – you know how important it is to feel securit y in sustenance. Recently, an older man asked me in desperation to help him f ind a meal downtown and just before that , I delivered some of my sourdough starter to a friend who asked, in her pursuit to make bread for her family. I was reminded our needs to feed our bodies are a commonalit y, and we share opportunites to get involved in our pages. I was honored to stand beside state Rep. Miriam Paris as she was sworn in on the opening day of the 158th General Assembly. And, whether we're seeking change at the federal, state, or local level, we're in the f ight of our lives to not look away from the real needs of our communit y and to stay focused on what we can do for our neighbors, to not grow apathetic or fatigued. We're going to need to eat well to sustain strength. We invite you to join us for our f irst ever chef challenge this March 3 – 9: D i s h It ! Macon's chef challenge with a stor y. W hen you dine, consider making a donation to Middle Georgia Food Bank. Tr ying times especially call for us to hold fast and make plans to do the work. So, f ill the tables with your discussions at Braddock's, Dovetail, and Oliver's. Vote for your favorite dish and win a special gift . We'll see you there. I know you have a lot of choices and too much pulling your attention elsewhere. So, we especially thank you for your eyes here. W hat you hold in your hands was written for you, for our shared connectedness in our flavorful stories. Editor's letter | FEBRUARYMARCH 2025 Editor, Susannah C. Maddux @susannahcmaddux Find our flavor, an answer to apathy ABOVE In the Georgia State Capitol with District 142 State Representative Miriam Paris. RIGHT With photographer Matt Odom, Editor Julia Morrison, and artist Cedric Smith in his home studio. W e w a n t t o k n o w y o u r s t o r y . J o i n t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n @ m a c o n m a g a z i n e o r e m a i l u s h e l l o @ m a c o n m a g a z i n e . c o m . *Footnote: According to research from the U.S. Census Bureau and Altos Research, where Homebuyer.com used an algorithm to nd the most a ordable cities in the country. March 3 - 9. See p. 41 Follow @maconmagazine for more.